Okay, let's talk lightsabers. Remember that feeling when you first ignited a plastic lightsaber as a kid? Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order actually makes you feel like that again - but with way better graphics and actual consequences when you swing it wrong. This isn't just another Star Wars game. It's that rare beast that feels true to the universe while doing its own thing.
I'll be straight with you - when I first booted up Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, I wasn't expecting much. Another rushed movie tie-in? But twenty minutes in, scrambling across a rusted shipyard with stormtroopers shouting my position... man, I was hooked. And I've played through it three times since.
What Exactly Is Jedi: Fallen Order?
Released back in November 2019, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order came from Respawn Entertainment (the Titanfall folks). It's set in that scary gap between Episode III and IV when the Empire's hunting Jedi survivors. You play Cal Kestis, a former Padawan hiding as a scrapper when he's forced to unleash his powers and go on the run.
The game nails that Jedi fantasy. Early on, you feel vulnerable - just some guy trying not to get shot. But by the end? You're deflecting blaster bolts without thinking, ripping stormtroopers off cliffs with the Force, and customizing your lightsaber like it's your precious baby. The progression feels earned.
What surprised me most was the exploration. It's not open-world, but these intricate levels with shortcuts and secrets. I spent hours just climbing walls and solving ancient puzzles on Zeffo while imperial patrols searched below. That mix of action and quiet discovery? Chef's kiss.
Where The Story Fits In The Star Wars Timeline
Set five years after Order 66 (that brutal Jedi purge from Revenge of the Sith), the galaxy's under the Empire's boot. Jedi are myths, and the few survivors are being hunted by the Inquisitors - Vader's personal Jedi-killers.
Cal's mission? He stumbles on a possible way to rebuild the Jedi Order and teams up with a ragtag crew:
- Cere: A former Jedi with serious baggage
- Greez: Your irritable but loyal pilot (and best dad joke provider)
- BD-1: Your droid companion who's basically a backpack-sized hero
Their journey takes them across distinct worlds, each with its own history and dangers. I won't spoil anything, but that moment when you first hear THAT breathing sound? Pure terror.
Key Story Moments (No Spoilers)
- The Bracca escape sequence that teaches core mechanics
- Your first real lightsaber duel on Bogano
- Exploring the haunting Jedi tombs on Zeffo
- The Wookiee resistance mission on Kashyyyk
Honestly, my favorite moment wasn't some epic battle. It was when Cal finally repairs his master's lightsaber. The music swells, you assemble the pieces... chills every time. Respawn understood Jedi aren't just warriors - they're caretakers of tradition.
Planets You'll Explore in Jedi: Fallen Order
Each planet in Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order feels handcrafted. Unlike some games where locations blur together, you'll remember these:
| Planet | Key Locations | Enemies to Expect | Exploration Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bogano | Vault, Hermit's Abode | Wildlife, Scout Troopers | Your first Force puzzles, BD-1 scanning opportunities |
| Zeffo | Ancient Tombs, Imperial Dig Site | Purge Troopers, Security Droids | Massive vertical climbs, secrets behind waterfalls |
| Kashyyyk | Origin Tree, Wookiee Villages | Imperial Occupiers, Slavers | Zip-lining through canopies, freeing Wookiees |
| Dathomir | Nightsister Lairs, Swamps | Zombies, Nightbrothers | Creepy tombs, learning Force powers the hard way |
| Ilum | Jedi Temple, Crystal Caves | Stormtroopers, Frostbite hazards | Building your custom lightsaber (personal favorite) |
Dathomir taught me valuable humility. I went there early because friends said "cool stuff there." Big mistake. Got wrecked by crimson zombies for two hours. Worth it eventually, but man, was I underprepared.
Combat Breakdown: Feel Like a Real Jedi
The combat in Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order demands attention. Mash buttons? You'll die. It's all about timing blocks dodges and knowing when to strike. Reminded me of Sekiro mixed with Force Unleashed.
Key combat mechanics:
- Lightsaber Combat: Three stances (single, double-bladed, dual wield)
- Force Powers: Push, Pull, Slow, plus advanced techniques
- Parry System: Perfect timing opens enemies for devastating counters
- Dodge & Evade: Vital against unblockable attacks (those red flashes)
Pro Tip: Against groups, use double-bladed stance. Clears crowds fast. Against tough single enemies? Single blade for precision. Dual wield melts stamina but deals crazy damage.
Enemy Types and How to Handle Them
- Stormtroopers: Easy individually, dangerous in groups. Deflect bolts!
- Purge Troopers (Electrostaff): Dodge sideways, strike during recovery
- Oggdo Bogdo (that infamous frog): Lure near pits, Force Push insta-kill
- Inquisitors: Learn patterns, dodge red attacks, counter when exhausted
That first fight with Second Sister on Bracca? Brutal tutorial. She taught me more about patience than any game boss in years.
