For over four decades, Star Wars has captured our imaginations with its epic tales of good versus evil set in a sci-fi universe full of unique aliens, cool spaceships, and the cosmic Force. As both the movie saga and expanded universe grew in popularity over the years, video games became a natural way for fans to further immerse themselves in the rich Star Wars galaxy. Just as fans have passionate debates over their favorite films in the Skywalker saga, Star Wars gamers also enjoy discussing and ranking the very best interactive experiences set in their beloved franchise.
In this article, we count down the 10 best Star Wars video games ever made. To come up with this definitive list, we weighed several factors: critical reception at the time of release, long-term fan appreciation, historical significance and influence, as well as how much pure entertainment value these games still provide today.
The list spans multiple decades and platforms, featuring fan-favorite classics as well as more recent blockbuster hits. From thrilling aerial combat sims to emotionally-gripping roleplaying epics, the games featured here all allow players to live out their Star Wars fantasies like never before. Strap yourself in – we’re making the jump to lightspeed as we revisit the greatest interactive adventures a galaxy far, far away has to offer!
10. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
- Released: 2019
- Developers: Respawn Entertainment
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
In Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, you play as Cal Kestis, a former Jedi padawan in hiding years after the Jedi Purge. When Cal accidentally exposes his Force abilities, he must go on the run while trying to complete his Jedi training and restore the fallen Order. This action-packed adventure combines lightsaber and Force combat with platforming and exploration across a variety of alien worlds.
Gameplay has often been compared to Dark Souls and Metroid in how Cal gains new abilities that allow him to access previously unreachable areas. The combat equally balances defense and offense, with parrying and dodging attacks playing a key role against formidable foes like AT-STs and the Imperial Inquisitors hunting Cal. Alongside traversal challenges, you’ll solve environmental puzzles and unlock customization options for Cal, his companion droid BD-1, and the lightsaber itself.
While its combat could frustrate some, Fallen Order stands out for presenting a fresh Star Wars story with a compelling new hero while also delivering robust gameplay mechanics. It marked an impressive first step into the franchise for developer Respawn Entertainment that reinvigorated the Star Wars video game landscape.
9. Star Wars: Battlefront II
- Released: 2005
- Developers: Pandemic Studios
- Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox, PC
This classic Battlefront sequel built wonderfully on what its predecessor established two years prior. While keeping the series’ signature warfare gameplay across iconic planets, Battlefront II added new playable Hero characters like Yoda and Darth Vader along with space battles and a fun single-player campaign.
That campaign specifically was a highlight, telling an engaging story of a secret clone trooper fighting from the frontlines of the Clone Wars to the Galactic Civil War. You got to pilot vehicles and use other Hero characters while advancing through special objective-based missions. The narrative added greater emotional impact to the game while showcasing the expanding breadth of Star Wars lore.
Nearly two decades later after its initial release, Battlefront II remains highly regarded for how it improved every aspect of the first Battlefront game. Its use of Hero characters during matches created some of the most memorable player-controlled moments in Star Wars gaming history. For seamlessly blending exciting multiplayer with a story-focused campaign, it more than earns its spot among the ten best Star Wars video games.
8. Star Wars Rogue Squadron 2: Rogue Leader
- Released: 2001
- Developers: Factor 5
- Platform: Nintendo GameCube
Exclusive to the Nintendo GameCube, Rogue Leader wowed audiences with how it showcased the new console’s graphical capabilities. A launch title for the GameCube in 2001, its depiction of the Star Wars universe was stunning at the time and helped drive early adoption for Nintendo’s newest platform.
But Rogue Leader had much more going for it beyond impressive visuals. This arcade-style action game put you right into the cockpits of the most famous Rebel Alliance starfighters as you battled Imperial forces. Missions adapted iconic sequences from the films, like destroying Death Star reactors and surviving asteroid fields and TIE Fighter ambushes. The game also featured expanded levels that explored other settings like Cloud City and Mos Eisley.
While its predecessor Rogue Squadron already set a high standard for its era, Rogue Leader improved everything about the aerial combat experience with tighter flight controls, expanded maneuverability options, and more accurately modelled vehicles. Coupled with the GameCube’s raw power, Rogue Leader was the definitive Star Wars space battle game for its time. It also laid the foundation for follow-ups Rebel Strike and Battlefront’s amazing dogfighting modes.
