After Fallen Order reminded players that single-player Star Wars adventures could still shine, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor arrived in 2023 with the weight of high expectations. Respawn Entertainment delivered a richer, darker continuation of Cal Kestis’ journey—one that deepens the lore, enhances the gameplay, and captures the struggle of a lone Jedi surviving in a galaxy that’s still learning to heal.
Cal Kestis, Older and Wiser
Set five years after Fallen Order, Survivor finds Cal Kestis no longer a wide-eyed Padawan but a seasoned Jedi Knight. Hardened by his battles against the Empire, he’s carrying the weight of survival, loss, and responsibility. Yet despite all he’s endured, Cal’s optimism and loyalty remain at his core, even as the galaxy becomes more dangerous.
The narrative dives deeper into moral complexity and what it means to keep fighting when the odds are insurmountable. This emotional core makes Survivor more mature and resonant than its predecessor.
Gameplay That Expands on a Solid Foundation
Survivor takes everything Fallen Order did well and builds on it. Combat is more fluid, with five distinct lightsaber stances ranging from single-blade precision to dual-wield speed and even the heavy-hitting cross guard stance. Each offers a different rhythm, making fights feel varied and tactical.
Exploration has also expanded. The planets are larger and more open, with hub-like areas such as Koboh acting as semi-open worlds filled with secrets, puzzles, and side quests. Traversal feels smoother thanks to new mechanics like grapple hooks and rideable mounts, which keep exploration dynamic and cinematic.
A Galaxy That Feels Alive
Where Fallen Order’s planets were often linear, Survivor’s environments are sprawling, detailed, and brimming with life. Koboh alone feels like its own ecosystem, filled with locals, cantinas, and recurring NPCs who give the world personality.
This extra focus on world-building makes the galaxy feel less like a set of levels and more like a place worth living in—a rare achievement in action-adventure titles.
Atmosphere, Music & Performances
Once again, Cameron Monaghan delivers a fantastic performance as Cal, balancing strength with vulnerability. The supporting cast, both returning faces and new ones, elevate the drama, while BD-1 continues to be a scene-stealing companion.
The soundtrack maintains that classic Star Wars spirit, with swelling orchestration for battles and softer, more emotional beats for the game’s heavier story moments. Combined with breath-taking vistas and cinematic cutscenes, it all comes together as an immersive Star Wars experience.
Where It Falters
At launch, Survivor suffered from technical issues, particularly on PC—performance hiccups, frame rate drops, and bugs. Many of these have since been patched, but the rocky start left a sour taste for some players.
Additionally, while the expanded environments are impressive, backtracking through large areas can occasionally feel like padding.
Final Thoughts
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor doesn’t just repeat what worked in Fallen Order—it builds on it, delivering deeper combat, richer exploration, and a more emotionally charged story. It’s a sequel that respects its roots while daring to take bold new steps, giving fans a reason to believe this series is one of the best things to happen to Star Wars in years.
If Fallen Order was about survival, then Survivor is about endurance—the painful, hopeful act of carrying on even when the galaxy seems lost. And it’s a journey well worth taking.
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Played on: PC
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Publisher: Electronic Arts
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