May The Fourth: The 10 Best Star Wars Video Game Characters

Every year on May 4th, fans around the world celebrate Star Wars Day, honoring beloved characters like Han Solo, Darth Vader, and Luke Skywalker. But beyond the movies, let’s not forget the amazing characters who’ve appeared in Star Wars video games – some of the very best the franchise has to offer.

The Star Wars franchise has consistently released games for decades. While many games feature characters from the films, some of the most popular adventures tell brand new stories with unique characters. From incredibly powerful Jedi to funny droids and clone troopers, here are the Star Wars characters who have become memorable in the world of video games.

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10. Starkiller (Aka, Galen Marek)

One Of The Most Iconic Sith-Turned-Jedi (Also, Starkiller Is Absurdly Strong)

As a huge cinema and gaming fan, when I think of iconic Star Wars video game characters, Starkiller immediately springs to mind. It’s funny, because he was only really in one truly great game and one that was just okay, but he’s still so memorable!

Because Darth Vader is such an iconic figure in Star Wars, most people assume Jedi Knights are more prone to falling to the dark side than Sith Lords are to turning good. And generally, that’s true. However, Starkiller is a fascinating exception – he actually does the reverse.

Trained as Darth Vader’s apprentice, Starkiller is tasked with eliminating the remaining Jedi. However, his mission leads him to discover the positive side of the Force, setting him on a journey toward becoming a better person. Although the Force Unleashed games focus on powerful abilities, Starkiller’s transformation from villain to hero is compelling and makes him the most memorable character in the series.

Also, Starkiller’s Force powers are incredible.

9. Boss (Aka, Delta-38)

The Clone Commander

There’s a simple way to make a Star Wars character instantly appealing: make them a Mandalorian, or a clone of one. Boss, a soldier who fights on the front lines, isn’t a Jedi or Sith – he’s a capable leader constantly directing his fellow clones through difficult and intense situations. While The Clone Wars later showed us the human side of clone troopers, the game Republic Commando explored their strong bonds and brotherhood much earlier, really focusing on the connection between the main characters.

As a first-person shooter, Republic Commando lets players truly feel like the main character, and even small touches—like a laser cleaning blood off his visor—enhance that feeling. While the game is primarily focused on action, it also tells a compelling and sometimes moving story centered on the character Boss and his strong sense of duty.

8. Bastila Shan

A Key Player In Crafting One Of The Best Star Wars Stories In Gaming History

Debut Game: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Knights of the Old Republic features a fantastic cast of companions, and many are considered among the best characters in Star Wars video games. But Bastila Shan stands out – she’s a central figure in this era of the franchise. She doesn’t just join you on your journey; she actively shapes the story of KOTOR and even has a significant role in the next game.

She’s bold, a bit cocky, and surprisingly fun to watch – she might just be the least traditional Jedi ever. For much of Knights of the Old Republic, she’s a virtuous Jedi fighting alongside the main character. But after experiencing a lot of hardship, she abandons the light side and joins the dark side. That’s when she truly becomes a pivotal character, not just in KOTOR, but in the larger Legends storyline.

7. Merrin

One Of The Most Likable Star Wars Characters Of The Modern Era

Merrin from Jedi Fallen Order is a character who unexpectedly ends up on the side of good. When you first meet her on Dathomir, she appears to be a powerful enemy. However, it’s revealed that she simply doesn’t trust the Jedi, having lost loved ones and been manipulated by a Jedi named Taron Malicos in the past. After Cal helps her, they form an alliance. This is when Merrin truly shines, becoming one of the most compelling characters in the game and the Star Wars universe – not just because of her complex morality, but also because she’s funny and charming.

Merrin’s story unfolds over two substantial games, giving her character development room to feel organic. She confronts and comes to terms with a painful past, learning to move forward. While never malicious, Merrin was vulnerable and easily influenced, but she finds strength and self-discovery through connecting with the Force.

Merrin is a great example of well-designed companion AI in modern games, offering a smooth and enjoyable gameplay experience.

6. Darth Malgus

Don’t Be Deceived, Malgus Is An All-Time Great Star Wars Villain

Even though Star Wars: The Old Republic isn’t the most popular game in the Star Wars franchise, it features some truly memorable characters, and Darth Malgus is arguably the most iconic. He became a legend before the game even released, thanks to his dramatic appearance in trailers and especially through the devastating event known as the Sacking of Coruscant, showcased in the still-impressive “Deceived” trailer.

