As an avid Star Wars fan and obsessive gamer who has endlessly analyzed every scrap of lore and gameplay footage, this guide thoroughly explains the characters in Star Wars Jedi Survivor, including their role in the game and the people who did voiceovers.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 action-adventure game Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts, Jedi: Survivor continues the story of Cal Kestis, a former Jedi Padawan struggling to survive in the aftermath of Order 66.
The game features a mix of returning characters from Fallen Order as well as several new faces that promise to shake up the status quo. In this guide, we‘ll take a close analytical look at the main characters confirmed to appear in Jedi: Survivor.
Cal Kestis
Once again stepping into the role of the protagonist is Cal Kestis, the ginger-haired Jedi who is desperately trying to rediscover his connection to the Force. Set five years after the events of Fallen Order, Cal has grown from a unsure Padawan into a more mature and battle-hardened warrior. However, he still grapples with the enormous responsibility placed upon him as one of the few surviving Jedi.
- Age: 23 (5 years older than previous game)
- Homeworld: Bracca
- Affiliation: Jedi Order, Scrapper Guild, Stinger Mantis Crew
- Lightsaber Form: Form III Soresu (defensive) with elements of other forms
- Force Abilities: Force Slow, Force Stasis, Force Push, Force Pull, Force Shield, BD-1 Socket
According to insights shared by the developers in interviews, Cal will face even greater threats in his quest to rebuild the Jedi Order. This will push his abilities to the limit as he travels to new planets and encounters new allies and enemies. Already rocked by past traumatic events, Cal must dig extremely deep emotionally and spiritually in order to summon the strength and courage needed to persevere.
As someone who closely analyzed Cal‘s progression in Fallen Order, he is my favorite Star Wars gaming protagonist in years thanks to his complex characterization and evolving growth. His oath to revive the Jedi legacy stakes the very soul of the Force itself on his shattered yet willing shoulders. I cannot wait to guide Cal through the next leg of his hero‘s journey.
Cere Junda
Former Jedi Knight Cere Junda acted as Cal‘s mentor in Fallen Order, guiding him to overcome his trauma and re-establish his connection to the Force. Now known as the "Lady of Sorrows," Cere plays a crucial role in training a new generation of Force users from her hidden refuge. The emotional impact of witnessing the near-annihilation of the Jedi Order still visibly weighs upon Cere. Yet her devotion to passing on the teachings of the Light Side remains steadfast.
I was glad to see Cere survive the first game, as she represents one of the few positive parental figures Cal has ever known. Their bond should continue to mature into an almost mother-son dynamic built upon mutual trust and care. Cere‘s inner torment wonderfully mirrors the collapsed ruins of the Jedi Order itself – damaged but still standing, melancholy yet filled with purpose, haunted by loss but hoping for renewal.
- Age: Approx. 45
- Homeworld: Unknown
- Affiliation: Jedi Order, Latero Pilots Guild, Hidden Path
- Lightsaber Form: Unknown, likely multiple
- Force Abilities: Force Pull, Force Push, Force Jump, Force Heal, Psychometry (formerly)
Much speculation revolves around whether Cere will construct a new lightsaber after either regaining or losing her connection to the Force based on plot decisions in the first game. As her emotional state remains fragile, Cal may be forced to help pull Cere back from the darkness she constantly struggles to suppress.
Greez Dritus
The four-armed Latero pilot Greez returns as captain of the Mantis, the ragtag crew‘s home and base of operations. Ever the wary spacer, Greez helps ferry Cal and his allies across the galaxy while offering blunt but well-meaning advice. His checkered history running cargo for crime syndicates provides invaluable streetwise knowledge for navigating Imperial spaceports.
- Age: Approx. 35
- Homeworld: Lateron
- Affiliation: Lateron Pilots Guild, Stinger Mantis Crew
- Combat Abilities: Piloting, close-quarters brawling
Though he tries to project nonchalant self-interest, Greez harbors an undeniable soft spot for Cal‘s quixotic crusade to save the Jedi. Their odd couple dynamic infuses the story with fantastic banter and humor to balance the prevalent gloom. Greez has surely led dozens of bold heists and escapes over his smuggler career, making him an expert at entering dangerous terrain and talking his way out of trouble.
