Six years ago, Star Wars Battlefront II players witnessed the arrival of one of the most highly anticipated updates in the game’s history: The Chosen One Update. This patch didn’t just bring any Jedi—it introduced the legendary Anakin Skywalker, alongside the elite 501st Legion and Coruscant Guard. With the addition of the Emote Wheel, clone legion updates, and multiple quality-of-life improvements, this update became a defining moment for the game.
Anakin Skywalker: The Most Powerful Hero?
One of the biggest highlights of this update was the arrival of Anakin Skywalker, voiced by Matt Lanter. Unlike any other hero in Battlefront II, Anakin had unique abilities that set him apart:
- Heroic Might – A move that let Anakin absorb damage before unleashing a devastating area attack.
- Retribution – The first (and only) ability in the game that required taking damage to charge up, rewarding aggressive playstyles.
- Passionate Strike – A powerful, unblockable lightsaber strike capable of breaking through defenses.
- Pull Dominance – A Force ability that pulled enemies toward Anakin, leaving them vulnerable to follow-up attacks.
With these abilities, Anakin quickly became one of the most dominant heroes in the game—so much so that he later required balance adjustments to keep things fair. His damage output and tanky nature made him an unstoppable force, leading to many thrilling battles in Galactic Assault, Capital Supremacy, and Heroes vs. Villains.
Anakin’s Role in the Game’s Meta
For months after his release, Anakin was a game-changer in competitive play. His Heroic Might ability made him a nightmare in objective-based modes, where he could absorb massive amounts of damage before obliterating enemy squads. His Retribution ability was unique in that it required players to take damage before it could be activated, rewarding high-risk, high-reward gameplay. As a result, many players gravitated toward Anakin as their go-to hero, leading to balance patches aimed at nerfing his overwhelming power.
The 501st Legion & Coruscant Guard Arrive
The update also delivered new clone trooper skins, allowing players to fight as the elite 501st Legion, Anakin’s personal battalion, and the Coruscant Guard, the clones tasked with defending the capital. These additions not only expanded customization but also added deeper immersion for Clone Wars enthusiasts.
Additionally, previous Clone Wars legions received updated armor designs, ensuring more accuracy and consistency across the board. This made each faction feel even more distinct and true to their on-screen appearances. With these new skins, players could feel like they were truly part of the Grand Army of the Republic, whether they were storming objectives or holding the line against Separatist droids.
A Deeper Connection to The Clone Wars
The addition of the 501st and Coruscant Guard wasn’t just a cosmetic update—it helped further tie the game into the lore of Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series. These iconic battalions brought an extra level of authenticity and fan service, making players feel like they were stepping straight into the battles depicted on screen.
The Emote Wheel: More Ways to Express Yourself
Before this update, players could only equip two emotes at a time. The Emote Wheel changed that, allowing up to eight emotes to be equipped at once. This was a game-changer for communication, letting players celebrate victories, taunt opponents, or simply reenact their favorite Star Wars moments in battle.
The expanded Emote Wheel added a new layer of personality to gameplay. Whether it was spamming “This is where the fun begins” after every elimination or taunting fallen opponents with Darth Vader’s chilling “You have failed me for the last time,” emotes became an essential part of the player experience. The feature also made team coordination easier, allowing for quick non-verbal communication in modes like Capital Supremacy and Galactic Assault.
Quality of Life Improvements and Gameplay Adjustments
Alongside the major content additions, The Chosen One Update also introduced several quality-of-life improvements:
- Hero Adjustments – Various heroes received balance tweaks to improve gameplay fairness.
- Clone Trooper Armor Updates – The previously released clone legions were revised to improve their accuracy to The Clone Wars animated series.
- Bug Fixes & Stability Improvements – The update helped refine the overall gameplay experience, ensuring smoother matches and fewer technical issues.
- Better Hit Detection – Players noticed improvements in hit detection for both blaster and lightsaber combat, making fights feel more responsive and rewarding.
These changes were welcomed by the community, as they smoothed out some of the game’s rough edges and created a more polished, immersive experience.
The Community’s Reaction to The Chosen One Update
The response to this update was overwhelmingly positive. Battlefront II had already been undergoing a major redemption arc, and this update further solidified its reputation as a game that had truly turned things around. Anakin’s powerful moveset, new clone trooper skins, and quality-of-life improvements reinvigorated the player base and made Galactic Assault and Capital Supremacy feel fresher than ever.
A Step Toward Battlefront II’s Continued Success
By the time this update was released, Battlefront II had already overcome its rocky launch. The Chosen One Update further demonstrated that DICE and EA were committed to refining and expanding the game based on community feedback. It wasn’t just about adding new content—it was about creating an experience that felt authentic to Star Wars while delivering satisfying and balanced gameplay.
Looking Back: The Lasting Impact of The Chosen One Update
Even six years later, The Chosen One Update remains one of the most significant content drops in Star Wars Battlefront II. The introduction of Anakin Skywalker, alongside the 501st Legion and Coruscant Guard, cemented this update as a favorite among players. The Emote Wheel gave players new ways to interact, and the quality-of-life changes helped refine the game’s polish.
With Battlefront II still being played by a dedicated community, this update serves as a reminder of the game’s enduring appeal. Whether charging into battle as the 501st, pulling enemies into devastating combos with Anakin, or simply spamming “This is where the fun begins”—this update truly delivered on its promise.
One thing is certain: The Chosen One Update was a defining moment in the game’s journey, and its legacy continues to resonate across the galaxy.
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