There’s an important reference to Emperor Palpatine in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order that players will easily miss if they lack patience and attention. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order has no shortage of references to the larger Star Wars canon, but given how difficult this one in particular is to find it's likely many players don't even know it exists at all.
Emperor Palpatine (later known as Darth Sidious) was originally a Naboo Senator, but after manipulating his way to the top, a series of events which infamously included luring Anakin to the dark side and transforming him into Darth Vader, Palpatine went from being Supreme Chancellor to the Emperor. In the process, he managed to wipe out almost the whole Jedi Order, an action which sent the entire plot of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order into motion.
Although Emperor Palpatine may not have a physical cameo in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, his presence is referenced several times throughout, signifying how important this character is to the overall Star Wars universe. Namely, the game constantly refers to the ‘purge,’ which is a clear reference to Order 66, which wiped out most of the Jedi Order in the final installment of the Star Wars prequel trilogy.
Emperor Palpatine’s Reference In Jedi: Fallen Order
In one specific scene during the opening mission of the game, Cal makes his way through a train and comes face-to-face with a locked door. Many players may simply turn around and find another route, but if they take the time to fidget with the door, they’ll unlock a very special Star Wars Easter egg. According to Bombastic’s YouTube video “10 Unique Details You Missed – Jedi Fallen Order,” players must ring the doorbell sixty-six times without turning around. After the final press, players will be able to hear Darth Sidious’ voice in the background saying, “Execute Order 66.” Unfortunately, after all that effort, this is the only thing the door does, giving players no choice but to turn around after discovering the Order 66 reference.
This isn’t the only time the Emperor is referenced in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, though it is definitely the most direct. During the course of the game, players travel to Ilum so Cal can retrieve a kyber crystal in order to create a new lightsaber. During the adventure, it becomes apparent that the Empire has established an Imperial planet in order to mine for crystals. Even though it wasn’t completed during the events of the game, this is a clear reference to Palpatine’s Death Star, which needs kyber crystals in order to be powered. Similarly, early on in the game, a character says he didn’t believe all of the Jedi were traitors to the Republic, which is a direct reference to the lie Palpatine and Darth Vader told to justify Order 66.
Players may not get to see Emperor Palpatine’s face in Jedi: Fallen Order, but his overarching presence has important implications for the game, as evidenced by this expertly hidden reference.
Source: Bombastic/YouTube