Star Wars Jedi: Survivor seems to up the ante on everything from Fallen Order with an enticing narrative and new mechanics. However, one of the most noticeable differences in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is that Cal Kestis looks to be standing alone against bounty hunters, Imperial troopers, and even fauna like a woodland Wampa. Fortunately, Cal has new skills in his arsenal, from taming and riding mounts to possibly introducing a blaster and lightsaber combo. Aside from these features, Cal will also be getting aid from a new companion: Bode Akuna.
Besides seemingly assisting Cal on his journey across new planets in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and sporting two blaster pistols, little is known about the mercenary Bode Akuna. However, Jedi: Survivor's director Stig Asmussen revealed the two characters have a bond that makes them more like brothers. This closeness is reflected in some gameplay footage where Bode assists Cal in taking down a Scout Trooper and helps him up a ledge. Given the Star Wars brand's ethos of having narrative beats that "rhyme," this closeness may lead to a much more complicated relationship as the influence of the Dark Side tears apart so-called brothers.
What Cal is Up To in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
The Star Wars Jedi: Survivor trailer at The Game Awards 2023 depicts Cal on his continuing mission against the Empire, but his allies are less active. Cere Junda makes an appearance but seems to have a less direct role than in Fallen Order, rebuilding an archive on Coruscant in the Jedi: Survivor trailer. Moreover, Cal will be taming various mounts and using them to cross multiple planets across the galaxy alongside BD-1.
Not all the new faces met in Jedi: Survivor are friends, as the game adds onto the plethora of enemies and characters from Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. From Battle Droids that Star Wars: The Phantom Menace fans will remember to what may be a bounty hunter wielding a lightsaber, Cal's plate certainly looks full. Luckily, Cal has a new ally in Bode Akuna, but given the state of the galaxy and the narrative arcs of Star Wars generally, this alliance could become more than it seems.
Bode Akuna May Turn to the Dark Side in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
One of the main themes in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order was reconciling with the past. Cal was a broken man at the beginning, but by the end he not only found a new purpose and came to terms with his past, he also gained a new family. Emerging from a bacta tank in the Star Wars Jedi: Survivor reveal trailer, a silver-haired character states that he was betrayed and imprisoned by the one he trusted most. The trailer's tone could hint at a story about teaching Cal hard lessons through betrayal.
While seemingly helpful at first, Bode Akuna could become an obstacle to the young Jedi Knight. Considering Jedi: Survivor builds upon Star Wars lore by its setting in the aftermath of Order 66, Bode could be using Cal as a paycheck, or for other nefarious reasons yet to be shown. Moreover, even if they do have a special bond, Anakin and Obi-Wan were also considered brothers - fans are well aware how that played out. Whatever the case, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor looks to be a step up from its predecessor in terms of gameplay, so hopefully this is reflected the obstacles and lessons its main character faces.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor releases April 28 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
