Hands-On Preview Highlights Chaotic and Rewarding Online Multiplayer in Star Wars: Galactic Racer Ahead of October Launch

Developer Fuse Games is gearing up for the upcoming launch of Star Wars: Galactic Racer, bringing a fresh twist to arcade racing with a roguelite-inspired structure for both its single-player campaign and its online multiplayer modes. Recent hands-on previews have shed light on the game's standout online feature: the Multiplayer Tour mode. Designed to solve the common issue of keeping online players engaged over longer events, the mode compresses the campaign's upgrade loop into a compressed half-hour to 40-minute play session supporting up to 12 players across six planets.

Creative Director Kieran Crimmins and CEO Matt Webster explained that the Multiplayer Tour's first five rounds function as a build chase. Players earn credits by placing in races, taking on contract challenges, or utilizing an integrated betting system where they wager on their predicted finishing positions and mark rivals. These credits can then be spent on various vehicle parts—such as ramjets, shields, elemental resistances, and weapon abilities like flamethrowers and torpedoes—to progressively upgrade their rides before a final high-stakes showdown. Winning bets and performing well also yields XP to unlock new characters with distinct racing styles, pre-equipped perks, and cosmetic liveries.

While standard quick races are available for those seeking a straightforward experience, the Multiplayer Tour introduces intense chaos. Matches feature hazardous environmental factors, such as acid pits and cold status effects, alongside high-speed pileups. Online podraces are capped at eight players rather than 12 due to extreme speeds and balance considerations, culminating on the iconic Mos Espa circuit on Tatooine—marking the first time podracers can be raced online in a Star Wars game. Notably, the game will omit local split-screen multiplayer, which CEO Matt Webster described as a stretch too far in order to prioritize the big-screen experience.

With matchmaking designed to get players into matches quickly rather than utilizing strict skill-based matchmaking, some previewers noted that races can occasionally feel punishingly chaotic for newcomers. However, the deep progression system and exhilarating sense of speed provide a rewarding loop for those willing to master its mechanics. Fans can experience the action firsthand when Star Wars: Galactic Racer launches on October 6 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.