Is Star Wars Galactic Racer an open-world game?

No. The developers confirmed Galactic Racer is a track-based racing game focused on replayability, mastery, and competitive circuit racing rather than an open-world structure.

Does Star Wars Galactic Racer have a story mode?

Yes. The game features a full narrative campaign where players control a new character named Shade and compete in the Galactic Racing League while interacting with other racers and characters.

Will Star Wars Galactic Racer include multiplayer and other modes?

Yes. The game will be a premium release with a complete package at launch including story mode, arcade-style racing, and multiplayer.

Following the recent gameplay reveal for Star Wars: Galactic Racer, the developers at Fuse Games have shared a huge amount of new information about how the game works — from its story-driven campaign to new racing mechanics and why the team deliberately avoided making it open world.

A major new interview has revealed key details about Star Wars Galactic Racer, including story mode, gameplay systems, and why it avoids open-world racing.

Built by Former Burnout and Need for Speed Developers

Galactic Racer is the first project from British studio Fuse Games, founded in 2023 by former Criterion developers — the team behind Burnout and several Need for Speed titles.

That racing DNA is central to the project.

“We always play to our strengths… a shared love for thrilling, fast arcade racing games and a shared love for the Star Wars universe.”

The idea for the game came from combining those two passions into what the team felt would be the best possible first project for the new studio.

Why It’s NOT Open World

One of the biggest takeaways:
Galactic Racer is a track-based racing game — not open world.

And that decision was intentional.

The team says modern racing has leaned heavily into open-world design, but they wanted to return to focused track racing built around replayability and mastery.

“We wanted to actually come back to tracks… replayability, mastery of a circuit, recognition and familiarity — that’s what makes track racing special.”

Track-based racing allows:

More detailed circuits
Higher replay value
Skill mastery over time
More intense competitive racing

The goal is a modern arcade racing experience with strong visuals and tight gameplay rather than a massive open-world sandbox.

A New Two-Phase Boost System

One of the biggest gameplay innovations is a new two-phase boost mechanic.

The first phase works like a traditional racing boost.
The second phase introduces something called ramjet — an extremely fast boost with serious risk.

“The ramjet goes really, really fast… but it generates heat. Run it too long and you’re going to explode.”

This creates a risk-reward system where players must balance speed with survival.

The environment also affects boost mechanics. For example:

Lava areas increase heat faster
Water or cold zones help cool the system
Different vehicles and builds change optimal racing lines

That means there isn’t just one ideal route per track — it depends on strategy and vehicle setup.

Racing Adventure With Story and Characters

Unlike many racing games, Galactic Racer will include a full narrative campaign.

Players take on the role of Shade, a new canonical Star Wars character competing in the Galactic Racing League after the Galactic Civil War.

The game blends high-speed racing with story-driven elements.

“You play as a character who is racing… you’re inhabiting Shade, a canonical new Star Wars character.”

Between races, players can explore paddock areas on foot where they can:

Interact with characters
Build rivalries
Upgrade vehicles
Experience story moments
Walk around and explore

The developers describe the game as a “racing adventure” rather than just a racing game.

Familiar Faces and New Characters

The game will include a mix of classic Star Wars characters and new racers.

Sebulba has already been confirmed, and more familiar faces will appear.

“There’s going to be a good mix of familiar faces and new characters… it needs to feel like an authentic Star Wars experience.”

The story takes place after Return of the Jedi, during the New Republic era, when organized racing has become a major galactic sport.

Premium Game — No Season Pass Planned

The developers confirmed that Galactic Racer will be a full premium release, not a live-service game.

“This is a premium release… campaign, arcade mode and multiplayer — a complete experience.”

There are currently no plans for a season pass model, though post-launch content hasn’t been ruled out entirely.

The focus is on delivering a complete experience at launch.

A Return to Classic Track Racing

Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the interview is the philosophy behind the game.

Galactic Racer isn’t trying to reinvent racing as an open-world sandbox.
Instead, it’s bringing modern visuals and mechanics to classic track-based racing with strong Star Wars storytelling layered on top.

“High consequence, high action, high replayability… something that creates player stories you wouldn’t see in other games.”

After years without a major Star Wars racing title, this looks like a full-scale return to the genre — built by developers who made some of the most beloved racing games of the last two decades.

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