‘Jedi Fallen Order’ is the first game in its series, not the second.
The question frequently pops up among fans: is Jedi Fallen Order the second or first game? Many jump to conclusions based on release order, but that logic doesn’t apply here. It’s important to understand the placement of the game within its own narrative structure.
‘Jedi Fallen Order’ debuted as the initial entry, setting the stage for any potential sequels. The game introduces Cal Kestis and his journey, which serves as the foundation for future titles. Therefore, it clearly stands as the first installment.
Is Jedi Fallen Order the Second or First Game?
Figuring out if Jedi Fallen Order is the first or second game can be a bit tricky, especially with so many Star Wars stories out there! Let’s explore this question together and make it super clear. We’ll dive into the timeline and figure out exactly where Jedi Fallen Order fits in the grand scheme of Star Wars video games. It’s not as simple as 1, 2, 3, since video games often play with different eras of the Star Wars universe.
Understanding the Star Wars Timeline
To understand where Jedi Fallen Order belongs, we need to understand a little about how the Star Wars universe is organized. Think of it like a big book with different chapters. There are several key eras:
- The Old Republic: This is way, way back before the movies we know. It’s filled with Jedi and Sith battles from a long time ago.
- The Prequel Era: This is where we find episodes 1, 2, and 3, when the Republic was around and the Jedi Order was strong.
- The Imperial Era: This comes after the fall of the Republic, when the evil Empire took over. This is the setting for many games and is where Jedi Fallen Order is located.
- The Original Trilogy Era: Episodes 4, 5, and 6 happen here, with Luke Skywalker and the rebels fighting the Empire.
- The Sequel Era: This includes episodes 7, 8, and 9, which introduce new characters and challenges.
These eras are like different time periods that help us understand when each Star Wars story takes place. Jedi Fallen Order sits firmly within the Imperial Era, after the Republic’s fall and the rise of the Empire.
The Timeline of Star Wars Video Games
Now that we know the different eras, let’s talk about video games. While there are many different Star Wars video games, it is important to see them in relation to the Jedi Fallen Order game. Some video games take place in the prequel era and others take place in the original trilogy era.
Here’s a brief look at the Star Wars video game timeline, focusing on the important points leading up to Jedi Fallen Order and where it fits in the broader picture:
- Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) Series: Set during the Old Republic era, these RPGs are centuries before the movies. They introduce players to the ancient conflicts between Jedi and Sith.
- Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Series: These games bridge the gap between the prequels and the original trilogy, showing the rise of the rebellion. These games focus on Darth Vader’s secret apprentice and has a lot of action.
- Star Wars Battlefront Series (Classic): These games let players experience famous battles from the movies across different eras of the Star Wars universe.
- Star Wars Battlefront Series (Modern): These games also provide an action experience during the prequel era, original trilogy era and sequel era.
- Other notable Star Wars games: There are various other notable Star Wars games that are released across different timelines such as Star Wars: Jedi Academy, Star Wars: Republic Commando, Star Wars: The Old Republic (MMORPG).
Jedi Fallen Order: Where Does It Fit?
So, where does Jedi Fallen Order fit into this timeline? It’s actually not very hard to understand if we simply consider that most of the Star Wars story that have come into existence has its own place in the timeline. Here’s the breakdown:
Key Timeline Details
- Time Period: Jedi Fallen Order takes place approximately five years after Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. This is during the early years of the Empire.
- The Great Jedi Purge: The game’s plot revolves around a young Jedi padawan, Cal Kestis, who is in hiding. This places it right in the middle of the Great Jedi Purge, where the Empire hunted down all Jedi.
- After Order 66: Cal is trying to survive and reconnect with the Force, making it part of the aftermath of Order 66, which is the command that turned the clone troopers against the Jedi.
Jedi Fallen Order as a Story
Jedi Fallen Order is not the “second” Star Wars game ever made, not by far. But in terms of the story it tells, it’s a very key piece of the narrative, filling in gaps after the fall of the Republic. It focuses on the dark times, with the Empire at its peak and the Jedi nearly extinct. Cal’s struggle to stay alive and restore the Jedi Order is a main part of what the game explores.
Not a Sequel, But a Prequel of sorts within its era
It’s helpful to think of Jedi Fallen Order not as a sequel to another game, but as a prequel of sorts within its specific era. It’s important to make the distinction, it isn’t a prequel to movies such as the original trilogy, but a prequel in the sense that it fills out the story prior to when Luke Skywalker starts his adventure. Here’s why:
- It Fills Story Gaps: The game shows us what happened in the galaxy after the Jedi Order was destroyed. It explores the lives of the Jedi who managed to survive the purge.
- Focus on New Characters: While there are some nods to existing characters, it focuses on the new characters such as Cal Kestis, and introduces a new storyline.
- Expanding the Universe: It adds depth to our understanding of the Star Wars universe, showing that Jedi can still be a force for good during the dark days of the Empire.
Is Jedi: Survivor the Second Game Then?
Yes! Jedi: Survivor is the direct sequel to Jedi Fallen Order. That means it’s the second game in the direct story of Cal Kestis. Here’s why it’s important:
- Direct Continuation: Jedi: Survivor picks up the story a few years after the events of Jedi Fallen Order. Cal is older and more experienced.
- Building the Story: It builds upon the characters and the world that was created in the first game. The story becomes more in depth.
- New Challenges: The story introduces new challenges for Cal and his crew as the fight against the Empire continues.
Why the Confusion?
Sometimes people get confused about whether Jedi Fallen Order is the first or second game because:
- Many Star Wars Games: There are so many Star Wars games, it can be hard to know where each one fits.
- Different Eras: Games take place in different parts of the timeline, which means they might not always be in a simple order.
- Sequels within Series: Sometimes, games have sequels that are directly connected to one another. This creates confusion when trying to see each game as a sequel to a former game in the timeline.
Jedi Fallen Order : A Standalone Story Within a Larger World
Jedi Fallen Order works well as a standalone story, even though it’s part of a larger series. It has its own beginning, middle, and end, which makes it fun to experience even without playing other Star Wars games. Here are some of its key characteristics:
- Character Development: Cal Kestis goes through a meaningful transformation as he gets stronger with the Force. The story gives him a purpose to fight for the light side.
- Exploration: The game has a lot of exploring and has puzzles to solve, offering a good gameplay experience.
- Engaging Story: The story is exciting and emotional, capturing the spirit of the Star Wars universe.
So, Is It the First or Second?
To be clear, Jedi Fallen Order is neither the first nor the second Star Wars video game ever made. But when considering the story of Cal Kestis and the series he belongs to, Jedi Fallen Order is the first game in that series. Jedi: Survivor is its direct sequel and, therefore, the second game in that specific series. Think of it this way: in the grand library of Star Wars stories, Jedi Fallen Order is like the beginning of a new chapter during the dark times of the Empire.
It’s also key to remember that it is more than just a game. It is a story with its own beginning and end.
Understanding the different eras and where games fit in the timeline makes things much easier to understand. With the knowledge that Jedi Fallen Order takes place during the Imperial Era, that it is the first game in Cal Kestis’s series, and the story is a key one in that era, we can clearly place it within the Star Wars universe.
Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order: 10 Things The Game DOESN'T Tell You
Final Thoughts
Jedi: Fallen Order is the first game in its series, a crucial detail for players. It precedes Jedi: Survivor, making the narrative order clear. Players must start with Fallen Order to understand the full story arc.
The sequel, Jedi: Survivor, builds upon the foundation laid by Fallen Order, making it essential. So, the answer to the question ‘is jedi fallen order the second or first game’ is undeniably the first. Playing them in the right order is vital.



