The new Sims 4 game pack, Journey To Batuu, is a crossover between The Sims 4 and Star Wars. It meshes both worlds together in a way we've never seen before in The Sims franchise. The result is a game that has those who know nothing about Star Wars wondering if they'll be able to understand it.
This game pack is very unique but a vast knowledge of Star Wars isn't necessary to play in and enjoy the world of Batuu. In fact, even those who've seen the movies won't understand all the references, since they also include lore from the comics, spin-off shows, and novels. However, knowing some things about Galaxy's Edge and its inhabitants will help you get the most out of this pack. So, here's what you need to know as a complete newcomer to the Star Wars universe.
8 The Force
In Star Wars, the Force is said to be energy that is created by life and which connects everything in the universe together. Those who are force sensitive can learn to manipulate this power to achieve great power.
The Jedi Order uses the Force to bring peace, honoring a code of selflessness and service to others. This is considered the light side. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Sith Order uses the dark side of the Force to chase strength and power.
At this point the Sith are extinct and the Jedi are few in number. However, the Force itself remains with new factions seeking to tap into its power.
7 The Factions
There are three factions on Batuu, the First Order, the Resistance, and the Scoundrels. The First Order is a military dictatorship that is heavily linked with the dark side of the Force. This means they are considered the villains and they use their Stormtrooper armies to keep order.
The Resistance is also military-based but is fighting against what they see as the oppression being imposed by the First Order and want to preserve democracy.
The Scoundrels don't care what side anyone who works for them is on. They simply want to earn a living through some decidedly grey "legitimate" business practices.
6 Batuu And Galaxy's Edge
Batuu is a remote planet in the Outer Rim Territories on the far edge of the galaxy, hence the area being referred to as the Galaxy's Edge. It's a haven for travelers and first came into the Star Wars canon during the Clone Wars when it was used as a transfer hub.
It's the planet which is the focus of Disney's Star Wars area of their theme park and is currently occupied by the First Order. The Resistance also has a camp here, while the Scoundrels retain their longstanding presence. Most of the history is irrelevant but it's currently home to many alien races and individuals of differing morality.
5 The Characters
There are actually very few named characters from the Star Wars universe in this pack, especially in Sim form, and many will be unfamiliar to those who have only seen the movies. The main people you'll most likely know are Kylo Ren and Rey. In recent movies, Kylo Ren, daughter of Han Solo and Princess Leia, is the leader of The First Order, while Rey, a force-sensitive human, becomes a prominent member of the resistance.
You'll also see Hondo Ohnaka, a Weequay space pirate from Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and leader of The Scoundrels. The other named characters appearing as sims are Vi Morandi, a Resistance spy from Delilah S. Dawson's Phasma novel, and Lt. Agnon, a First Order Officer from the Galaxy's Edge comics.
All other recognizable characters are linked to their establishments, or in Chewbacca's case his ship, and appear only as drawings linked to interactions with their respective locations.
4 The Ships
The ship names can be confusing and there are tasks to find and use them so here's what you need to know about each district's ship.
The First Order District contains the TIE Echelon. It's a transport ship used by the First Order and you'll find it next to their main base.
The Resistance use X-Wings, specifically the T-70. They are starfighters that are fast and weapon equipped. You'll find one in the Resistance Camp, across from the tents and bunker.
The Scoundrels would traditionally use many types of ships but here Hondo has struck a deal with Chewbacca, so you'll find the famous Millenium Falcon sitting prominently in Black Spire Outpost. Chewbacca comes as a package deal but he appears only as drawings and dialogue, rather than as a sim.
3 The Alien Races
Knowing the alien races doesn't matter in terms of gameplay but it's a nice extra so here's a basic rundown.
The Mirialans are near human, and the tattoos on their faces symbolize personal achievements while the Twi'leks are most recognizable from the Clone Wars but were also in Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi. Most recognizable is the Jawa who are from Tattooine and are mostly small in height. They are scavengers with a reputation for swindling and conning those around them.
Less well-known are the Weequay, Hondo Ohnaka's species, who often end up as mercenaries and bodyguards. Meanwhile, the Abednedo are a common sight and are usually found on freighter ship crews or as slicers and soldiers. The Bith stand out since they are mostly pacifists, following their homeworld being devastated by war. Finally, you may recognize the Zabrak, Darth Maul's species. They are often employed as bounty hunters, scouts, and mercenaries.
2 The Droids
Droids are a huge part of life in Star Wars and they can serve different purposes. In the game, you can buy a droid and it will be neutral and helpful, no matter your faction. However, once your reputation with a faction is increased you can add personality chips that will give it unique interactions.
As standard, you'll be able to use it to hack into panels, known as slicing, open crates, and even help pilot the ships. Droids can also be used to distract or stun people while you fulfill your missions.
The two types of droids are the BB unit, made famous by BB8 from the recent movies, and the R series, made famous by R2D2 from the original trilogy.
1 The Lightsabers
The lightsaber is an iconic energy weapon from the Star Wars universe and is used by both Jedi and Sith in the movies. It's commonly associated with force-sensitive people and is powered by a kyber crystal.
You'll need both a crystal and a hilt to make a lightsaber. Both can be earned through missions or purchased on Batuu. Once you have the lightsaber you'll be able to challenge people to duels.