Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order from Respawn Entertainment has a lot to offer the discerning gamer. The combat and its accompanying skill tree are some of the title's key features. With a total of 33 unlockable skills, players are free to shape the progression of protagonist Cal Kestis in a way that best suits their play style. Upon completing the tutorial mission and traveling to Bogano, the game opens up as players discover the Skill Tree. Found through the Meditation Circles scattered along his Star Wars journey, Cal can spend the skill points gained through earning EXP to improve his abilities.

These abilities are split across three distinct sections: Force, Lightsaber, and Survival skills. Each is diverse and unique, offering a customizable experience tailored to the player with up to four tiers of development. These improvements make Cal Kestis a far more deadly combatant, able to dispatch enemies easily with each level.

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The Best Skills in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Jedi: Fallen Order's Skill Tree

There is a large selection of skills available for players to peruse throughout Cal's adventure. Yet, not all skills are equal in value, as some provide minor boons while others can launch Cal's combat prowess into the stratosphere. These are some tried and tested suggestions for the discerning Jedi.

Dash Strike (1 Force Point): Closes the distance between Cal and the enemy in the blink of an eye.

Superior Blocking (1 Force Point): Reduces stamina damage from incoming attacks.

Agile Deflection (1 Force Point): Blocks blaster fire by simply running toward the enemy. It also prevents interruptions while wall running.

Switch Attack (1 Force Point): Enables a flourish attack while switching between Lightsaber styles.

jedi fallen order key art

Evasive Kick (1 Force Point): Kicks the enemy off balance after executing a perfect dodge.

Howling Pull (2 Force Points): Pulls all nearby enemies in close. Use with Single Split Saber technique for a 360-degree attack.

Sprint Strike (1 Force Point): Unleashes a simple, speedy attack on your target after sprinting.

Lightsaber Mastery (3 Force Points): Increases all damage dealt with the Lightsaber, making simple attacks hit a lot harder.

This selection offers Cal a wide assortment of skills that ensures players have something for every encounter. With tight defense, Cal can comfortably make it to the end of the game and take no damage. For those curious about what other skills are on offer, below is a full Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Skill Tree Guide.

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Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order's Skill Tree: Force Branch

Cal Kestis in combat

This branch offers Cal the chance to improve his connection with the Force. These aren't new powers but augmentations to existing ones discovered through the story, which give them more powerful effects. These can assist in crowd control by thinning numbers and separating enemies from groups. They also make the more difficult one-on-one fights less imposing by altering the enemy's movements.

Force Attunement: 1 Force Point, No Requirements.

Force Attunement increases Cal's Maximum Force reserve. The Force pool does not diminish when used outside of combat but benefits from cautious use when engaging enemies. Players should closely monitor the Force meter as trying to use powers while drained opens Cal up. The Force meter regenerates both on landing attacks and defeating enemies.

Mass Push: 1 Force Point, Requires Force Attunement. Uses Force.

Holding down the Force Push button will allow for a broader range to Cal's Push. This can prove invaluable in multiple scenarios. When facing groups, Mass Push can stagger large groups or larger enemies, giving Cal the time to dispatch or damage them. Mass Push can hit faster moving targets and bosses who have strong evasion skills.

Howling Push: 2 Force Points, Requires Mass Push. Uses Force.

Howling Push increases the effectiveness of the Push ability, allowing Cal to knock down multiple enemies simultaneously and topple larger enemies who have higher resistance. Using this ability against enemies near ledges can help thin the crowds or even win bigger fights in a single move.

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Empowered Slow: 1 Force Point, Requires Force Attunement. Uses Force.

Holding down the Force Slow button will allow Cal to slow enemies for a longer duration. This ability is highly effective when applied to a larger enemy in a group, allowing players time to defeat the smaller opponents and free up space.

Enhanced Force Recovery: 2 Force Points, Requires Force Attunement.

Enhanced force recovery lets Cal regain more Force per enemy defeated. This skill, used in conjunction with Force Pull, means Cal can bring enemies in for an instant-kill, replenishing Force and allowing for a near-continuous cycle.

Grasping Pull: 1 Force Point, Requires Force Attunement. Uses Force.

The Grasping Pull skill lets Cal pull in larger enemies for close combat. Many larger enemies won't die from the attack, so pulling those enemies in will open Cal up for close-quarters-combat. It's best to avoid this technique if Cal is low on health and the enemy is anything other than a grunt.

Cal Kestis and BD-1

Howling Pull: 2 Force Points, Requires Grasping Pull. Uses Force.

Howling Pull has a 360-degree area of effect, allowing Cal to pull multiple surrounding enemies in at once. This skill does leave Cal vulnerable to attack due to the enemy's new proximity. However, if players use the Single Saber Split Technique directly afterward, all the surrounding enemies will take damage and stagger.

Burst Slow: 2 Force Points, Requires Empowered Slow. Uses Force.

Much like Howling Pull, Burst Slow increased the area of effect of Slow. This technique is best to use when facing overwhelming enemy numbers. This ability followed by Repulse can help create space for evasion and even regenerate lost Force power.

