6 Most Impactful Order 66 Survivors In Star Wars, Ranked

Since the events of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Disney’s Star Wars has revealed many characters who survived Order 66. However, only a few have truly made a difference in the galaxy during the time of the Empire. These survivors are among the most interesting and heartbreaking figures in Star Wars, struggling with the destruction of the Jedi, their connection to the Force, and finding their place in a dangerous galaxy – all while trying to stay hidden and alive.

The devastating Order 66 left some Jedi survivors vulnerable to the dark side, with figures like the Grand Inquisitor and Trilla Suduri giving in to anger, ambition, and sorrow, ultimately serving the Empire. However, others channeled their pain into a powerful resistance, becoming key figures in the fight against Darth Sidious and the Empire. These survivors – from experienced Jedi Masters to new Padawans – all struggled to reshape the galaxy, with varying degrees of success.

6. Cal Kestis

Cal Kestis, the main character in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, is a compelling addition to the new generation of Jedi in Disney’s Star Wars universe. Witnessing his Master’s death during the tragic Order 66, Cal rises to become a key player in the fight against the Empire. Throughout his adventures, he confronts Darth Vader, overcomes numerous Inquisitors, and teams up with fellow survivors like Cere Junda, the pilot Greez, and the Nightsister Merrin to strike blows against the Empire whenever possible.

In Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Cal Kestis and his companions work to protect and run the Hidden Path – a secret network created by Jedi and Rebel fighters to help people escape the Empire. Cal is one of the last, most courageous Jedi, consistently risking his life to help others. He actively fights against the Sith and the dark side, using his abilities to make a difference throughout the galaxy.

5. Grand Master Yoda

Yoda clearly played a crucial role in the galaxy’s fate after Order 66. He was key to Luke Skywalker’s training in the Force, as shown in The Empire Strikes Back, which allowed Luke to confront Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine in both The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Luke’s actions, made possible by Yoda’s guidance, ultimately led to Vader’s redemption and the Empire’s collapse – though no one foresaw Palpatine’s contingency plan with the First Order.

Even with all his strength and wisdom, Yoda spent most of the Empire’s rule hiding on the planet Dagobah, at a time when the galaxy desperately needed him. He did guide a few surviving Jedi like Ahsoka Tano and Ezra Bridger through the Force, as shown in Star Wars Rebels, but it’s hard to avoid thinking about how much suffering he could have stopped if he hadn’t gone into hiding.

4. Maul

Okay, so Darth Maul isn’t exactly a good guy, and definitely not a Jedi, but it’s fascinating to realize he actually lived through Order 66. I was rewatching The Clone Wars, and it hit me – he was on Mandalore when Palpatine gave the order, and those clone troopers immediately turned on him. In fact, he even briefly teamed up with Ahsoka Tano, Anakin’s former apprentice, to fight them off – though, classic Maul, he did leave her in a bit of a tough spot afterward. It’s a really interesting little detail that adds another layer to his story.

As a huge Star Wars fan, I’ve always found Maul fascinating, and the new Disney+ animated series, Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord, really digs into his motivations. He’s definitely not a good guy – he doesn’t care about the people the Empire is hurting. But interestingly, he’s actively working against the Empire. It’s not about saving anyone, though. It’s purely self-serving: he wants to become powerful enough to challenge his old master, Darth Sidious. Basically, he’ll happily take down Vader’s Inquisitors and oppose the Empire if it helps him get revenge and achieve his goals. It’s a cool, complex look at a character driven by hatred.

3. Ahsoka Tano

I’ve always been captivated by Ahsoka’s story. After barely escaping the initial horrors of Order 66 on Mandalore, she just wanted to disappear, seeking refuge on a quiet, faraway farm. She hoped to leave her life as a Jedi, and the growing threat of the Empire, behind her. But of course, Ahsoka couldn’t stay hidden for long. When she instinctively used the Force to help someone, her cover was blown. She quickly dispatched the Eleventh Inquisitor, and then, instead of running, she decided to fight back. She joined forces with Bail Organa and the early Rebellion, becoming a crucial source of intelligence. Operating under the codename Fulcrum, she guided and worked alongside key Rebel groups – I especially loved seeing her influence the Ghost crew in Star Wars Rebels. She was absolutely vital to their success.

Ahsoka plays a crucial role in helping the crew of the Ghost – Kanan Jarrus and Ezra Bridger – both in battle and through Jedi training. Together, they overcome several Inquisitors, connect with the wisdom of Grand Master Yoda, and strengthen their bond with the Force. It’s difficult to imagine how Kanan and Ezra’s journeys would have unfolded without Ahsoka. Considering their significant contributions to the Rebellion and the fight against the Empire, her impact was clearly vital.

2. Kanan Jarrus

During the devastating Order 66, when clone troopers attacked the Jedi, Kanan Jarrus was a young Jedi apprentice named Caleb Dume. Later, as seen in Star Wars Rebels, he becomes a key member of the Ghost Crew, working to provide aid, protect innocent people, and sabotage the Empire across the galaxy, particularly on his home planet of Lothal. Ultimately, Kanan sacrifices himself to destroy an Imperial fuel refinery on Lothal, ensuring the survival of his apprentice, Ezra Bridger, and future Rebel leader Hera Syndulla.

The bond between Kanan and Ezra had a significant impact on the Galactic Empire. Ezra grew into a courageous Jedi and ultimately defeated Grand Admiral Thrawn, a highly respected and feared Imperial strategist. This victory freed Lothal and significantly weakened the Empire, contributing to the success of the Rebellion as shown in stories like Andor, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and the original Star Wars films. Ezra’s willingness to sacrifice everything to exile Thrawn was likely inspired by Kanan’s similar sacrifice for him – their destinies were intertwined.

1. Obi-Wan Kenobi

Obi-Wan Kenobi has always been a central figure in the Star Wars saga, and it was always likely he would survive the events of Order 66. Along with Yoda, he played a key role in both defeating the Emperor and helping Darth Vader find redemption, largely through his guidance and training of Luke Skywalker, who became one of the most important Jedi ever. But the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi revealed he did even more than that: he also rescued Luke’s twin sister, Princess Leia, after she was kidnapped from her home planet of Alderaan.

While Luke destroyed the first Death Star and brought Vader back to the light, Leia was the heart and soul of the Rebellion, a symbol of hope for everyone fighting for freedom. She was a natural leader and inspired so many – the Rebellion likely wouldn’t have survived without her. She was instrumental in the Death Star’s destruction, secretly delivering the plans that allowed Luke to succeed, and her message led Luke to Obi-Wan Kenobi. In fact, when Obi-Wan saved her as a child, he potentially saved the entire galaxy.

2026-05-01 00:10