Ranking the Best Canon Star Wars Games You Need to Play Right Now

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Summary

  • Star Wars games immerse players in diverse genres, broadening the universe in unique ways with new characters and narratives.
  • VR games like Tales From The Galaxy’s Edge and Vader Immortal immerse players into lived in worlds with unique stories.
  • Star Wars Outlaws plummets the player into the highs and lows of the criminal underworld in Star Wars lore.

As a devoted Star Wars gamer, I’ve lost count of the number of games that transport me into this iconic galaxy far, far away. While some are part of the extended lore (Legends), others have been officially woven into the tapestry of the Star Wars universe, bridging gaps between movies, TV shows, comics, and novels.

Each Star Wars game in the canon offers fresh worlds and narratives never explored earlier, or builds upon existing elements from various projects. Remarkably, certain games achieve a balance of both, delighting longtime fans while also inviting newcomers to the Star Wars lore who might not have encountered the films or additional content previously.

8. Star Wars Squadrons

Legendary Pilots Mentor The Player Across The Stars

Star Wars Squadrons, similar to the style of old PC games like Star Wars: X-Wing and Star Wars: TIE Fighter, offers an incredibly authentic experience as a starfighter pilot. The game focuses on the stories of two pilots, one representing the New Republic and the other the Imperial Remnant, in the period following the events of Return of the Jedi.

Apart from stunning graphics, Star Wars Squadrons offers gameplay that is not a walk in the park to conquer. Each ship is meticulously designed to mimic its film counterparts in terms of handling, demanding keen focus and quick reflexes. Furthermore, it boasts several iconic characters from the past, such as Hera Syndulla and Wedge Antilles, who play significant roles within the New Republic narrative.

7. Star Wars: Tales From The Galaxy’s Edge

The First In-Universe Look At Batuu

Star Wars fans with virtual reality systems like PSVR2 or Meta Quest 2. Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge takes place on the planet Batuu, just like the real-world Galaxy’s Edge park. This immersive game offers a unique perspective for players to explore and interact with this iconic setting in a virtual way.

The game titled “Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge” offers an engaging and realistic experience as a droid mechanic sets out on a thrilling journey. This adventure involves combat against Stormtroopers, robots, and exotic creatures using blasters and various equipment. Each weapon in the game is crafted with great attention to detail, capturing the authentic look, sound, and feel of those seen in the movies. The presence of characters like C-3PO and R2-D2 further enhances the game’s immersion, transforming it into a true Star Wars experience.

6. Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series

Darth Vader Is Like A Horror Villain In His Home

In contrast to Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge, which is action-packed and pulpy, Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series stands out with its narrative focus and immersive atmosphere. The protagonist navigates through the sinister depths of Darth Vader’s stronghold on Mustafar, a journey that can be as intriguing as it is frightening due to the presence of the title villain.

From the perspective of someone unfamiliar with him beyond his tyrannical rule over the galaxy, encountering Darth Vader as a stalker in dark hallways and caves is a terrifying ordeal. Yet, the opportunity to wield a lightsaber virtually and engage in combat against the Sith Lord, while unraveling secrets about Mustafar and Darth Vader, sets Vader Immortal apart as an extraordinary and unique Star Wars gaming experience.

5. Star Wars Outlaws

The Underworld Life Opens Up To The Galaxy

Star Wars Outlaws offers the gaming community the initial open-world Star Wars game, brimming with side quests and narratives spanning numerous new and well-known planets. In this game, you rise through the criminal underworld, allowing for a balance between heroism and villainy. The gameplay combines action, stealth, and narrative choices to craft an extensive Star Wars experience.

The tale unfolds during a chaotic period in the galaxy, sandwiched between “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi,” with the Empire fully engrossed in their ongoing war. A character named Kay Vess emerges, tasked with gathering an elite group of outlaws for an audacious heist. This journey brings her into contact with several notable criminal overlords, such as Jabba the Hutt.

4. Star Wars: Republic Commando

Before The Bad Batch, There Was Delta Squad

Due to shows like “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” and “The Bad Batch,” the presence of clone commandos in the Star Wars universe strengthens the validity of “Star Wars: Republic Commando.” In essence, it serves as an early version of “The Bad Batch,” featuring a group of genetically engineered clones who serve the Republic as a specialized operations unit, capable of tasks beyond regular clones.

As a seasoned gamer stepping into the boots of a Republic Commando, I’ve found myself right in the thick of galactic warfare, from the ferocious fight on Geonosis to the strategic reinforcement of Kashyyyk. This Star Wars game masterfully combines nail-biting first-person shooter combat with the challenge of tactically commanding my squad. It’s not a walk in the park; it pushes me to my limits at every turn, forcing me to adapt and overcome instead of mindlessly blasting through battle droids, pirates, and exotic alien species.

3. Star Wars: Battlefront 2

War Can Turn Stormtroopers Into Heroes

In the story mode of Star Wars: Battlefront 2, it is demonstrated that not every Stormtrooper is a mere slave to the Empire. Instead, characters like Iden Versio undergo a significant transformation from Imperial commandos to high-ranking commanders in the New Republic. This narrative provides fans with valuable insights into the Star Wars universe, such as the destruction of Star Destroyers on Jakku and the Resistance’s discovery of information about the Dreadnought, as seen in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

As a devoted fan, I’d say what truly stands out is the immersive online multiplayer journey it provides, encompassing every Star Wars era. This game boasts an impressive array of features including maps, characters, units, vehicles, weapons, and abilities galore. Despite having its last update years ago, Star Wars: Battlefront 2 continues to captivate a dedicated community who still engage in exhilarating land, air, and space battles.

2. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

The Purge Of The Jedi Left Many Scars

The narrative of Cal Kestis in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order skillfully portrays the emotional turmoil and hardships endured by a young Jedi following the aftermath of Order 66. Set five years post-Revenge of the Sith, Cal Kestis is relentlessly pursued by Sith Inquisitors and their Imperial troops as he strives to shield other children with Force sensitivity from being discovered.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order was crafted by Respawn Entertainment to deliver the experience of playing an immersive Star Wars film, complete with captivating lightsaber battles. It’s been likened to games like Bloodborne or Elden Ring, but it’s less punishing in its difficulty, blending elements of Metroidvania and Tomb Raider, resulting in a unique blend that proved incredibly popular, even among Star Wars games.

1. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Cal’s Story Gets Even Darker In The Sequel

In the sequel, Cameron Monaghan, the performer behind Cal Kestis, along with Respawn Entertainment’s crew, are back to build upon the foundation laid by the original game. The new installment, titled Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, offers larger galaxies, enhanced personalization for Cal, refined lightsaber battles, and a more somber narrative that tests Cal’s resolve as a Jedi, possibly even driving him towards darker paths.

Similar to its predecessor, “Star Wars Jedi: Survivor” further explores how survival can shape a character’s personality towards darkness, with intriguing narrative developments. It also incorporates aspects that tie into various “Star Wars” lore, like traces of the High Republic, but even those unfamiliar with “Star Wars” can appreciate it fully.

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2025-05-06 10:02