Why Darth Vader’s Cameo Was Kept A Secret In Jedi Fallen Order

2019’s Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order threw a curve ball at players with Darth Vader’s surprise appearance at the end of the game, and had the Sith Lord’s cameo not been kept in the dark, it would have completely changed how players experienced the ending. Knowing about Vader’s inclusion in the game may have led fans to guess the ending ahead of the game’s release, or at the very least, it would have spoiled much of the suspense and surprise that made Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order’s ending so memorable.

In Jedi: Fallen Order, gamers have the opportunity play as Cal Kestis, a new character in the Star Wars universe and former Jedi Padawan. The game was developed by Respawn Entertainment and released on the Xbox One, PS4, and PC. It was hailed as one of the best Star Wars games in recent memory, and Jedi: Fallen Order’s shocking ending certainly helped finish things on a high note.

There are many elements that help make Jedi: Fallen Order’s ending impressive. It gives players the opportunity to have one final, intense boss fight (and chase) and it also does a good job at pulling at the player’s emotional heartstrings. But getting to face off against Vader, arguably the most infamous big bad of the franchise, is what truly makes the ending a home-run.

Darth Vader Was Jedi: Fallen Order’s Best-Kept Secret

Players may think the game is over after Cal faces off with Second Sister, formerly known as Trilla, Cere’s Jedi Padawan. After he decides to let her live, and Cere subsequently takes responsibility for pushing Trilla towards the dark side, a heavy breathing becomes audible in the background. Then, none other than Darth Vader enters the scene, and upon seeing that Second Sister failed to capture the Jedi Holocron (and is also swaying from the dark side) he kills her. The scene escalates even further as it appears that Vader also kills Cere next. Had Vader’s appearance in the game not been kept top-secret, it likely would have spoiled much of this scene’s impact, or at the very least, it may have allowed players to guess the Second Sister’s demise.

As Jedi: Fallen Order shifts from a cutscene to gameplay, players will quickly learn that it’s futile to try and attempt to kill the Sith Lord. If gamers try to move forward and slay Darth Vader, he will quickly kill Cal, thus making the only viable option to run in the opposite direction. What ensues next is one of the most suspenseful moments in the game, which wouldn’t have been nearly as anxiety-inducing had players known about Vader’s appearance beforehand. For a moment, it appears as though Vader will successfully snatch the Holocron, thereby endangering the lives of countless Jedi children. With Cere seemingly dead and Vader on Cal’s heels, it may seem like a hopeless feat. But this makes it all the more exhilarating when Cere proves she’s not dead and attempts to stop Vader with the force.

Just when players think Vader and Cere will fight to the death in an unforgettable final battle, Cal manages to break a glass wall, sending water flooding into the hall. Cal and Cere are ultimately saved by Nightsister Merrin, while they leave Vader behind to deal with the flooding. As it becomes apparent that the two are in the clear, players are finally able to breathe a sigh of relief. As cool as it would have been to see a proper fight between Cere and Vader, the odds didn’t necessarily look good for the former. Players were definitely happy to see these two characters manage to safely escape, but the idea that another entry could explore Cal being hunted by Darth Vader is something which is impossible (and too interesting) to ignore.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order left an impression on fans thanks to its unforgettable Darth Vader cameo, and the ending certainly wouldn’t have been the same had Vader’s appearance been spoiled beforehand.

About The Author