Star Wars video games have existed since the franchise began, with over a hundred titles set in its massive universe. Of course, these games take players to the galaxy far, far away to fight off the evil Sith, wield lightsabers, use the Force, and more.
Due to the franchise's fame and influence, its game versions are dubbed some of the best sci-fi games ever.
Dating back to the earliest home consoles, some are based on the movies while others are on the Expanded Universe.
As fans wait for Star Wars Outlaws' release, here are the ten best Star Wars games ever.
Star Wars: Squadrons
Players into space battles and piloting ships will love Star Wars: Squadron.
Developed by Motive Studio and published by Electronic Arts, the space combat game is set in the Star Wars universe and released for PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
It features multiplayer game modes and a single-player campaign set after the Return of the Jedi.
The gameplay alternates between the New Republic’s Vanguard Squadron and the Galactic Empire’s Titan Squadron.
The two get involved with the Republic’s Project Starhawk, which the Vanguard Squadron wants to complete, and the Titan Squadron aims to destroy.
Star Wars: Battlefront II
The latest instalment of the Star Wars: Battlefront series and a sequel to the 2015 reboot, Star Wars: Battlefront II, is an action shooter video game with single-player and multiplayer modes.
It’s lauded for having more content than its predecessor, though it received mixed reviews for its single-player modes.
However, there’s no denying that one of its best features is having Dark Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi as playable characters.
Developed by DICE in collaboration with Criterion Games and Motive Studios and published by Electronic Arts, it’s available for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One.
Star Wars: The Old Republic
Massive multiplayer online role-playing video games (MMORPG) fans should try Star Wars: The Old Republic.
Based on estimates, it is one of the most developmentally expensive games, with a reported budget of $200 million.
However, it quickly paid off after gaining a million subscribers within three days of its launch.
It’s even dubbed the world’s “fastest-growing MMO ever.” Though it lost subscribers in the following months, it remains profitable.
Developed by BioWare for Microsoft Windows, players can join the Republic or the Sith and choose different gameplay styles.
It also features extensive customisation options, fully voiced dialogue, companion characters, and dialogue options, making it one of the best MMORPGs of today.
Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords
Despite being launched incomplete, Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords received generally positive reception.
Its story features a darker take on BioWare’s approach to KOTOR, with the main character being an exiled Jedi.
Developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by LucasArts, it’s available for Xbox, Microsoft Windows, OX X, Linux, Android, iOS, and Nintendo Switch.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Older introduced fans to a new Star Wars hero, Cal Kestis.
Set five years after Revenge of the Sith, it follows the Jedi Padawan as he becomes a target of the Galactic Empire and is hunted by Imperial Inquisitors as he tries to complete his training and rebuild the fallen Jedi Order.
Critics love this game, praising its combat, characters, performance, and world design.
The game, developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts, is available for PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Star Wars Rogue Squadron 2: Rogue Leader
Star Wars Rogue Squadron 2: Rogue Leader was released for the GameCube in North America in November 2001.
Sure, it's an older game, but it features one of the finest renditions of the famous Trench Run in a video game.
It received critical acclaim for its graphics, sound, and gameplay. The game spans all three original Star Wars trilogy films, and players can control either Luke Skywalker or Wedge Antilles.
Rogue Leader is co-developed by Factor 5 and LucasArts and is published by the latter.
Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast
Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast sets the standard for the franchise’s third-person action games.
It features Kyle Katarn's return after Star Wars: Dark Forces, allowing him to regain his connection with the Force and face the Empire alone.
With its excellent single-player campaign, it received generally positive reviews thanks to its great story and lightsaber combat.
Developed using a more powerful game engine, ID Tech 3, its hack and slash combat is heavily improved, making it the game’s focus instead of its shooter elements.
Developed by Raven Software and published by LucasArts, it’s available for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS by Westlake Interactive, Mac by Aspyr, and Xbox and GameCube by Vicarious Visions.
Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Many consider Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga the premiere Star Wars video game.
That’s because it's the only game where you can play almost any character in the franchise and play through all of the original, prequel, and sequel trilogies.
It also features slight changes to the story, adding more context that bridges the gaps between the movies.
It sold over 3.2 million copies within two weeks of its release and was praised for its graphics, level design, and humour.
The game, developed by Traveller’s Tales and published by Warner Bros. Games, is available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Respawn Entertainment has done it again, bringing us more magnificent gameplay with the release of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor in 2023.
A sequel to Fallen Order, it continues Cal’s journey five years after the first game. Here, he and his friends continuously struggle to survive the threat of the Galactic Empire.
The title received generally positive reviews from critics, though its PC version was criticised for technical issues.
Survivor is available for PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
Star Wars: Knights of The Old Republic
Of course, this list wouldn't be complete without Star Wars: Knights of The Old Republic.
Though released over 20 years ago, the space-western role-playing video game has remained the best Star Wars game.
Set a thousand years before the main timeline, it gives fans a different look at the Star Wars universe and adds depth to the lore.
It immerses players in the vast universe with several additions, changing what they already know about the galaxy.
Gaining critical acclaim, it has also won numerous awards and is loved by fans and critics alike.
Created and developed by BioWare, it’s available for original Xbox, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, OS X, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, IOS, and Android.
Which of these games do you love the most? Let us know in the comments below.
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