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With Star Wars Jedi: Survivor now available around the world, fans everywhere are rejoicing at their chance to experience what amounts to a lightsaber fantasy. Indeed, playing as Cal Kestis provides one of the best lightsaber combat experiences in all of Star Wars gaming history. And while there are several reasons why this game provides this feeling, one of the most obvious is the variety of high-level enemies that Cal must face. From lightsaber-wielding outlaws that hunt Cal down, to the legendary beasts that all Star Wars fans will remember, Survivor provides it all in abundance.

One of the best - and most difficult - examples of this can be found hidden in the caves of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. Ardent fans will recognize the Rancor as soon as it shows up on screen, cleaving its massive arms through the air at Cal, threatening the young Jedi's life with every attack. This guide will explain just how Cal can succeed in the face of such a terrifying monster, and come through just like Luke Skywalker does several years later.

Related: Pro Tips For Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Where to Find the Rancor in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

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Given that the Rancor is one of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor's legendary enemies, it comes as no surprise that they are not freely roaming the many worlds that Cal visits over the course of his journey. Instead, just as it was in Return of the Jedi, the Rancor is found in the dark recesses of pits and caves.

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The first place Cal is likely to run into a Rancor is the Sodden Grotto. And what makes this particular enemy so terrifying is that Cal can come across this beast very early in his journey, when he is at his 'weakest.' The Rancor is found at the very end of the cave, which itself is completely optional. Check the map above for the exact location.

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That's not to say the Sodden Grotto is the only place Cal can run into a Rancor. There is a fun encounter later in the game with a Rancor and a certain prisoner. Yet again, this legendary creature is found in the lower levels of the Phon'Qi Caverns.

How to Defeat the Rancor in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

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The Rancor can be an intimidating fight, especially if Cal is facing it during the early stages of the game. However, if Cal remains patient, and uses all the tools at his disposal, he will emerge victorious. It is certainly suggested that Cal wait until he has upgraded his max stim amount, max health and force, and unlocked all stances before taking on any legendary fight, but it is not required.

Early Game:

If Cal wishes to fight the Rancor in the early stages of the game, consider the following techniques:

  • Practice Parry: The Rancor has several attacks that can be parried. Many players will get flustered in the arena, and die trying to dodge every attack. Mastering the parry will allow Cal to stay in close to the Rancor, giving him time to land attacks in between those of the Rancor. With this tactic, make sure to watch for the Rancor to turn red, as this is an unblockable attack. This strategy make a bit of a learning curve, but it feels great when accomplished correctly.
  • Double-Bladed Stance: In some ways, this is more of a play-style choice, but there is something to be said for the double-bladed's speed. If Cal can time his attacks correctly, waiting until the Rancor has completed its attack combo or unblockable attack. This stance can close distance faster than single blade, but it is also less stable with blocking, and can sometimes feel chaotic. The Duel-Weild stance, if unlocked, can be used similarly.
  • Throw Attack: This will likely be Cal's only ranged attack in the early game. When Cal has to back away for any reason, make sure to utilize this attack (L1 + triangle/Y)
  • Do Not Button Mash: This advice fits the entire game, but against enemies like the Rancor, button mashing will almost certainly get Cal killed. Make sure to press one button for one attack, proceeding through a fight methodically. This can be difficult with the faster stances, but over time it will become second nature.

Related: Star Wars Jedi: Survivor - All Bounty Locations

Mid/Late Game:

  • Do Not Get Complacent: Just because Cal's stats will be increased. The Rancor is capable of killing Cal with a single grab attack throughout most of the game. What is perhaps most beneficial is Cal's increased number of stims. There is little doubt that he will take a beating, but having more than two stims can make the difference between victory and defeat.
  • Advanced Stances: While some players may opt to stick with the faster stances, having access to the Blaster and Crossguard stances can make the Rancor fight much more manageable.
    • Blaster Stance: The ability to do damage from a distance allows Cal to keep his eye on what attack the Rancor is telegraphing. Unload all shots, then close in when able.
    • Crossguard Stance: While arguably the most difficult to time, this stance can make extremely short work of the rancor. Parrying seems to do more posture damage, while the upgraded throw and Impact ability add extreme power from range.
  • Experiment with Perks/Abilities: Though there isn't any single perk or ability that will make the fight with the Rancor easy, Cal should try and experiment with everything Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order has to offer. As mentioned previously, the Crossguard Stance's throw upgrade can be helpful, as well as any upgrade to the Blaster stance that increases ammunition, or lowers cooldowns.

Rancor's Moveset:

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Luckily, the Rancor does not have a huge variety of attacks, and what it does have are well-telegraphed, making them much easier for Cal to memorize and recognize. However, nearly all the Rancor's attacks do a massive amount of damage, so never take any part of the fight lightly.

Regular Attacks:

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  • Arm Swinging Combo: One of the Rancor's main attacks is a series of blockable and parry-able arms swings. This is usually always done in a series, so stay diligent until its clear the combo is finished. Though rare, the Rancor will sometimes tack on an unblockable attack at the end of the combo. If this happens, the Rancor will turn red just after its last swing.
  • Foot Stomp: When Cal gets in close and successfully attacks, the Rancor will get annoyed and stomp the ground with its legs. These attacks are much harder to parry, but not impossible. It may be wiser to back away and let the attacks play out.
  • Angry Swirl: When the Rancor has lost about a quarter if its health, it will lash out and start violently spinning. It's brief, but it can seriously damage Cal. This is technically multiple attacks, making it hard to parry consistently. Look for the tell-tale signs of rage and back away.
  • Ground Pound: The regular version of this attack will remain a simple melee attack. The Rancor brings its fists it's over its head, making it easy to see what's coming. Dodge to the side and close in for an attack after the attack hits the ground.

Unblockable Attacks:

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  • Lunging Grab: This is the most dangerous attack in the fight. The Rancor will turn red, and look like its charging up to spring forward, which is exactly what it is going to do. Wait until the Rancor springs forward and dodge to the side. When it misses Cal, it will sit for just a moment, totally vulnerable.
  • Unblockable Debris Wave: Another dangerous attack finds the Rancor turning red, jumping up in the air, and then slamming into the ground with such force that a wave of debris hurls towards Cal. Try to create some distance when the Rancor begins this attack, as it will make the wave much easier to jump over.

These are the bulk of the Rancor attacks, though it may use some variation of these in combat. Utilizing the strategies laid out here, Cal will be able to overcome this legendary enemy, and come out of the pit successful.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.