His backstory is explored in a flashback that occurs later in the game, which reveals that Cal was a Jedi Padawan training under Jedi Master Jaro Tapal during the Clone Wars, and that when Order 66 was issued, Tapal sacrificed himself to save Cal from their former clone troopers, leaving the latter guilt-ridden and causing him to sever his connection to the Force.

Cal escapes with the help of Cere Junda, a former Jedi Knight-turned-mercenary, and her partner and friend Greez Dritus, who allow him to take refuge on their ship, the Stinger Mantis.

During his journey, Cal is joined by several other allies, such as Cordova's former droid BD-1 and Nightsister Merrin, who survived the massacre of her clan on Dathomir, and is relentlessly pursued by the Second Sister, revealed to be Trilla Suduri, Cere's former Padawan who fell to the Dark Side after Cere betrayed her location to the Empire while under torture.

Cal also comes into conflict with other Imperial forces, the Haxion Brood crime syndicate, and fallen Jedi Taron Malicos, who took control of Dathomir and seeks to learn the Nightsisters' magic.

Unable to defeat Vader, Cal and Cere barely escape from his grasp and return to the Mantis, where they realize that the children listed on the Holocron will only be in more danger if they become Jedi.

Whilst recovering from a mission gone wrong, Cal discovers ruins from the High Republic era and information on a lost world called Tanalorr.

Cal's search brings him into conflict with Dagan Gera, a fallen Jedi who discovered the planet, and his allies in the Bedlam Raiders.

After defeating Gera and recovering a compass that navigates to Tanalorr, Cal and the Hidden Path are betrayed to the Empire by Bode, who kills Cordova and is revealed to be a fallen Jedi in hiding.

When Cere is killed in an intense lightsaber duel with Vader during an Imperial raid, Cal begins to succumb to the Dark Side of the Force.

Once Cal finally stops fighting the past, sheathes his lightsaber, and promises to honor the teachings of his former master, only then does he become knighted as a Jedi.

[11] Some reviewers noted that while he does not start off strong, the good writing, interesting cast of supporting characters and the entertaining story help the player connect with Cal.

[14][15][16] IGN named Cal Kestis one of the best video game characters of 2019, with staff member Matthew Adler highlighting his growth in power as well as his "down-to-earth personality and willingness to seek change".

[17] In 2020, Cal Kestis ranked 50th place in a "Best Star Wars character of All Time" fan poll organized by IGN.