I must admit Greez became my favorite supporting character almost immediately thanks to his unfiltered honesty and eccentric charm. He adds a wonderfully roguish air to the team dynamic aboard the Mantis. Underneath his gruff exterior lies a heart of gold.
BD-1
Cal‘s loyal astromech companion BD-1 returns to supply invaluable support, pragmatic advice, and comic pinache to cut the tension. BD-1‘s integrated scomp link lets him interface with security systems to bypass otherwise impenetrable barriers. By scanning enemies in combat, BD-1 identifies vulnerabilities that give Cal a strategic advantage. Without BD-1‘s assistance both in and out of battle, Cal‘s missions would likely end in disaster.
- Function: Exploration/Combat Support Droid
- Manufacturer: Industrial Automaton
- Equipment: Spotlight, Scomp Link, Stim Dispenser, Holo-Projector, Multiple Appendages
- Abilities: Slicing, Scanning
BD-1 also provides Cal transit across dangerous terrain with his high-powered spider-like limbs. But perhaps most importantly, BD-1 delivers recordings from the late Master Cordova that guide Cal‘s Jedi training. Having BD-1 around turns perilous missions into slightly less dangerous ones. Between his head-spinning acrobatics and nervous twittering, BD-1 infuses essential levity into the game.
Nightsister Merrin
Former Nightsister Merrin joins the crew of the Mantis, adding her profound knowledge of ancient Force magicks to the fight. As the sole survivor of the annihilated coven on Dathomir, Merrin carries immense trauma from the genocide of her sisters which fuels her mystical powers. Though aligned with Cal as an ally, Merrin still operates from the darker side of the Force by channeling intense emotions like grief and rage. She provides a crucial link to the living history and alternate traditions of Force manipulation.
- Age: Approx. 19
- Homeworld: Dathomir
- Affiliation: Nightsister Clan, Mantis Crew
- Magic: Variety of occult magicks drawing from spirits/astral plane
- Equipment: Staff, Talismans
Merrin‘s skills seem almost shamanistic compared to the rigid structure of Jedi knights, allowing for fascinating contrast. Her role as "witch of Dathomir" grants access to unconventional abilities that will complement Cal‘s traditional lightsaber/Force repertoire. Merrin still struggles internally to fully trust others after the traumatic losses she endured. But her growing compassion for Cal helps thaw her lonely isolation.
Bode Akuna
A mysterious new character making his debut is Bode Akuna, an agent of the Galactic Empire tasked with eliminating Jedi fugitives. While little is currently known about him besides this brief description:
- Age: Unknown
- Homeworld: Unknown
- Affiliation: Galactic Empire (reluctantly), Imperial Security Bureau (reluctantly)
- Equipment: Blaster pistol, explosives, jetpack, respirator
Bode seems to elect keeping his Imperial ties secret as he offers Cal his aid escaping the Empire’s notice. This creates an intriguing dynamic as players are left wondering whether Bode genuinely tries building Cal‘s trust to betray him later when his guard is lowered. Or does Bode harbor deeper sympathies for the fading Jedi Order than his Imperial masters would permit? Either way, Bode introduces another wild card whose unpredictable true motivations ratchet up the drama.
Questions swirl regarding why Bode would defect from the genocidal Empire to help a marked Jedi fugitive he was ordered to execute. Does Bode begin privately questioning the Empire‘s authoritarian dogma? Does he witness atrocities that his conscience can no longer accept? Or does he merely seek exploitable opportunities for himself in weakening imperial influence by covertly aiding Cal? The layers of potential duplicity and deception make Bode one of the most fascinating new additions.
The Inquisitors
Cal will have to contend with a relentless band of Inquisitors – the Empire‘s Jedi hunters trained in the sinister dark side of the Force. These intimidating antagonists will stop at nothing to eliminate Cal and any other Jedi remnants scattered throughout the galaxy. Their imposing threat creates escalating stakes that dramatically fuel the action.
While the exact Inquisitors set to appear haven’t been officially confirmed, the trailer shows several emerging from the shadows wielding crackling red lightsabers. Given how the Second Sister and Ninth Sister plagued Cal during the previous game, we can likely expect a new lineup of Inquisitors hand-picked by Darth Vader himself. They carry on Vader‘s uncompromising decree that every last vestige of the Jedi Order must be erased from existence.