Greater Force Attunement: 1 Force Point, Requires Force Attunement.

Once again, Cal's maximum Force pool increases. This skill means that he can dish out more Force powers in quick succession. It's worth noting that although there is an increase to the Force meter, it still requires close monitoring to avoid overuse.

The Power of Friendship: 3 Force Points, Requires Greater Force Attunement.

The Power of Friendship skill gives BD-1's stim canisters the ability to refill Cal's force meter alongside his health. This skill has a single practical use but makes the canisters all the more valuable. Application of this skill warrants far more care when using stims to avoid prematurely exhausting the supply.

Ultimate Force Attunement: 2 Force Points, Requires Greater Force Attunement.

Cal's Force reserve increases for the last time. This final boost allows for more Force inclusive combos that can make Cal a devastating combatant. Playing it smart and using abilities that cause damage will regain Force quickly after expelling it.

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Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order's Skill Tree: Lightsaber Branch

Cal Kestis Fighting the Second Sister

The Lightsaber branch offers augmentations to Cal's close-quarters combat prowess. There are many well-balanced techniques available to increase his effectiveness with his single, split and double-sided stances. Due to its role as your main offensive and defensive tool, the Lightsaber has tremendous practical applications.

Overhead Slash: 1 Force Point, No Requirements. Uses Force.

Overhead Slash is, for all intents and purposes, a single heavy attack. This attack is much slower than Cal's light attacks, leaving him momentarily vulnerable as he swings. It is essential to remember that this attack uses the Force, meaning it partially depletes the Force meter and that Cal cannot perform the attack if the Force meter is too low. This attack can kill most grunts and low-level enemies in a single hit but is better for sparing use in boss fights.

Dash Strike: 1 Force Point, Requires Overhead Slash. Uses Force.

The Dash Strike ability lets Cal rapidly advance toward a selected target and deal a devastating blow. This skill's function is to single out opponents in groups and quickly close the distance between Cal and the target. Using this ability alongside the lock-on will allow players to alter Cal's position in the battle in a single move.

Leaping Slash: 2 Force Points, Requires Dash Strike. Uses Force.

Leaping Slash is the second swing to follow the Overhead Slash. Using these can consume a significant amount of Force from the meter and should only be used when the target has no defense stamina. These slashes can break through an enemy's shield but use up so much Force that it will be challenging to deliver the final blow in the combo. This technique is best used with an opening and as a final blow.

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Improved Dash: 1 Force Point, Requires Dash Strike. Uses Force.

This skill increases the Dash Strike distance. Using this ability on an unsuspecting enemy can help Cal close the distance before being noticed and deliver a devastating attack. This radius increase helps Cal traverse battlefields more quickly and push behind defensive lines created by smaller enemies.

Whirlwind Throw: 2 Force Points, Requires Leaping Slash. Uses Force.

The Whirlwind Throw is one of the best crowd control abilities that Cal can acquire. By spinning the blade around his immediate vicinity, Cal can thin the numbers of swarming enemies very quickly but at a high Force cost. This skill can also be utilized effectively in one-to-one combat by extending a combo with the deadly attack that is difficult to counter.

Evasive Kick: 1 Force Point, Requires Dash Strike.

Evasive Kick can be a lifesaver in the heat of combat. After succeeding on a quick evade, Cal can quickly kick the enemy away, staggering them and creating much-needed space. Mastering this skill will prove invaluable in all forms of combat but is most important in boss battles.

Jedi Master Jaro Tapal in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Repulse: 2 Force Points, Requires Dash Strike. Uses Force.

The Repulse skill is an attack with a simple application. After performing a jump, Cal can perform a ground pound-style attack that pushes enemies away from his landing position. Although this ability does use Force, if enough enemies take damage while using it, the Force will immediately regenerate. This technique is best to use while attacking groups of unsuspecting enemies from higher ground, when their defenses are low and the attack will have maximum effect.

Sprint Strike: 1 Force Point, Requires Dash Strike.

The sprint strike has a lot of practical use, chiefly because it does not require the Force to perform. The best application of this skill is against lone enemies or those in smaller, clustered groups. Attacking first can often end the fight before it begins. This skill is also effective in combat with larger groups as a less costly form of Dash Strike, but it is best for the opening attack.

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Lightsaber Throw: 3 Force Points, Requires Sprint Strike. Uses Force.

The Lightsaber throw offers players the ability to launch their lightsaber at an enemy or object and have it return to their hand. This skill is great for hitting enemies who are on different levels or are further away. Using this attack in a boss battle is slightly more complicated as it can leave Cal temporarily vulnerable to attack while the saber is out of his hands.

Power Throw: 2 Force Points, Requires Lightsaber Throw.

Power Throw is an upgrade to the Lightsaber Throw ability that increases its range. With this additional range, Cal can attack enemies who may be on different ground, or he may quickly dispatch specific enemies in a group. With the benefit of the additional range, there also comes the danger of not having a defensive weapon for longer. It is best to use this ability sparingly in group combat.

