The story takes place approximately 4,000 years before the rise of the Galactic Empire.
Darth Malak, a former Jedi, Dark Lord of the Sith, and Darth Revan's former apprentice, has unleashed a Sith armada against the Republic.
Malak's aggression has left the Jedi scattered and vulnerable; many Jedi Knights have fallen in battle, and others have sworn allegiance to Malak.