The Great Purge of Mandalore might be one of the most important areas that could be addressed, and would tie into a lot of current Star Wars media like The Book of Boba Fett. While the history of Mandalore is marred by conflict, both through the culture’s expansion and civil wars, it is one of the most prominent in Star Wars. Fan-favorite characters like Din Djarin, Boba Fett, and Sabine Wren all have connections to Mandalore, and the mark that planet leaves on the galaxy can’t be understated.
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The Mandalorian Purge
Despite its culture’s impact, the fate of Mandalore continues to be a point of mystery in Star Wars media. While Star Wars: Rebels takes a direct approach to Mandalore’s status following the fall of the Republic, the show’s heroes are needed elsewhere before it can be liberated. This leaves room for major plot points to be explored, but it’s clear that between the time Sabine Wren gave the Dark Saber to Bo-Katan Kryze and Din Djarin wins it from Moff Gideon, a lot has transpired. Fans have been left to wonder about the planet’s ultimate fate.
It’s clear that the Empire aimed to make an example out of Mandalore, but Bo-Katan feels confident that her people can return to glory under her leadership. Given the Empire’s past use of the Death Star to destroy Alderaan and decimate its people, as well as the gruesome genocide committed during Operation: Cinder in Star Wars Battlefront 2, Din Djarin’s impression that Mandalore is a lost cause is understandable. Even if Mandalorians can return to Mandalore, the planet’s harsh conditions make it difficult to occupy.
This was exemplified during the era of the Clone Wars. While Mandalore remained a neutral system, it was one of the most inhospitable planets for a species to live. The world of Mandalore was restricted to domed cities that protect from the ecological disaster following past conflicts. With what transpired before the purge, Boba Fett’s remarks that “the Empire turned that planet to glass” points toward a fate similar to other planets hit by the Empire.
Showing players what happened to Mandalore in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2 would be a great way to clear this uncertainty and help fans understand The Great Purge of Mandalore. Boba Fett could be right, and his pessimistic tone may be grounded in reality. On the other hand, if the Empire merely damaged the cities of Mandalore, there’s nothing to suggest there won’t be a new adventure for Bo-Katan where she and her people rebuild their home. Both of these outcomes have affect Star Wars differently, and it comes down to understanding whether Mandalore was the victim of weapons similar to Operation: Cinder or a more traditional orbital bombardment.
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The Potential of Moff Gideon
Along with better understanding the planet’s fate, having the Purge of Mandalore be a part of Jedi: Fallen Order 2 could help to explain notable story aspects that The Mandalorian season three might not fully address. While the Jedi were no secret despite the Empire’s best efforts to purge them from history, a fascination with Jedi was rare. Even rarer seems to be members of the Empire interested in gaining similar powers. Moff Gideon has a very clear interest in wielding the Force, one that could be sparked by an encounter with Cal Kestis.
It would be easy to understand his interest as the collective memory of the Jedi has been transformed; they’re either traitors or a myth depending on a person’s upbringing. This would make seeing Cal’s power a formative experience, and it’s something Moff Gideon could view as valuable. While he might not be able to claim Cal’s powers for himself, his search for Force-sensitive individuals has been made clear after he obtains the Dark Saber. This would paint him as even more of a threat to Cal after the Purge of Mandalore is completed.
Since Cal went to great lengths to protect Force-sensitive younglings in the first Jedi: Fallen Order, he would likely do the same again. If Gideon were to walk away from the Purge of Mandalore with the goal of finding these vulnerable individuals for himself, Cal and his allies would do all it takes to stop him. This would provide a known big bad for the game whenever Jedi: Fallen Order 2 is revealed, and also build on Gideon’s past while adding to Cal’s story. The two characters being opposites is something that ties into significant events, and creates a clear path to future pieces of Star Wars history without having to reprise characters like Darth Vader again.
This narrative wouldn’t allow a Jedi: Fallen Order sequel to be entirely independent of other major Star Wars stories, but it would add to the game’s importance. Following the finale in the first game, this will be something important to consider. A sequel will need to find its place in the Star Wars universe, and while it isn’t a piece of media that is likely to add new battles to the canon, that doesn’t mean it can’t build on what fans already know.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2 is likely in development but has not been officially announced.
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