The Star Wars franchise has produced some of the most memorable gaming experiences across four decades. From groundbreaking space combat simulators to narrative-driven RPGs, these games have allowed fans to live out their Star Wars fantasies. This comprehensive guide ranks the best Star Wars games based on critical acclaim, player reception, innovation, and lasting impact on gaming culture.
The Greatest Star Wars Games of All Time
1. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003)
Platform: PC, Xbox, Mobile
Developer: BioWare
Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) isn’t just the best Star Wars game—many consider it among the greatest RPGs ever made. Set 4,000 years before the films, KOTOR gave BioWare complete creative freedom to craft an original story within the Star Wars universe.
Why It Stands Out:
- The Twist: Without spoiling for newcomers, KOTOR features one of gaming’s most legendary plot twists, rivaling even the “I am your father” moment from The Empire Strikes Back
- Meaningful Choices: Your decisions genuinely shape the story, determining whether you walk the path of the Jedi or succumb to the dark side
- Rich Character Development: Companions like HK-47 (the homicidal droid) and Jolee Bindo became instant fan favorites
- World-Building: Planets like Taris, Dantooine, and Korriban feel fully realized and distinct
The game’s influence extends beyond Star Wars gaming—it established the template for modern BioWare RPGs and proved licensed games could achieve critical masterpiece status.
2. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (2019)
Platform: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Fallen Order marked a triumphant return for single-player Star Wars games after years of multiplayer-focused releases. This Souls-like action-adventure game follows Cal Kestis, a Padawan survivor of Order 66, as he rebuilds his connection to the Force.
What Makes It Special:
- Souls-Inspired Combat: Deliberate, challenging lightsaber duels that reward skill and timing
- Metroidvania Exploration: Interconnected worlds that open up as you gain new abilities
- Authentic Star Wars Feel: Captures the aesthetic and emotional weight of the films, particularly the prequels and original trilogy
- Strong Narrative: Cameron Monaghan delivers a compelling performance as Cal, supported by an excellent cast
The 2023 sequel, Jedi: Survivor, builds on this foundation with expanded combat, larger worlds, and deeper RPG mechanics, making it arguably even better than its predecessor.
3. Star Wars: TIE Fighter (1994)
Platform: PC
Developer: Totally Games
TIE Fighter did something revolutionary for its era—it let you play as the Empire and made you genuinely invested in the Imperial cause. This space combat simulator represented the pinnacle of the X-Wing series.
Revolutionary Features:
- Imperial Perspective: Experience the Galactic Civil War from the “other side” with morally complex storytelling
- Deep Tactical Gameplay: Managing power distribution between engines, weapons, and shields added strategic depth
- Progressive Story: Rise through Imperial ranks while uncovering political intrigue
- Technical Excellence: Pushed PC gaming boundaries with its graphics and physics simulation
Modern space sim enthusiasts still praise TIE Fighter’s mission design and flight model. The game proved that Star Wars villains could be protagonists without losing narrative weight.
4. Star Wars: Battlefront II (2005)
Platform: PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox, PSP
Developer: Pandemic Studios
Not to be confused with EA’s 2017 reboot, the original Battlefront II remains the gold standard for large-scale Star Wars combat. This multiplayer-focused shooter let you fight across all six films (at the time) with seamless ground-to-space transitions.
Key Features:
- Massive Battles: 64-player combat across iconic locations
- Hero Characters: Play as Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Yoda, and more
- Space Combat: Board enemy capital ships and destroy them from within
- Galactic Conquest: Strategic campaign mode that blended tactics with action
- Clone Wars Campaign: The 501st Journal provided a compelling Imperial soldier’s perspective
The game’s mod community remains active today, adding new maps, characters, and even entire eras to the experience.
5. Star Wars: Republic Commando (2005)
Platform: PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
Developer: LucasArts
Republic Commando offered a grittier, tactical take on Star Wars FPS gameplay. Leading an elite clone squad through the Clone Wars, you experience the conflict from the ground level—darker and more violent than typical Star Wars fare.
What Sets It Apart:
- Squad-Based Tactics: Issue commands to your team, each with unique personalities and roles
- Atmospheric Design: Gritty, lived-in environments showing the brutal reality of war
- Unique Perspective: Explores the humanity of clone troopers years before The Clone Wars series
- Visceral Combat: Melee executions and environmental kills made combat feel personal
The game ends on a cliffhanger that still frustrates fans decades later, but the journey remains exceptional.
6. LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga (2007)
Platform: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, DS, Mobile
Developer: Traveller’s Tales
LEGO Star Wars transformed licensed games by combining accessible gameplay with genuine humor. The Complete Saga packages the prequel and original trilogy into one charming, family-friendly adventure.
Why It’s Beloved:
- Universal Appeal: Simple enough for children, entertaining enough for adults
- Couch Co-op: Exceptional local multiplayer makes it perfect for families
- Humorous Retellings: Pokes fun at Star Wars tropes while showing clear affection for the source material
- Completionist Paradise: Hundreds of collectibles and unlockable characters
The LEGO Star Wars series revitalized LEGO games and spawned countless imitators. The 2022 Skywalker Saga remake modernizes the formula with open-world elements.
