Learn what your fuzzy little sidekick Nix can do for you in Star Wars Outlaws. I hope you’re ready to get your sick kicks with Nix!
Table of contents
Who is Nix
Nix is a Merqaal, a new species introduced with Star Wars Outlaws. This fuzzy space-axolotl is Kay Vess’s companion that can help her with a wide assortment of tasks throughout her adventures.
Whether it’s helping you find hidden treasures, opening vents, or distracting your enemies with his cuteness, there’s nothing you can’t accomplish together!
Using Nix Mode
To enter Nix mode, press and hold Q/LB/L1 and the world around you will turn monochrome. Here you’ll be able to see anything that Nix can interact with will have a blue outline. So long as it’ll fit in his mouth, he can bring back the item to you.
Your default option is to Send Nix to a spot where he’ll proceed to play dead. This won’t do too much outside of looking so adorable that it makes you want to explode.
Keep an eye out for the following symbol of Nix’s head. When you see this on an object or entity, Nix can interact with it in some manner.
If you want to quickly perform an action without switching to Nix Mode, target a Nix icon in the environment and tap Q/LB/L1 to send Nix on his way.
What would a fuzzy friend be without some pets? While in Nix Mode, you have the option to pet Nix if he’s close by.
Nix Sense
Nix also has the ability Nix Sense which acts like a sonar for Kay. When used, you’ll be able to see any nearby enemies through the walls. They will appear as blurry silhouettes.
It’s good to use this ability in crowded spaces you’re sneaking through, or if you’re entering a new room. Using Nix sense will also highlight any objects Nix can interact with.
Nix Sense can also detect power lines that can lead to terminals. Together you’ll have the power to do anything!
You can obtain the following upgrades for Nix Sense:
- The Mechanic Expert’s ability, Treasure Hunter, allows Nix to highlight containers with Nix Sense.
- The Mercenary Expert’s ability, Feelers Out, doubles the distance Nix can detect and highlight enemies with Nix Sense.
Looting and Pilfering
One of the first actions you learn about Nix is that he can pick up items for you. Sometimes these are trinkets, upgrade materials, grenades, credits, and more.
Nix can also steal goods from valid targets, typically security, police, or Imperial troopers. You’ll be able to tell who you can steal from as they’ll appear blue in Nix mode.
When Nix goes up to steal an item from someone, you’ll have a tiny quick-time event where you’ll need to press a button to successfully steam the item.
If successful, he’ll run back to give you his ill-gotten goods. Though sometimes, you’ll need to be careful when stealing as this can tip off some enemies.
While they won’t attack Nix, they may look around for his owner (you) and may turn hostile. It doesn’t hurt to have cover and be a good distance away from your target when you steal from them.
If you unlock the Scavenger Expert’s ability, Assisted Scavenging, Nix can help provide extra materials and valuables when you loot containers.
Doors and Buttons
Nix is well-trained enough that he can interact with door panels, vents, and buttons. Opening a door or vent with Nix can allow you to sneak by enemies more smoothly. Alternatively, having him close a door can grant you some cover.
If an area seems impossible to reach for Kay, try sending Nix! He can squeeze through tight spaces or climb up obstacles to reach his target. If you can’t reach it, chances are Nix can! You’ll learn this early on when you have Nix press a button that lets you access Club Tarsus.
Distracting the Enemy
Nix can help you sneak around when you’re in a high-security zone. Have him distract security guards in a manner that they face away from where you need to go. This should buy you several seconds to sneak by undetected.
You can only distract one target at a time, so be careful about who you choose to distract. As adorable as he is, he can only draw the attention of one pair of eyes at a time.
You can enhance Nix’s ability to distract with the following Nix Treats:
- Duradan Soup: Nix can distract multiple enemies at a time, but the distract range is reduced.
- Kurado Fruit: Nix distracts enemies for a longer duration.
Nix in Combat
If you target an enemy with Nix, you can have him attack them. He’ll jump onto their face to give them a hug, making them vulnerable to your Take Down maneuver. This is good for taking down guards without making too much noise.
A good trick with this is if you encounter two guards close to one another while you’re sneaking around. After sending Nix to attack one guard, rush the other one and punch them until they’re down.
From there it’ll be an easy take-down on the guard Nix is attacking. If there’s a third guard in the area, you can use your Stun on them (if available), punch down the second guard, then take down the final guard Nix is attacking.
You can have Nix Protect Kay while in combat by pressing Space/X/☐. This puts him into an aggressive stance where he’ll jump on anyone hostile. This is good for smaller fights but it may not help much if you’re grossly outnumbered.
The Veteran Expert’s ability, Nix Commando, has Nix autonomously initiate a second attack on a nearby opponent after performing a Nix Attack command.
If you get the Sketto Chuga treat from Mos Eisley, Nix’s attacks will cause his targets to shoot wildly in every direction. With the Che Mosskà treat from Mirogana, Nix will kick away grenades that are near Kay.
Sabotaging with Nix
If you happen to see an explosive canister, you can have Nix detonate it. You’ll get a prompt to press a button a few times in order to detonate the explosives.
Keep in mind that this will put any nearby enemies on high alert. It’s better to save this for combat scenarios or if you want to start combat with a bang.
If you unlock the Cheeky Explosion ability gained from the Hotfixer Expert, Nix can detonate grenades that a target has on them.
Nix can also sabotage alarm panels which is useful in high-security areas. This prevents the alarm panel from alerting the entire area, allowing Kay to quietly clean up any guards that notice her.
With the Slicer Expert’s ability, Sneaky Trap, Nix can instead trap Alarm Panels that will knock out anyone trying to use it.
Galactic Street Food Challenge
Throughout your adventures in the galaxy, you can find food vendors that will start the Galactic Street Food Challenge minigame.
