When it comes to the year 2023, there’s absolutely no doubt that gamers are going to remember it for the sheer amount of epic games released. But by far, one of the most anticipated is Respawn Entertainment and EA’s sequel to the 2019 hit, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Releasing on April 28, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor aims to outdo the first game by introducing players to new combat and gameplay mechanics as well as some new and returning characters from the Star Wars universe.
But before heading into Jedi: Survivor, players may be eager to brush up on some of their Star Wars knowledge in order to peep out some easter eggs or simply remain in the know when things happen around them that could potentially tie into things happening around the galaxy far, far away. So, we’ve managed to wrangle up eight important Star Wars games that players are going to want to complete as we near closer to Jedi: Survivor’s release.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Starting out our list is an obvious choice, but definitely, one that players need to either start for their first time before Jedi: Survivor or revisit in order to refresh their understanding of the events. We get introduced to Cal Kestis, the Star Wars Jedi series’ protagonist, as well as the cast of folks he calls friends that are going to be by his side through his adventures. It also allows us to learn more about this period of time’s Galactic Empire, as well as the Inquisitors that hunt the remaining Jedi.
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
Though Star Wars: The Force Unleashed holds no canonical value for Star Wars any longer, it’s still a fantastic game to play if you want to sharpen up your Jedi lightsaber-wielding skills. The game is intensely fun, with story beats worth seeing, even if they really don’t have any significance within the vein of Star War’s connecting timeline that Disney recognizes. Though it’s one of the best Star Wars games ever made, and its characters like Starkiller and Juno Eclipse will remain to live in the hearts of Star Wars fans forever.
Vader Immortal
Diving back into canon territory, Vader Immortal is a VR title that allows players a rare glimpse into Darth Vader’s private life, as he journey’s to the center of Mustafar in order to bring an ancient machine to life. It’s a great title as far as its gameplay goes and is most definitely the closest thing that fans could get currently to feeling as if you’re actually in the Star Wars universe. Vader is intimidating, the story is haunting, and the planet Mustafar is a spectacle to behold once you journey through it. As Vader reigns during the Jedi: Survivor’s time period, it’s best to know your enemy.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
If you want a full digestible recap of the most important beats within the Star Wars canon, then LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga will do that for you, at least within the confines of the Skywalker family tree. This will at least give you more background on why Vader is who he is within the Jedi games, as well as how these events began and how they’ll eventually end in the grand scheme of things.
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter
Another non-canon title is Star Wars: Bounty Hunter, a unique title that, while not actually connected to Disney’s timeline, is most definitely an intriguing title to be sure. You get to play as bounty hunter Jango Fett as he makes a name for himself and eventually becomes the face of the Republic’s army. You get to see familiar faces like Count Dooku and Zam Wessell, as well as learn some of the secrets behind the Sith’s evil plans.
Star Wars: Battlefront II (2017)
Though many look at Star Wars: Battlefront II and think about its multiplayer aspects, there’s actually a great, highly-detailed telling of events that follow the destruction of the Empire within its single-player campaign. The Inferno Squad and its tale of morality and loyalty are one of the best stories that the Star Wars universe has offered, and it’s criminally underrated. Though the connection would be weak between these two games, there’s still enough lore here worth exploring before Jedi: Survivor is played.
Star Wars: Squadrons
Another important title to play during the fall of the Empire would be Star Wars: Squadrons. This aerial assault title allows players to fly a whole assortment of ships from the Star Wars universe and engage in an epic story of how it was to be someone on the battlefield of the Galactic Civil War. These weren’t Jedi, Sith, or even smooth-talking smugglers. They were normal folks.
Star Wars: Tales from Galaxy’s Edge
If you’re simply looking to get enthralled in yet another engrossing VR title that allows you to play as someone flying under the radar, then Star Wars: Tales from Galaxy’s Edge is going to be a fantastic choice for you. Because it is a VR title, it’s pretty low-stakes but allows you to see and feel more of the Star Wars galaxy. Though it won’t connect to Vader or Cal in a meaningful way, it’s still a canonically-connected title worth checking out.
So, those are our choices for the games that you should be playing ahead of Jedi: Survivor’s release. Whether they’re officially connected to the Star Wars timeline or are just some extraordinary adventures, you can be sure that each of these games is worth checking out,
But did we miss any of your favorites on this list? Surely there are fans that may think some of the older Star Wars games fit better on this list. Tell us why!
