Summary

• The lightsaber is an iconic element of Star Wars that has received lots of variations and different types since 1977.
• The classic, single-bladed lightsaber is still the best variation of the weapon due to its versatility, design, and how synonymous it is with Jedi and their real-world inspirations,
• Star Wars’ other lightsaber types still contain the foundation of the classic blade with only personal changes to reflect characters, proving its versatility and superiority.

The lightsaber has been an iconic part of Star Wars since the franchise’s birth, but which variation of the weapon is the best? The lightsaber was introduced in the first Star Wars movie in release order when 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 into upcoming Star Wars movies.

Upcoming Star Wars TV shows like Ahsoka are expected to continue featuring the lightsaber as a central part of Star Wars’ lore, only with some slight variations. For example, Ahsoka Tano wields shoto blades, one long and one short. The shoto style is a different type of Star Wars’ lightsaber that 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 in Star 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 with Star 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 of Star Wars’ lightsaber combat forms with 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.

Why Most Different Lightsaber Types Are Alterations Of The Single-Blade

Star Wars Is Aware That The Single-Blade Lightsaber Is A Solid Foundation

Another factor supporting the idea that the classic lightsaber is the best in Star Wars is 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 recent Star Wars align with the classic blade proves that it is the best type of the weapon, if only for the constant versatility it provides.