Summary
The lightsaber has been an iconic part ofStar Warssince the franchise’s birth, but which variation of the weapon is the best? The lightsaber was introduced in the firstStar Warsmovie in release orderwhen Obi-Wan Kenobi handed Luke Skywalker the weapon once wielded by his father. Since then, the weapon of the Jedi has become an iconic piece of cinema history and a staple of the franchise, something that will certainly continue intoupcomingStar Warsmovies.
UpcomingStar WarsTV showslikeAhsokaare expected to continue featuring the lightsaber as a central part ofStar Wars’lore, only with some slight variations. For example, Ahsoka Tano wields shoto blades, one long and one short. The shoto style is adifferent type ofStar Wars’lightsaberthat appears more commonly in the franchise, with several variations appearing in different properties since 1977. With that in mind, it is worth exploring what is the best lightsaber variation, and why different types may exist in the first place.
The Classic Lightsaber Will Always Be The Best Choice In Star Wars
The Classic Lightsaber Evokes The Old Saying, If It Isn’t Broke, Don’t Fix It
It may seem somewhat of a basic answer, but the classic lightsaber is the best inStar Wars.When thinking about the Jedi, the single-bladed lightsaber will be one of the first things that comes to the mind of anyone familiar withStar Wars. The shape evokes the single-bladed swords of Japanese samurai and Arthurian knights, with these archetypes being two of the big inspirations of the Jedi Order. Aside from these connotations, the classic lightsaber is also the best regarding practicality.
The classic lightsaber is much more simple and thus, much more effective for wielders in a variety of combat scenarios, highlighting that versatility is king…
The single-bladed lightsaber offers a lot of versatility in combat. It is easily maneuverable and allows its wielder to use many ofStar Wars’lightsaber combat formswith ease. Other variations have their drawbacks; the lightsaber whip is poor at close quarters, the double-bladed lightsaber is longer and heavier, and wherever one blade goes, the other goes in the opposite direction, dual-wielders have more to think about in a fight, and so on. The classic lightsaber is much more simple and thus, much more effective for wielders in a variety of combat scenarios, highlighting that versatility is king.
Smaller version of the classic saber
Dual-Phase Lightsaber
It can be switched between a longer blade and a smaller blade
It has a crossguard at the top of the hilt
The Great Lightsaber
It is a larger, heavier single-bladed lightsaber wielded with two hands
It is a rapier-like, thinner type of single-bladed lightsaber
Lightsaber Whip
The lightsaber whip is activated from a single blade and returns to the latter when deactivated
The Stranger’s Trick Lightsaber
A single-bladed lightsaber with a smaller, light-dagger hidden in the hilt
A single-bladed lightsaber with a blaster embedded into the hilt
Kanan Jarrus' Lightsaber
A collapsible single-bladed lightsaber
Another factor supporting the idea that the classic lightsaber is the best inStar Warsis that many variations maintain this foundation. Of the many variations mentioned, the single-blade remains only with some changes to adapt to the wielder’s style. For example, Yoda’s lightsaber is smaller to fit his smaller stature, allowing him the maneuverability and versatility of regular Jedi, only increased due to the fast fighting style that a small lightsaber offers. Similarly, Vader’s dual-phase saber essentially gives him two lengths of a classic lightsaber to throw off his opponents in true Sith fashion.
Another notable change like Ezra’s blaster evokes his scoundrel-like personality, while still keeping the classic blade. The lightwhip returning to a classic lightsaber only further proves how it stands as the basis for many variations, as does Baylan Skoll’s great lightsaber and Shin Hati’s lightfoil. The fact that so many of the lightsaber variations in recentStar Warsalign with the classic blade proves that it is the best type of the weapon, if only for the constant versatility it provides.
Star Wars
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise that started in 1977 by creator George Lucas. After the release of Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope (originally just titled Star Wars), the franchise quickly exploded, spawning multiple sequels, prequels, TV shows, video games, comics, and much more. After Disney acquired the rights to the franchise, they quickly expanded the universe on Disney+, starting with The Mandalorian.