7. Star Wars Jedi Knight 2: Jedi Outcast
- Released: 2002
- Developers: Raven Software, Vicarious Visions
- Platforms: Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox
Jedi Knight 2 picks up the story of Kyle Katarn, former Rebel soldier turned Jedi. Having previously surrendered much of his Force connection, Kyle must regain his powers to combat an imminent Sith threat targeting the New Republic. This first-person action game seamlessly blends ranged combat with up-close lightsaber action.
Missions span over a dozen story planets and areas, tasking players with objectives both big and small. Whether you’re infiltrating an Imperial base or cutting down Stormtroopers aboard the Star Destroyer Doomgiver, Jedi Outcast captures the fantastic essence of Star Wars. The dark forces Kyle battles are legitimately intimidating, with Force abilities used in concert with smart enemy AI. Mastering melee and Force combat together against overwhelming odds always feels powerful.
For providing great level variety, enemy types, and adaptable action gameplay, Jedi Knight 2 stands out as the best single-player first-person Star Wars experience. It features a compelling hero’s journey in Kyle Katarn and makes every lightsaber duel feel impactful thanks to excellent feedback and controls. Katarn deserves more big-screen adventures, but Jedi Outcast still represents his very best to date.
6. Star Wars Battlefront 2
- Released: 2017
- Developers: EA DICE, Motive Studios, Criterion Games
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
EA’s sequel to their Star Wars multiplayer shooter faced controversy prior to launch but has since become regarded as one of the franchise’s better first-person combat experiences. While the initial progression system was unfavorable for players, extensive post-release support saw massive improvements. Over two years worth of content updates added new maps, gameplay modes, cosmetics, and more without splitting the player base between paid expansions.
Battlefront 2 built on the rock-solid foundation established by EA DICE’s first Battlefront game. Blaster fire and weapon handling feel impactful across infantry and vehicular combat on land and in space. You can battle it out solo or grab friends and seamlessly transition between third-person lightsaber dueling to team coordination in 20v20 matches. There’s an overwhelming amount of era-authentic detail packed into every aspect of the game thanks to EA’s licensing deal.
Though hampered by a poor reveal, Battlefront 2 won over skeptical fans post-launch and remains popular today. Updates fixed early criticisms while providing one of the best platforms for experiencing Star Wars multiplayer mayhem firsthand. It offers something for all playstyles.
5. Star Wars: Republic Commando Remastered
- Originally Released: 2005
- Remaster Released: 2021
- Developers: LucasArts (original), Aspyr Media (remaster)
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
This enhanced port gave 2005’s Republic Commando a new lease on life with improved visuals and modern console availability. Set during the Clone Wars timeline, you command an elite squad of clone troopers called Delta Squad on covert missions against the Separatist droid army. Gameplay consists of strategic first-person shooting that blends squad coordination mechanics with adaptive enemy AI.
The remaster provides a smooth 60 frames per second framerate and native 4K resolution on supported devices. Aspyr also revamped the game’s controller layout for optimal comfort and overhauled textures, lighting, and character models. These enhancements make it much more palatable for players who don’t have access to legacy systems.
As a unique take on utilizing Republic clone units, Republic Commando still stands out today via its characters, combat design, and portrayal of moral gray areas within the Clone Wars. The remaster removes any barriers keeping current fans and newcomers alike from experiencing this engrossing Star Wars adventure.
4. Star Wars: TIE Fighter
- Released: 1994
- Developers: LucasArts
- Platforms: DOS, Mac OS
It may be nearly 30 years old, but TIE Fighter remains unmatched in portraying Imperial space combat. Players pilot various TIE starfighters in service to the Galactic Empire across several campaigns set shortly after The Empire Strikes Back film. Missions range from defending Imperial installations to intercepting smugglers and quashing rebellions.
Though considered a flight simulator, TIE Fighter utilized simplified gameplay mechanisms to enable accessible dogfighting fun. Flying your TIE and managing systems power distribution flows intuitively. The dynamic orchestral score reacts to the intensity of missions while voice communications add immersion. Over thirty ships with distinct characteristics keep progression exciting across tours of duty.
What truly made TIE Fighter special is how it humanized Imperial forces. You weren’t faceless cannon fodder, but an esteemed pilot rising through the ranks. It captured what drew many into the Empire’s service: not cartoon villain motivations, but patriotic fervor. TIE Fighter wasn’t afraid to acknowledge Imperial moral complexity.
For sympathetically conveying motivations on both sides of the war through best-in-class space battles, no Star Wars game has yet challenged TIE Fighter’s cockpit immersion. It remains the quintessential Imperial space combat experience decades later.
3. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
- Released: 2022
- Developers: TT Games
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC
LEGO Star Wars games have reliably translated the adventures from a galaxy far, far away into fun for all ages since 2005. But 2022’s The Skywalker Saga represents the pinnacle evolution of TT Games’ toy-inspired formula across nine episodic movies. Improved graphics, revamped combat, voice acting, and open-world design elements make this the most ambitious LEGO title yet.
Spanning The Phantom Menace to The Rise of Skywalker, levels humorously adapt films’ most famous moments using LEGO figurines and environments. You can freely jump to episodes letting you create your own play order. Exploration unlocks kyber bricks used to access even more areas or purchase character-themed upgrades. Playful puzzles leverage specific heroes’ powers like Force telekinesis or bounty hunter tools.
Overflowing with content and respect for Star Wars, The Skywalker Saga grew the LEGO license into a modern adventure that looks towards the future. Collecting bricks with friends and family across the saga’s worlds solidifies this as the light-hearted definitive interactive Star Wars experience.
2. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
- Released: 2003
- Developers: BioWare
- Platforms: Xbox, Microsoft Windows, OS X, iOS, Android
Set four thousand years before Star Wars Episode I, Knights of the Old Republic delivered a quintessential Star Wars roleplaying experience that still influences the franchise today. Choosing your character’s species, class, attributes and initial Force alignment provides deep roleplaying customization. Your choices dynamically impact conversations, story outcomes, and if your hero ultimately embraces the light or dark side. BioWare’s talent for emotionally resonant narratives is on full display in one of their final single-player focused RPGs before fully transitioning towards a multiplayer focus.
The exceptional original tale has you seeking a way to stop Darth Malak and his Sith forces from utilizing an ancient superweapon against the Jedi and Galactic Republic. You’ll recruit iconic companions like pilot Carth Onasi, Jedi Bastilla Shan, Twi’lek street urchin Mission Vao, and the assassin droid HK-47 across worlds featuring signature Star Wars races like Rodians, Hutts, and Wookies. Turn-based combat blends RPG ability mechanics with action-focused quick time events during cinematic flourishes. Whether facing a rancor monster or winning a swoop bike race, the journey keeps one surprise after another coming.
Upon release, critics praised how KOTOR organically integrated the essence of Star Wars into a wholly original era not bound by the creative restrictions of the well-known film settings and characters. The game proved how video games could expand the franchise’s lore meaningfully while laying groundwork for future beloved projects. Elements and characters from KOTOR have continually reappeared across novels, comic books, and even live-action television. It remains the quintessential Star Wars roleplaying experience over 15 years later and ushered in a renaissance period for the IP.
1. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
- Released: 2023
- Developers: Respawn Entertainment
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Picking up 5 years after 2019’s Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Survivor continues wandering Jedi Cal Kestis’ battle against the Empire’s Inquisitors seeking to eliminate the remnants of the Order. With polished combat and platforming returning alongside impactful narrative growth for Cal, Survivor stands tall as the current pinnacle of the action-adventure Star Wars gaming experience.
Set between the original and prequel trilogies, Cal’s quest takes him across a variety of cleverly designed worlds brimming with visual inspiration rooted in Ralph McQuarrie’s iconic concept art style. The frontier planet Koboh shows the struggling lower class caught in the Empire’s ever-tightening grasp. Thriving metropolises exemplify Imperial control through authoritarian architecture and patrols rooting out dissent. Each new biome offers environmental puzzles and parkour challenges requiring mastery of Cal’s evolving Force abilities and trusty lightsaber.
Dual-wielding weapons adds new dimension to the refined melee system. Parrying incoming fire with your blade before riposting laser bolts back at a trooper simply never gets old. Combat Bluetooth’s offense, defense and crowd control capabilities, perfectly evoking omnipotent Jedi power trip fantasy. Meanwhile, Cal has grown wiser and more battle-hardened, questioning past teachings as he balances trained instincts with empathy when confronting foes. Supporting allies old and new further emphasize his increased maturity.
By honing Fallen Order’s foundations into an emotional character-driven narrative brought to life through immersive world building and dynamic action gameplay, Survivor earns the top spot through respect for Star Wars mythos mixed with cutting-edge interactivity. It has already sparked imaginations theorizing where Cal’s journey may conclude after this middle chapter, cementing his place among the most compelling game-exclusive Star Wars heroes.