7. Star Wars: Empire at War (2006)
Platform: PC
Developer: Petroglyph Games
Empire at War brought grand strategy to Star Wars, letting you command entire fleets and armies across galactic campaigns. It’s the thinking fan’s Star Wars game.
Strategic Depth:
- Two-Layer Strategy: Manage galactic conquest while commanding real-time tactical battles
- Asymmetric Factions: Empire and Rebellion play dramatically differently
- Hero Units: Characters like Darth Vader and Han Solo serve as powerful but vulnerable assets
- Expandable Empire: The Forces of Corruption expansion added the criminal underworld as a third faction
The mod community has kept Empire at War alive with total conversions spanning from The Old Republic to the sequel trilogy.
8. Star Wars: Dark Forces (1995)
Platform: PC, PlayStation, Mac
Developer: LucasArts
Dark Forces brought Doom-style FPS gameplay to Star Wars, introducing Kyle Katarn—one of the Expanded Universe’s most popular characters. You steal the Death Star plans (pre-Rogue One retcon) and uncover the Empire’s Dark Trooper project.
Innovations:
- Vertical Level Design: Multi-floor environments advanced beyond Doom’s limitations
- Environmental Storytelling: Levels told stories through design and details
- Authentic Atmosphere: Captured the industrial, lived-in feel of the original trilogy
- Weapon Variety: Blasters, thermal detonators, and unique Star Wars weaponry
Its sequels—Jedi Knight, Jedi Outcast, and Jedi Academy—added Force powers and lightsaber combat, creating a beloved sub-series.
9. Star Wars: The Old Republic (2011-Present)
Platform: PC
Developer: BioWare
The Old Republic transformed KOTOR’s universe into an MMORPG with eight distinct class stories—essentially eight games in one. While originally subscription-based, it’s now free-to-play with optional subscriptions.
Massive Content:
- Multiple Storylines: Each class offers 30-50 hours of unique story content
- Fully Voiced: Every NPC conversation is voice-acted, a rarity in MMORPGs
- Ongoing Development: Regular expansions continue the story into 2024 and beyond
- Solo-Friendly: Can be played almost entirely solo, focusing on narrative
Expansions like Knights of the Fallen Empire rival single-player RPGs in quality, making The Old Republic a hidden gem for story-focused players.
10. Star Wars: Squadrons (2020)
Platform: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S
Developer: Motive Studios
Squadrons revived the space combat simulator genre with modern graphics, VR support, and competitive multiplayer. It’s the spiritual successor to the X-Wing/TIE Fighter series.
Flight Sim Excellence:
- Authentic Starfighter Combat: Power management and flight physics honor the classics
- VR Support: Full VR compatibility creates the ultimate starfighter fantasy
- Balanced Multiplayer: 5v5 Fleet Battles offer strategic depth
- Single-Player Campaign: A short but well-crafted story bridging Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens
Though the game received limited post-launch support, it delivered a complete, focused experience that satisfied long-time fans.
Honorable Mentions
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (2023) – Expands on Fallen Order with better combat, exploration, and story. Technical issues at launch prevented it from ranking higher, but patches have significantly improved performance.
Star Wars: Rogue Squadron Series – The Nintendo 64 and GameCube trilogy offered arcade-style starfighter action with memorable missions and tight controls.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II – Obsidian’s darker, more philosophical sequel divides fans. The restored content mod makes it essential playing.
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire (1996) – A multimedia experiment that gave N64 owners their first true Star Wars game, featuring the iconic Hoth battle sequence.
Star Wars Racer (1999) – Translated podracing from The Phantom Menace into an excellent arcade racer that still holds up.
Games to Avoid
Not every Star Wars game succeeds. Here are some notable disappointments:
Star Wars: Battlefront (2015) & Battlefront II (2017) – EA’s reboots launched with minimal content and aggressive monetization. While Battlefront II improved significantly post-launch through free updates, the initial controversy left lasting damage.
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II – Despite the original’s success, this rushed sequel frustrated fans with its short length and unsatisfying story.
Star Wars: Masters of Teräs Käsi (1997) – A fighting game that nobody asked for and nobody enjoyed, notorious for clunky controls and poor design.
How to Play These Classics Today
Many older Star Wars games remain accessible:
Steam & GOG – Digital storefronts offer updated versions of classics like KOTOR, Republic Commando, and Empire at War with modern OS compatibility.
Console Backwards Compatibility – Xbox Series X|S supports many original Xbox and Xbox 360 Star Wars games through backwards compatibility, often with enhanced performance.
Nintendo Switch – Ports of Republic Commando, Jedi Knight collections, and various LEGO games bring classic experiences to handheld play.
Mods & Fan Patches – Communities have created patches fixing bugs and adding widescreen support to older games. The KOTOR Restoration Project and various graphics overhauls breathe new life into classics.
