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06 Numbers and Powers

Best Star Wars Games Ranked: Which One to Play

Card No. 06·29147 · Updated · Standard formula, shown below

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is the best all-around starting point for most players: it pairs a focused, cinematic story with satisfying lightsaber combat and exploration. If you want a broader role-playing game or competitive multiplayer instead, Knights of the Old Republic and Star Wars: Battlefront II may suit you better.

What to Look For

The best Star Wars game depends on what you want to do in the galaxy. Consider these practical differences before choosing:

  • Gameplay style: Action-adventure games emphasize combat and exploration; role-playing games add character builds and consequential choices; flight games focus on piloting; shooters center on first-person or third-person battles.
  • Story and setting: Some games tell a self-contained story with a new hero, while others feature familiar characters or take place in an earlier era. Check whether a game’s story is standalone or benefits from knowing other entries.
  • Age and availability: Older classics can be excellent, but controls, visuals, and platform support may feel dated. Check the current store listing for your platform and whether the version includes needed updates or expansions.
  • Single-player or online: A campaign is a safer choice if you primarily play alone. Multiplayer games depend on active communities, platform support, and your willingness to play online; current activity can vary.
  • Difficulty and commitment: Soulslike combat can be demanding, while a story-focused adventure may be more accessible. Large RPGs can take considerably more time than a compact campaign.

1. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Best overall for a story-driven action adventure. Cal Kestis’s journey combines lightsaber and Force combat with exploration, platforming, and environmental puzzles. Its third-person structure makes it easy to understand what you will be doing, and its story works without requiring extensive knowledge of Star Wars lore.

Strengths: The adventure balances combat and exploration well, and the protagonist’s abilities expand as the story progresses. Multiple difficulty settings let you adjust the challenge. It is a strong first pick for players who want to feel like a Jedi without committing to a sprawling RPG.

Trade-offs: Backtracking through connected areas can be tedious, and the combat borrows from games where timing, dodging, and parrying matter. If you want a huge open world or uninterrupted action, its map design and pacing may not suit you. Choose Jedi: Survivor if you want a larger follow-up, but starting with Fallen Order gives you the original story first.

2. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Best for role-playing and meaningful choices. This classic RPG follows a customizable character through a story set thousands of years before the films. You build a party, explore planets, develop abilities, and make decisions that shape how the adventure unfolds.

Strengths: Its character-driven story and choice-based role-playing remain compelling. It is a good fit if dialogue, party members, and developing a build matter more to you than real-time action.

Trade-offs: The combat is built around older, partly turn-based systems, and the interface and presentation show their age. The original game is available on several platforms, but availability and controls differ by edition. The announced remake should not be treated as a released replacement; check your platform’s store for the current version.

3. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Best for players who want a bigger Jedi adventure. This sequel continues Cal Kestis’s story and expands the combat options, exploration, and hub areas. Its different lightsaber stances give you more ways to approach fights, while larger environments offer extra activities beyond the main plot.

Strengths: It builds on the first game with more varied combat and a broader sense of scale. If you enjoyed Fallen Order, this is the natural next choice.

Trade-offs: The larger scope means more side content and backtracking, and the story assumes familiarity with Cal’s earlier journey. Performance and technical experience can depend on platform and updates, so check recent platform-specific reviews and requirements before buying. It is not the best first choice if you want a short, self-contained introduction.

4. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II

Best for a darker, more reflective RPG. KOTOR II takes place after the first game and offers a distinct story about the consequences of conflict and the nature of the Force. Its companions and dialogue give role-playing choices plenty of room to breathe.

Strengths: The writing and character themes make it a rewarding follow-up for people who liked the first game’s party-based role-playing. You can experiment with different builds and approaches to conversations.

Trade-offs: The game is a sequel, its systems are dated, and some versions have content differences. On PC, players often discuss community restoration mods, but mod compatibility and availability depend on the edition; the game is still playable without them. Start with the original KOTOR if you want the story in order.

5. Star Wars: Battlefront II

Best for large-scale multiplayer battles and a campaign option. The modern Battlefront II features infantry combat, heroes, vehicles, and battles inspired by several eras of Star Wars. It also includes a single-player campaign, so it is not exclusively an online game.

Strengths: The variety of units and familiar battle settings make it a strong choice for players who want action with friends or large team matches. The campaign offers a structured way to play alone.

Trade-offs: Multiplayer is the main attraction, so the experience depends on current player activity, matchmaking, and your platform. Progression and balance have changed since launch, but it remains a shooter rather than a deep story RPG. Check current reviews and online requirements if multiplayer is your main reason to buy.

6. Star Wars: Squadrons

Best for starfighter pilots. Squadrons focuses on first-person cockpit combat, with Rebel and Imperial ships, a single-player campaign, and multiplayer modes. Managing power between engines, weapons, and shields is central to its flying model.

Strengths: It delivers a more dedicated piloting experience than the ground-based games here. The campaign teaches the basics, and compatible VR support can make the cockpit perspective especially immersive.

Trade-offs: The narrow focus is a feature, but it means less variety if you want lightsaber combat or a broad adventure. Multiplayer activity may vary, and VR support depends on the platform and setup. Pick it for dogfights, not as your only Star Wars game.

How to Choose

Start with your preferred activity. Choose Fallen Order for a balanced solo adventure, KOTOR for role-playing and choices, Battlefront II for shooter battles, or Squadrons for starfighters. If you already played and liked Fallen Order, move on to Survivor.

Set a budget, then compare editions. Older games are frequently discounted, but prices and bundles change by store and platform. Check whether an edition includes expansions, whether it runs on your device, and whether you need an online subscription for multiplayer. Do not assume a sequel or remake is included in a collection.

Be realistic about age and challenge. The classic RPGs offer stories that newer games may not match, but their interfaces and combat can feel slow. The Jedi games are more immediate, though their parry-focused combat can be demanding. Use difficulty settings where available, and look at gameplay footage if you are unsure about the feel.

Think about how you will play. For a game you can enjoy offline and at your own pace, favor a single-player campaign. For online play, check the current state of matchmaking on your platform before purchasing. If you are new to the franchise, the Jedi games are accessible entry points; the older RPGs are better if you actively want a classic format.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Star Wars game for beginners?
Jedi: Fallen Order is a welcoming starting point for action-adventure fans. Choose KOTOR instead if you prefer dialogue and role-playing.

Do I need to play Fallen Order before Jedi: Survivor?
It is not essential to understand every gameplay system, but the story continues directly. Playing Fallen Order first gives the characters and events more context.

Which Star Wars game has the best story?
That is subjective. KOTOR is widely valued for its role-playing story and choices, while the Jedi games deliver more cinematic action-adventure storytelling.

Can I play Battlefront II alone?
Yes. It has a single-player campaign and offline modes, though online multiplayer is a major part of the game.

Is Star Wars: Squadrons playable in VR?
It supports VR on compatible platforms and equipment. Check the store listing for your specific system, since support and setup requirements vary.

Are the older KOTOR games available on modern systems?
They are sold for multiple platforms, but availability and compatibility differ. Check the current digital store listing for your device before buying.

Bottom Line

For one recommendation that suits the widest range of players, choose Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order: it offers a satisfying mix of story, combat, and exploration without requiring a deep knowledge of the franchise. Choose KOTOR for classic role-playing, Battlefront II for multiplayer battles, or Squadrons if flying starfighters is the point. The right ranking ultimately depends on whether you want a story, choices, competitive play, or a cockpit.

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