The Star Wars franchise is composed of dozens of different stories that extend far beyond the mainline movies. For decades, video games have been one of the most prominent ways to experience this universe, with studios reimagining iconic characters through genres ranging from racing and shooters to flight simulators and role-playing games. When searching for the best Star Wars games of all time, players can find deep narratives that expand the lore far beyond the silver screen.
Expanding the Galaxy: Upcoming Releases and Genres
The expansion of the Star Wars universe shows no signs of slowing down. While many fans enjoy tabletop, board, and card games to craft their own adventures, the digital landscape continues to grow with several highly anticipated titles on the horizon.
In the next few years, we are expecting entries across a diverse range of genres, including:
- Star Wars: Galactic Racer (Racing)
- Star Wars: Zero Company (Turn-based tactics)
- Star Wars: Eclipse (Narrative adventure)
As new stories emerge, the landscape for the best Star Wars games of all time will undoubtedly continue to shift.
A Chronological Look at The Best Star Wars Games Of All Time
The following list explores legendary titles arranged chronologically, from the early days of gaming to the modern era.
Star Wars: TIE Fighter
Developed by Totally Games, Star Wars: TIE Fighter is a flight simulator and space combat game that wowed fans back in 1994. The story begins immediately following the events of The Empire Strikes Back and continues until the final battle of Return of the Jedi.
Players take on the role of a talented TIE pilot tasked with hunting down pirates and traitors to the Galactic Empire. While the game is no longer canon, it provides a superb perspective on the "bad guys," showing that most Imperial soldiers weren't as evil as Emperor Palpatine. It offers a level of depth that later titles like Battlefront II and Squadrons have struggled to replicate. Star Wars: TIE Fighter is available for PC via GOG.
Star Wars Episode 1: Racer
Born from the massive merchandising push of Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, this title turns the film's memorable podracing scene into a white-knuckle arcade racer. The game captures the high-stakes energy of the film, where players pilot vessels that are essentially jet engines attached to soapboxes.
You can play as rivals Anakin or Sebulba, along with several other unique characters from the film. Much like the movie, you must beat your opponents to the finish line while avoiding obstacles that could damage your fragile vessel. While you can pause for repairs, it comes at a heavy cost to your race time. This title is available on Steam.
Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast
Developed by Raven Software, Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast is the third entry in the series that began with 1995's Dark Forces. The story follows Kyle Katarn, a mercenary-turned-Jedi who must reconnect with his Force sensitivity to combat a new threat to the New Republic.
This title is notable for transitioning combat into a hybrid of shooter and lightsaber mechanics. It features a stellar single-player campaign and allows Kyle to interact with legends like Luke Skywalker and Lando Calrissian. Although no longer canon, it remains a standout experience. The game is available on PS4, Switch, Xbox, GameCube, and PC.
Star Wars Rogue Leader: Rogue Squadron II
While the cockpit-style action of TIE Fighter was a PC staple, the Rogue Squadron series brought incredible Star Wars action to the GameCube. Rogue Leader allows players to pilot iconic vessels such as the X-Wing, Millennium Falcon, B-Wing, and the T-16 Skyhopper.
The game is famous for its impressive setpieces and unlockable missions that let you play as Darth Vader to hunt down "rebel scum." It remains one of the most polished dogfighting experiences on the console.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Developed by BioWare, Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) is frequently cited as one of the greatest Star Wars games ever made. Set thousands of years before The Phantom Menace, the story follows the struggle to stop Darth Malak, a Sith who murdered his master, Darth Revan, to seize control of the Sith armada.
Revisiting the best Star Wars games of all time requires mentioning KOTOR's incredible depth, including:
- Meaningful choices between the Light and Dark Side
- The recruitment of iconic allies like Bastila Shan, Mission Vao, and the assassin droid HK-47
- Deep exploration of the Star Wars galaxy
The game is available on Xbox, Switch, PC, and both Android and iOS devices. A KOTOR remake is currently in development.
