10 Best Star Wars Games to Play Right Now

Star Wars™ is an iconic cinematic franchise beloved by millions worldwide. First screened in 1977 with Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, it has since exploded, garnering cumulative commercial success.

Its lore and universe have been expanded by multiple novels and publications. Merchandise sales are through the roof, and there’s even a Star Wars theme park built in Disneyland: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Video games are a big part of the Star Wars franchise, allowing players to relive exciting moments and explore unique, exclusive worlds. 

Although many Star Wars games have been released throughout the past decades, not all have been hits. So, what is the best Star Wars game to play right now? Well, that’s what we’re here to find out.

• 10 best Star Wars games
• Summary

Star Wars video games have been around since the early 1980s - one of the first being Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in 1982 for the Atari 2600 console. Forty-five years on, improvements in game technology have transformed Star Wars games into what they are today - visually stunning and remarkably polished. 

However, some classics are still up there among the best Star Wars games of all time. Here are the 10 best Star Wars video games that are still amazing today:

Tip: Download OMEN Gaming Hub on your computer to ensure better system performance and improved in-game framerates for the best gameplay experience.

Developer: Respawn Entertainment | Release date: 15th November 2019 | Genre: Action, Adventure

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is a third-person, single-player adventure that puts you in the shoes of young Jedi Padawan, Cal Kestis, who is on the run after the execution of Order 66 in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.

Hiding his identity by working as a lowly scrapper - scavenging parts to be sold for money - he lives in constant fear of being exposed. He must grow through the trauma of seeing his Jedi Master, Jaro Tapal, slain before his eyes.

With the Galactic Empire persistently hunting Jedis to the brink of extinction, it is only a matter of time before the Sith Lord, Darth Vader, and his Inquisitors find him. 

Jedi: Fallen Order is a compelling game that rivals many narrative-driven Star Wars games in recent history. The plot is somewhat linear, but you become emotionally attached to Cal’s struggles, from his naivety as a Padawan to his acceptance of becoming a fully-fledged Jedi Knight.

What truly sets Jedi: Fallen Order apart from other single-player Star Wars games is that it fully utilises Unreal Engine 4. This results in phenomenal facial expressions, realistic animations, atmospheric sequences, and more.

Fans have been clamouring for an enjoyable Star Wars single-player game, and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is the perfect response to that. Just remember to turn on VSync to ensure minimal screen tearing during gameplay. 

Developer: DICE | Release Date: 17th November 2017 | Genre: First-Person Shooter, Action

Star Wars Battlefront II is a reboot of Pandemic Studios’ 2005 multiplayer shooter. However, the latest instalment refreshes all the graphical aspects of the original, replacing its dated meshes and effects with crisp textures and smooth animations. 

In Battlefront II, you play as one of the many soldiers that serve different factions across various fictional battles, such as a Clone Trooper for the Republic or a Super Battle Droid for the Confederates. 

Since its release, the game has received numerous updates and DLCs, expanding its map pool, factions, and even Hero selections, adding the likes of Anakin Skywalker and General Grievous. Today, you can partake in any of the major wars in Star Wars history, spanning all nine Episodes.

Using the same Frostbite graphics engine used for Battlefield 4™ - one of DICE’s most successful titles - Battlefront II now looks and feels more realistic. Better ragdoll physics and outstanding audio effects also improve in-game immersion, especially when you hear Kylo Ren’s dreaded lightsaber crackles nearby or Darth Vader’s intimidating respirator sounds.

If you’re looking for a fast-paced online first-person shooter similar to Battlefield, then Star Wars Battlefront II is definitely for you.

Developer: Traveller’s Tales | Release Date: 5th April 2022 | Genre: Action, Adventure, Family

For a family-friendly Star Wars experience, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is probably the most fun and exciting LEGO Star Wars game. Featuring story missions covering every Star Wars movie until Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker, you’ll have your hands full, completing levels and solving puzzles.

The game offers a large collection of Star Wars characters, totalling around 380 different heroes and villains introduced within the Star Wars canon. Many in-game planets are also open-world now, allowing you to investigate astonishing places like the mysterious cloning facility on Kamino or the desolate swamps of Dagobah, where Yoda lived in isolation.

Combat has also been revamped, with melee attacks now separated into light attacks, heavy attacks, and special abilities. For blaster-wielding characters, the over-the-shoulder view is now adopted, letting you aim shots wherever you want. 

Envisioned to be the biggest LEGO Star Wars game to date, hallmark spaceships like the Millenium Falcon are also present and completely explorable. You can even scour the fearsome Death Star from the inside out, although you need to unlock it by completing specific story missions first. 

Similar to its predecessors, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is a goofy, colourful Star Wars adventure with lots of personality and charm, suitable for everyone.

Developer: BioWare Austin | Release Date: 20th December 2011 | Genre: MMORPG

Star Wars: The Old Republic - abbreviated as SWTOR - is an ambitious game that pulls you back thousands of years before the events of Episode I - The Phantom Menace. 

