May the 4th has evolved from a clever wordplay on the iconic phrase “May the Force be with you” into a global celebration that unites Star Wars enthusiasts across the galaxy. As Star Wars Day approaches, fans worldwide prepare to immerse themselves in the rich universe created by George Lucas decades ago. While many will revisit the classic film trilogies or binge the latest Disney+ series, gaming offers perhaps the most interactive and engaging way to celebrate this special day.
Star Wars video games provide a unique opportunity to step into the boots of a Jedi Knight, pilot an X-wing through intense space battles, or navigate the morally complex underworld as a bounty hunter. The franchise’s gaming legacy spans multiple decades and genres, offering experiences that range from narrative-driven single-player adventures to massive multiplayer online worlds where thousands of players forge their own stories within the Star Wars universe.
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The evolution of Star Wars games mirrors the technological advancement of the gaming industry itself, from the early arcade machines to today’s photorealistic console and PC titles. What makes these games particularly special is how they expand the Star Wars universe beyond what we see in films and television, often exploring new characters, planets, and time periods that enrich our understanding of the galaxy far, far away. Whether you’re wielding a lightsaber with precise motion controls, making critical moral choices that determine your alignment with the Force, or strategically commanding fleets in epic space battles, Star Wars games offer something for every type of player.
As we celebrate Star Wars Day 2025, there’s never been a better time to experience these digital adventures that capture the essence of what makes the franchise so beloved—the perfect blend of mythology, action, and the eternal struggle between light and dark. This guide highlights seven exceptional Star Wars games that deserve your attention this May the 4th, each offering a unique perspective on the franchise while delivering hours of immersive gameplay.
Star Wars Modern Jedi Adventures
The recent renaissance in Star Wars gaming has been largely driven by Respawn Entertainment’s critically acclaimed Jedi series, which has successfully captured the essence of being a Force-wielder in the dark times following Order 66. These narrative-driven action-adventure games combine challenging combat with exploration and puzzle-solving, creating experiences that feel authentic to the Star Wars universe while offering gameplay depth that appeals to both casual and hardcore gamers.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
It has been introduced players to Cal Kestis, a Padawan who survived the Jedi purge and now lives in hiding as a scrapper on the planet Bracca. When circumstances force him to reveal his Force abilities, Cal finds himself on the run from the Empire’s Inquisitors, particularly the relentless Second Sister. Released in November 2019 for Windows, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, the game’s Soulslike combat system—which emphasizes timing, parrying, and thoughtful engagement—perfectly captures the deliberate, tactical nature of lightsaber duels as depicted in the films.
What makes Fallen Order particularly special is how it balances accessibility with challenge. Players can customize difficulty settings to focus more on the story or test their skills against demanding combat scenarios. The game’s Metroidvania-inspired level design encourages exploration and backtracking as Cal gains new Force abilities, rewarding curious players with cosmetic items, upgrades, and lore discoveries. The narrative explores themes of trauma, redemption, and finding purpose in a galaxy where hope seems lost—themes that resonate deeply with the core Star Wars ethos.
Building on this strong foundation, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor continues Cal’s journey five years later as he and his allies search for a hidden planet that could serve as a sanctuary for Force-sensitives. Released in April 2023 for the same platforms as its predecessor, Survivor expands on virtually every aspect of Fallen Order. The worlds are larger and more densely populated with activities, side quests, and secrets. Cal now has access to multiple lightsaber stances—including dual-wielding and a crossguard saber reminiscent of Kylo Ren’s weapon—allowing players to adapt their combat approach based on the situation.
Survivor’s narrative takes a more mature turn, exploring Cal’s growth from a survivor into a leader while introducing morally complex characters and situations. The game’s enhanced traversal mechanics, including rideable mounts and grappling points, make exploration more dynamic and rewarding. For Star Wars Day, experiencing Cal’s complete journey across both games offers approximately 40-50 hours of gameplay that captures the spirit of being a Jedi during one of the darkest periods in galactic history.
