Exploring distant planets, uncovering ancient secrets, and surviving hostile environments in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor wouldn’t be possible without a range of traversal abilities. These abilities are essential not only for movement and exploration but also for solving puzzles and escaping enemies. The game’s world is built with verticality and dynamic obstacles, and Cal Kestis must use a combination of acrobatics and the Force to navigate them. As you progress through the story, more traversal tools are unlocked, allowing access to new areas, shortcuts, and hidden secrets scattered across the galaxy.
Base Movement Skills
Wall Run
Wall running is one of the earliest traversal abilities Cal Kestis uses in Jedi Survivor. It allows him to run along specific surfaces to cross gaps that are otherwise unreachable. The mechanic is simple in design but becomes more complex when chained with other skills. Wall runs are frequently used in puzzle segments and to reach optional areas with collectibles or lore items.
Double Jump (Jedi Flip)
Upgraded from the standard jump, the Jedi Flip allows Cal to perform a second leap mid-air. This is crucial for platforming challenges and reaching higher ledges. Double jumping is often used alongside the dash ability to cross long distances between platforms. It also plays a major role in time-sensitive platform puzzles that demand precise movement.
Climbing and Wall Grabs
Cal can climb designated surfaces like vines, rock walls, or metal mesh. He can also grab onto ledges and pull himself up. Many traversal segments involve climbing vertical shafts or crawling across walls to reach new zones. It’s important to observe the environment carefully, as some climbable surfaces may be partially hidden or camouflaged within the terrain.
Advanced Traversal Techniques
Dash (Mid-Air)
Introduced later in the game, the mid-air dash gives Cal the ability to propel himself forward quickly while in the air. This move is essential for crossing large gaps, avoiding hazards, or combining with wall runs and double jumps. Dash also allows Cal to pass through energy barriers and specific environmental challenges.
Ascension Cable (Grappling Hook)
The ascension cable is a vital traversal tool that lets Cal latch onto grapple points scattered throughout the map. These grapple points are often placed at the edge of cliffs or above tall structures. This tool is invaluable in fast-paced segments, especially during chase scenes or time-limited challenges. It also serves as a quick way to navigate back through areas already explored.
Force Pull and Force Push for Traversal
While traditionally used for combat, Force Pull and Push also play a major role in traversal. Cal can pull platforms closer or push them into place to create new paths. Some puzzles require players to use these abilities to move large blocks, rotate machinery, or clear obstructions. Mastery of these Force skills opens up additional paths and secret zones.
Environmental Interaction Abilities
Koboh Grinder
The Koboh Grinder is a unique traversal and puzzle-solving tool obtained during the later stages of the game. It allows Cal to draw lines of fire across certain surfaces, activating mechanisms or clearing pathways blocked by Koboh matter. Using the grinder often requires a combination of climbing, grappling, and solving flame-based puzzles.
Electro Dart
BD-1 gains the ability to shoot Electro Darts at distant energy sources. These darts can activate doors, lifts, and rotating platforms that are otherwise inaccessible. Many traversal segments are designed around remote activation using this ability, allowing Cal to move forward or create temporary paths.
Traversal in Combat Zones
Dodging and Rolling
While not exclusive to movement, dodging and rolling are key traversal components during battle. Cal can avoid attacks and reposition himself quickly, especially when facing groups of enemies. In some cases, dodging is also used to bypass environmental hazards like laser traps or crushing machinery.
Using Terrain to Gain Advantage
Traversal abilities can give Cal an upper hand in combat. Grappling to higher ground, wall running behind enemies, or dashing through barriers can provide opportunities to attack from unexpected angles. Skilled players use movement as a weapon, chaining acrobatics with lightsaber strikes and Force powers.
Traversal in Puzzle Design
Timed Challenges
Many of the game’s platforming puzzles involve timers doors that close, platforms that drop, or flames that die out. Cal’s traversal abilities are tested under pressure in these moments. Combining wall runs, double jumps, and dash moves is the key to completing these sequences successfully.
Multi-Level Areas
Several locations, including the Observatory Understructure and the Shattered Moon, are built with vertical exploration in mind. Players must find the right path by looking up and down, not just ahead. Traversal becomes a puzzle in itself, where using the right ability at the right time determines progress.
Exploration and Collectibles
Unlocking Hidden Areas
Traversal skills are the primary way to access collectibles such as datadiscs, cosmetics, and lore echoes. Many of these items are located behind environmental challenges that require mid-air dashes, double jumps, or precise grappling. Revisiting earlier areas with new traversal abilities often reveals previously inaccessible zones.
Map Completion
To fully complete each planet’s map, players must master every traversal ability. Some regions only become available after specific upgrades. As such, exploration is closely tied to movement progression, encouraging players to return and re-explore areas with newly gained abilities.
Traversal and Story Progression
Unlocking Abilities Through Story
Traversal abilities are not available from the start. Most are gained through story missions or major upgrades tied to Cal’s personal growth. This design reinforces the idea that Cal is regaining strength and adapting to new threats. Players grow alongside him, learning to use new tools as the narrative deepens.
Integrating Movement with Lore
The developers of Jedi Survivor have woven movement mechanics into the story and environment. Ancient High Republic ruins are built with traversal in mind, blending architecture and platforming. This approach adds depth and immersion, making every movement feel like part of the world rather than just a game mechanic.
Tips for Mastering Traversal
- Practice chaining moves try combining wall run, double jump, and dash in quick succession.
- Scan the environment for grappling points, climbable walls, or hidden passages.
- Use BD-1’s visor mode to highlight interactive elements.
- Revisit early areas after unlocking new traversal abilities to uncover missed secrets.
- Take your time to learn each ability’s range and timing precision is more important than speed.
Traversal in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is not just a way to move it’s a fundamental part of gameplay, exploration, and storytelling. From wall runs to mid-air dashes, every ability adds a new layer to the experience. Mastering these tools allows players to fully explore the rich environments, uncover hidden lore, and face greater challenges with confidence. Whether you’re leaping across chasms on Jedha or navigating the depths of Koboh, Cal’s movement skills are the key to survival and discovery in the galaxy far, far away.