The game introduces factions, races, characters, and battles that have never been seen before. One example is the might of the powerful Sith Empire, where the Sith proudly control their army and govern distant planets, unlike in the movies.

In SWTOR, you are free to role-play as whoever you want. Interested in becoming a Sith? Join the Sith Empire and destroy those that oppose you in your pursuit of endless power. Want to become a beacon of light? Stand your ground with the Galactic Republic to ensure peace and prosperity.

The game offers more than your standard Jedi-vs-Sith character classes. Depending on your allegiance, you can become a merciless Bounty Hunter who utilises sophisticated weaponry to track down targets or a noble Trooper who leads the frontlines in guiding others to victory.

Similar to many other MMORPGs like Guild Wars® and Secret World Legends, your stats, abilities, and gear are more important than movement during combat. Strategic character builds, and proper min-maxing are required if you wish to dominate PvP.

Still, the main emphasis of SWTOR is to indulge in its interconnected storylines and ever-expanding world. Just like how World of Warcraft® continuously introduces new story expansions every few years, SWTOR has them too.

Dive deep into a classic Star Wars online game still popular today: Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Developer: Motive Studios | Release Date: 2nd October 2020 | Genre: First-Person Space Combat

Star Wars fans have been asking for a remake of the highly successful Star Wars™: Rogue Squadron series since 2003. After almost 20 years, Star Wars: Squadrons was finally released in 2020.

In Squadrons, we can finally participate in comprehensive, fast-paced and unforgiving aerial-space dogfights. Games like Star Wars: Battlefront II and LEGO Star Wars also feature space battles, but they are limited in terms of flight controls and ship variants. 

You pilot one of the exclusive spaceships from either the New Republic or the Galactic Empire. In general, both sides offer 4 different starfighters you can fly with, each providing distinct advantages and armaments during engagements. Of course, X-Wings and TIE Fighters are present, with the rarer ones like U-Wings and TIE Reapers also available.

Storywise, Squadrons takes you through the events of two separate timelines: the Galactic Empire’s pursuit of Alderaan refugees after the planet’s destruction and the New Republic’s efforts in building a mighty battleship superior to Star Destroyers after the destruction of the second Death Star.

The online multiplayer is what makes this shine the most. Piloting your spacecraft from inside the cockpit - a genius design choice - you can join smaller aerial skirmishes in space in dogfights or become a hero in larger fleet battles.

Star Wars: Squadrons deserves its place on this list because of its exclusivity alone. But don’t just take our word for it; try it out for yourself!

Developer: LucasArts | Release Date: 4th March 2005 | Genre: Tactical First-Person Shooter

Many Star Wars enthusiasts consider Clone Wars era the best period within the galaxy’s expansive timeline.

During this time, the tight-knit Clone Troopers were given the spotlight, showing insights into the personal struggles and underappreciated bravery of the Republic’s most honourable soldiers (before Order 66). That’s where Star Wars: Republic Commando comes in, and there still hasn’t been another Star Wars shooter game quite like it.

You take on the mantle of Boss, the squad leader of Delta Squad, an elite group of clone commandos who undertake high-value missions behind enemy lines. Accompanying you are three loyal brothers-in-arms: Scorch, Fixer, and Sev.

The game was exceptional upon its release due to outstanding gameplay mechanics that weren’t seen in many other squad-based shooters then. Completely single-player, you are given free rein to order your comrades around the battlefield, such as taking control of vantage points for better sniping positions or spreading out behind cover to flank dangerous enemies.

The strong camaraderie between all members of Delta Squad is the main highlight of the story, showcasing their unwavering commitment to their superiors’ commands. 

Republic Commando’s dependable AI is among its upsides, too, protecting each other while continuing with the mission if you give them the order while being incapacitated. There have been talks of a remake in the works, but for now, Star Wars: Republic Commando still holds up well among many other third-person shooters today.

Developer: LucasArts | Release Date: 16th September 2008 | Genre: Action, Adventure

Before Jedi: Fallen Order, there was Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. It was among LucasArts' most illustrious projects before the company’s takeover by Disney.

Depicting non-canonical events occurring between Episode III - Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV - A New Hope, The Force Unleashed centres on a new Force-sensitive individual, Galen Marek. Taken under the wing of Darth Vader, he was subsequently named "Starkiller," trained in lightsaber combat and fuelled by the Dark Side of the Force.

You will be tasked with eliminating Jedi stragglers who escaped the Great Jedi Purge. As you progress through the game’s campaign, you unlock more powerful Force abilities, all while customising your fighting style and fitting uniquely-coloured lightsaber crystals.

The game is an enjoyable hack-and-slash adventure, with a few prominent Star Wars characters making appearances, like Jedi Master Shaak Ti and Senator Bail Organa. Some of your in-game decisions will also have certain impacts on Starkiller, especially during the final act.

A follow-up game, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II, was released in 2010, expanding on Starkiller’s desperate journey towards self-discovery and redemption after years of supposed tutelage by the cunning Darth Vader.

