In Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, exploration is a key aspect of gameplay, heavily influenced by the acquisition of various traversal and Force abilities. This Metroidvania-inspired design encourages players to revisit previously accessed areas to uncover new secrets and advance in the story. Below is a detailed breakdown of how specific skills unlock new areas and enhance exploration.

Detailed Breakdown of Area Unlocking via Traversal Skills

Wall Run
– Unlock Location: Acquired in the Subterranean Refuge on Bogano, which cannot be fully explored until this ability is obtained.
– How to Obtain: To unlock Wall Run, players encounter a narrow corridor with a handprint that triggers a flashback, leading Cal Kestis to remember this skill.
– Usage: Wall Run enables Cal to traverse vertical or horizontal gaps by running along specific walls. This skill is essential for accessing new zones, reaching ledges, or platforms that were previously unreachable—a vital tool in the game’s expansive map.
– Exploration Example: Utilizing Wall Run alongside Jedi Leap allows players to reach higher platforms and navigate complex environments, enabling them to pull or push objects that may reveal new paths or collectible upgrades.

Jedi Leap (Double Jump)
– Unlock Location: This skill is obtained later in the game, typically after reaching certain main story milestones.
– How to Obtain: Players will regain this ability during a significant story cutscene as they progress through the main missions.
– Usage: The Double Jump increases Cal’s verticality and distance in jumps, helping him access new areas and shortcuts. When combined with Wall Run and Force abilities, it opens up further complex navigation options, allowing access to previously blocked regions.

Force Push and Force Pull
– Unlock Location: Force Push is one of the early abilities learned on either Bogano or Zeffo. Force Pull, on the other hand, is obtained after critical story points are reached.
– Usage: These abilities allow the manipulation of the environment—moving objects, opening gates, and dragging ropes—thus enabling access to new zones or hidden secrets. Notably, pulling a rope can facilitate swinging across gaps or reaching otherwise difficult to access areas.

Other Key Upgrades
– Double-Bladed Lightsaber: Found on Dathomir, Bogano, or Kashyyyk. Though primarily a combat enhancement, it also alters traversal animations slightly and can assist in combat-based exploration.
– BD-1 Upgrades: The Scomp Link upgrade allows BD-1 to open specific doors, providing access to previously locked paths and secrets as players advance.

Game Design Philosophy
The design of Jedi: Fallen Order is intentional in creating an environment that necessitates revisiting planets as players acquire new abilities. Many initial sections are blocked by terrain that requires skills not yet accessible. For instance, some areas may require both Wall Run and Force Pull, while others require Jedi Leap or BD-1 upgrades. This encourages strategic exploration and gameplay progression.

Summary Table

| Skill/Upgrade | How Unlocked | Main Uses for Exploration |
|—————————-|——————————————|—————————————–|
| Wall Run | Flashback in Subterranean Refuge, Bogano | Traversing gaps, reaching high ledges |
| Jedi Leap (Double Jump)| Obtained through story progression | Higher jumps, accessing new paths |
| Force Push/Pull | Learned in the main story, Bogano/Zeffo | Moving objects, manipulating the environment |
| Double-Bladed Lightsaber| Obtained on Dathomir, Bogano, Kashyyyk | Combat enhancements, slight traversal adjustments |
| BD-1 Scomp Link | Acquired through story and chest upgrades| Opening locked doors and exploring |

Key Takeaways
– Progressive Unlock System: Essential skills are unlocked as players progress through the story, encouraging them to revisit earlier sections for additional secrets.
– Integration of Skills: New areas often require a combination of acquired skills, such as using Wall Run in conjunction with Force Pull, or Double Jump with Force Push.
– Metroidvania Design: The game rewards backtracking with new loot, collectibles, and story content, enhancing the immersive experience of exploring Cal Kestis’ journey.

By mastering these skills and integrating their use, players can unlock the full potential of the game’s expansive and richly detailed world, collecting upgrades and unraveling the story that lies within.