Cal Kestis: Lightsaber Facts

Among video games set in the Star Wars galaxy, Cal Kestis’ lightsaber is already considered one of the most iconic weapons, thanks to its visual design, selection and combat versatility, and storytelling depth.

 

Like all modern Star Wars media, story-based video games are considered canon. However, due to the interactive nature of video games, that canon is a bit more flexible 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.

 

Join us to explore the facts surrounding the lightsabers Cal Kestis uses—including what counts as canon, how they evolve across the story, and what makes Star Wars’ Cal Kestis’ lightsaber color and character history so unique.

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 fall of the Jedi Order in motion, Cal had not completed his training, though he demonstrated strong instincts and natural skill in combat. In the chaos of his escape, Cal Kestis’ first lightsaber was lost in a turbolift shaft, never to be recovered.

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. However, 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 broken 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 hilt has become iconic in its own right, gaining a strong fan following. In fact, Cal’s lightsaber became the first video game hilt selected by fans to appear at Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities at Disney’s attraction, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

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

Cal Kestis travels to Ilum, the world where Jedi commonly found their kyber crystals, to craft his second lightsaber. Using the remains of Jaro Tapal’s saber and a hilt given to him by Cere Junda, a former Jedi Knight, Cal channels his evolution into a powerful dual-purpose weapon.

Inside Ilum’s crystal caves, he bonds with a split kyber crystal to build a double-bladed lightsaber. Cal’s saber hilt can separate into two, enabling dual-wielding and the use of Jar’Kai, a combat technique that blends versatility and speed, hallmarks of Cal Kestis’ lightsaber form.

This lightsaber reflects Cal’s growth from fugitive Padawan to Jedi warrior. It also gives players complete control over combat stance and strategy, allowing one or both blades to ignite as needed.

Cal Kestis Lightsaber Evolution

Cal Kestis’ Lightsaber Color — A Changing Array

At this point, you might be asking for a definitive answer to, “What color is Cal Kestis’ lightsaber?” The answer is more complex than it seems, because Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order allows players to customize Cal Kestis’ lightsaber color to their liking. Learn more about saber customization in the game by reading our Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Lightsaber Guide.

Along with selecting different materials, sleeves, switches, and emitters, players can choose from a wide array of blade colors—many of which appear for the first time in modern, non-Legends canon. Most of these are unlocked after Cal travels to Ilum. Notably, the Cal Kestis orange lightsaber marked a canon milestone when it was introduced.

Available Fallen Order lightsaber colors include:

  • Blue — Blue is one of the game’s starting colors (and the default color for Cal Kestis’ lightsaber).
  • Green — Another starting lightsaber color option is the green lightsaber.
  • Orange — Originally a pre-order bonus, the Cal Kestis orange lightsaber became universally available in a later update. It marks the first official appearance of the orange blade in modern canon, evoking Legends-era sabers used by Kyle Katarn and Yaddle.
  • Purple — One of the more surprising Fallen Order saber options. 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 historically 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, which appears to be a shade 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 a white lightsaber blade color).
  • Magenta — A pinkish purple color, the magenta lightsaber is new to the current canon, though Legends fans will recall the blade wielded by Sith-turned-Jedi Mara Jade.
  • Red — While definitely not Cal Kestis’ canon lightsaber color, players can choose to make a red lightsaber for Cal to wield when replaying the game on New Game Plus mode.

CAL KESTIS’ STAR WARS JEDI: SURVIVOR LIGHTSABER

In the Star Wars Jedi: Survivor game, Cal Kestis upgrades his lightsaber once again, building on the foundation established in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. The sequel introduces new saber stances and gameplay mechanics that reflect Cal’s evolving mastery of the Force. Players can now access additional configurations, including crossguard sabers and enhanced dual-wielding styles, offering even more customization options and combat versatility.

While lightsaber customization remains player-driven, blue continues to serve as Cal’s default and most recognizable blade color in promotional materials and cutscenes. The upgraded Star Wars Jedi: Survivor lightsaber design symbolizes both his growth as a Jedi Knight and his ongoing fight against the Empire in a darker, more dangerous galaxy.

 

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 called for the 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. We will have to wait and see what we are given in the promotional materials for the upcoming finale of the trilogy to see if they stick with Blue or if they change his canon color to something else.

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, known for its broad, sweeping movements, and Form VI: Niman, a balanced hybrid that combines elements of Forms I through V, emphasizing versatility and integration with the Force. 

Additionally, because he can dual-wield lightsabers, Cal Kestis clearly incorporates Jar’Kai, an advanced dual-saber combat technique. Cameron Monaghan has also shared that Cal’s lightsaber combat style was influenced by his real-life martial arts experience, adding authenticity to his lightsaber choreography.

“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 Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 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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