Authored by Dave Wolverton, Star Wars Missions 5: The Hunt for Han Solo represents the fifth installment in the Star Wars Missions series and is a roleplaying gamebook falling under the Star Wars Legends banner. Scholastic released this title in January of 1998. The subsequent book, entitled The Search for Grubba the Hutt, saw publication the following month.
You are cast as a bounty hunter.
Your assigned target is Han Solo. Both Jabba the Hutt and the Empire have placed a bounty on his head – whether he's brought in dead or alive. He's en route to Tatooine, carrying something of great importance for Jabba. Your objective: intercept him. Your mission is to track down Han Solo before his escape.
Best of luck.
Han Solo's attempt at a tranquil evening at the Restful Nights Hotel located on Faldos is disrupted by an ambush from numerous bounty hunters. He manages to break free, simultaneously rescuing the young Grubba Desilijic Aarrpo from a duo of Whiphid slavers during his escape. Once secure aboard the Millennium Falcon, Solo discovers that Jabba Desilijic Tiure is Grubba's Ur-Damo.
Simultaneously, on Tatooine, Prefect Eugene Talmont collaborates with Dengar, Udin, and Eron Stonefield to devise a plan to capture Solo at Jabba's Palace. Their task involves traversing the Dune Sea to reach the Palace, where they intend to halt and seize the rogue smuggler. During their journey, they encounter Tusken Raiders, who are swiftly dealt with by Stonefield.
As the group of hunters progresses deeper into the desert landscape, they are caught in a sandstorm, leading them to establish a biosphere for protection. However, amidst the storm, they detect a vessel landing in proximity to Jabba's Palace, prompting one of them to pursue it. This hunter faces additional Sand People, B'omarr Monks, and other perils, ultimately arriving at Jabba's Palace. Unfortunately, the hunter arrives too late to capture Solo, instead seizing Grubba as their prize. After returning Grubba to the biosphere, Udin suggests taking him to Kubindi, anticipating Solo's pursuit.
The Hunt for Han Solo was included as part of the fifth Star Wars Missions pack, which also comprised the following items:
- Star Wars Kids: The Magazine for Young Jedi Knights 5: ISBN 0-590-12792-6
- Mission Team Cards (Set 5): ISBN 0-590-12802-7
- Dengar
- Eron Stonefield
- Udin
- Dewback
- Laser Scalpel
- Sleep
- Poster of the Planet Tatooine and its Creatures: ISBN 0-590-12787-X
- ISBN 9780590127974 ; January 1998 ; Scholastic Inc. ; US paperback [1]