Ah, Cal Kestis. The guy we didn’t know we needed but now can’t get enough of. If you’ve played Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, you know exactly what I mean. This scrappy, Force-sensitive survivor went from just another face in the galaxy to a full-blown hero. In Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Cal Kestis has leveled up in more ways than one — and I’m not just talking about his lightsaber skills (although, let’s be honest, those are wicked too).
Anyway, let’s rewind a little and dive into what makes Cal Kestis such a standout character, from his origins to his badass Jedi journey. Spoiler alert: It’s not just about the lightsaber.
The Origins of Cal Kestis
The Survivor of Order 66
So, picture this: Cal Kestis, just a kid, minding his business, learning how to be a Jedi under the guidance of his master, Jaro Tapal. Then, boom, Order 66 happens. The Jedi are being hunted, and the galaxy is in chaos. Cal Kestis has a front-row seat to this catastrophe, and let me tell you, it’s not pretty.
His master dies protecting him, and Cal Kestis barely escapes the massacre. He spends years hiding out on Bracca, working as a scrapper. Life’s kind of quiet for him. But here’s the kicker: you can only stay hidden for so long in a galaxy as messed up as this one. Eventually, destiny catches up with him, and Cal Kestis gets pulled back into the chaos. I mean, who else is going to stand up to the Empire if not him?
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order – The Rise of Cal Kestis
From Scrapper to Jedi Knight
The first game in the series? Chef’s kiss. It’s not every day you see a young, fresh-faced Jedi trying to navigate the madness of the galaxy while grappling with the whole “being hunted by Imperial forces” thing.
Here’s how it goes: Cal Kestis is working as a scrapper, trying to keep a low profile. Then he saves his buddy, and boom—his Force abilities are out there for the Empire to see. Cue the Inquisitors, those ruthless Jedi hunters, showing up to make his life miserable.
Fast forward a bit, and Cal Kestis is hopping from planet to planet, collecting Force relics and, of course, fighting back against the Empire. You can’t help but root for the guy. I mean, who wouldn’t? I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who’s secretly wished for a lightsaber at least once in my life, right?
The Gameplay Mechanics and Force Abilities
Look, I’m not saying I’m the best gamer, but I felt like a Jedi in this game. Fallen Order takes Cal Kestis through a lot of action-packed moments, but it’s not just about fighting. You’ve got to use the Force, solve puzzles, and — my personal favorite — engage in lightsaber duels that will have you gripping your controller like your life depends on it.
- Force Pull and Push (Yes, you too can force-push stormtroopers off cliffs)
- Wall-running (I’m pretty sure this is how I got my cardio in for the day)
- A growing skill tree (Because who doesn’t love leveling up?)
All these powers make you feel like Cal Kestis isn’t just a survivor — he’s becoming a true Jedi.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor – The Evolution of Cal Kestis
Fast-Forward Five Years
Here we are, five years later in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. Cal Kestis has grown, and frankly, so has the galaxy. But don’t think it’s all smooth sailing for our boy. The Empire is still out there, bigger and meaner than ever, and Cal Kestis is still out there fighting the good fight.
He’s no longer just a Padawan trying to figure it out. He’s a full-fledged Jedi, though definitely a more complicated one. The Jedi: Survivor game introduces us to a more hardened Cal Kestis, someone who’s had to make tough decisions — and boy, some of those decisions are not easy to swallow.
What’s New in Jedi: Survivor?
Here’s where things get juicy. The new mechanics make Cal Kestis feel like he’s really leveling up:
- Multiple lightsaber stances (dual wield? Crossguard? Take your pick)
- Expanded open-world exploration (because sometimes, wandering around the galaxy is the best part)
- Deeper character interactions (He’s not just a hero now; he’s a leader)
- New Force powers (Do I smell a Star Wars version of “make them regret it”?)
Each of these elements not only makes the gameplay more exciting but also shows just how far Cal Kestis has come since Fallen Order. He’s not the same scared kid anymore — he’s the guy who’s going to take down the Empire.
Allies and Companions of Cal Kestis
BD-1: The Best Little Droid
Let’s talk about BD-1, the droid you didn’t know you needed. BD-1 is honestly more than just a droid; it’s like having a sidekick who never lets you down. This little guy doesn’t just scan for info; he’s out here healing you mid-battle, unlocking doors, and making you laugh with his adorable beeps.
Cal Kestis couldn’t ask for a better companion. I mean, who else is going to keep you sane while you’re running from the Inquisitors?
Cere Junda and Merrin
Here’s the thing about Jedi: they don’t always work alone. Cere Junda and Merrin are two of Cal Kestis‘s most important allies. Cere is the ex-Jedi Knight who helps guide him on his path, and Merrin, a Nightsister from Dathomir, brings in a fresh perspective. These two women push Cal Kestis to be better, think more, and, honestly, probably save him from making a few terrible decisions.
The Inner Struggles of Cal Kestis
The Conflict Within
Ah, the good ol’ inner turmoil. You know how it goes: you’ve got your morals, your dreams of saving the galaxy, and yet… you’re always just one step away from giving into rage. Cal Kestis is constantly fighting with himself. He’s not perfect, and that’s exactly what makes him real.
Every choice he makes is a struggle. Do you kill an enemy or show mercy? Do you fight fire with fire, or keep that Jedi code intact? Watching Cal Kestis wrestle with these questions is what keeps you coming back.
Light vs. Dark
Now, don’t get me wrong — Cal Kestis is a Jedi through and through, but that doesn’t mean the Dark Side isn’t lurking. In Survivor, the temptation to use the Dark Side is real, and it’s up to Cal Kestis to decide how far he’s willing to go.
Iconic Moments of Cal Kestis
There are moments in both games that will stick with you long after the credits roll. The first time Cal Kestis faces off with Darth Vader? Absolutely terrifying. He’s outmatched, but man, does he still try. And the stakes? They’re immense.
Why Cal Kestis Matters
The Everyman Jedi
The best thing about Cal Kestis is that he’s you. Okay, maybe not literally, but hear me out. Cal Kestis doesn’t come from a legacy of powerful Jedi. He’s not some Chosen One. He’s a regular guy who’s trying to make sense of a broken galaxy. And that’s why he resonates with so many of us. I mean, if I can barely keep my houseplants alive, I can’t even imagine being a Jedi in an Empire-run galaxy.
Cal Kestis in the Larger Star Wars Universe
Canon Placement and Speculations
Here’s a fun thought: what if Cal Kestis shows up in the live-action shows? The man deserves his shot, right? I don’t know about you, but I’d love to see him team up with Ahsoka or, dare I say, maybe even cross paths with Luke Skywalker. Can you imagine the possibilities?
Conclusion – The Legacy of Cal Kestis
Cal Kestis isn’t just some character. He’s the character who shows us what it means to survive, to fight, and to hope. From surviving the destruction of the Jedi Order to standing up to the Empire, Cal Kestis proves that even in the darkest times, a single light can push back the shadows.
