A Venator-class Star Destroyer, serving as a warship in the Galactic Republic's navy, participated in the Clone Wars under the leadership of Jedi General Chiata. Near the conclusion of the conflict, this Venator-class Star Destroyer engaged in combat with a dreadnought belonging to the Confederacy of Independent Systems, resulting in substantial damage to both ships. After an unexpected exit from hyperspace, the [Star Destroyer](/article/star_destroyer] met its end by crashing onto the planetary body of Zeffo. Chiata and her Padawan, Marseph, survived the impact, but were separated from one another. Soon after the crash, Order 66 was initiated, causing the clone troopers aboard the ruined vessel to betray the Jedi, ultimately leading to the deaths of both Chiata and Marseph. In 14 BBY, the wrecked Venator was discovered by the former Jedi Padawan Cal Kestis.
The Venator in ruins made a hard landing on the planet of Zeffo, not far from the future site of the Imperial Headquarters. The impact of the crash created three distinct zones: the Crash Site, the Broken Wing, and the Venator Wreckage, complete with surrounding water features. By 14 BBY, Zeffo's indigenous wildlife had taken over the fallen Venator, including creatures like the jotaz, phillak, and scazz, as well as the rabid jotaz variant.
The Venator-class star destroyer that was destroyed on Zeffo was part of the Galactic Republic's Navy and was under the command of Jedi General Chiata. Sometime during the final year of the Clone Wars, the ship severely damaged a Separatist Dreadnought during a battle, but it also suffered significant damage, resulting in its forced exit from hyperspace and subsequent crash on Zeffo.
After the ship's crash, both Jedi General Chiata and the ship's unnamed clone commander lived through the crash. They would try and find Padawan Marseph. At some point, Order 66 was given, forcing the Padawan to hide in a ventilation shaft. Jedi General Chiata was able to locate her padawan but was disoriented and badly injured. They fought the clones and tried to get away. While trying to escape, Jedi General Chiata could no longer escape, staggering from the wounds. Chiata later died, and the padawan constructed a grave for his master. During this time, the clones tried to hunt down the Jedi, and the Clone Commander was killed by a lightsaber.
At some point, the locals of Zeffo stumbled upon the Crash Site and erected a memorial to honor the fallen clones. However, they were unaware of the truth behind Order 66.
By 14 BBY, the Galactic Empire had control of the planet and constructed the Imperial Dig Site near the crashed Venator Class Star Destroyer, which could be accessed via a turbolift. In 14 BBY, Cal Kestis discovered the Crashed Venator Class Star Destroyer while exploring the Imperial Excavation nearby.
The fallen Venator made its debut in the 2019 video game Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, which was created by Respawn Entertainment. This was influenced by 3D Metroidvania style design, and the video game became the first in the Star Wars Jedi Franchise. Jean-Francois Rey created the concept art for the fallen Venator, which was later featured in The Art of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.