- Alignment: Dark Side of the Force
- Equipment: Red Lightsabers,Various Armaments
- Abilities: Force Choke, Force Lightning, Saber Throw, Dark Healing
Surviving clashes against multiple Inquisitors simultaneously will severely test Cal‘s increasing talents. Based on difficulty adjustments, players may even have the option to determine how many Inquisitors they wish to face at once. I eagerly await testing my Jedi might against the Emperor‘s deadliest disciples.
Rayvis
Rayvis is one of the new faces joining the character roster in Jedi: Survivor. Described as the cunning leader of the Bedlam Raiders bandit group, Rayvis seems certain to cross paths with Cal in an adversarial way. The Raiders fill a similar role as pirates and brigands operating on the fringe of civilized space, preying on vulnerable targets.
- Species: Gen‘Dai
- Age: 209+
- Homeworld: Unknown
- Affiliation: Bedlam Raiders
- Equipment: Various weapons, armor
- Abilities: Regeneration, Expert Marksmanship
Rayvis himself exhibits alien features like orange eyes and purple skin which suggests he is not human. Additional details provided on the Gen‘Dai species indicate impressive abilities like regenerative properties granting virtual immortality barring decapitation or vital organ destruction. This presents a staggering obstacle to conventional combat tactics. Rayvis has surely built a reputation across lawless parsec as a lethal gunslinger and fearsome marauder.
While the exact nature of Rayvis‘ inevitable confrontation with Cal remains unknown, it promises to unleash chaotically scintillating results. Neutralizing an effectively undying adversary opens up gameplay possibilities never before seen in a Star Wars title.
Where the Story May Lead
While firm details stay wisely guarded, Jedi: Survivor seems primed to thrust Cal into greater jeopardy as he combats encroaching Imperial domination. With Cere, Merrin and his motley allies providing support, Cal may finally spark hope throughout the galaxy and preserve the Jedi heritage from oblivion. But failure could cement the Empire‘s stranglehold and drive the Force itself into permanent exile.
Based on clues littered throughout trailer footage and concept art, Cal appears to infiltrate an imprisoned city pervaded by sprawling neon-bathed cyberpunk aesthetics unlike anything seen in the franchise before. The site boasts architectural styles and technologies indicative of the exploding corporate expansion strips across planets like Coruscant and Corellia. This presents an entirely new biome for Respawn artists and designers to unleash dazzling visual invention upon.
Set against the empire consolidating its dominion over the outer rim, Cal seems destined to become more than just a mere survivor. All evidence points to his long-awaited elevation into a leadership role rallying an insurgency against imperial rule through daring raids and narrow escapes. But freshly catastrophic losses could also shake the foundations of Cal‘s commitment and send him retreating from the fray.
Either outcome promises to deliver a white knuckle emotional rollercoaster for devoted fans invested in Cal‘s agonizing journey of setbacks and triumphs. Cresting the cusp of full Jedi knighthood introduces gripping implications that this may be Cal Kestis‘ final stand as both light and darkness converge for a fateful reckoning. All will be revealed when Star Wars Jedi: Survivor launches on March 17th, 2023.
Closing Thoughts
As a dedicated gamer with countless hours analyzing every granular detail in the Jedi saga, the deeper expansion of Cal Kestis‘ mythos in Survivor fills me with tremendous excitement. The amplified scale and raised stakes seem guaranteed to deliver Cal‘s most poignant crucible yet. I cannot wait to guide him through exceedingly dire scenarios that will push the boundaries of perseverance and courage.
The introduction of complex new characters like Bode Akuna hints that moral choices and shifting loyalties may play an enhanced role in the unfolding story. This adds welcome shades of grey to the traditionally stark dichotomy between Jedi and Sith. The result looks to offer unprecedented player agency in determining ally and adversary dynamics.
While robust combat and exploration remain cornerstones, the epic new adventure looks to emphasize high-wire tension stemming from factional betrayals and uneasy alliances against destructive imperial forces. Spectacular set pieces across vividly surreal alien vistas should meld beautifully with white-knuckle suspense to produce unmatched space fantasy thrills.
All my years appreciating Star Wars lore and dissecting gameplay systems inform my mighty anticipation to again guide Cal Kestis in overcoming trauma through hope. Let the iconic mythic journey continue! May the Force be with Cal!