This is a quick time event where you press or hold any buttons seen in the game. Once you complete the minigame at a vendor, you’ll be locked out and unable to play it again.
Once completed, you’ll unlock a treat you can equip to gain new passive effects for Nix. The following are all the treats you can find in Star Wars Outlaws:
Che Mosska
Sketto Chuga
Kurado Fruit
Duradan Soup
Che Mosskà
Che Mosskà can be found in the Market District in Mirogana on Toshara. The vendor is south of the Crimson Dawn District.
Having this equipped will have Nix knock away any grenades that land near Kay, protecting her from the explosion.
Duradan Soup
Duradan Soup can be found on Kijimi south of the Crimson Dawn District. Nix can distract multiple enemies at once with this treat, though it comes at the cost of a reduced distraction range.
Kurado Fruit Platter
The Kurado Fruit Platter can be found in Myrra City on Akiva. It’ll be northwest of the Hutt District.
This treat will have Nix distract a target for a longer duration of time when equipped. This is a good choice if you’re looking for a default treat to have for all occasions.
Sketto Chuga
Sketto Chuga can be found in Mos Eisley on Tatooine. You’ll find the vendor in the bazaar east of the Hutt District.
When equipped, Nix will cause enemies he attacks to shoot their blaster wildly in all directions.
Nix Controls and Settings for PC and Consoles
Here is a list of the default controls for Nix in Star Wars Outlaws. You are able to remap them under the Settings menu. Check out our guide on adjusting your settings and UI to make using Nix a bit easier if you need it.
| Action | PC | PlayStation | Xbox |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nix Mode | Q (Hold) | L1 (Hold) | LB(Hold) |
| Nix Sense | B | ↑ (Hold) | ↑ (Hold) |
| Attack/Distract/Sabotage | LMB | X | A |
| Protect Kay | Space | ☐ | X |
| Quick Action | Q | L1 | LB |
| Return | R | N/A | N/A |
| Steal | RMB | ☐ | X |
Accessibility options for Nix
If you want to have Nix automatically steal goods or detonate explosives without the prompts, you can toggle Nix Prompts off in the Settings menu. Go to Settings > Gameplay > Mini-Games and look for Nix Prompts.
You can also turn off the Galactic Street Food Challenge minigame in the Gameplay menu as well. This turns the minigame into a fun cutscene of Kay and Nix enjoying a meal, without the quick time event.
Cosmetics
Nix can wear cosmetic items! In the Loadouts menu, similarly to how you equip Outfits for Kay, you have a dedicated slot for Nix as well. The Nix Accessories are only cosmetic, though.
Our Nix Accessories Catalog will show you what they all look like and how to obtain each one so you can overload your screen with even more Nix cuteness.
Star Wars Outlaws Review
Our spoiler-free review of Star Wars Outlaws. Written after completing the game and gathering everything possible from it.
Star Wars Outlaws DOs and DONTs: Tips for Beginners
A collection of Star Wars Outlaws beginner tips for new players. Learn the DOs and DONTs for Star Wars Outlaws early game and discover how to improve your experience.
Star Wars Outlaws PC and Console Controls Guide
Star Wars Outlaws has its controls laid out quite well, but with a bit of tweaking, you can make them even better. This guide lists all of the default controls for PC and Consoles alongside the changes we recommend you to make for more comfort.
Star Wars Outlaws Settings and UI Guide: What should you change
This guide covers the Visual and Gameplay Settings for Star Wars Outlaws and how best to adjust them for a better experience.
Star Wars Outlaws Syndicates Reputation System: Everything You Need to Know
This guide explains how the Syndicates Reputation System works in Star Wars Outlaws – the effects of Positive and Negative reputation, what rewards you get for increasing reputation with each syndicate and recommend Reputation Building Strategies!
Star Wars Outlaws Loadouts and Gearing Guide
The Loadout system in Star Wars Outlaws plays an important role in its gameplay, allowing you access to various perks and benefits. This guide goes into this system in-depth.
How to unlock all Experts and Abilities in Star Wars Outlaws
This guide will help you unlock all Experts in Star Wars Outlaws and show you what abilities each one of them can teach Kay as well as everything you need to learn each one of them!
Blaster Modules and Key Parts: Star Wars Outlaws Guide
This guide will show you when you unlock each of the main Blaster Modes and their sub-variants in Star Wars Outlaws. We will also explain where and how to get the Blaster Key Parts and other rare materials required for the upgrades.
Trailblazer Upgrades and Builds: Star Wars Outlaws Guide
You’ll learn how to unlock the various Trailblazer Upgrades and Systems in Star Wars Outlaws, including the more elusive components. We’ll also provide you with several builds for your Trailblazer.
All Star Wars Outlaws Outfits: Full Catalog
This catalog lists absolutely all Outfits available in Star Wars Outlaws. It also explains how outfits work if you are a new player. We will keep it updated when DLCs start coming out.
Star Wars Outlaws Lockpicking Guide: How to Override Locks
This guide will help you learn the basics of lockpicking in Star Wars Outlaws. This simple yet fun mini-game will test your timing and ability to keep pace with the door's rhythm.
Star Wars Outlaws Slicing Guide
This guide will explain how the Slicing mini-game in Star Wars Outlaws works and how to beat it. Through the power of the process of elimination, no computer will be safe from you!
How to use Photo Mode in Star Wars Outlaws
This guide explains how to use Photo Mode in Star Wars: Outlaws and what tools it offers for taking the most perfect and tuned-up screenshots!
Related Star Wars Outlaws Collections of Guides
Our Guides Master List for Star Wars Outlaws is a great starting point. In it you will find all of our guides and walkthroughs ordered in categories.
