The galaxy far, far away is vast, offering endless stories. Right now, two of the biggest video game experiences vying for your attention are Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and the upcoming Star Wars Outlaws. Both promise epic adventures under the Star Wars banner, but they represent two completely different dreams. One lets you wield a lightsaber as a powerful Jedi; the other hands you a blaster and the keys to a starship as a scoundrel on the run.
So, which path should you choose? This isn’t about which game is “better,” but about which adventure is right for you. Let’s break down the key differences in a tale of two very different heroes.
The Heart of the Story: Jedi vs. Scoundrel
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is the continuation of a Jedi’s journey. You play as Cal Kestis, a former Padawan now fully embracing his role as a Jedi Knight. This is a personal, character-driven story about resilience, building a new hope for the Jedi Order, and confronting the relentless darkness of the Galactic Empire. It’s a classic hero’s journey, filled with emotional weight and the iconic mystique of the Force.
Star Wars Outlaws flips the script entirely. You are Kay Vess, a mere nobody trying to outrun her past in the gritty underworld of the Star Wars galaxy. This is not a story about saving the galaxy; it’s about saving yourself. Set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, you’ll rub shoulders with syndicates like the Hutt Cartel and Pykes, engaging in heists, smuggling, and playing both sides to earn your freedom. It’s the story Star Wars always hinted at but never fully showed—the life of the average person trying to make their way in a corrupt universe.
Choose Jedi: Survivor for: An epic, linear narrative about hope, legacy, and mastering the Force.
Choose Outlaws for: A open-world, choose-your-own-adventure romp through the criminal underworld.
Gameplay: Lightsaber Combat vs. Blaster & Stealth
This is the most significant gameplay divide.
In Jedi: Survivor, you are a powerhouse. The gameplay is a refined and challenging evolution of “Souls-like” combat, focused on precise lightsaber duels, mastering different fighting stances, and using a deep toolkit of Force powers to solve puzzles and dominate enemies. You progress by becoming more powerful, unlocking new abilities that make you feel truly like a Jedi.
In Star Wars Outlaws, you are vulnerable. You’re a gunslinger, not a superhero. Gameplay emphasizes stealth, scrambling for cover, and using your wits and tools—like your adorable companion-mercenary, Nix—to gain an advantage. You’ll engage in fast-paced blaster fights, but you’ll also spend time sneaking past patrols, picking locks, and hacking terminals. A huge part of the experience is also piloting your ship, the Trailblazer, for dogfights and traversing between planets.
Choose Jedi: Survivor for: Deep, satisfying, and challenging melee combat that makes you feel powerful.
Choose Outlaws for: A blend of stealth, third-person shooting, and open-world exploration where you must outsmart your opponents.
Exploration: Guided Paths vs. Open-World Freedom
Jedi: Survivor features large, expansive levels that are intricately designed like a puzzle box. You explore areas like the planet Koboh, which acts as a central hub, but your path is often guided by the main story. Exploration is rewarded with new abilities, cosmetic upgrades, and shortcuts. It’s a curated experience.
Star Wars Outlaws is billed as the first true open-world Star Wars game. You can explore multiple planets at your own pace, accepting missions from shady characters in seedy cantinas, and choosing which syndicate to work for (or double-cross). The promise is one of freedom—to fly from planet to planet, explore on your speeder, and create your own story outside the main plot.
Choose Jedi: Survivor for: A Metroidvania-style exploration of beautifully crafted, interconnected levels.
Choose Outlaws for: Unprecedented freedom to explore the Star Wars galaxy on your own terms.
The Vibe: High-Stakes Drama vs. Gritty Underworld
The tone of each game is a major differentiator.
- Jedi: Survivor has the vibe of a blockbuster Star Wars movie. It’s cinematic, dramatic, and full of awe-inspiring moments. The stakes are galactic, and the soundtrack swells with classic Star Wars themes.
- Star Wars Outlaws has the vibe of a tense heist film or a Western. It’s grounded, gritty, and morally gray. The stakes are personal, and the world feels lived-in and dangerous, reminiscent of the iconic Mos Eisley Cantina scene.
The Verdict: Which Star Wars Dream Will You Live?
Your choice ultimately comes down to the fantasy you want to experience.
- Play Star Wars Jedi: Survivor if…
- You dream of wielding a lightsaber and feeling the Force flow through you.
- You love challenging, skill-based melee combat.
- You prefer a strong, linear narrative with deep character development.
- You want to feel like the hero of your own Star Wars trilogy.
- Play Star Wars Outlaws if…
- You’ve always been fascinated by the seedy underworld of Star Wars.
- You prefer gameplay that mixes stealth, shooting, and player choice.
- The freedom to explore an open world and create your own story excites you more than a guided path.
- You want to feel like just another person trying to survive in a galaxy ruled by empires and crime lords.
Both games are incredible additions to the Star Wars universe, but they offer two distinct doors into it. One leads to the Jedi Temple; the other leads to the cantina. The choice is yours.
