In Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, players encounter many surprises throughout their journey as Cal Kestis, but one of the most unexpected is the appearance of a mysterious stowaway. This event stands out not only because of its surprise nature but also due to how well it integrates into the larger narrative and atmosphere of the game. The Jedi Fallen Order stowaway encounter may seem minor at first glance, but it adds depth, tension, and even a touch of humor to the otherwise serious quest. Understanding this encounter gives players greater insight into the game’s world-building, storytelling, and design choices.
What Is the Stowaway Encounter in Jedi Fallen Order?
The stowaway is a hidden side event that occurs aboard the Mantis, Cal Kestis’ primary mode of transportation throughout the game. After spending time exploring the planet of Bogano and progressing far enough into the game, players may unexpectedly find an unfamiliar creature aboard the ship. This creature is the so-called stowaway, and its appearance raises questions about its origin and purpose.
Where It Happens
The stowaway event typically triggers after players have visited Bogano multiple times. Since the planet serves as a recurring hub and puzzle zone, many players will return to complete missed secrets or explore new areas once new abilities are unlocked. The stowaway appears after one of these return visits, without any fanfare or notification, making it easy to overlook if you’re not paying attention.
The Creature: Bogling
The stowaway in question is a creature known as a Bogling. These small, rabbit-like animals are native to Bogano. They can be seen hopping around the planet’s surface early in the game, usually harmless and unapproachable. However, one bold Bogling eventually sneaks aboard the Mantis, becoming a curious, silent companion for the rest of your journey.
Interaction With the Bogling
- The Bogling doesn’t speak or engage in combat.
- It typically hides in small corners or ventilation ducts of the ship.
- Occasionally, players will spot it scurrying across the floor or relaxing in a corner.
Though the Bogling doesn’t offer gameplay benefits, it adds charm and a sense of life to the Mantis. Its presence makes the ship feel more like a lived-in space rather than just a fast travel hub.
How the Bogling Gets on the Ship
The Bogling is able to board the Mantis thanks to an optional side activity. On Bogano, players can find a blocked passage near the landing pad. If Cal uses his upgraded Force abilities to clear the path, the Bogling will be freed. After this event, the Bogling will later appear aboard the Mantis as the Jedi Fallen Order stowaway.
This event is a great example of Respawn Entertainment’s attention to environmental storytelling. Rather than spelling out the connection directly, the game encourages players to notice and interpret subtle world details.
Why the Stowaway Matters
While the Bogling does not have mechanical significance, its presence offers several meaningful impacts on the game experience:
1. Environmental Depth
The addition of the Bogling enhances the Mantis’s atmosphere. The ship begins to feel less sterile and more like a dynamic environment that evolves alongside your journey. Each time you return, you might notice a new position or behavior from the creature, contributing to a living world feeling.
2. Reward for Exploration
Finding and freeing the Bogling is entirely optional. Players who take the time to explore Bogano thoroughly and unlock hidden paths are rewarded with this extra layer of immersion. It reinforces the game’s encouragement of exploration and curiosity.
3. Lightheartedness and Personality
Jedi Fallen Order deals with heavy themes: survival, loss, trauma, and the weight of destiny. The inclusion of a harmless creature onboard helps inject some levity. It balances the emotional tone and gives the game’s world a sense of whimsy and realism often missing from purely action-driven narratives.
Can You Interact With the Stowaway?
Direct interaction with the Bogling is limited. Players cannot pet, talk to, or feed the creature. However, you can find it in different places aboard the ship during various moments of the story. It becomes something of an Easter egg for observant players another small detail to appreciate between missions.
Though subtle, its inclusion draws many comparisons to pets or companion creatures in other games. Unlike more mechanically-involved pets in RPGs, the Jedi Fallen Order stowaway serves purely as ambiance and lore enrichment.
Fan Reactions and Community Theories
The Jedi Fallen Order community has responded positively to the Bogling stowaway. Many fans share screenshots of it hiding in vents or peeking out from behind furniture. Some even speculate that the Bogling represents the hope and innocence Cal is fighting to protect, especially since it comes from Bogano the planet tied closely to the Jedi legacy and the hidden Holocron.
Others have jokingly theorized that the Bogling is secretly Force-sensitive or plotting something much larger. These humorous takes add to the fun and connection that players feel with the game’s world, even from such a small detail.
Other Ship Details Inspired by the Bogling
The Mantis is filled with interactive elements that make it more than just a static location. Cal can check on his terrarium, talk with crew members, and now, keep an eye on his Bogling guest. These features build an experience where your ship feels like a home not just a loading screen between planets.
Developer Intent and Design Philosophy
The inclusion of the Bogling stowaway is likely a deliberate effort by Respawn to add narrative charm. It shows the developers’ interest in not only building epic Star Wars battles and lightsaber duels, but also crafting moments of peace and humor. By allowing players to discover things on their own, Jedi Fallen Order promotes curiosity without needing to handhold or explain every moment.
The Jedi Fallen Order stowaway is a minor yet memorable piece of content that enhances the game’s storytelling and immersion. While it doesn’t change your abilities or impact the main quest, its presence enriches the Mantis, rewards exploration, and provides a refreshing contrast to the game’s darker themes. Players who take the time to find and observe the Bogling often cite it as one of the game’s hidden gems. In a galaxy filled with danger and war, sometimes it’s the quietest, smallest companions that leave the biggest impression.