Whether you’re new to the LEGO universe or a seasoned brick-smasher, diving into LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga comes with its own set of lessons. And for many of us, those lessons came the hard way. If you’re looking to save time, studs, and frustration, this guide gathers essential tips that can shape your entire journey through the galaxy. These aren’t just basic how-to notes — they’re insights rooted in experience and meant to streamline your playthrough from the very beginning.

1. Fall Recovery – Save Your Studs
Let’s kick off with a hidden gem in the settings: the Fall Recovery option. One of the most painful early-game realizations is how many studs can be lost by falling into pits or off cliffs. With Fall Recovery turned on, death by falling becomes a thing of the past. Instead of dying and losing a chunk of your wealth, you’ll be teleported safely back — no penalty. It’s a lifesaver for completionists and collectors alike. Of course, if you’re craving a more punishing experience, keep it off. But if maximizing currency is the goal, turning it on is a no-brainer.

2. Destroy Everything (Literally)
Veteran LEGO players already know the drill: if it looks like it’s made of LEGO bricks, smash it. This isn’t just mindless fun; it’s the fastest way to earn currency early on. Everything destructible has a purpose, even if it’s just feeding your stud count. And don’t worry about breaking anything vital — plot-relevant objects are indestructible, and environments reset when revisited. Smashing your surroundings isn’t just encouraged — it’s essential.

3. Story Mode First, Free Play Later
Tempted to dive right into Free Play? Hold that thought. While the game offers open-ended exploration from the start, you’ll quickly discover that most areas require specific characters or abilities. These aren’t available until you’ve progressed through the story. Jumping ahead can lead to frustration, especially when hunting mini kits or kyber bricks only to find you lack a Jedi or a Scavenger. Finish the story missions first to ensure you unlock a diverse set of characters. This will save you from a lot of backtracking and confusion later.

4. Talk to Every NPC
See a question mark or exclamation point floating above an NPC? Talk to them. These characters aren’t just background decoration — they often offer valuable side quests, hints, and even reveal secrets through the game’s “rumor” system. These rumors can point you toward character unlocks, collectible locations, and story clues. Simply put, if they have a symbol above their head, they’re worth your time.

5. Jedi Door Cutting – Don’t Overthink It
Some moments in the game require Jedi to cut holes through doors using their lightsabers. While it may look like you need to carve out a person-sized path, that’s not the case. A tiny slit is enough to break through the barrier. This small but impactful tip saves time and keeps you moving through missions more efficiently.

6. Hold Buttons for Hidden Powers
Not every ability is immediately obvious. For Jedi and Sith, holding the Y (Xbox) or Triangle (PlayStation) button opens a Force power menu — granting access to things like Jedi Mind Tricks and distractions. Similarly, other character classes like Scavengers, Heroes, and Bounty Hunters have unique menus activated by holding the B or Circle button. These allow access to crucial gear like gliders, blasters, and grenades. The game doesn’t clearly communicate this, so discovering it early will save a lot of head-scratching.

7. Disguises and Faction Camouflage
Disguises play a surprisingly strategic role in the game. Equip one, and you’ll blend in with enemy forces — they won’t attack you. For instance, using Darth Vader allows you to bypass combat with battle droids altogether, effectively letting you speedrun certain segments. But be warned: dress as an enemy, and your allies will mistake you for a threat. Play it smart and plan disguises around your goals.

8. Upgrade Recommendations – Prioritize Smartly
When it comes to upgrades, a few standout perks are worth grabbing early. Hero Terminal Expert and Villain Terminal Expert allow you to either skip repetitive terminal puzzles or get paid to complete them — a win either way. Another top-tier choice is Business Opportunist, which grants discounts when buying rumors and hints, especially helpful when you’re stuck and need a nudge. Finally, Collectible Detector turns your treasure hunts into efficient sweeps by marking collectible locations.

9. Lightsaber Multi-Target Throwing
If you’re a saber-wielding hero or villain, you’re in for a treat. Holding down the throw button lets you lock on to multiple enemies. Once released, your lightsaber arcs through the air, taking out multiple targets in one move. It’s satisfying, efficient, and a tactic that makes crowd control a breeze.

10. Couch Co-Op is a Puzzle-Solver’s Secret Weapon
Although online multiplayer isn’t available, local co-op can be a powerful tool — even for solo players. Stuck on a puzzle? Plug in a second controller. Many puzzles are significantly easier when tackled with two characters at once, even if you’re controlling both. From raising platforms to coordinated jumps, having another set of hands (yours or someone else’s) can unlock entirely new solutions.

11. Skip These Upgrades Early On
Not all upgrades are created equal. In the Core Upgrades tab, you’ll find Speedy Sprint, Fast Build, and Counter Cash. While Speedy Sprint is worth it for zipping around maps faster, Counter Cash is underwhelming. You rarely get to counter, and when you do, the stud reward is minimal. Don’t waste your bricks here. As for health upgrades, they’re often unnecessary thanks to how easy combat is — especially once you start using the next must-have perk…

12. Invest Early in Attract Studs
If there’s one upgrade to prioritize from the jump, it’s Attract Studs. Fully upgraded, this perk pulls in studs from a huge radius, saving you from chasing them down manually. It also helps you recover your currency instantly upon respawning, counteracting the need for extra health perks. This single upgrade dramatically speeds up your earning potential.

13. Save, Then Multiply
Here’s a tip that could double or quadruple your wealth: hold off on buying characters, ships, and cosmetics until you can afford stud multipliers under the Extras tab. Once you unlock x2 and x4, your income skyrockets. Many players regret impulse-buying characters early on only to slow down their progress. Be patient, invest in multipliers, and you’ll be able to afford everything later — without the grind.

Final Thoughts
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is loaded with content and charm, but navigating its massive galaxy efficiently requires a bit of planning. These tips aim to streamline your playthrough, help you avoid early-game pitfalls, and maximize your experience without sacrificing fun. Whether you’re chasing kyber bricks, unlocking your favorite characters, or just smashing LEGO bricks with style — these strategies will keep you one step ahead on your journey through the stars.