April 18 marked the start of the Star Wars Celebration 2025 in Japan, and fans are already buzzing with excitement over the announcements of both new and returning video games. One highlight is Ubisoft’s “Star Wars Outlaws,” which is set to receive a fresh expansion titled “A Pirate’s Fortune” on Thursday, May 15. This addition to the game will be available to general players and season pass holders alike. Gamers will once again find themselves in the shoes of the cunning thief Kay Vess, joined by her trusty companions Nix and ND-5. Together, they embark on a daring quest to unearth treasure from the mysterious Khepi Tomb. But the road won’t be easy, as the menacing Stinger Tash and her Rokana Raiders stand in their way. Thankfully, the intrepid Trailblazer crew won’t be facing this challenge alone. They’ll have the dubious support of none other than the legendary—albeit unpredictable—pirate, Captain Hondo Ohnaka.
For those who aren’t too familiar with the vast Star Wars lore outside the main movies and a few games, Hondo Ohnaka might appear as just another quirky alien character. But this Weequay pirate has an established legacy in the Star Wars universe, featuring prominently across various TV series, books, and even theme park experiences at Disney World and Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge. Debuting in the 2009 season of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” Hondo was introduced as the leader of a formidable pirate gang on Florrum. He dabbled in illicit activities like the spice trade and black-market arms deals. In his early escapades, his wit allowed him to capture not just Count Dooku but also Jedi knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker. Although his initial ransom attempts were thwarted—thanks to none other than Jar Jar Binks—his character continued to evolve, forming an unlikely camaraderie with characters like Kenobi and the Jedi padawan Katooni. Hondo even clashed with villains like Maul, Savage Opress, and General Grievous, the latter of whom eventually dismantled his pirate enterprise.
Hondo Ohnaka’s popularity soared, leading to his reappearance in “Star Wars Rebels.” His comedic charm won him fans and creators’ hearts alike. In “Rebels,” Hondo repeatedly tried to assemble a new band of misfits and formed a bond with Jedi padawan Ezra Bridger. His adventures eventually helped liberate Bridger’s home planet, Lothal, from Imperial clutches. Beyond “Rebels,” Hondo has been a mainstay in several other Star Wars tales across different media, including numerous games and comics. Some notable appearances include the 2017 “Star Wars Battlefront 2,” the LEGO Star Wars series, and Marvel’s Star Wars comics such as “Darth Maul,” “Galaxy’s Edge,” and “Halcyon Legacy,” to name a few.
As for his role in “Star Wars Outlaws,” by this point in the timeline, Hondo has been through a lot. With the galaxy embroiled in the chaos of the Galactic Civil War, he’s struggled to regain his old pirate captain glory. Around 3 ABY, when “A Pirate’s Fortune” is set, there’s chatter about him laying the groundwork for Ohnaka Transport Solutions. This venture serves various factions, allowing Hondo to pocket some profits while subtly aiding the Rebel cause. The new DLC teases his potential involvement with the Rokana Raiders in a treasure hunt. However, Hondo has a knack for manipulating opposing parties to his advantage. Don’t be surprised if he uses both the Raiders and the Trailblazers for his gain, possibly even swiping the treasure to fund his transport business by expansion’s end.
Speaking of Hondo, he’s brought to life by renowned voice actor Jim Cummings. If his name rings a bell, it’s because Cummings is well-loved for voicing characters like Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Taz the Tasmanian Devil, Disney’s Pete, and even The Master from “Fallout 1.”
In the world of “Star Wars Outlaws,” there’s never a dull moment, and with characters like Hondo Ohnaka in the mix, fans are in for quite the ride.
