Since 1977 when Luke Skywalker first gazed at the twin suns of Tatooine, Star Wars has captured the hearts and minds of millions of new fans every single year. Many children grow up wishing they could fly their own X-Wing or command the power of the force. Thankfully many game developers have felt the same way and have given us some incredible titles over the years that allow us to visit the Galaxy far far away without ever leaving our couches.
If you’re anything like me the release of Star Wars Squadrons and LEGO Star Wars The Skywalker Saga being right around the corner probably has you itching for a Star Wars Fix. In that spirit, I prepared a list of 10 games you can play right now to help satisfy that Star Wars addiction you have. May the force be with you.
10. Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes (iOS, Android, 2015)
Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes Gameplay
The Star Wars universe is home to a frankly massive roster of iconic characters. From film classics like Han Solo and Yoda to beloved animated heroes like Ahsoka Tano. Not to mention characters like Mara Jade, or Grand Admiral Thrawn from the old books of the Legends canon. Galaxy of Heroes is a mobile game where all of those characters unite in a fun, easy to jump into free to play turn-based RPG experience. With an incredibly dedicated developer, adding new characters every day. This is the only game where Luke Skywalker and Darth Revan can fight side by side so that makes it a worthy addition to this list alone.
Sure the timeline of these fights make no sense but that doesn't make it not fun.
9. Star Wars: The Old Republic (PC, 2011)
Star Wars: The Old Republic Gameplay
BioWare took everyone to the galaxy far far away once before with one of the greatest RPGs ever made. Now they return in a solid MMO experience that sets itself apart with its unprecedented storytelling ability. Despite being released almost ten years ago, this free to play game is still fully supported by its developer and has a healthy player base, making it a blast to play even a decade later.
This is just one of thousands of legendary showdowns happening every day in The Old Republic
8. Star Wars Episode I: Racer (N64, Switch, PS4, PC, Mac, 1999)
Star Wars Episode I: Racer Gameplay
Recently released for the Nintendo Switch, the most chaotic F-Zero clone of all time gets its turn in the spotlight. Even the most ardent critics of the Phantom Menace tree that the Podrace scene is pure adrenaline-fueled fun. And that's exactly what you can expect from this rereleased N64 title. Good luck unlocking Sebulba though.
The Switch version is great but, truthfully, I preferred the one at Chuck-e-Cheese
7. Star Wars: Empire at War (PC, Mac, 2006)
Star Wars Empire at War Gameplay
It's hard to believe that it took up until 2006 for the world to be given a strong Star Wars RTS. Empire at War gives you control of either the rebellion or the empire in the fateful civil war that serves as the backdrop for the original movies. With both epic space battles and massive ground skirmishes, this title puts the war in Star Wars.
The epic space battles is where Empire at War really shines.
6. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Mac, 2008)
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Gameplay
One of the last games released by Lucasarts before their closure, the force unleashed and its sequel was the hack and slash power trip fans never knew they wanted. From the first trailer, featuring a Star Destroyer being ripped out of the sky by a lone force user, fans knew that at long last they would have a game where they could truly command the force. And man did it feel good. The hapless stormtroopers that make up your cannon fodder do not stand a chance against your unimaginable power. So step into the boots of Starkiller and prepare to Unleash your power.
"You're a jedi boy! Size means nothing to you! Pull it out of the sky!"
5. Star Wars: Vader Immortal (Oculus Rift, Oculus Quest, 2019)
Star Wars: Vader Immortal Gameplay
Released as a launch title for the Oculus Quest, Vader Immortal is Star Wars’ first major foray into VR. In true Star Wars tradition, this immersive story was released in a three-part trilogy, all giving the player full motion control of a lightsaber and some intuitive force powers, all the while telling a gripping and emotional tale about cinema’s greatest villain. If you have a VR setup, you can't skip this title.
"Impressive, most impressive."
4. LEGO Star Wars The Complete Saga (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, iOS PC, Mac, 2007)
LEGO Star Wars The Complete Saga Gameplay
Believe it or not, there was a time where Travelers Tales did not release a new LEGO game every year. Before they had games covering The Avengers, DC, Harry Potter, and even Indiana Jones, the first two Lego games ever released covered the original six films in glorious blocky detail. Everything that you expect from a lego game is here, slapstick collect-a-thons with fun simple puzzles that you can do with a buddy by your side. No matter how old you are, you will have a blast with this game, except for maybe the podrace level.
Hard to see how they can top this with the Skywalker Saga, but I'm willing to play it to find out
3. Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy (Xbox, Switch, PS4, PC, Mac, 2003)
Star Wars Jedi Knight Jedi Academy Gameplay
Before the Disney sequel trilogy, it was up to the games to fill in the details of the events after the movies. Enter Jedi Academy, the third game in the Jedi Knight series or fourth in the Dark Forces series (yeah it's a bit confusing), this action-adventure game gave you the chance to build your Jedi from the start. Jaden Korr, is your chance to live out your Star Wars dream and rub shoulders with the cast of the original films. All the while enjoying the best lightsaber combat in any Star Wars game before or since.
I challenge you to find lightsaber gameplay that's more fun than this
2. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (Xbox One, PS4, PC, 2019)
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Gameplay
There is a ton to be said about Respawn Entertainment’s game of the year winning adventure title. You could point out how the Dark Souls inspired combat combined with Metroid style exploration is a gorgeous marriage of gameplay. You could talk about how Cal Kestis’ story is powerful, engaging, and stands up there with the best stories in the Star Wars Universe. Or you could note that all of this was included in a game with absolutely zero reliance on DLC. Jedi Fallen Order is a rarity in AAA titles, the complete package.
Cal Kestis is one of the best things to come out of Disney's hand at Star Wars
1. Star Wars: Battlefront II (Xbox One, PS4, PC, 2017)
Star Wars Battlefront II Gameplay
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a game face such an uphill battle as Battlefront II. Not only did it have to exceed its barebones predecessor, but would also have to live up to the incredible standards of 2005’s Battlefront 2. The launch was fine but was plagued by a broken progression system and server issues. Many people were ready to write off Battlefront II as just another failure. But much like the Story of Darth Vader himself, the story of Battlefront II is redemption. Through months and months of support from both modders and the development team, Battlefront II received update after update of free content to help the game live up to its lofty potential. And now, Battlefront II stands as the definitive Star Wars gaming experience, and a reminder that hope is never truly lost.
"We've all changed, look at you, you used to be dead."
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