Cal Kestis: Lightsaber Facts

Like all modern Star Wars media, story-based video games are considered canon. However, due to the nature of video games being an interactive medium, that canon is a bit looser than usual. In Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Cal Kestis’ lightsaber color, design, form and more are at least partially determined by the player. The game offers thrilling Souls-like combat, rich Metroidvania-type progression and a compelling protagonist in Cal Kestis, portrayed via voice and motion capture by actor Cameron Monaghan.

Among video games set in the world of Star Wars, Cal Kestis’ lightsaber has already become one the most iconic weapons. Join us to explore the facts surrounding the lightsabers Cal Kestis uses — including what counts as canon.

Cal Kestis Lightsaber

Cal Kestis’ Padawan Lightsaber — An Untrained Blade

A youngling at the time of the Clone Wars, Cal Kestis was being trained as a Padawan by Jedi Master Jaro Tapal. Cal Kestis’ Padawan lightsaber, the first he used, was a single-bladed blue lightsaber. By the time Palpatine gave out Order 66, setting the end of the Jedi Order in motion, he did not have extensive lightsaber training, though he possessed some innate skill. In the ensuing chaos of Order 66, Cal Kestis’ Padawan lightsaber was lost in a turbolift shaft.

Cal Kestis’ First Lightsaber After Order 66 — The Blade of His Master, Jaro Tapal

How did Cal Kestis get his lightsaber back? He didn’t — he lost that first single-bladed lightsaber forever. However, Master Jaro Tapal helped his Padawan escape execution during Order 66, but he had to sacrifice himself to do it — and he left his lightsaber to Cal. Jaro Tapal’s lightsaber was double-bladed with a cylindrical grip and square emitter, though the clone army damaged it, making it a single-bladed lightsaber with a damaged hilt when used as Cal Kestis’ first lightsaber post-Order 66.

Being a survivor of Order 66, Cal Kestis was lucky to have Jaro Tapal’s lightsaber to protect himself from the Inquisitors while in hiding — though he eventually revealed himself to the Second and Ninth Sisters. Later, the saber’s kyber crystal was cracked on Dathomir, forcing Cal to craft a new one.

This damaged version of Cal Kestis’ lightsaber, used early in the game, has become incredibly popular among fans. So popular, in fact, that it was voted to join Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities — the first hilt from a video game to be included.

Cal Kestis’ Double-Bladed Lightsaber — Forging His Future With Weapons of the Past

Cal Kestis travels to Ilum to craft his second lightsaber. To do so, he uses the remnants of Jaro Tapal’s lightsaber along with the hilt given to him by Cere Junda, a former Jedi Knight who helps him on his journey. Using a split kyber crystal from the cave on Ilum, Cal Kestis builds a double-bladed lightsaber with a hilt that can separate, allowing him to dual-wield using Jar’Kai.

Cal Kestis’ double-bladed lightsaber gives the player complete control over how to engage in combat, as one or both blades can be ignited.

Cal Kestis Lightsaber Evolution

Cal Kestis’ Lightsaber Color — A Changing Array

At this point, you might be asking, “What color is Cal Kestis’ lightsaber?” This topic is up for discussion because Jedi: Fallen Order allows players to customize Cal Kestis’ lightsaber color to their liking. Along with customizing the material, sleeve, switch and emitter, players can choose a lightsaber color (though most must be unlocked by visiting Ilum). Options include the following, some of which appear here for the first time in modern, non-Legends canon:

  • Blue — Blue is one of the game’s starting colors (and the default color for Cal Kestis’ lightsaber).
  • Green — Another starting color is the green lightsaber.
  • Orange — Orange was immediately available to those who pre-ordered the game, and an eventual update made it available for all; Cal Kestis’ orange lightsaber marks the first appearance of the color in modern canon, though it recalls sabers wielded in Legends, like those of Kyle Katarn and Yaddle.
  • Purple — While Mace Windu opened the door, there haven’t been many purple lightsabers in Star Wars canon (though Revan from Knights of the Old Republic comes to mind from Legends video games).
  • Yellow — Yellow lightsabers have been seen wielded by Jedi Temple Guards (in The Clone Wars), by Luke Skywalker (in comics) and by Rey Skywalker (in the final moments of The Rise of Skywalker).
  • Indigo — A first in any Star Wars media is the indigo lightsaber, looking somewhere between blue and purple.
  • Cyan — Another very rare color, the cyan lightsaber is between green and blue (though some note that it’s reasonably close to white).
  • Magenta — A pinkish purple color, the magenta lightsaber is new to the current canon, though Legends fans will recall the blade wielded by Mara Jade.
  • Red — While definitely not canon, players can choose to make Cal Kestis’ lightsaber red when replaying the game on New Game Plus mode.

What Is Cal Kestis’ Canon Lightsaber Color?

Since the game itself is canon, fans have to speculate on Cal Kestis’ canon lightsaber color — but by all accounts, the answer is blue. The cut scenes and promotional materials show him with a blue lightsaber, as does other merchandise, like the Black Series action figures. That said, many are calling for the upcoming sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, to make Cal Kestis’ orange lightsaber canon, arguing that the change would be in line with his character arc while also giving him a unique blade.

What Lightsaber Form Does Cal Kestis Use?

Since he didn’t complete his training, Cal Kestis’ form does not adhere to one particular style. Fans have noted similarities to specific lightsaber forms, particularly Form I: Shii-Cho and Form VI: Niman. Additionally, since he dual-wields, Cal Kestis definitely uses a form of Jar’Kai. Cameron Monaghan has also said that Cal Kestis’ form was inspired by his own real-life martial arts experience.

“I guess it’s about time I find out who I am.” —Cal Kestis

Customize Your Own Fallen Order Lightsaber

You’ve already built Cal Kestis’ lightsaber in the game. Now it’s time to build your own in real life. Check out our full selection of customizable Cal Kestis lightsabers today and find your purpose in the Force.

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