Malgus is more than just a striking character for promotional material; he’s unique among Sith Lords. He challenges certain Imperial ideas, particularly their biases against non-humans. However, don’t mistake him for a hero – he’s still incredibly cruel. His goal is simply to build a stronger, more effective Sith Empire, and that’s what makes him such an interesting figure.

5. Cal Kestis

The New Face Of Star Wars Games

Cal Kestis has become the main character people associate with modern Star Wars games, and that’s a testament to how good Jedi: Fallen Order and Jedi: Survivor are. Unlike Starkiller, who feels like he comes from the older ‘Legends’ stories, Cal feels like a natural fit within the current Star Wars universe.

Despite his incredible abilities, Cal is a deeply human character, marked by vulnerability and the emotional burden of surviving the horrors of Order 66. He’s not the typical, stoic Jedi master; instead, he often seems on the brink of collapse, yet relentlessly perseveres through his struggles.

Also, who doesn’t love Cal’s friendship with BD-1?

4. Kyle Katarn

The First Great Video Game Star Wars Character

Kyle Katarn is a key character in classic Star Wars games like Dark Forces and Jedi Knight. He begins his story as a mercenary and ex-Imperial soldier, but eventually discovers his Jedi ancestry and trains to become a Jedi himself.

Kyle Katarn stands out as a more relatable Jedi hero because he’s already established as a hero before becoming fully involved with the Jedi Order. He famously called himself “just a guy with a lightsaber,” and that down-to-earth quality really defines his character. He’s the classic reluctant hero, and his popularity peaked during a time when video games were leading the way in Star Wars storytelling.

3. Kreia

Darth Grandma

Though often compared to the original Knights of the Old Republic and made with a tight deadline, Knights of the Old Republic 2 remains a truly great role-playing game. Fans of the first game will definitely want to experience the sequel, especially to meet Kreia – a fascinating and complex character who challenges the typical Jedi and Sith philosophies. She’s one of the most morally ambiguous figures in the entire Star Wars universe.

What makes this character truly compelling is her unique perspective on the Force. She believes it’s a harmful influence on the galaxy and dedicates herself to eliminating it entirely. Throughout the history of Star Wars, very few characters, whether Sith or Jedi, have challenged players to rethink the fundamental beliefs of the universe as much as she does.

2. HK-47

The Hilarious Killer of Meatbags

Debut Game: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

As a huge Star Wars fan, I’ve always loved the droids – they’re usually these helpful, friendly sidekicks. But HK-47? He’s…different. Sure, he’s loyal, but ‘kind’ isn’t a word I’d ever use to describe him! He started out as a straight-up assassin, traveling the galaxy to take out Revan’s rivals. But honestly, it’s not his past that makes him so awesome, it’s his personality. He’s just…uniquely him.

Throughout the Knights of the Old Republic games, the droid is consistently funny, largely because of his sarcastic dislike of humans – whom he refers to as “meatbags” – and his enjoyment of violence. He’s a little unhinged, even a bit of a psychopath, but still maintains a polite demeanor. This makes him feel like a twisted version of C-3PO with a dangerous obsession with killing.

1. Revan

The Prodigal Knight

Debut Game: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

The character of Revan is central to the mystery in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Players start with very little information about this Sith Lord, but the game famously reveals a huge twist: the player is Revan. This reveal is considered one of the best in gaming history, and it alone makes Revan a standout character. But Revan’s story doesn’t end with KOTOR; he also appears in an expansion for The Old Republic, has been featured in a novel, and may play a role in the currently unconfirmed Fate of the Old Republic.

As a huge fan, one of the things I always loved about Revan in Knights of the Old Republic is how much control you have over who they become. Each time you play, Revan feels different because your choices really matter. You can even decide if they’re a hero or a villain! No matter which path you take, Revan is just a fantastic character, and a perfect example of why the old Star Wars Legends stories were so special. Plus, let’s be honest, Revan’s look is iconic – easily one of the best designs in the whole Star Wars universe, right up there with Darth Vader himself.

2026-05-04 22:41