Mastering the Force: Why Dathomir Should Be Your First Stop in Jedi: Fallen Order

The red planet of Dathomir in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order might seem like a terrifying detour early in the game, but taking the plunge before heading to Zeffo offers a significant advantage: acquiring the double-bladed lightsaber much earlier than you normally would. This isn’t just a cosmetic change; it fundamentally alters your combat style, offering a powerful edge against the Empire and the dangers lurking across the galaxy.

The Allure of the Double-Bladed Lightsaber

The primary benefit of visiting Dathomir early is the early acquisition of the double-bladed lightsaber. This upgrade grants you a much wider attack range, allowing you to control crowds more effectively and interrupt enemy attacks with ease. Instead of facing enemies one-on-one, you can now cut through swathes of Stormtroopers and hostile creatures with a flourish. This changes the game’s dynamic significantly, making early encounters less daunting and allowing for a more aggressive, stylish combat experience. This gameplay shift is a valuable lesson in adaptation, something the Games Learning Society would likely appreciate.

Risk vs. Reward: Embracing the Dathomir Challenge

Dathomir is undeniably more challenging than Zeffo early on. The planet is swarming with Nightsisters and Nightbrothers, powerful enemies that can quickly overwhelm an unprepared player. However, overcoming these challenges early forces you to master the game’s combat mechanics more quickly. You’ll learn to parry, dodge, and utilize Force powers more effectively out of necessity, making you a more formidable Jedi in the long run. This early trial by fire translates to a greater sense of accomplishment and a deeper understanding of the game’s systems.

Leveling Up Your Skills

While the double-bladed lightsaber is the main draw, the experience gained on Dathomir is also invaluable. Battling through the challenging environment provides a significant boost to your experience points, allowing you to unlock crucial skills earlier than you otherwise would. These skills, combined with the double-bladed lightsaber, will dramatically improve your survivability and combat prowess, making the subsequent challenges on Zeffo and other planets significantly easier to manage.

Psychological Advantage

There’s also a psychological advantage to conquering Dathomir early. Knowing that you’ve overcome one of the game’s most challenging areas early on builds confidence and reinforces a sense of mastery. This mental fortitude can be a powerful asset as you progress through the rest of the game.

Important Considerations Before Venturing to Dathomir

It’s crucial to understand the limitations of visiting Dathomir early. You won’t be able to fully explore the planet without certain Force abilities, particularly the double jump. You’ll reach a point where progression is blocked, forcing you to return to other planets to acquire the necessary skills. This is not necessarily a disadvantage. It encourages a more strategic approach to exploration and forces you to engage with the game’s world in a non-linear fashion.

Know Your Limits

Be prepared to backtrack. You will likely only spend about 30 minutes on Dathomir before hitting a wall that requires later game abilities. This short venture will net you the double bladed lightsaber, which is a worthwhile reward. Don’t get discouraged if you find yourself unable to progress further. Simply mark the location on your map and return later when you’ve acquired the necessary upgrades.

FAQs: Unlocking the Secrets of Dathomir Early

1. Can you go to Dathomir first?

Yes! Dathomir becomes available early in Chapter 2, offering a detour from the main storyline of Zeffo.

2. Is there a reason to go to Dathomir?

Absolutely. The primary reason is to unlock the double-bladed lightsaber much earlier than you normally would.

3. At what point should I go to Dathomir?

You can explore Dathomir as early as Chapter 2, but you won’t be able to fully complete it until after you’ve finished events on Kashyyyk.

4. What abilities do you unlock on Dathomir?

While you don’t unlock specific abilities on Dathomir, you gain access to the double-bladed lightsaber, a significant combat upgrade.

5. Can you pass Dathomir without double jump?

You can explore a limited portion of Dathomir without the double jump, but you’ll eventually be blocked from progressing further.

6. Should you go to Zeffo or Dathomir first?

Going to Dathomir first is beneficial for the early double-bladed lightsaber, but Zeffo is part of the critical path and necessary for story progression.

7. Does it matter if you go to Dathomir or Zeffo first?

It matters in terms of gameplay. Dathomir offers an early combat advantage, while Zeffo progresses the main story. Choose based on your preferred play style.

8. Is Darth Maul a Dathomir?

Darth Maul is a Zabrak from Dathomir who was taken by Darth Sidious as a child and trained as a Sith Lord.

9. What lightsaber upgrade do you get on Dathomir?

You get the double-bladed lightsaber on Dathomir, transforming your combat style significantly.

10. Does Darth Maul come from Dathomir?

Yes, Darth Maul is from Dathomir. His origins are deeply tied to the planet and its dark side traditions.

11. What is the best planet in Jedi fallen order?

Many find Kashyyyk to be the most visually stunning planet in Jedi: Fallen Order.

12. Is Darth Maul a Nightbrother?

Yes, Darth Maul was a member of the Nightbrothers, the male counterparts to the Nightsisters on Dathomir.

13. Why did Cal Kestis go to Dathomir?

Cal’s mission to Dathomir was to search for the Tomb of Kujet and an astrium contained within, a quest unrelated to his early detour for the lightsaber upgrade.

14. Can you go to Dathomir in Jedi Survivor?

No, Dathomir is not explorable in Jedi Survivor. The explorable planets are Bogano, Zeffo, Kashyyyk, Dathomir, and Ilum only in Jedi Fallen Order.

15. Where can I buy a Bogano double bladed lightsaber?

The double-bladed lightsaber on Bogano isn’t something you buy; it’s an upgrade found in the Abandoned Workshop. Alternatively, obtain it on Dathomir or later on Kashyyyk.

Embrace the Dark Side (…Slightly)

While Dathomir presents a challenge, the reward of an early double-bladed lightsaber and the enhanced combat skills you’ll develop make it a worthwhile detour. Embrace the challenge, prepare to backtrack, and enjoy the feeling of power that comes from mastering this iconic weapon early in your adventure. This strategic decision also showcases the principles of design-based learning, where in-game choices lead to unique and powerful outcomes. You can find more information about the intersection of games and education at GamesLearningSociety.org.