Summary
- Star Wars games have introduced plenty of intriguing Jedi characters, such as Juhani and Bastila Shan from Knights of the Old Republic.
- Other examples of strong original Jedi characters include Jaden Korr from Jedi Academy and Kyle Katarn from Dark Forces.
- Cal Kestis from Jedi: Fallen Order and Jedi: Survivor has emerged as a popular Jedi hero, known for his strong morals and connection to iconic characters.
The Star Wars universe is filled with fascinating characters of all sorts, from power-hungry Sith Lords to cunning scoundrels and, of course, honorable Jedi Knights. Over the years, many Star Wars games have introduced fully original, playable, saber-wielding characters that fans quickly become attached to.
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In these games, players are often given the role of a Jedi Knight or Padawan, allowing them to carve their own path. Some games even go as far as letting players switch sides during their journey. In many cases, however, players are given a predefined Jedi character to follow through a carefully crafted Star Wars story. Below are some of the best and most memorable Jedi characters, both main and supporting, who made their debut in Star Wars games.
6 Juhani
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic features many fascinating Jedi characters, including the grumpy hermit Jolee Bindo, Jedi Master Vandar Tokare (a member of Yoda's species), and Revan's teacher, Master Zhar Lestin. Among the most interesting companions is Juhani, a fallen Jedi Knight of the rare Cathar race. Juhani is consumed by sadness and anger after mistakenly believing she caused her Master's death.
If players choose the Dark Side early in KotOR, they may opt to kill Juhani when they meet her on Dantooine. However, if players show compassion, they can redeem Juhani and bring her back to the light, making her a powerful Jedi Guardian. Not only is Juhani's story emotionally charged, but she also becomes one of the strongest Jedi companions in Knights of the Old Republic. Furthermore, in true BioWare fashion, Juhani was introduced as the first LGBTQ character in Star Wars, long before such representation appeared in the films or TV series.
5 Jaden Korr
Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy
Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy was one of the first Star Wars games to offer a robust character creator, allowing fans to shape the protagonist, Jaden Korr, to their liking. Whether male or female, human, Twi'lek, Rodian, or Zabrak, such flexibility is rare even in modern Star Wars games. Additionally, Jaden Korr is a fully voiced protagonist, and players are given the choice to remain a Jedi Knight or fall to the Dark Side and become a Sith in the latter half of the game.
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The story of Jaden Korr, who is trained in the Jedi ways by none other than Kyle Katarn, is filled with memorable missions and characters, including encounters with Chewbacca and Boba Fett. The most important relationship in the game is between Jaden Korr and their fellow student, Rosh Penin, another of Katarn's apprentices, whose actions can ultimately lead Korr to the Dark Side.
4 Bastila Shan
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Bastila Shan is a key Jedi character in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and one of the most promising young Jedi, known for her mastery of the incredibly powerful Battle Meditation technique. Because of this, she becomes a prime target for the Sith Lord, Darth Malak, who eventually captures, tortures, and subdues her to his will. Players are given the choice to either join dark Bastila on her new path or help her return to the light and redeem her.
Bastila Shan has significant dialogue throughout Knights of the Old Republic and is known for her quick temper. Her special connection to Darth Revan also makes her a potential love interest for male characters in the game, adding an emotional layer to her otherwise guarded personality.
3 The Exile (Meetra Surik)
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 - The Sith Lords
Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords
- Released
- December 6, 2004
- Developer(s)
- Obsidian Entertainment, Aspyr
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Meetra Surik, also known as the Exile, is the protagonist of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 - The Sith Lords. Depending on players' choices, Surik can be either a Jedi Knight or a Sith. However, the story aligns best with the light side, as it ties into the game's theme of restoring the fading Jedi Order, whose last members are being hunted by the Sith.
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Meetra Surik also played a significant role in Star Wars: The Old Republic, where the character was canonically established as a light-sided female. The Exile has endured many hardships, surviving near-death experiences and having her connection to the Force severed twice. Kreia's teachings have undoubtedly left a profound impact on Surik, shaping her in ways other Jedi Masters could scarcely imagine, adding to her trials and her resolve until the very end.
2 Kyle Katarn
Star Wars: Dark Forces
Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster
- Released
- February 28, 2024
- Developer(s)
- LucasArts, NightDive Studios
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- FPS
Kyle Katarn debuted in 1995's Star Wars: Dark Forces and quickly became one of the most popular characters in Star Wars gaming. Since his introduction, Kyle Katarn has appeared in Dark Forces II, Mysteries of the Sith, Jedi Outcast, Jedi Academy, Empire at War, Lethal Alliance, and numerous Star Wars novels — testaments to his lasting success with the fanbase.
Katarn is a dynamic character, starting as a member of the Galactic Empire before becoming a mercenary for hire, often assisting the Rebel Alliance. Eventually, he was trained in the ways of the Force, evolving into a skilled Jedi and a respected figure within the New Republic. He even became a prominent instructor at the Jedi Academy, second only to Luke Skywalker, teaching students such as Jaden Korr.
1 Cal Kestis
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
- Released
- November 15, 2019
- Developer(s)
- Respawn Entertainment
- Platform(s)
- PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC, Stadia
Cal Kestis is one of the newest additions to the rich roster of Jedi introduced in Star Wars gaming, yet he's already one of the most beloved heroes. Brought to life through Respawn's strong writing and Cameron Monaghan's performance, Kestis quickly established himself as a sincere, kind, and resilient young Jedi. He never backs down from challenges, driven by a strong moral compass and determination to do what is right.
Cal Kestis' interactions with supporting characters like Cere Junda, Merrin, Bode Akuna, Greez Dritus, Eno Cordova, and especially BD-1, highlight his high morals and open temperament. His brief brush with the Dark Side in Jedi: Survivor also shows his depth. Many fans have been calling for a live-action portrayal of Cal Kestis, and with his numerous connections to other iconic characters, including Saw Gerrera, Tarfful, Darth Vader, and Boba Fett, there's still a chance for him to appear on the big screen in the future.
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