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What to Know Before You Start a Star Wars Game

By Freedom251 Team · · 10 min read

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There is no single game that every Star Wars fan should play first. The right starting point depends on whether you want a connected Jedi story, a humorous tour of the films, an open-world criminal adventure, large multiplayer battles, or starfighter combat. For a story-led introduction, start with Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order; if you want to follow Cal Kestis, play Jedi: Survivor afterward.

Electronic Arts says Survivor can be played on its own, so Fallen Order is not a technical requirement. It is simply the better continuity entry because it establishes Cal, the post-Order 66 setting and the relationships that the sequel continues.

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Choose a first game by the experience you want

Star Wars games cover several unrelated genres and eras. Use this guide to match your preferred style of play instead of trying to impose one franchise-wide order. A player who wants a short, directed campaign needs a different recommendation from someone looking for repeatable online matches or a persistent role-playing world.

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If you want… Start with… What that choice gives you
A focused Jedi story Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order A single-player, third-person action-adventure built around lightsaber combat, Force abilities and exploration after Episode III and Order 66.
More of Cal Kestis’s story Star Wars Jedi: Survivor The next Cal chapter, set five years after Fallen Order; it is also designed to stand alone.
A playful tour of the films LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga LEGO humor and playable moments drawn from all nine Skywalker Saga films.
An open-world scoundrel adventure Star Wars Outlaws Kay Vess and her companion Nix navigating crime syndicates between Episodes V and VI.
Large faction battles Star Wars Battlefront II Multiplayer combat across the three cinematic eras, plus a single-player story.
Starfighter piloting Star Wars: Squadrons First-person ship combat, multiplayer dogfights and a solo campaign.
A long-running story MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic An MMO with a free-to-play option, set more than 3,000 years before the classic films.

This is a format guide, not a ranking. The official game descriptions establish the distinctions, but your preferred camera view, pacing and multiplayer commitment should decide the purchase. “Where should I start?” has a different answer for a Jedi fan than for someone whose ideal Star Wars game is a cockpit simulator.

#1 Best Overall
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order - PlayStation 4
  • Cinematic, immersive combat Jedi: Fallen order delivers the fantasy of becoming a Jedi through its innovative lightsaber combat system striking, parrying, dodging partnered with a suite of powerful force abilities you’ll need to leverage to overcome obstacles that stand in your way
  • A new Jedi story begins: As a former Padawan on the run from the Empire, you must complete your training before Imperial Inquisitors discover your plan to revive the Jedi order
  • The Galaxy Awaits: Ancient forests, windswept rock faces, and haunted jungles are all unique biomes you’ll explore in Jedi: Fallen order, with the freedom to decide when and where you go next
  • A galaxy spanning adventure awaits in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen order, a new 3rd person action adventure title from Respawn Entertainment

Why Fallen Order is the safest story starting point

Fallen Order follows a Jedi Padawan who survived the purge of Order 66. Its events come after Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, when the Jedi are being hunted and the Empire is consolidating power. The structure combines directed narrative chapters with explorable areas, lightsaber encounters and Force-based abilities.

That combination makes it a useful first game for someone who wants recognizable Star Wars elements without committing to an online service or a sprawling MMO. It is a solo campaign, so you can follow the plot at your own pace and adjust the difficulty rather than learning a competitive multiplayer meta. The post-Episode III setting also supplies immediate context: you are seeing the consequences of Order 66 rather than replaying the films themselves.

The game is not a prerequisite for understanding the whole Star Wars universe. It is a recommendation for a particular kind of first experience: a character-focused adventure with a beginning, middle and end, followed by exploration and combat that reward learning the lightsaber and Force systems.

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How to play Cal Kestis’s games in order

  1. Play Jedi: Fallen Order. It introduces Cal, his allies and the consequences of Order 66.
  2. Continue with Jedi: Survivor. Lucasfilm describes it as continuing Cal’s story five years later.

EA’s help guidance says each game can stand alone, and progress does not transfer between them. That means a new player can begin with Survivor without an imported save or mandatory tutorial from the earlier title. Starting with Fallen Order still provides the character and plot context that the sequel assumes you may already know. Treat the two games as separate saves and separate purchases or editions; do not expect equipment, abilities or completed objectives to carry forward automatically.

Do not treat this two-game sequence as a required order for every Star Wars game. The official descriptions place the titles in different settings and genres rather than establishing one mandatory chronology for the whole catalogue. A release-order or in-universe-time-line project would be a personal challenge, not a requirement stated by the game makers.

What each major option is best at

Jedi: Survivor: a direct continuation

Choose Survivor first only if you are comfortable entering an ongoing character arc. Its five-year time jump means it is not simply an expansion of the first game. The standalone design lets newcomers play it, but the earlier game remains the clearer introduction for readers who care about narrative continuity. If you already finished Fallen Order, Survivor is the obvious next chapter rather than a competing starting point.

