Why does the Star Wars Outlaws physical edition require an online connection?

After the reveal of its story trailer, fans finally knew that Star Wars Outlaws would be out in 2024. But they’re a bit worried about the physical edition requiring an internet connection.

Alongside the reveal of the first story trailer for Star Wars Outlaws, fans got the first look at all the editions of the game they could purchase. However, they quickly realized that every physical copy of the game has a warning explaining that an internet connection is required to install it. As someone who wants to be able to play games long after they’ve been released, I found this both worrying and a little confusing for a physical copy.

Why does the Star Wars Outlaws physical edition require an online connection?

The reason the Star Wars Outlaws physical edition needs an online connection is that the game files and all future updates must be downloaded. Ubisoft clarified this with IGN soon after fans picked up on the warning on the game’s box art.

While I don’t have a copy of the game to verify this, I believe Ubisoft has outlined that even though you can buy a physical version of Star Wars Outlaws, it doesn’t contain all of the game files. That’s why an online connection is required to download more files.

Alternatively, a key could be required to be downloaded on release day to allow players to get into the game. This could be a way for Ubisoft to prevent those who accidentally get a copy of the game early from leaking information about it. I know I’ve had copies of Ubisoft games sent early in the post from retailers before, so this would make the most sense.

Mercifully, this doesn’t seem to be a similar situation to that we experienced when publishers began releasing games with codes for additional content essential to the story that could only be redeemed once in an attempt to avoid trade-ins. Instead, it’s a warning that if you buy the physical version of this game, you’ll need to download a few game files before it will work. So you better have one.

It is completely reasonable to require an internet connection to download updates for the game. I don’t think anyone would expect to be able to do this without one. All of these updates and the initial key that allows fans to play the game should be available until the internet and console stores crumble along with the internet. It means that unless the internet has been deleted, you should be able to play your copy of Star Wars Outlaws in 2053 without any issues.