he “Ahsoka” series, which has captured the attention of Star Wars fans worldwide, is a crucial addition to the Star Wars universe. If you’re wondering when Ahsoka takes place, you’re in the right place. To understand its timeline and how it fits within the broader Star Wars story, we need to place it within the Star Wars chronology. Let’s dive deep into the details and clarify its position in the saga.
The Basics: Ahsoka’s Timeline
“Ahsoka” is set in the years following the original trilogy, more specifically around 12 ABY (After the Battle of Yavin), which places it roughly five years after the events of “Return of the Jedi” (4 ABY). This means Ahsoka’s story unfolds after the defeat of the Galactic Empire and the rise of the New Republic
This timeline is important because it coincides with the era depicted in The Mandalorian and its spin-off, The Book of Boba Fett, with “Ahsoka” running in parallel to The Mandalorian Season 3
Ahsoka’s Role Post-Empire
In Ahsoka, the galaxy is in a period of rebuilding. While the Empire has officially fallen, remnants of Imperial loyalists, such as the sinister Grand Admiral Thrawn, continue to cause unrest
The New Republic, though established, is not yet fully secure, and the power vacuum left by the Empire is filled with uncertainty and covert operations. Ahsoka Tano, who played a pivotal role in the fall of the Empire during Star Wars Rebels, is now navigating this complex landscape. Her storyline picks up after the events of Rebels, in which she was seen searching for the lost Jedi Ezra Bridger and dealing with the fate of Thrawn
The Mandalorian Connection
Ahsoka’s timeline overlaps significantly with The Mandalorian. The Mandalorian Season 1 and 2 take place around 9 ABY, meaning Ahsoka’s series happens shortly after these events, around 12 ABY, making the two shows intricately connected. The character of Ahsoka, portrayed by Rosario Dawson, was first introduced in live-action during The Mandalorian Season 2, and her standalone series continues from there
Ahsoka’s Personal Journey
At the time of her series, Ahsoka is no longer the eager Jedi Padawan she was during The Clone Wars. She is now a seasoned warrior and independent figure, having distanced herself from the Jedi Order. This shift in her character reflects the broader changes in the galaxy, as the Republic has fallen, and the Jedi are no longer in power. Instead, Ahsoka is on a personal mission, searching for the lost Jedi Ezra Bridger and attempting to uncover the whereabouts of Thrawn, who disappeared with Ezra at the end of Star Wars Rebels
Key Events Before Ahsoka: The Preceding Star Wars Timeline
To fully appreciate when Ahsoka takes place, it’s important to recognize the events that lead up to it. Ahsoka’s journey begins long before this series in the era of The Clone Wars (22 BBY-19 BBY), where she was Anakin Skywalker’s Padawan. After the end of The Clone Wars and Anakin’s fall to Darth Vader, Ahsoka goes on a long personal journey, culminating in her appearance in Star Wars Rebels (set between 5 BBY to 1 BBY). The events of Rebels significantly shape Ahsoka’s motivations in the Ahsoka series, especially her search for Ezra and her complex relationship with the remnants of the Empire
The Connection to the Larger Star Wars Universe
The timeline of Ahsoka ties directly into the broader Star Wars narrative. Not only does it intersect with The Mandalorian, but it also sets the stage for the upcoming eras, especially the events leading up to the Sequel Trilogy (starting with The Force Awakens in 34 ABY). Although Ahsoka is set about 25 years before The Force Awakens, the legacy of the Empire still looms large. Imperial remnants still try to manipulate galactic events, setting the stage for the rise of the First Order decades later
Ahsoka’s Impact on the New Republic Era
The New Republic era, where Ahsoka’s story is set, is a time of transition. The Empire may have been defeated, but its influence lingers. The surviving Imperial factions have formed alliances in a bid to reclaim control over the galaxy. Ahsoka is now an independent figure working within this fractured galaxy, and the series will explore how the remaining forces of the Empire—like Thrawn’s faction—may still threaten the fragile peace that the New Republic is trying to establish
Conclusion
When Does Ahsoka Take Place?
In short, Ahsoka takes place around 12 ABY, roughly five years after the fall of the Empire, and three years after the events of The Mandalorian Season 2. The series explores the aftermath of the Empire’s defeat, focusing on Ahsoka’s ongoing quest and the growing power of Imperial remnants. Set in the early days of the New Republic, it paves the way for future conflicts and plays an essential role in connecting the larger narrative of the Star Wars universe
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the galaxy far, far away, Ahsoka offers a crucial piece of the puzzle in the post-Empire era.