Open-World Adventures
For players who prefer open-world exploration over linear storytelling, Star Wars: Outlaws represents a groundbreaking entry in the franchise’s gaming catalog. Released in August 2024 for Windows, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2, Outlaws shifts focus away from the traditional Jedi-Sith conflict to explore the criminal underworld that exists in the shadows of the galactic civil war.
As Kay Vess, a skilled thief with a price on her head following a heist gone wrong, players navigate a morally ambiguous landscape where survival often means choosing between competing criminal syndicates. The game’s open-world design spans multiple planets, each with distinct environments, cultures, and controlling factions. From the urban sprawl of Canto Bight to the lawless frontiers of lesser-known worlds, Outlaws delivers the fantasy of being a smuggler or bounty hunter that many fans have dreamed about since first meeting Han Solo.
What sets Outlaws apart is its emphasis on player choice and reputation systems. Your actions determine how different criminal organizations perceive Kay, opening or closing opportunities based on past decisions. The gameplay blends stealth, combat, and social interaction, allowing players to talk, sneak, or shoot their way through situations. With a companion named Nix (reminiscent of Grogu from The Mandalorian in popularity) and a customizable speeder bike, the game captures the essence of being an underdog in the Star Wars universe without relying on Force powers or lightsabers.
For Star Wars Day celebrations, Outlaws offers a refreshing perspective on the galaxy, showing how ordinary people navigate extraordinary times. Its blend of narrative choice and open-world freedom makes it an excellent option for players who want to forge their own path rather than follow a predetermined hero’s journey.
Classic RPG Experiences
No discussion of Star Wars games would be complete without acknowledging Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, the 2003 RPG that revolutionized storytelling in the franchise. Available on Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android, this BioWare classic takes place 4,000 years before the events of the original trilogy, giving developers freedom to craft an original story while maintaining the essence of Star Wars.
KOTOR’s turn-based combat system might feel dated by modern standards, but its narrative depth and character development remain unmatched. Players create their own Jedi character and embark on a quest to defeat Darth Malak, a Sith Lord threatening the Republic. Along the way, they recruit a diverse crew of companions, each with personal quests and developing relationships. The game’s morality system, which tracks Light Side and Dark Side choices, influences not only the story’s outcome but also which Force powers become available to the player.
What makes KOTOR particularly special is its plot twist—widely regarded as one of the greatest in gaming history—which fundamentally changes how players perceive their character’s journey. The game’s exploration of Force philosophy, the nature of redemption, and the thin line between Jedi and Sith ideologies adds layers of complexity rarely seen in video game narratives of its era.
With a remake currently in development, Star Wars Day 2025 presents the perfect opportunity to experience (or revisit) this landmark title that expanded the franchise’s lore in meaningful ways. Its approximately 40-hour campaign offers deep immersion into a previously unexplored era of Star Wars history, making it ideal for fans who appreciate thoughtful storytelling and character development.
Multiplayer Experiences
For those who prefer social gaming experiences, Star Wars: Battlefront II (2017) and Star Wars: The Old Republic (2011) offer distinct multiplayer options that cater to different playstyles.
Battlefront II, available on Windows, PS4, and Xbox One, combines a single-player campaign following Imperial special forces commander Iden Versio with extensive multiplayer modes that recreate iconic battles from across the saga. The game’s large-scale conflicts feature up to 40 players fighting across detailed recreations of locations like Hoth, Endor, and Scarif. Players can control standard troopers, special units, or iconic heroes and villains like Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Rey, and Kylo Ren, each with unique abilities that can turn the tide of battle.
The game’s starfighter assault mode deserves special mention for capturing the thrill of space combat, allowing players to pilot X-wings, TIE fighters, and other iconic vessels in objective-based missions. After a controversial launch, years of free updates have transformed Battlefront II into a content-rich celebration of the entire Star Wars saga that’s perfect for multiplayer sessions on Star Wars Day.
For a more persistent online experience, Star Wars: The Old Republic offers an MMORPG set in the same era as Knights of the Old Republic. Available on Windows and macOS, SWTOR allows players to choose from eight distinct classes—each with its own storyline—and align with either the Republic or Sith Empire. The game combines traditional MMO elements like dungeons (Flashpoints) and raids (Operations) with BioWare’s signature narrative focus, featuring fully voiced dialogue and meaningful choices.
