In 2026, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor still stands as one of the franchise's boldest gaming achievements. Respawn Entertainment's sequel didn't just continue Cal Kestis's journey; it proved that Star Wars could thrive in a more grounded, challenging, and methodical action framework. Yet even with its meditation points, respawning enemies, and punishing boss fights, Survivor remains a hybrid. The next logical step? A full-blooded Star Wars Soulslike that goes the whole nine yards.

Survivor Laid the Groundwork, but Didn't Cross the Line

Survivor and its predecessor, Fallen Order, borrowed heavily from FromSoftware's playbook. Players rest at meditation points, enemies respawn on return visits, and combat demands precise parries, timing, and stamina management. Boss battles like Dagan Gera and Rayvis hit hard, and higher difficulties can feel downright brutal. That's no small feat for a Star Wars game.

But the Jedi games still lean toward traditional action-adventure. Platforming, cinematic set pieces, and a linear story keep them from being a pure Soulslike. They're a gateway drug, not the main event. As the saying goes, the proof is in the pudding—and the pudding tastes like a franchise ready to throw caution to the wind.

The Genre Is Hotter Than Ever

The Soulslike genre has exploded into the mainstream. Elden Ring dominated the industry, and its 2024 expansion Shadow of the Erdtree kept the fire burning. By 2026, the demand for challenging, lore-rich, exploration-driven games is stronger than ever. Star Wars, with its vast galaxy and deep mythology, is a match made in heaven for that formula.

A dedicated Star Wars Soulslike could set itself on a single, largely unexplored planet—perhaps a forgotten Sith world. That would allow for dense environmental storytelling, implicit world-building, and a sense of isolation that Souls fans crave. Instead of hopping between planets, the player would dig deep into one cursed rock, uncovering ancient relics and terrifying secrets.

What a Star Wars Soulslike Could Look Like

Imagine a protagonist stranded with nothing: no lightsaber, no armor, no friends. They scavenge ruins for rudimentary gear, slowly building a kit from the bones of fallen Jedi and Sith. In Elden Ring fashion, the planet could be open, with multiple biomes and legacy dungeons. Builds could vary wildly—dual-blade, heavy guard, blaster-focused, or even Force-powered glass cannons.

Feature	Jedi: Survivor	Full Star Wars Soulslike
Combat	Lightsaber + blaster stances, parry timing	Harsher stamina, poise, and punish windows
World	Semi-open planets, platforming	One interconnected open world or legacy dungeons
Lore	Cinematic, explicit storytelling	Environmental, cryptic, item-description lore
Difficulty	Scalable, story mode available	No easy mode, brutal from the jump
Progression	Skill trees, stances	Varied builds, scavenged gear, no hand-holding

If the game keeps Survivor's blaster combat, it could blend Dark Souls and Bloodborne elements. Lightsaber duels would remain the centerpiece, but blasters would offer a ranged risk-reward option. The player might start with a broken training saber and end with a customized weapon built from legendary components. That's the kind of zero-to-hero arc Souls players eat up.

The Risks and Rewards

Star Wars media often risks sameness. The franchise spans eras, yet games can fall into familiar rhythms. A Soulslike would be a shot in the arm—a bold deviation that respects the IP while embracing a hardcore audience. Respawn already proved that players will accept a tougher, more grounded Jedi experience. Going further is not a leap of faith; it's a calculated strike while the iron is hot.

Of course, not every Star Wars fan wants to bang their head against a wall. A full Soulslike would need to justify its difficulty with fair design, rich lore, and rewarding exploration. But FromSoftware's success shows that audiences are hungry for exactly that. If anyone can knock it out of the park, it's a talented studio with the Star Wars license and a clear vision.

The Force Is Strong With This Idea

In 2026, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, and its legacy is still being felt. It opened a door that the franchise should now walk through. A dedicated Star Wars Soulslike could be a game-changer—a chance to explore a single planet's mysteries, master brutal combat, and earn every victory through blood, sweat, and the Force.

The galaxy far, far away has plenty of stories left to tell. Some of them should be told in the dark, with a lightsaber humming, a boss lurking, and the player wondering if they have what it takes. ⚔️🌌💀