Rebellion Against Tyranny

Lore & Background

Set five years after the destruction of the Jedi Holocron, the narrative follows Cal Kestis as he works as a resistance fighter under Saw Gerrera before reuniting with his crew on Koboh. The story introduces a significantly darker tone than its predecessor, exploring themes of futility regarding the rebellion and the overwhelming dominance of the Empire. Key antagonists include the Ninth Sister, an Imperial Inquisitor trained by Darth Vader; Dagan Gera, a former High Republic Dark Jedi seeking to reach Tanalorr; and Rayvis, the Gen'Dai leader of the Bedlam Raiders. The plot thickens when Cal discovers ZN-A4, a droid from the High Republic era who activates the Forest Array. This reveals a vision of Dagan Gera and Santari Khri discovering the mythical planet Tanalorr hidden behind the impassable Koboh Abyss nebula. In a desperate bid to secure an ally, Cal frees a one-armed Dagan from a bacta tank, only for the turned Jedi to escape with Rayvis.

In Their Own Story

The journey begins on Coruscant, where Cal and his mercenary comrade Bode Akuna infiltrate the Imperial capital to steal military data from Senator Daho Sejan. The mission reveals a disheartening truth: despite their efforts, the Empire has expanded its reach further than ever. The Ninth Sister arrives to exact revenge, killing Sejan and most of Cal's team before falling herself. After escaping Coruscant with Bode, the Stinger Mantis is damaged. On Koboh, Cal protects Greez Dritus's town from the Bedlam Raiders and reunites with Greez to repair the ship. While searching for parts, Cal encounters Zee, a High Republic droid who provides a tuner device. This activates the Forest Array, granting Cal access to a vision of Tanalorr. The discovery of Dagan Gera in a bacta tank leads to a critical turning point; hoping to recruit a former Jedi, Cal frees him, but Dagan immediately attacks and flees with Rayvis.

Reader's Guide

Survivor adopts a Metroidvania structure, splitting gameplay between combat, platforming, and puzzle-solving. Players control Cal Kestis using five distinct lightsaber stances: double-bladed, dual-wield, single, blaster, and crossguard, though only two can be equipped at once. Combat relies on parrying enemy attacks to deplete their block meter, while unblockable red-glowing attacks must be dodged. Cal utilizes Force abilities like pushing, pulling, slowing time, lifting enemies, and confusing them into attacking each other. Progression is driven by earning XP to upgrade skills across three trees: combat stance, Force powers, and survival. Meditation circles serve as safe zones for healing, skill upgrades, and fast travel, but also trigger enemy respawns. Exploration involves using wall-running, air-dashing, double-jumping, and the Ascension cable grappling hook to traverse large, sprawling spaces. Players can recruit companions at Pyloon's Saloon, unlock side quests called rumors, play Holotactics, and discover seven High Republic-era Jedi Chambers containing puzzles and rewards.

Did You Know?

• Development began in late 2019 and lasted three and a half years, with Stig Asmussen returning as director.
• This was the last game released by EA during its 10-year exclusivity contract with Lucasfilm.
• The game features five distinct lightsaber stances: double-bladed, dual-wield, single, blaster, and crossguard.
• Scattered throughout Koboh are seven High Republic-era Jedi Chambers that offer puzzles and rewards.