Diving Into The Syndicates Of 'Star Wars Outlaws': The Pyke Syndicate

Star Wars

Aug 15

With less than a month to go before the release of Star Wars Outlaws, fans have continued to read and see more information drop regarding the various features of the game. One of the most notable for Outlaws is the flexible reputation system, divided between four core criminal factions Kay Vess and her small crew will need to interact with, be it in equal deals, acts of treachery, or straight-up brawls. But who are the criminal factions Kay will need to appease or reject as players make their way through this open-world game?

Today, in this first installment of a new article series, we will be running through the Pyke Syndicate, their history in Star Wars canon, their current status at the time Outlaws is set, as well as their leadership and likely focuses in-game, to help players feel informed about their choices!

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The Pykes in Star Wars — Image Source: StarWars.com

Background

The Pykes first appeared in The Clone Wars animated series, joining Maul’s Shadow Collective willingly when they heard of its formation, and appearing in several storylines after this point. They are likely best known for their continued association with the Shadow Collective, but we cannot forget their treachery against the Jedi. In Season Six of The Clone Wars, we learn that Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas was killed by the Pykes at the behest of Count Dooku, known to the Syndicate as Tyrannus.

The Pykes later made their first live-action appearance in Solo but appeared more prominently as main antagonists in The Book of Boba Fett. During the show, they make a move on Jabba the Hutt’s former territory after Boba takes control of Tatooine from Bib Fortuna, the Pykes flood the city of Mos Espa with their foot soldiers while also hiring Cad Bane to ensure their victory. However, they fail, with the Pyke Boss assassinated by Fennec Shand, while the wider forces of the Syndicate are defeated by Boba Fett and his allies.

Criminal Focus

Since the introduction of the Pykes into Star Wars, they have been known for one thing: the production and trading of spice. Spice is a glittering orange powder mined from the world of Kessel, located close to the Pyke homeworld of Oba Diah. These operations rely on slave labor to extract the substance from beneath Kessel’s surface. Spice is undeniably a narcotic, and while other variants of spice can serve more beneficial, medicinal purposes, it is unclear if the Pykes deal in these less illicit forms of the good.

In the Era Of 'Outlaws'

At the time of the Galactic Civil War, the Pykes are one of the five major syndicates in the galaxy. From what we know, they were not affected by the events of the War of the Bounty Hunters, a Marvel comic event that played out before the time in which Outlaws was set. However, it is important to note that the Pykes players will meet in the game are different from those who have appeared elsewhere. Marthe Jonkers, Associate Art Director for Outlaws, specifically notes this in IGN’s FIRST coverage from July of 2024, stating the game’s Pykes are part of a different group, while comments from others state that the Syndicate is spread across the galaxy during this time. The leader players will interact with is the underboss, Gorak, who fulfills a notable gangster stereotype in how his face is covered in extensive scarring, enough that one of his eyes is nonfunctional, while also being richly dressed and projecting strength.

Returning to how these Pykes will be different from others we have seen, there are some hints in gameplay footage and cinematics. In Outlaws’ first gameplay reveal from 2023, we witness the Syndicate operating a chop shop, breaking down starships, while Kay steals one of many shining baubles from an office-like space before making her escape. Other clips in further coverage show Pykes appraising gleaming gemstones and materials, suggesting an affinity for such objects. It may be that, instead of running spice, these Pykes are focused on theft and the acquisition of raw or beautiful materials.

Homebase

As for where these Pykes will be based in Outlaws, the newly created moon of Toshara is firmly in Pyke territory. Through an arrangement with the Imperial governor, they are granted freedom to operate their criminal enterprise, so long as the Empire gets its cut. But, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Pykes also have a major interest in Tatooine, given the precedent set by The Book of Boba Fett.

Conclusion

Given these factors, should players try and side with the Pyke Syndicate over others? The Syndicate as a whole is certainly engaged in some truly wretched dealings, but this branch of the organization may be more mellow and less involved in such business ventures. Also, if guesses in this rundown prove correct, the Pykes may be kindred spirits to Kay, thieves and acquirers of resources who would be a good match for this newcomer to the criminal underworld.

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