Character Progression and Customization
As you play Jedi Fallen Order, Cal grows from shaky survivor to confident Jedi. This shows in three key areas:
| Progression Type | How It Works | Customization Options |
|---|---|---|
| Skill Tree | Earn XP > Gain Skill Points > Unlock abilities across Force, Lightsaber, and Survival trees | Customize combat style: aggressive duelist or tactical Force user |
| Lightsaber Parts | Find parts in chests across planets | Emitters, switches, sleeves, materials (over 100 combinations) |
| BD-1 Skins | Discover paint jobs in the wild | Over 20 cosmetic skins for your droid companion |
| Mantle Colors | Unlock through story progression | Change poncho color (love it or hate it) |
Personal opinion? The ponchos grew on me. Started hating them, but collecting them became weirdly addictive. My favorite was the one with Wookiee designs from Kashyyyk.
Difficulty Settings Explained
This caused real debate when Jedi Fallen Order launched. The difficulty drastically changes the experience:
| Difficulty | Parry Timing | Enemy Damage | Who It's For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Story Mode | Very generous | Low | Players focused on narrative, newcomers to souls-like games |
| Jedi Knight (Default) | Moderate | Standard | Balanced challenge for most players |
| Jedi Master | Tight | High | Souls veterans, those seeking tough combat |
| Jedi Grand Master | Pixel-perfect | Extreme | Masochists (kidding... mostly) |
I played Grand Master on my third run. Fought that albino spider on Dathomir for 90 minutes straight. Threw my controller once. Wouldn't recommend unless you love punishment.
Warning: Difficulty affects more than combat! Platforming becomes less forgiving on higher settings. Missed a jump? Enjoy respawning farther back.
PC and Console Requirements
Want smooth gameplay? Here's what you'll need:
| Platform | Minimum Requirements | Recommended Specs | Performance Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC | Win 7/8.1/10, i3-3220, 8GB RAM, GTX 650 | Win 10, Ryzen 7 1700, 16GB RAM, GTX 1070 | Optimized well now; early patches fixed stuttering |
| PS4 / Xbox One | Base Console | PS4 Pro / Xbox One X | Stable 30fps on base, 60fps possible on enhanced consoles |
| PS5 / Xbox Series X|S | Backward Compatibility | Optimized Update Available | 4K resolution up to 60fps with faster load times |
Played first on my launch PS4. Load times were brutal - sometimes 45 seconds between deaths. On PS5? Blink and you're back in action. Game changer.
Critical Tips for New Players
Wish I knew these when starting Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order:
- Scan Everything: BD-1 reveals enemy weaknesses, lore, and map data. Critical!
- Backtrack Later: Many areas need abilities you get later. Don't bash your head against unreachable ledges early.
- Meditate Wisely: Resting respawns enemies but refills health/stims. Sometimes it's better to push forward.
- Master Parrying: Against tougher foes, blocking isn't enough. Learn timing through practice.
- Use Your Environment: Force-push enemies off cliffs. Way faster than dueling.
Biggest rookie mistake? Hoarding skill points. Spend them immediately! That extra health or Force meter makes a difference when you're surrounded.
Honest Pros and Cons
After three playthroughs, here's my unfiltered take:
What Rocked
- Lightsaber combat that feels weighty and impactful
- BD-1 is the best droid companion since R2-D2
- World design encourages exploration with meaningful rewards
- Story that actually adds to Star Wars lore
- Zero microtransactions (thank you, Respawn!)
What Frustrated
- Map system was confusing early on (fixed somewhat in patches)
- Some platforming sections felt finicky and unfair
- Fast travel only unlocks VERY late in the game
- Poncho customization instead of proper outfit changes? Really?
- Those sliding sections. Ugh. Still hate them.
Overall? The good massively outweighs the bad. It's the Jedi game we've wanted since Knights of the Old Republic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order?
Main story takes about 17-20 hours. Completionists can spend 30+ hours finding all secrets, cosmetics, and completing challenges.
Is there fast travel in Fallen Order?
Eventually! You unlock it late in the story when you get a specific ship upgrade. Before that? Prepare for backtracking.
Can I replay missions in Jedi: Fallen Order?
No mission replay option exists. However, you can freely revisit any planet via your ship to explore missed areas post-game.
Does difficulty affect trophies/achievements?
Nope! No difficulty-related trophies. Feel free to play Story Mode without penalty.
Should I play before Jedi: Survivor?
Absolutely. Survivor directly continues Cal's story. You'll miss character development and references without playing Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order first.
Is there New Game Plus?
Added in a post-launch update! You restart with all skills/cosmetics but enemies scale to your level.
Final Take: Why This Game Matters
After years of disappointing Star Wars games, Jedi Fallen Order nailed it. It respects the source material while creating something fresh. Cal's journey from broken survivor to confident Jedi feels earned. The combat makes you think like a Jedi - strategically, using environment and timing over button mashing.
Yeah, it has flaws. The map could be clearer, and those slides... But when you're deflecting blaster bolts back at stormtroopers while flipping over a purge trooper to stab him in the back? Pure Star Wars magic.
If you're even remotely a Star Wars fan or enjoy challenging action-adventure games? This is essential. Grab your lightsaber and may the Force be with you. Always.
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