The Future of Star Wars Gaming
Several exciting projects are in development:
Star Wars Outlaws (2024) – Ubisoft’s open-world game focusing on the criminal underworld between Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
Untitled Respawn FPS – Respawn Entertainment is developing a first-person shooter separate from the Jedi series.
Quantic Dream Star Wars Project – The Heavy Rain and Detroit: Become Human studio is creating a narrative-driven experience.
Star Wars: Hunters – A free-to-play arena combat game for mobile and Switch.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Excellence
The best Star Wars games transcend their license, standing as exemplary titles within their respective genres. Whether you’re seeking narrative depth in KOTOR, competitive challenge in Squadrons, or accessible fun in LEGO Star Wars, the galaxy far, far away offers something for every type of gamer.
These games succeed because they understand what makes Star Wars special—not just lightsabers and blasters, but themes of redemption, the struggle between light and darkness, and the hero’s journey. When developers respect both the source material and their craft, they create experiences that resonate with fans and newcomers alike.
For those new to Star Wars gaming, start with Knights of the Old Republic for RPG fans, Jedi: Fallen Order for action-adventure enthusiasts, or LEGO Star Wars for family-friendly fun. Each serves as a perfect entry point to gaming’s most enduring sci-fi franchise.
May the Force be with you, and happy gaming.
Note: Game availability and platform support may vary by region. Check current digital storefronts for the most up-to-date information on where to purchase and play these titles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s considered the best Star Wars game?
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003) is widely considered the best Star Wars game of all time. Developed by BioWare, KOTOR earned universal critical acclaim for its deep RPG mechanics, memorable characters, and one of gaming’s most shocking plot twists. It holds a 93 Metacritic score and consistently tops “best Star Wars games” lists across gaming publications.
However, “best” can be subjective based on genre preference:
- Best Action Game: Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (2019) or Jedi: Survivor (2023)
- Best Shooter: Star Wars: Battlefront II (2005, classic version)
- Best Space Combat: Star Wars: TIE Fighter (1994) or Squadrons (2020)
- Best Family Game: LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga (2007)
Is Jedi 3 confirmed?
As of November 2025, Jedi 3 has not been officially confirmed by EA or Respawn Entertainment. However, there are strong indicators a third game is in development:
- Director Stig Asmussen confirmed the Jedi series was planned as a trilogy before departing Respawn in 2023
- EA executives have stated their commitment to continuing successful Star Wars franchises
- Jedi: Survivor’s ending clearly sets up a sequel with unresolved story threads
- Respawn is currently hiring for unannounced Star Wars projects
While no official announcement or release date exists, industry insiders and the commercial success of both Fallen Order and Survivor make a third installment highly likely. Fans should expect an announcement within the next 1-2 years, with a potential release in 2026-2027.
Which are the best Star Wars games?
The top 10 best Star Wars games are:
- Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003) – Legendary RPG with an unforgettable story
- Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (2019) – Modern action-adventure masterpiece
- Star Wars: TIE Fighter (1994) – Genre-defining space combat simulator
- Star Wars: Battlefront II (2005) – Classic multiplayer shooter with massive battles
- Star Wars: Republic Commando (2005) – Tactical squad-based FPS
- LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga (2007) – Perfect family-friendly adventure
- Star Wars: Empire at War (2006) – Strategic galactic conquest
- Star Wars: Dark Forces (1995) – Pioneering FPS that launched the Jedi Knight series
- Star Wars: The Old Republic (2011) – MMORPG with eight unique story campaigns
- Star Wars: Squadrons (2020) – Modern starfighter combat with VR support
Honorable mentions: Jedi: Survivor (2023), Knights of the Old Republic II (2004), Rogue Squadron series, and Star Wars Racer (1999).
The “best” game depends on your preferred genre—RPG fans gravitate toward KOTOR, action gamers prefer the Jedi series, and nostalgia-seekers love the classics like TIE Fighter and Battlefront II.
Is SWTOR still free?
Yes, Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) is still free-to-play in 2025. BioWare transitioned the game to a free-to-play model in 2012, and it remains accessible without any upfront cost.
What’s included for free:
- All 8 class stories (approximately 300+ hours of content)
- First two expansions: Rise of the Hutt Cartel and Shadow of Reborn
- Full access to planets, flashpoints, and operations (with some restrictions)
- Player vs Player (PvP) and Player vs Environment (PvE) content
- Character creation with some species limitations
Subscription benefits ($14.99/month):
- Access to ALL expansions, including the latest content
- Increased credit cap and inventory space
- No restrictions on flashpoints, operations, or warzones
- Priority login queue access
- Monthly Cartel Coin stipend for cosmetic purchases
- Faster experience gain and other quality-of-life improvements
One-time purchases: Individual expansions can be purchased permanently without subscribing, though an active subscription is often more cost-effective for players wanting the complete experience.
Bottom line: You can enjoy hundreds of hours of story content completely free, making SWTOR one of the best values in Star Wars gaming. The subscription is optional and mainly benefits players who want cutting-edge endgame content or unlimited access to all features.
