- "I may be a former nerf-herder but that doesn't mean I can't get with the times."
- ―Diago Velaar
Diago Velaar was a Miraluka[1] male[2] and a legendary Hunter at the Grand Arena on the planet Vespaara. As his species did not have eyes, he fought only with his hearing.[1] When goons attacked the Arena, intent on causing destruction, Diago found a vantage point to shoot the invaders. He asked his allies to shout out so he knew not to fire upon them.[1]
His ability to perform trick shots without sight amazed audiences, leading to speculation that his abilities were aided by magic, trickery, or the Force itself. Diago's slugthrower fired physical rounds, rather than energy bolts. He had a suave personality and was highly confident.[4]
As a Hunter, Velaar was said to come from a ranching background, including proudly working as a nerf herder. He supposedly spent years living in remote regions of the galaxy enjoying the animals and plants of lush planets.[3]
Biography[]
Eventually a new Hunter joined their ranks, an Iridonian Zabrak named Nox. During her first few days in the Arena, Nox made it known that she was a solitary woman, with a disdain for friendship and community. Therefore, when Nox began spending time with Rieve, Diago noticed, and commented on it during one instance in the chow room. Nox surprised Diago with her reaction and stormed out of the Chow Room.[5]
Diago soon approached Nox to apologize for upsetting her, acknowledging that he hadn't accounted for their different approaches to relationships when he spoke with her in the Chow Room. Nox accepted his apology, also acknowledging that she was unused to having friends. Diago challenged Nox to a friendly Clash and Nox accepted.[6] Diago would eventually win the Clash. In a subsequent interview with L-X1, Diago spoke highly of Nox, and admitted that he was very pleased with his win. He ended the interview calling Nox his friend, and hoping to battle with her again soon.[7]
After the Clash, Diago and Nox began training together. In the Training Grounds, Nox awkwardly greeted Rieve, who acknowledged her, but was clearly in a bad mood about something. Suddenly, Balada and Daq Dragus arrived, announcing that Balada's prized tiara had been stolen from her chambers. They offered a reward for the capture of the thief, hinting that this may have something to do with a new Hunter who would be arriving shortly.[8]
Behind the scenes[]

Diago's logo
Diago is a playable character in the 2024 video game Star Wars: Hunters, produced by Zynga and Lucasfilm Games. He was first introduced in the 0.17 update on July 18, 2023 during the game's soft launch. In his announcement, he was described as a Hunter preferring to stay back from the fight in order to whittle down opponents' health. His piercing rounds were designed to damage multiple enemies at once, a beneficial quality against enemy tanks.[4]
Although he is described as being able to aim just through hearing, in the Legends continuity Miraluka possess a natural form of Force Sight that allows them to perceive their environment without physical vision. This is hinted at through the speculation about his abilities.
When Hunters launched in June of 2024, Diago was the fifth Hunter players could unlock via the Hunter's Path progression. He is considered a level 2 difficulty Damage-class Hunter. His active abilities include Heightened Senses, in which nearby enemies are highlighted even through physical barriers, and a proximity mine which he can throw at his feet to damage and knock back enemies. Diago has a passive ability in which he can grapple to nearby anchor ledges when jumping or falling. Although considered a passive ability, use of his grappling hook is triggered by player input. His Ultimate, Piercing Rounds, loads several high-density slugs into his rifle which cause extra damage and can pass through enemies.[3]
The character was named after the sound designer Paco Diago, for whom BossAlien UK leader Matthew Hemby and Star Wars: Hunters Creative Director William Wallace held deep affection. They did not tell Paco Diago about naming the character Diago, instead allowing it to be a surprise.[9]
Appearances[]
- Hunters: Battle for the Arena (and audiobook) (First appearance)
- Star Wars: Hunters
Sources[]
Diago on Star Wars: Hunters' official website (backup link)
Star Wars: Hunters Launch Date Reveal Trailer on the official Star Wars YouTube channel (backup link)
Star Wars: Hunters Release Date, Cinematic Trailer Revealed on StarWars.com (backup link)
Star Wars Day 2024 Games and Experiences Deals! on StarWars.com (content not present on current version) (Picture only)
Update: New Hunter Set to Enter the Arena on Star Wars: Hunters' official website (backup link)
Nox Arrives in Season 4: Survival Instinct on Star Wars: Hunters' official website (backup link)
Star Wars: Hunters Coming to PC! — Reveal on StarWars.com (backup link)
Star Wars: Hunters™ | PC Announcement Trailer on the official Star Wars YouTube channel (backup link)
Chow Room Secrets on Arena News (backup link)
Take Your Best Shot! on Arena News (backup link)
Hot Shot Diago on Arena News (backup link)
Training Ground Tensions on Arena News (backup link)
Tuya Has Arrived! on Arena News (backup link) (Picture only)
Notes and references[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Hunters: Battle for the Arena
- ↑ 2.0 2.1
Diago on Star Wars: Hunters' official website (backup link)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Star Wars: Hunters
- ↑ 4.0 4.1
Update: New Hunter Set to Enter the Arena on Star Wars: Hunters' official website (backup link)
- ↑
Chow Room Secrets on Arena News (backup link)
- ↑
Take Your Best Shot! on Arena News (backup link)
- ↑
Hot Shot Diago on Arena News (backup link)
- ↑
Training Ground Tensions on Arena News (backup link)
- ↑
Matthew Hemby on LinkedIn (June 13, 2024): "Star Wars: Hunters Trivia: we named the Hunter "Diago" after Paco Diago without ever telling him!" (backup link)