In the ever-expanding galaxy of Star Wars video games, 2026 finds the community still reflecting on the legacy of titles like Star Wars Outlaws. That 2024 open-world adventure, which put players in the boots of the scrappy thief Kay Vess, offered a fresh, Jedi-less perspective on the galaxy far, far away. While its commercial performance didn't quite meet Ubisoft's sky-high expectations, and let's be real, the stealth mechanics felt a bit... clunky, the game carved out a niche that proved there's a real appetite for stories outside the usual laser-sword-wielding heroes. 
Fast forward to today, and that experimental spirit from Outlaws hasn't been forgotten. If anything, it's highlighted a path forward—one that could lead to a truly unique Star Wars RPG. The key? Ditching the all-out action hero for a more subtle, shadowy figure from Jedi lore: the Jedi Sentinel. Think about it: while everyone's obsessed with the flashy Guardians and wise Consulars, the Sentinel has been quietly waiting in the wings, a perfect template for a game that blends cerebral stealth with moments of explosive action.
The Forgotten Jedi: Unpacking the Sentinel's Toolkit
So, what exactly is a Jedi Sentinel? In the grand hierarchy of the Order, they're the ultimate specialists in the real-world skills the galaxy runs on. They're not just philosophers or warriors; they're the investigators, the spies, the tech experts. Here’s a quick breakdown of how they differ from their more famous counterparts:
| Jedi Class | Primary Focus | Key Traits | In-Game Analogy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consular 🧠 | The Force, Diplomacy | Wisdom, Charisma, Knowledge | The mage/scholar, solving problems with mind tricks and negotiation. |
| Guardian ⚔️ | Lightsaber Combat | Strength, Courage, Defense | The classic warrior, front-and-center in every battle. |
| Sentinel 🕵️♂️ | Balance & Practical Skills | Versatility, Stealth, Tech, Investigation | The rogue/infiltrator, using every tool available, Force or otherwise. |
This blend makes the Sentinel a jack-of-all-trades in the best possible way. They have a respectable grasp of the Force and saber combat, sure, but their true expertise lies elsewhere. Medicine, slicing (that's hacking in Star Wars speak), security systems, and yes—stealth. They're the Jedi you call when you need a problem solved quietly, not with a thunderous charge. It's a role that's been criminally underused in modern stories, which is a shame because, from a gameplay perspective, it's a goldmine.
Learning from the Past: What Outlaws Got Right (and Wrong)
Let's address the bantha in the room: Star Wars Outlaws had its issues. The stealth often felt more like tiptoeing through molasses than a tense game of cat-and-mouse. Enemies had predictable patterns, and getting spotted could feel unfairly punishing. But here's the thing—it proved a concept. It showed that a significant portion of the fanbase is hungry for a slower, more methodical Star Wars experience. The backlash against its stealth wasn't just about the mechanic itself; it was about its execution.
Imagine taking that same core idea—navigating a hostile environment unseen—but giving the player the toolkit of a Jedi Sentinel. Instead of just crouching and hoping, you could:
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Use a minor Force Muffle to silence your footsteps. 👣
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Employ a Force Cloak (a rare but documented ability) for short-term invisibility, draining your focus meter.
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Slice security droids to turn them into temporary allies or distractions.
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Use forensic investigation skills to analyze patrol routes and environmental clues.
Suddenly, stealth isn't a limitation; it's a dynamic puzzle. And when that puzzle fails, or when a mission demands a different approach, the Sentinel isn't helpless. They can switch gears into intense, precise lightsaber combat—more tactical duelist than unstoppable berserker. This creates a fantastic gameplay loop of tension and release that Outlaws strived for but didn't always hit.
A New Hope: Blueprints from Masterful Stealth Games
To build this Sentinel fantasy, developers wouldn't be starting from scratch. They could look to some of the best stealth-action hybrids for inspiration:
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The Pacing of Ghost of Tsushima 🎋: This game mastered the art of the "honorable" stealth. Its standoffs, environmental awareness, and seamless transition from stealth to open combat are a perfect template. A Jedi Sentinel on a mission during the Clone Wars could have similar moments of tense confrontation and fluid, stylistic swordplay.
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The Toolbox of Dishonored 🔧: The wealth of supernatural and mundane abilities in Dishonored mirrors what a Sentinel's toolkit should be. Blink could be a Force-aided dash, Dark Vision could be a Force-sight, and gadgets like springrazors have direct analogs in thermal detonators and droid poppers.
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The Narrative Tension of Metal Gear Solid 🚬: The series' focus on infiltration, avoiding conflict, and uncovering deeper conspiracies is a perfect match for a Sentinel story. Picture a game where you're a Sentinel investigator uncovering a Sith plot within the Republic, where being detected means mission failure and galactic war.
The Perfect Setting: Where and When?
A Sentinel's skills are best showcased in times of shadowy conflict. The obvious, rich setting would be the Clone Wars. Not as a frontline soldier, but as a Jedi attached to the Republic Intelligence or working directly for the Council to uncover Separatist plots, sabotage key facilities, or investigate the mysterious disappearance of other Jedi. The moral gray areas of the war and the omnipresent threat of discovery would create relentless tension.
Alternatively, the Dark Times of the Empire's reign offers a desperate survival story. A lone Sentinel, avoiding the Inquisitors, works to preserve knowledge and protect remnants of the Jedi way through subterfuge and hit-and-run tactics. It's a story of hope maintained not through great battles, but through small, unseen acts of defiance.
The Potential in 2026 and Beyond
As Ubisoft regroups and the broader Star Wars gaming landscape evolves—with studios like Quantic Dream and Skydance working on their own projects—the opportunity for innovation is ripe. The success of narrative-driven, character-focused games shows that players are ready for deeper experiences. A Jedi Sentinel RPG wouldn't just be "Assassin's Creed in space"; it would be a unique fusion of Star Wars lore, immersive sim elements, and taut stealth-action.
It could feature:
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A deep skill tree split between Force Subtlety, Tech Expertise, and Tactical Combat.
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Morality-lite choices that affect your reputation with the Jedi Council, the underworld, or military factions—not just a light/dark slider.
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Dynamic worlds where your actions as a covert agent have visible, lasting consequences on the galactic landscape.
In the end, Star Wars Outlaws was a stepping stone. It reminded us that this universe is vast enough for all kinds of stories. The Jedi Sentinel represents the next logical leap: a chance to explore the shadows of the Force, to be the ghost in the machine, and to prove that sometimes, the most powerful Jedi is the one nobody ever sees coming. The potential is just sitting there, waiting for the right developer to reach out and grab it. The question isn't if such a game should be made, but who will be brave enough to make it first. 🤔