“The 4th” is the perfect day to remember why Star Wars has become such a beloved and iconic franchise in pop culture throughout the years and in any media imaginable – and what better way to celebrate that than to keep the party going all week?
The saga began back in the 1970s with a simple, but powerful story about a world dominated by the “good vs. evil” spectrum, with the Jedi and the Sith. Its success was so great that it didn’t take long for that galaxy far, far away to conquer the world of comic books, our TVs, and video games.
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And if you’re like me and in the mood to celebrate this legacy, you’re in luck! That’s because I woke up feeling a little fuzzy today and decided to rank some of the best characters we’ve ever controlled in a Star Wars game. Before we jump in, a quick warning: we focus on well-known characters with their own stories and personalities. This means we don’t include customizable protagonists, so don’t expect to see titles like this Knights of the Old Republic or Jedi Academy here.
With that in mind, let’s focus on getting that X-Wing out of the swamp and get straight to the list!
7
Jango Fett
Star Wars: The Bounty Hunter
Let’s start with a face every movie fan knows, right? Star Wars: The Bounty Hunter (which just got a great reminder, by the way) puts you right in Jango Fett’s jetpacking boots, and it has everything you could want in a game with that premise and then some.
Although the controls in this 22-year-old may feel dull by modern standards (even a reminder), you get to be a passionate hunter in a way you rarely see outside of novels and comics. And this is only possible because Jango is an interesting, almost mysterious figure in Star Wars lore, and in this story, we get to see exactly how he earned his reputation as the best in the business.
So, with great voice acting and gadgets that blend well into battle, Jango is a cool feature starter for this list. Sadly, the game doesn’t explain why bounty hunters are so trendy, but maybe that’s asking too much.
6
Iden Versio
Star Wars Battlefront II
Iden Versio is the female protagonist of Star Wars Battlefront IIand he stands out because he starts where most actors fear to tread: as a high-ranking Imperial officer.
While his story ultimately follows the classic rescue arc (it wouldn’t really be Star Wars without one, right?), the main campaign is at its peak when it shows the Imperial vision immediately after the destruction of the second Death Star. Iden is portrayed as a capable leader fighting for his cause, and while some fans wish he had stayed with the Empire longer, his journey remains human and well-constructed.
Beyond the game, his story was expanded upon in the comics, which manages to be even more interesting by providing a closer look at his time within the Empire, a perspective we don’t often see around other media. Ultimately, Iden is a complete badass, and between his digital and printed adventures, he is a hero (and anti-hero at the same time) who adds a lot of flavor to the restoration of the Jedi era.
5
The manager
Star Wars: Republic Commando
Long before the movie Star Wars: The Force Awakens tried to make the best soldiers in the galaxy, Republic Commando has already shown us that there is more to Stormtroopers than just faces in the crowd.
As the Commander, the leader of the elite Delta Squad, you are not only a space aide with a shining sword, but also a soldier in the trenches during the height of the Clone Wars. And we’re talking about a stoic character, a practical leader who links his team through some of the most fun missions in the franchise – and considering this is Star Wars, that’s saying a lot. Also, he voiced the legendary Temuera Morrison (known to many now as the face of Boba Fett in the TV series), adding an immediate layer of gravitas to the entire line.
The game’s “pew-pew” strategy and team management mechanics are still challenging and fun today, making you feel the real weight of every command you bark at your brothers and adding more weight to the Boss story. Surely stepping into the boots of a special Clone Commando and blasting away battle droids is a thrill ride every fan needs to experience at least once.
4
Kyle Katarn
Star Wars: The Dark Forces & Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast
I just love Kyle Katarn because he is a character that was first introduced to the Star Wars universe through the video game – 1995’s. Dark Power – and so incredibly badass that he instantly won over gamers and the people behind the IP alike. He became a fan favorite until he ended up acting in consecutive games and even appeared in other media in this game.
And that’s why his journey is legendary: he starts out as a former Imperial soldier turned mercenary who destroys the Empire’s secret Dark Trooper project in his first outing. Eventually, he becomes a Jedi with superpowers, and I mean really superpowers, so much so that some fans have given him the name Chuck Norris in the Star Wars universe.
Therefore, whether he uses a hot detonator or a lightsaber, Kyle represents the perfect bridge between the scoundrel and the Jedi archetypes. That alone makes him an amazing character whose history still speaks to this day. And, thanks to the recent anniversary of 2024, Kyle is more accessible than ever, so there’s no reason not to get to know this guy.
3
Kay Vess
Star Wars Outlaws
One of the newest additions to the Star Wars family, Kay Vess, arrived in 2024 Star Wars Outlaws to show us the life of a mercenary in a huge and truly diverse open world. It’s the kind of game where you can find something to do in every shady cantina or beautiful place you come across.
And what makes Kay so lovable is that she is not the daughter of a fairy or a chosen war hero, but just a girl with an extraordinary talent for finding things, no matter what the situation. He’s funny, he’s lucky, he actually has to learn his skills from experts across the galaxy as he progresses, and, most importantly, he’s a fresh, relatable face in a galaxy that’s often dominated by fate-heavy and popular bloodlines.
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Oh, and we mustn’t forget the exchange between Kay and her pet friend, Nix. Their bond is arguably more endearing than your average droid duo, adding a lot of heart to his journey through the galactic underworld.
2
Starkiller
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
Are you canon? Probably not, many fans would say. Are you strong? Of course, everyone will agree. These two are exactly what make Starkiller, the main character Star Wars: The Force Unleashedstands out among the sea of Star Wars characters, which tend to split public opinion right down the middle.
Starkiller (or Galen Marek, if you prefer his real name) is a secret apprentice of Darth Vader, and his powers, to put it professionally, are completely broken. We’re literally talking about a guy who can pull a Star Destroyer through the sky using only the Force. While this creates a fun and premium gaming experience, it also makes many fans wonder if that level of power is for real.
Regardless of whether you think his OP nature makes sense, Galen Marek’s story is a thrilling tale of betrayal and self-discovery, fueled by a wonderfully stylized use of the Force. While his power level makes him difficult to reintegrate into current canon without a major nerf, he represents an interesting “What If?” a situation where the Force has been turned up to eleven. In fact, we love him for the chaos he brings to the galaxy.
1
Cal Kestis
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order & Survivor
Taking the top spot is the ginger Jedi himself, Cal Kestis! Presented to Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and further developed in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Cal is portrayed by actor Cameron Monaghan, who brings to the game an emotional depth that is hard to match in the franchise.
While it’s true that the Order 66 trope has become a joke (since it seems like everyone managed to survive the purge), C’s journey feels very rewarding. He was just a Padawan when the Sith strike, finding himself alone in a world he didn’t fully understand, so this sets the stage for a powerful story of self-discovery.
Cal’s arc is defined by trauma, growth, and the beauty of finding a new family when you’ve lost everything. Watching him transform from a nervous Padawan in Fallen Order to a classic (albeit somewhat improved) Jedi in the sequel is great character development. Oh, and the games feature a fighting style inspired by the Soulsborne titles and the heart found in the best Star Wars films, which fits Cal’s story like a glove.
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