The upcomingStar Wars: Jedi Survivorwill have to do a lot to live up to and exceed the expectations set by its 2019 predecessor. While not a lot is currently known about the upcoming game, a lot of promotional material is slowly being released which confirms the predictable return of a lot of familiar faces from the original title.
For many fans, the most appealing narrative aspect ofStar Wars: Jedi Survivoris seeing some comprehensive character development for the main character of Cal Kestis, as well as his droid companion BD-1. Droid companions have long been a staple of stories within theStar Warsfranchise, and the upcoming release ofSurvivorcould cement BD-1 as the best example of this form of character in the franchise.
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A History of Droid Companions of Star Wars
Droids have become a staple ofStar Warsnarratives, being a core part of the very first story ever told within the franchise.Star Wars' R2-D2and C-3PO are examples of two of the most famous and defining droid companions in the saga, and arguably provided the framework for what kind of role droids should play to supplement the narratives told within the IP.
R2-D2 in particular is widely considered the most beloved droid in the franchise, appearing extensively in all three mainline film trilogies as well as within the popularanimated showStar Wars: The Clone Wars. Other droids have since appeared such as BB-8 in the sequel trilogy of films, and even Chopper within the animatedStar Wars Rebels, with both of these droids being astromechs like R2-D2. With this formula being so engrained inStar Wars’storytelling framework, it is no wonder thatJedi: Fallen Orderpossessed its own dedicated droid sidekick, although one with a very unique personality and aesthetic.
How Jedi: Survivor Could Build Upon BD-1 From Fallen Order
BD-1 is Cal’s droid companion inJedi: Fallen Order, and will reprise its role in the upcomingJedi: Survivor. A multipurpose droid,Jedi: Fallen Order’s BD-1falls under the classification of an explorer droid, being designed to aid researchers in hazardous locations with its scanning and healing capabilities. BD-1 can be described as an enthusiastic and loyal droid, playing an integral role in Cal Kestis' exploits during the original 2019 title.
The cutesy nature of BD-1 combined with his genuine in-game purpose meant that it quickly became a franchise-favorite droid for many players, with a lot of fans subsequently being excited at the prospect of its return in the upcoming game. One could say that BD-1 possesses the enthusiastic utility of R2-D2, theamicably cute nature of BB-8, and even the headstrong bluntness ofRebel’sChopper, perhaps making it less surprising that the droid has become such an instant hit.
With this in mind, one of the few things holding BD-1 back from exceeding the standing of the likes of R2-D2 in the eyes of many fans is that the former droid has simply not had as much screen time, with the latter being on screens since 1977. The BD unit made its first live-action appearance recently inThe Book of Boba Fett, reinforcing the notion that this form of droid is becoming an increasingly beloved addition to theStar Warsuniverse.
The release ofJedi: Survivorwill essentially double the total screen time that BD-1 has received, only expanding the personality and exploits of the droid and pushing it further toward and perhaps even past the likes of R2-D2 and C-3PO. With BD-1 already holding such a high standing within the esteems of many, it may be widely considered the best-ever droid companion in the near future, especially ifJedi: Survivorbuilds on what madeFallen Ordergreat.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivorreleases on June 30, 2025, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
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