Wow, what a time to be a Star Wars fan and a PC gamer! I just got my hands on the latest update for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, and let me tell you, it feels like a brand new game. Remember all those complaints we had when it launched back in 2023? The performance hiccups, the frustrating DRM? Well, it seems EA has finally been listening. Patch 9 is here, and it's packed with fixes that directly address the community's biggest pain points. It's been over a year since Cal Kestis' second adventure began, and this update proves that good things come to those who wait—or in this case, to those who kept the faith through a rocky launch.

Isn't it amazing how a single patch can completely revitalize a game's feel? The headline act for me, and I'm sure for many of you, is the removal of Denuvo DRM. That's right, the anti-tamper software that was a common source of ire for PC players is finally gone. This should mean smoother launches, fewer background processes eating up resources, and generally easier access to the game we paid for. It's a move that shows respect for the player base, and honestly, it's about time.

But the improvements don't stop there. EA has gone deep under the hood for this one. The patch notes promise FPS improvements for various hardware configurations. They've specifically targeted sources of framerate hitching to deliver smoother gameplay. For someone like me who's been wrestling with inconsistent performance, this is huge. Have you ever been in the middle of a lightsaber duel on Koboh, only for the game to stutter at the worst possible moment? Hopefully, those days are over.

And for those of us with powerful rigs, there's more good news. Ray Tracing performance has been optimized, with reduced CPU usage and better scaling for high-end GPUs. This means we can finally enjoy those beautiful, reflective surfaces and enhanced shadows without sacrificing a stable framerate. It's the visual fidelity we were promised, finally within reach.

Let's talk about the little things that make a big difference. Mouse-and-keyboard controls for navigating in-game menus have been improved. It might sound minor, but after dealing with clunky menu navigation, this quality-of-life update is a welcome relief. Furthermore, the patch includes bug fixes for rare crashes and collision issues across all platforms, including consoles. Stability is key for immersion, and it's great to see it being prioritized.

Speaking of consoles, a nice bonus for PlayStation players: PS5 users can now transfer their PS4 saves. This is a fantastic addition for anyone who started their journey on the previous generation and upgraded their console. It's these thoughtful touches that show the developers care about the player experience from start to finish.

Now, I have to address the elephant in the room. Jedi: Survivor launched with significant problems, particularly on PC. Its Steam reviews have languished at a 'Mixed' 67% for over a year. Our own review back at launch praised the game's ambitious scope—"It's bigger, grander and more ambitious"—but lamented the terrible performance issues, even on PS5, where the performance mode struggled to hold 60fps. This patch feels like a direct response to that criticism, a concerted effort to deliver the polished experience the game's excellent core design always deserved.

It's worth remembering that despite its technical woes, Jedi: Survivor was always a critical darling at its heart, boasting a Mighty 84 Top Critic average on OpenCritic. This update allows the game's true quality—its expanded story, deeper combat, and vast worlds—to finally shine without technical barriers.

This situation makes for an interesting contrast with the current state of Star Wars gaming. The most recent major release, Star Wars: Outlaws from Ubisoft, hasn't fared as well with critics, sitting at only a 67% recommendation rate. It just goes to show that a strong foundation is everything. Jedi: Survivor had that foundation in Respawn's brilliant gameplay and storytelling; it just needed the technical polish. Now, in 2026, with Patch 9, it feels like it has finally arrived.

So, what does this all mean for us, the players? It means it might finally be the perfect time to jump into Cal Kestis' story or to revisit it. The galaxy far, far away feels more responsive, more stable, and more accessible than ever on PC. This isn't just a patch; it's a redemption. After a long wait, the Force feels truly strong with this one. 🎮✨