The galaxy is finally yours to explore — LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga has officially launched, and with it comes a fresh wave of excitement, creativity, and classic LEGO chaos. Whether you’re brand new to the series or a returning Jedi, these nine fun and useful tips will give you the edge you need to get off to a smooth and stud-filled start.

1. Start From Any Trilogy
The game opens with “A New Hope,” but don’t feel boxed in — you can begin your journey with any of the three trilogies. You’ll need to start at Episode I, IV, or VII depending on your choice, and playing through each first episode unlocks the next one in that trilogy. Want to kick things off with The Phantom Menace or jump straight into The Force Awakens? Go right ahead. You’re not tied to release order or nostalgia — choose your own path through the saga.

2. Use Cheat Codes to Unlock Characters and Ships Early
These aren’t the kind of cheat codes that break the game — they’re more like fun shortcuts. By entering codes from the pause menu under “Enter Code,” you can instantly unlock useful characters and ships. Why does that matter? Because it gives you early access to classes like bounty hunters or imperial officers (e.g., Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine) without having to grind or spend valuable studs. When you jump into Free Play, having the right character early can make all the difference.

3. Collect Studs Like Your Life Depends on It
Studs are the lifeblood of your progression. You’ll need them to buy characters, ships, extras, and upgrades. Every level has a “True Jedi” threshold that rewards you with kyber bricks if you collect enough studs — and with 380 characters in the game, you’ll need every bit of currency you can find. Destroy everything in sight, pick up every shiny thing, and don’t be shy about replaying levels for more. The more you collect, the smoother your progression will be.

4. Use Rumors to Target Specific Characters
If there’s a certain character you’re itching to unlock, rumors are your fast track. Available for purchase (usually around 30,000 studs), these rumors reveal the steps needed to unlock that specific character — whether it’s a puzzle, a side mission, or a bounty to complete. For instance, unlocking Rothgar Deng required buying the rumor, checking the tasks, and completing a short quest chain. It’s not a free pass, but it cuts out a lot of the guesswork.

5. Visit the Extras Menu for Classic LEGO Chaos
The Extras tab, accessible from the galaxy map, is where the magic happens. Here, you’ll find data cards that unlock classic features like Mumble Mode (nostalgic gibberish dialogue), silly cosmetic effects like Hologram or Retro mode, and the highly sought-after stud multipliers. These multipliers (x2, x4, x6, x8, x10) dramatically increase your income — and they stack. Start with the x2 and save up for the rest. Don’t waste your studs on characters too early — go for the multipliers first and watch your bank explode.

6. Explore the Semi-Open Worlds Between Missions
Between campaign levels, you’ll find open zones packed with opportunities. These areas are where the game comes alive — loaded with side quests, hidden kyber bricks, races, and quirky characters. You might be asked to defeat a gang of bounty hunters, complete a race, or talk to a droid that only responds to an imperial officer (another nod to why cheat codes come in handy early). Side quests often unlock characters or at least give you the option to purchase them later.

7. Don’t Forget to Upgrade
It’s easy to overlook, but character upgrades are a core part of the game’s progression system. You’ve got Core Upgrades(faster sprinting, more health, better item collection) and Class Upgrades tailored to specific roles like Jedi, Bounty Hunters, Protocol Droids, and more. Some upgrades are small but practical — like “Fear the Dark Side” which causes enemies to flee from Sith characters, or “Hidden Bounties” which gives you a chance to earn bonus studs during combat. Check the upgrade tab regularly and invest in what suits your playstyle.

8. Look for Hidden Easter Eggs During Missions
LEGO games have always been known for their humor and charm, and this game is no different. Keep your eyes open for easter eggs — like a group of stormtroopers chilling in a hot tub, listening to cantina music, or one enjoying a solo shower. These moments don’t affect gameplay, but they make exploration feel like part of the fun. It’s these whimsical touches that bring the galaxy to life in a way only LEGO can.

9. Learn the Menus — They’re Cluttered but Crucial
The menus in The Skywalker Saga can be a bit overwhelming, especially at first. But getting comfortable navigating them will save you a lot of confusion. From your mission log and upgrade screen to your collectible tracking and galaxy overview, everything you need is in there — just not always where you expect it. You can check mini kit progress, see which missions you’ve completed, track puzzle and trial completion, and even see how far along you are in each episode. If you’re stuck or unsure what to do next, your answer is probably in the menus.

Final Thoughts
These nine tips should give you a solid foundation as you begin your LEGO Star Wars journey. From understanding the best place to start, to managing your studs, unlocking key characters, and just soaking up all the goofy magic — the galaxy is packed with fun if you know where to look. Whether you’re here for the completionist grind or the nostalgia-soaked storytelling, this guide will keep your lightsaber pointed in the right direction. May the bricks be with you!