Over the past few decades, EA has created some stellar Star Wars video games in a galaxy far, far away. From epic battles in space to a grand Jedi adventure featuring Cal Kestis, the Electronic Arts adaptations have been overall great (at least after their initial release period). Here are the best Star Wars games, ranked.
Star Wars Battlefront (2015)
When Star Wars Battlefront was released a decade ago, it was an exciting time to be a fan of lightsabers, Jedi, and the Sith. We were in a new age with Disney in control, and The Force Awakens wowed audiences around the world. That hype carried over into Star Wars Battlefront with high-fidelity graphics from the team that makes the Battlefield games, DICE. Environments we know and love are lovingly recreated in this 2015 title.
I remember struggling with my internet connection in my dorm room, but still loving blasting foes with the AT-AT walker’s destructive weaponry. It was also fun controlling the Jedi and the Sith whenever possible. There was unfortunately, no single player campaign attached, which would be remedied in the sequel. Nevertheless, it was one of the best-selling games in the franchise as of 2021.
Star Wars Battlefront 2 (2005)
10 years earlier than the reboot, EA also published Star Wars Battlefront 2, which was developed by the now long-defunct Pandemic Studios. It features a grand selection of maps from across the series’ history, letting you battle in factories of Geonosis and the streets of Tatooine. Yes, the graphics aren’t as impressive as EA’s latest slate, but the gameplay itself is still fun to this day as you control multiple classes and characters throughout Star Wars history. It’s a love letter to the fans in game form.
Star Wars: The Old Republic
Star Wars: The Old Republic lets us live out our fantasies in the universe that George Lucas created. We can be a Jedi, a Sith, a bounty hunter, and many other classes. We have compelling dialogue options you can expect from the developer of the game, BioWare (now Broadsword, who has taken over), who has created the Mass Effect and Dragon Age franchises. You can also get into intense battles within this unique setting before many, many years before the events of the movies take place. Despite being over 13 years old, the game is still getting Very Positive reviews from Steam users.
Star Wars Squadrons
While watching the original trilogy, we all dreamed of piloting an X-Wing or a TIE Fighter, depending on which side of the Force we reside in. Star Wars Squadrons realizes that fantasy in video game form, even letting VR users dive right into the cockpit. You don’t need a VR headset to play the game, however. Star Wars Squadrons has both a single-player story campaign and multiplayer modes, making this an essential title for fans of the ships in the galaxy far, far away. You can even customize the ships you control to your liking.
The game is also a looker. “Each location is masterfully designed with skyboxes that rival Destiny in visual spectacle and beauty, and these visuals translate flawlessly in VR,” said our review.
Star Wars Battlefront 2 (2017)
For those disappointed with the first reboot of Star Wars Battlefront, the sequel made up for its shortcomings. Despite a rocky launch with an annoying loot box system, the game has now matured into a stellar experience for fans of Lucasfilm’s galaxy. You can fight in all three major eras of Star Wars, letting you fight in a beautifully realized version of Naboo from Episode 1 and the intense battles of Hoth from Episode V.
DICE knows how to make a game set in warfare, and you get the gritty feel of that environment within the majestic environments of the Star Wars universe. There’s also a thrilling campaign with a new main character, Iden Versio, who switches sides from the Empire to the Rebels mid-way through the game. It’s better than you may expect. I remember thoroughly enjoying my time with it as I shot at the Stormtroopers and took on TIE Fighters in space.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Cal Kestis begins his journey in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, a tale that takes place after the horrendous Order 66 that wipes out a majority of the Jedi. He’s on the run from the Empire after years of hiding. He learns more about the Jedi ways throughout this adventure, as he was a mere Padawan when the Order occurred.
The game features intense action in its combat as you take down tricky foes and Stormtroopers along the way. It feels inspired by Soulslikes as the gameplay can be challenging, and you get experience by eliminating enemies. Jedi: Fallen Order also holds one of the best storylines within the new era of Star Wars, and it is confirmed to be canon if you care about that. The graphics are even better with a PS5 and Xbox Series X|S update available.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Big open environments to explore, and a grand epic adventure that takes the action of the first game to greater heights, is what the sequel, Jedi: Survivor, offers to players. The Force is strong with this one as it has incredible set-piece moments that rival the movies, and well-created boss battles that will keep you on your toes. It also has some fun platforming segments that require you to use the Force powers that Kestis has accumulated.
The story is well-made as well, and a treat for Star Wars fans. “Respawn Entertainment knows how to weave an interesting tale, something made very apparent by its track record with games like Titanfall 2,” said our review. “Star Wars Jedi: Survivor’s story deploys the best of what Respawn has to offer, with emotions running high from the get-go.” It’s certainly one of, if not the best, Star Wars games out there.