Despite being over a decade old, SWTOR continues to receive updates and expansions, making it one of the most content-rich Star Wars experiences available. Its free-to-play model (with optional subscription benefits) makes it accessible to anyone wanting to explore its vast galaxy on Star Wars Day, whether solo or with friends.
Family-Friendly Option
For a lighter, more humorous take on the saga that’s suitable for Star Wars fans of all ages, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga offers a comprehensive retelling of all nine mainline films. Released in April 2022 for Windows, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, this game combines the charm of LEGO with the epic scope of Star Wars, resulting in an accessible yet surprisingly content-rich experience.
With nearly 400 playable characters from across the franchise, The Skywalker Saga allows players to experience key moments from the films while enjoying the signature LEGO humor that gently parodies the source material. The game’s drop-in, drop-out co-op functionality makes it ideal for family play sessions, allowing parents to share their Star Wars passion with younger players.
Beyond simply retelling the films’ stories, The Skywalker Saga features open-world elements that encourage exploration of iconic locations like Tatooine, Coruscant, and Exegol. Hidden collectibles, side missions, and unlockable extras provide incentives to revisit areas and experiment with different character abilities. For Star Wars Day, this game offers perhaps the most comprehensive overview of the entire Skywalker story, making it perfect for marathon sessions that parallel traditional movie marathons.
Star Wars Games Comparison for May the 4th
| Game Title | Release Year | Platforms | Genre | Play Time | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order | 2019 | Windows, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S | Action-Adventure | 20-25 hours | Soulslike combat, Metroidvania exploration, Force powers |
| Star Wars Jedi: Survivor | 2023 | Windows, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S | Action-Adventure | 25-30 hours | Multiple lightsaber stances, larger worlds, expanded story |
| Star Wars: Outlaws | 2024 | Windows, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2 | Open-World Action | 30-40 hours | Criminal underworld focus, reputation system, no Force powers |
| Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic | 2003 | Windows, macOS, Switch, iOS, Android | RPG | 35-40 hours | Turn-based combat, morality system, deep narrative |
| Star Wars: Battlefront II | 2017 | Windows, PS4, Xbox One | FPS/TPS | Multiplayer | Large-scale battles, hero characters, space combat |
| LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga | 2022 | Windows, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S | Action-Adventure | 40-50 hours | Family-friendly, co-op play, covers all 9 films |
| Star Wars: The Old Republic | 2011 | Windows, macOS | MMORPG | 100+ hours | 8 class stories, ongoing updates, free-to-play option |
Star Wars Games by Experience Type
| If You Want To… | Recommended Game | Why It’s Perfect for Star Wars Day |
|---|---|---|
| Be a Jedi | Jedi: Fallen Order/Survivor | Authentic lightsaber combat, Force powers, and Jedi storyline |
| Explore the Underworld | Star Wars: Outlaws | Criminal syndicates, smuggling, bounty hunting without Jedi focus |
| Make Moral Choices | Knights of the Old Republic | Light/Dark Side decisions with consequences, deep RPG elements |
| Battle with Friends | Battlefront II | Recreate iconic battles, play as favorite characters in multiplayer |
| Experience All Eras | LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga | Comprehensive coverage of all films with humor and accessibility |
| Create Your Own Story | The Old Republic | Persistent online world with personal storylines and social elements |
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FAQs
A1: Star Wars Jedi: Survivor currently offers the most refined lightsaber combat experience, with five distinct stances that each feel authentic to the films. The parry-based combat system rewards timing and strategy rather than button mashing, creating duels that feel cinematic and tense. For players new to the series, starting with Fallen Order provides important story context, though its combat system is slightly less refined than the sequel.
A2: LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is the most accessible entry point, offering simple controls, forgiving gameplay, and comprehensive coverage of the entire main film series. Its drop-in/drop-out co-op also makes it perfect for playing with friends or family who might be less experienced with games. For adult beginners seeking a more mature experience, Star Wars: Outlaws provides modern controls and an original story that doesn’t require extensive knowledge of Star Wars lore.
