Diago Velaar, hailing from the Miraluka species, identified as male and achieved legendary status as a Hunter within the Grand Arena situated on the planet of Vespaara. Lacking eyes due to his species' traits, he depended solely on his auditory senses during combat. When invaders targeted the Arena with destructive intentions, Diago strategically positioned himself to engage them with gunfire. To prevent friendly fire, he requested that his allies vocalize their positions.
The audience marveled at his capacity to execute intricate shots without the use of sight, sparking rumors that his talents were fueled by magic, deception, or perhaps even the Force. Diago's weapon of choice, the slugthrower, discharged solid projectiles rather than energy-based blasts. Possessing a debonair demeanor, he exuded self-assurance.
Rumors suggest that as a Hunter, Velaar originated from a ranching background, even taking pride in his days as a nerf herder. It's said he spent many years in the far reaches of the galaxy, enjoying the wildlife and plants on verdant worlds.
Eventually, a fresh Hunter, an Iridonian Zabrak known as Nox, joined their ranks. In her initial days within the Arena, Nox emphasized her preference for solitude, expressing a clear aversion to both friendship and community. Consequently, when Nox began associating with Rieve, Diago took note and made a remark about it during one occasion in the chow room. Nox responded to Diago's comment with unexpected intensity, leading her to abruptly leave the Chow Room.
Soon after, Diago sought out Nox to offer an apology for having upset her, acknowledging that he had failed to consider their differing perspectives on relationships when he spoke to her in the Chow Room. Nox accepted his apology, admitting that she was unaccustomed to having friends. Diago then extended a challenge to Nox for a friendly Clash, which she accepted. Diago ultimately emerged victorious in the Clash. In a subsequent interview conducted by L-X1, Diago spoke highly of Nox, also expressing his satisfaction with his victory. He concluded the interview by referring to Nox as his friend and expressing his desire to battle alongside her again soon.
Following their Clash, Diago and Nox commenced training together. Within the Training Grounds, Nox offered an awkward greeting to Rieve, who acknowledged her presence but appeared to be in a foul mood. Suddenly, Balada and Daq Dragus arrived, announcing that Balada's cherished tiara had been pilfered from her chambers. They proposed a reward for the capture of the culprit, implying that this theft might be connected to a new Hunter who was expected to arrive shortly.
Within the 2024 video game Star Wars: Hunters, developed by Zynga in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games, Diago appears as a character players can control. He was initially revealed in the 0.17 update released on July 18, 2023 during the game's initial limited release. His introduction described him as a Hunter who prefers to remain at a distance from the action to gradually reduce the health of his adversaries. His specialized rounds were designed to inflict damage upon multiple opponents simultaneously, a valuable asset against heavily armored enemies.
Despite the description of his ability to aim using only his hearing, it is important to note that in the Legends continuity, the Miraluka possess an inherent form of Force Sight, which allows them to perceive their surroundings without relying on physical sight. The rumors surrounding his abilities allude to this fact.
When Hunters was released in June of 2024, Diago was the fifth Hunter that players could unlock through the Hunter's Path progression system. He is categorized as a Damage-class Hunter with a difficulty rating of level 2. His active abilities encompass Heightened Senses, which highlights nearby enemies even through physical obstructions, and a proximity mine that he can deploy at his feet to inflict damage and knock back foes. Diago possesses a passive ability that enables him to grapple onto nearby anchor ledges when jumping or falling. Although classified as a passive ability, the activation of his grappling hook requires player input. His Ultimate ability, Piercing Rounds, loads his rifle with several high-density slugs that inflict additional damage and can penetrate through enemies.
The character's name pays tribute to sound designer Paco Diago, for whom BossAlien UK leader Matthew Hemby and Star Wars: Hunters Creative Director William Wallace had great respect. They chose to surprise Paco Diago by naming the character after him, keeping their decision a secret.