The Star Wars galaxy is a vast and dangerous place, and the Jedi Order has never been a monolithic entity. Over the years, different Jedi factions have emerged — some with specific roles, others built around distinct philosophies. Now, Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes has introduced an entirely new Jedi sub-faction: the Jedi Vanguard. This group consists of Jedi who were — or would have been — dedicated defenders of the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, and frankly, they deserve to be explored on-screen.
Per ScreenRant, the Star Wars video games have always danced between canon and Legends, often introducing concepts that later make their way into official storytelling. The Jedi Vanguard is the latest example, described in Galaxy of Heroes as a specialized Jedi unit tasked with protecting key locations. According to EA’s announcement, the game needed a way to boost specific Jedi characters without overpowering others — especially a certain Jedi Grand Master. Enter the Vanguard, a group of stalwart Temple defenders.
So far, confirmed members of the Jedi Vanguard include:
- Aayla Secura
- Barriss Offee
- Eeth Koth
- Ima-Gun Di
- Jedi Consular
- Jedi Knight Guardian
- Jocasta Nu
- Kelleran Beq
- Kit Fisto
- Luminara Unduli
- Plo Koon
- Qui-Gon Jinn
- Shaak Ti
Some of these choices make perfect sense — Kelleran Beq, for example, was already depicted as a key defender of the Temple, successfully rescuing Grogu during Order 66. Others, like Barriss Offee, are more ironic, considering her role in the downfall of the Jedi. But the inclusion of figures like Qui-Gon Jinn suggests that the Vanguard isn’t just about defending the Temple physically — it’s also about identifying and combating emerging threats.
The Jedi Vanguard Needs to Be Explored in Canon
For all the times Star Wars has revisited Order 66, we’ve rarely seen the battle for the Jedi Temple from the perspective of the knights and masters stationed there. Most depictions focus on the slaughter of younglings or the march of the 501st, but little attention has been given to the Jedi who stood and fought. Kelleran Beq’s heroism in The Mandalorian gave us a glimpse, but there's still so much untapped potential here.
This faction could also add new depth to prequel-era storytelling. If the Jedi Vanguard was responsible for identifying threats, that explains why Qui-Gon Jinn — a Jedi deeply attuned to the Living Force — was included. He was one of the first to recognize the Sith’s return and correctly identified Anakin as the Chosen One. His designation as part of the Vanguard implies that his role in the Order may have been more significant than previously thought.
Will Lucasfilm Embrace the Jedi Vanguard?
Lucasfilm has been slowly reintegrating elements of Legends into canon, and with The Acolyte confirming Jedi Guardian ranks, it’s entirely possible that the Jedi Vanguard could become official. The faction already exists in Galaxy of Heroes, and modern Star Wars canon generally acknowledges material across all media forms. If this idea gains traction, it could open the door for new stories — whether in animation, comics, or even live-action.
For now, the Jedi Vanguard remains a game mechanic, but its implications for the larger Star Wars mythos are fascinating. If there’s one thing Star Wars has proven over the years, it’s that nothing stays confined to the Expanded Universe forever.