Rank #2
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (PS4)
  • This narratively-driven single player game puts you in the role of a Jedi Padawan who narrowly escaped the purge of order 66 following the events of episode 3: Revenge of the Sith
  • Complete your training, develop powerful force abilities, and master the art of the iconic lightsabre
  • Iconic locations, weapons, gear, and enemies in addition to a roster of fresh characters, locations, creatures, droids and adversaries to Star Wars
  • Fight for survival while exploring the mysteries of a long-extinct civilization
  • Pre-order Star Wars Jedi: Fallen order to outfit yourself with cosmetic equipment for your lightsaber and droid companion

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga: all nine films in a lighter format

The Skywalker Saga is the choice for families, groups and players who want to move through the main film story with comedy and LEGO presentation. It covers moments from all nine Skywalker Saga films, so it offers broad film familiarity rather than one original era or one continuous hero’s biography. It is therefore a good first game for someone who wants to sample the major characters and events without committing to the darker tone or more demanding combat of the Jedi games.

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Star Wars Outlaws: an open-world view of the underworld

Outlaws stars Kay Vess and Nix. Its story sits between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, a period when criminal syndicates and the Imperial presence shape the setting. Start here if you would rather play a scoundrel navigating competing interests than a Jedi rebuilding combat abilities. Its specific placement between Episodes V and VI makes it a setting-based choice, not an entry in Cal’s storyline.

Battlefront II: battles across three cinematic eras

Battlefront II is aimed at players who want large faction-based fights and recognizable battlefields from across the prequel, original and sequel eras. It also contains a single-player story, so buying it does not force you into multiplayer immediately. The campaign and the multiplayer modes answer different needs: one supplies a directed narrative, while the other is built around repeatable matches. Choose it for the scale and variety of its battles, not as a substitute for the connected Jedi plot.

Squadrons: cockpit-first combat

Squadrons puts the emphasis on first-person starfighter combat. Its solo campaign teaches the setting and controls, while multiplayer dogfights provide the competitive side. Pick it when piloting an X-wing- or TIE-style craft is more appealing than lightsaber exploration or ground combat. The first-person viewpoint is central to the experience, so readers who prefer a third-person character adventure should use the table instead.

The Old Republic: a long-form MMO commitment

The Old Republic is an MMO with a free-to-play option and a setting more than 3,000 years before the classic films. It is a different kind of starting point: expect character progression and an online world rather than a compact, self-contained console campaign. Choose it when you want a persistent role-playing experience and are willing to learn its systems over time. Its distant era also means you are not beginning with the film timeline or with Cal’s era.

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Classic games and collection options

Lucasfilm’s catalog also describes the Star Wars Heritage Pack for players interested in older games. Consider it when your priority is sampling classic titles rather than finding the cleanest modern introduction. Check the current platform listing to see exactly which games and editions are included; the contents and availability can vary by release.

Platform and edition checks before you buy

Availability, required accounts and accessibility features can vary by storefront and release. Check the exact listing for your platform and region before paying. There is no reliable single price to quote here: digital discounts, physical stock, regional pricing and bundled editions change over time.

  • PlayStation editions: the US PlayStation listing identifies both PS4 and PS5 versions of Fallen Order.
  • Other storefronts: EA’s product page links versions for Windows through the EA app, Xbox, PlayStation, Steam and Epic. The specific edition and launcher depend on where you purchase.
  • Connection and account terms: the EA listing for the relevant purchase states that an internet connection, an EA account, acceptance of EA’s terms and EA app installation are required. Treat those as store- and version-specific conditions, and verify them on the current listing you intend to use.
  • Save expectations: Survivor does not import progress from Fallen Order; each title maintains its own progression.

Digital and physical availability, regional pricing and included content can change. Confirm the platform, edition, format and region together rather than assuming that a title listed for one console is automatically included on another. On PC, also check storage, operating-system and hardware requirements on the store page for the exact edition; requirements can differ between releases even when the game title is the same.

Accessibility features to check on PlayStation

The PlayStation US page for Fallen Order lists several options that may matter when planning a playthrough:

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  • Adjustable difficulty
  • Simplified quick-time events
  • Subtitles
  • Control reminders
  • Pausing during offline play

Those details describe the PlayStation listing and should not be generalized to every platform without checking its own feature page. Look for the control, subtitle and difficulty menus before starting the campaign so the first session is not interrupted by avoidable setup changes. If pausing offline is important, confirm that the edition you buy supports that behavior under its own connection and account rules.