Delay Thrust: 1 Force Point, Requires Dash Strike.

Delay Thrust allows Cal to deliberately miss a beat in his combo, faking out an enemy and creating an opening in their defense. This skill can be a tremendously valuable ability that works best in one-to-one combat. As it takes a little longer than a normal attack, using it in groups can open Cal up to strikes.

Delay Combo: 1 Force Point, Requires Delay Thrust.

The Delay Combo is an extension of the Delay Thrust ability. Although effective, it requires practice to perfect. There is a sweet spot for activating this attack though it requires training to master. That said, the attack does not function outside of combat, so testing on a live target is required. Try to practice with heavy troopers who won't die with a single hit.

Switch Attack: 1 Force Point, Requires Delay Combo.

When switching between Lightsaber stances or Forms, Cal can perform a unique attack with his blade. This skill can be the perfect thing for when players need to switch forms in the middle of combat to better suit their needs. This switch attack can fit perfectly in some more complex but deadly combo attacks.

Lightsaber Mastery: 3 Force Points, Requires Sprint Strike, Evasive Kick, and Delay Thrust.

This skill is simple. It increases Cal's Lightsaber damage, making each of his attacks hit harder than before. This skill is valuable, but getting to it is challenging and requires a lot of skill points.

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Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order's Skill Tree: Survival Branch

Cal Kestis Lightsaber combat

The Survival branch affects Cal's durability. These include health increases, automatic defense abilities and more, which allow Cal to endure and avoid more punishment. Improving this ability enables Cal to go further without using stims and stand with better chances against boss fights and overwhelming enemy groups.

Survival Skills: 1 Force Point, No Requirements.

Cal's maximum health increases. He can now take slightly more damage without dying but, depending on the difficulty, this can have varying effects.

Precision Evade: 2 Force Points, Requires Survival Skills.

Precision Evade allows Cal to briefly slow his enemies while recovering a small amount of Force. The Precision Evade is a helpful skill and has great practical use in both large and small fights. Once mastered, Cal can avoid enemy attacks and slowly refill his force meter.

Improved Stims: 1 Force Point, Requires Survival Skills.

Improved Stims mean that Cal can gain a little more health with each stim canister. Although the stims are more effective, they are still rare, so players will have to locate the specific crates that contain upgrades for the canister capacity.

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Superior Blocking: 1 Force Point, Requires Survival Skills.

Superior Blocking Improves Cal's defensive abilities. This skill means that Cal consumes less block stamina when blocking incoming damage, allowing players to up their defensive playstyle. Superior Blocking is invaluable when facing large groups of enemies or engaging in boss battles.

Taron Malicos and Cal Kestis in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Enhanced Survival Skills: 1 Force Point, Requires Survival Skills.

Cal's maximum health points increase once more, allowing him to take further punishment in combat and go longer without stims. A strong defense negates the need for this skill but it is ultimately up to the player.

Agile Deflection: 1 Force Point, Requires Superior Blocking.

Agile Deflection makes it so that Cal can auto deflect blaster fire while sprinting or wall running. While engaging enemies in an open space, this skill allows Cal to approach targets without using Force techniques like Dash Strike. Agile Deflection is most helpful when there are a few foes spaced apart or when entering a battle.

Expert Survival Skills: 2 Force Points, Requires Enhanced Survival Skills.

Cal's maximum health points increase one last time. This is the highest that Cal's health will be able to go.

Personalized Stims: 2 Force Points, Requires Improved Stims.

Personalized Stims give BD-1's stim canisters a health recovery boost. This upgrade allows players to use fewer stims as they battle through the game and engage in heavier fights.

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Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order's Skill Tree: Story-Driven Abilities

Cal Kestis's journey in Jedi Fallen Order

Several abilities and tools are given to the player through narrative milestones as opposed to being unlocked. They will not appear in Cal's skill list at the start but instead gradually appear as he reconnects with the Force through the course of the game.

Force Slow: Force Slow is provided to players at the start of the game. This ability allows Cal to stop enemy combatants in their tracks and even halt blaster fire in mid-air.

Force Push: At the start, when Cal begins to heal his connection with the Force, Force Push is provided to the players. This allows Cal to stagger or throw enemies around from a distance.

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Double Jump: Found on Cal's second visit to Kashyyyk in the middle of the game. Double Jump is primarily a method of traversal but does have practical combat applications in avoiding enemy attacks.

Force Pull: Found on Cal's return to Zeffo later in the game. This ability allows Cal to pull both enemies and objects toward himself.

Split Lightsaber and Double-Sided Lightsaber: Cal gains his double-sided Lightsaber while on Ilum in the second half of the game. This provides him with a new Lightsaber style alongside the ability to perform a switch attack and alternate attack.

Ultimately, this guide is just a suggestion that gives players a balanced experience to suit most encounters. These skills often take a fair few Force points to unlock and are by no means required to beat the game. Players can mix and match skills as they see fit to create a build that best suits them.

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