The Force Unleashed’s main appeal is not its deep, original storyline. Instead, its breathtaking combat sequences and challenging enemies are what pull you in, justifying the game’s spot amongst the best Star Wars games on this list.

Developer: Petroglyph Games | Release Date: 16th February 2006 | Genre: Real-Time Strategy, Grand Strategy

The only Star Wars grand strategy game (GSG) in history, Star Wars: Empire at War is an impressive concept that succeeds in its execution of adapting the Star Wars franchise into a different video game genre.

The game has a compelling campaign, sandboxed Galactic Conquest mode, and Skirmish for competitive multiplayer. Each of these game types has been fleshed out, ensuring the best gameplay experiences ahead of their time.

In Empire at War, the game’s story takes place a few years before the decisive Battle of Yavin, leading up to the destruction of the first Death Star. You can choose to align with either the Rebel Alliance or the Galactic Empire, each offering different takes on the war, guiding you towards distinct endings depending on your allegiance. 

Unlike many GSG games, Empire at War’s gameplay seems to be a collection of multiple game mechanics combined into one. Ground battles are waged on the surface of the respective planets being fought for while your interplanetary fleet engages the enemy’s space battalion above the planet. 

Depending on the game mode that you’re playing, units are recruited/constructed differently:

• Galactic Conquest

Recruit armies from the Galactic Map, limited by the overall resources you’ve collected from conquered planets throughout the galaxy.

• Campaign

A combination of Galactic Conquest’s grand-strategy resource management and preset mission scripts.

• Skirmish

Adopts the familiar approach of base-building, upgrades, and unit construction inside a map, restricted by the resource nodes and reinforcement points captured, similar to Company of Heroes.

What makes Empire at War so beloved is not just the game itself but hundreds of mods that other dedicated fans have created to expand on the game’s functionalities, storylines, and graphics.

Empire at War is still as fun as it was in 2006, making it one of the best Star Wars games of all time.

Developers: BioWare | Release Date: 15th July 2003 | Genre: Role-Playing Game

Winner of the Game Developers Choice Award 2004, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) was once the benchmark for role-playing games (RPGs). At its core, the game is a storytelling masterpiece that offers multiple branching dialogues and narrative choices that affect your character, companions, and the encompassing plot.

The events of KOTOR happen a few thousand years before Episode I - The Phantom Menace, around 300 years before SWTOR.

During this era, two Jedi Knights, Revan and Malak, returned from a self-imposed Republic war against the Mandalorians in what was known as the Mandalorian Wars. After their victory, both managed to amass their own Sith army after succumbing to the Dark Side's temptations. 

Declaring themselves as Sith, they now sought to overthrow the Jedi and the Republic, seeking to rule the galaxy as they saw fit. However, Darth Revan was eventually brought down by the Jedi, leaving Darth Malak as the supreme Dark Lord of the Sith.

Beginning from the world, Taris, you will journey across multiple other planets to uncover the secrets to Darth Malak’s seemingly infinite military powers. Along the way, important companions like Jedi Knight Bastila Shan and pilot Carth Onasi will accompany you on your travels, with more allies joining later. 

Combat is turn-based and methodical, though actions occur in real-time after you’ve determined your next course of attacks. You can pause battles at any time to analyse which abilities to use.

Every choice you make matters in KOTOR, from minuscule dialogue decisions to items you wear before a fight. The game's success paved the way for another successful sequel in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II in 2004.

Developer: Raven Software | Release Date: 16th September 2003 | Genre: Action, Adventure, Role-Playing Game

Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy is yet another classic title worth revisiting. Featuring quality animations and diverse Force powers, the game introduced an addictive melee combat system that focuses on actual player movement and directional attacks.

The Jedi Knight series is a mash-up of both first-person shooter mechanics and third-person lightsaber duels. 

Jedi Knight games were also renowned for their magnificent storylines and characters. In Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy - the last of the series - you take on the role of a young Jedi Padawan, Jaden Korr, who is en route to the Jedi Academy on planet Yavin. Like any other RPG, you can customise Jaden according to your preferences.

Jedi Academy occurs years after the Rebels’ win against the Empire in Episode VI - Return of the Jedi, meaning that the Jedi are now safe against any Sith threat - or so they thought. After being attacked by a new Sith cult known as the Disciples of Ragnos, you will join Luke and other amazing characters like Jedi Master Kyle Katarn and Jedi Padawan Rosh Penin to uncover the cult's plans and stop them.

There are many twists and turns along the way, some of which are quite predictable. Nevertheless, there is non-stop action in the Jedi Academy. There will be important decisions for you to make plot-wise that lead to different endings.

Jedi Academy is a superb ending to the Jedi Knight continuation, and there is still hope for another one coming in the future. 

With Star Wars being as successful today, more Star Wars games should be on the way. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (sequel to Jedi: Fallen Order) and Star Wars Eclipse are just two examples that have already been teased. In the meantime, satisfy your Star Wars hunger and nostalgia by playing these outstanding Star Wars games.

Better yet, how about downloading the best free PC games available now instead? For more incredible gaming news and updates, tune in to HP® Tech Takes.