Common mistakes new players make

Assuming there is one universal story order

The games do not form a single sequence that must be followed from the earliest fictional date to the latest. A connected order exists for Cal Kestis: Fallen Order, then Survivor. Other games are separate experiences with their own settings, campaigns or modes.

Starting with the sequel without considering continuity

Survivor is playable by itself, but beginning there means meeting an established character later in his journey. If character relationships and earlier consequences matter to you, select Fallen Order first.

Rank #4
Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series (PS4)
  • Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series is a cinematic, interactive adventure that lets you step inside a galaxy far, far away
  • Experience this thrilling three-part series in virtual reality
  • Descend into Darth Vader’s mysterious fortress alongside new allies and encounter fearsome enemies, including the Sith Lord himself
  • Be at the center of a story in which you hold the key to the galaxy’s salvation… or destruction
  • An authentic Star Wars story that takes place between Episode III and Episode IV, which gives a personal look at Darth Vader himself

Buying for the wrong play style

A player seeking a solo Jedi adventure may be disappointed by a purchase made solely because it has the Star Wars name. Use the format table: choose Squadrons for cockpit combat, Battlefront II for battlefield matches, Outlaws for an open-world scoundrel story and the LEGO game for a humorous film tour.

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Ignoring launcher and account requirements

On PC, verify whether the chosen store requires the EA app, an EA account or an internet connection. Installing a game from a storefront does not necessarily remove the publisher’s own account or launcher requirements.

Assuming a bundle answers every platform question

A collection name does not guarantee identical contents on every console or store. Read the included-games list, edition name and region information, especially for classic-game packs and cross-generation listings. If you want a physical copy, check whether the listing is actually in stock and whether it contains a disc, a download code or both.

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A quick decision path

  1. Want one focused, offline-friendly story? Start with Fallen Order.
  2. Already know Cal Kestis and want the next chapter? Play Survivor.
  3. Want to revisit all the main films with jokes? Choose The Skywalker Saga.
  4. Prefer a criminal-underworld adventure between Episodes V and VI? Choose Outlaws.
  5. Want infantry and faction battles? Choose Battlefront II.
  6. Want to fly starfighters from the cockpit? Choose Squadrons.
  7. Want a persistent online role-playing world? Consider The Old Republic.
  8. Want older games in a collection? Investigate the Star Wars Heritage Pack and verify its platform-specific contents.

The practical answer is therefore simple: there is no mandatory first Star Wars game. Match the genre to your interests, check the exact platform listing and, for Cal Kestis’s storyline, play Fallen Order before Survivor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I start with Star Wars games?

Start with Jedi: Fallen Order if you want a focused, single-player Jedi story. Choose another title if you specifically prefer LEGO comedy, open-world exploration, multiplayer battles, starfighter combat or an MMO.

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Is there an order I should play the video games in for the story line?

There is no required order for the whole catalog. The clearest connected sequence is Fallen Order, followed by Jedi: Survivor, which continues Cal Kestis’s story five years later.

Can I play Jedi: Survivor without playing Fallen Order?

Yes. EA says Survivor can stand alone, and it does not require transferred progress. Playing Fallen Order first gives you more context for Cal, his allies and earlier events.

Which Star Wars game covers all nine films?

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga presents moments from all nine Skywalker Saga films in a humorous LEGO format.

Which game is set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi?

Star Wars Outlaws, starring Kay Vess and Nix, is set in that period and focuses on crime syndicates and the Imperial presence.

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Do I need to play multiplayer to enjoy Battlefront II or Squadrons?

No. Battlefront II includes a single-player story, and Squadrons includes a solo campaign as well as multiplayer modes.

What should I check before buying on PC?

Check the exact storefront, edition, region and hardware requirements. The EA listing for Fallen Order states that an internet connection, EA account, acceptance of EA terms and EA app installation are required for the listed purchase.

Are Fallen Order’s accessibility options available everywhere?

The PlayStation US listing names adjustable difficulty, simplified quick-time events, subtitles, control reminders and pausing during offline play. Confirm equivalent options on the platform and edition you plan to use.

The Bottom Line

Choose by play style, not by an imagined franchise-wide order. Fallen Order is the best continuity start for Cal Kestis, with Survivor next; every other recommendation depends on whether you want LEGO humor, an open-world scoundrel story, battlefield multiplayer, starfighter combat or an MMO.

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 2
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (PS4)
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (PS4)
Fight for survival while exploring the mysteries of a long-extinct civilization
$21.99
Bestseller No. 4
Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series (PS4)
Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series (PS4)
Experience this thrilling three-part series in virtual reality
$43.85
SaleBestseller No. 5

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Battlefront IIbeginner guideJedi: Fallen OrderJedi: SurvivorSquadronsStar WarsVideo Games

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