RELATED: Star Wars: Most Powerful Force Abilities
Lightsabers are weapons used primarily by the Jedi and the Sith and, though exceptions to this exist, they are uncommon. Those lacking in Force sensitivity must opt for less efficient weaponry to defend themselves within this unpredictable galaxy. Throughout Star Wars, there are many weapons capable of defending against a lightsaber, but some are far from practical in their approach.
10 Gamorrean Axes
The pig-like bodyguards first introduced in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, are intimidating in appearance, but laughable in combat. In a galaxy full of futuristic weaponry, axes should be the last addition to one’s arsenal.
Since Jedi are all but extinct in this age, Gamorreans could deem an axe to be an effective means of defense, but Force users are not the only threat. Though they may be skilled in their axe-wielding abilities, one shot from a blaster can easily cut through both axe and wielder in a flash.
9 Lightwhip
The Lightwhip is a weapon seen primarily in the non-canon Star Wars entries, presumably due to its absurdity. Though it can an incredibly useful weapon in certain combat situations, its design is more likely to cause trouble for the wielder.
The Lightwhip is a lightsaber that sometimes has multiple blades. Darth Maul and Kylo Ren use lightsabers with multiple blades too, but the Lightwhip is on an entirely different level. Unlike a typical lightsaber, the blades present on a Lightwip are flexible, similar to a rope or a whip, and, though it is an intimidating means of combat, one wrong move will result in severe injury to the wielder.
8 The Darksaber
Unlike a lightsaber, the Darksaber’s design is reminiscent of that of a sword. The blade is curved and black, and the hilt consists of a crossguard. At its core, it is a lightsaber, but it does not require a Jedi or Sith to wield it.
Throughout the Star Wars series, there have been very few situations where Force-sensitive beings have injured themselves using their blade, but perhaps this is because of their otherworldly abilities. Upon coming into the possession of the Darksaber, Din Djarin, a Forceless being, severely burns his leg due to his lack of Force powers. The Darksaber is certainly an effective means of combat, but for someone uneducated in the Force, it is far from practical.
7 Z6 Riot Control Baton
Introduced in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the Z6 Riot Control Baton served to be Nines’ only means of defense against Finn’s lightsaber. Nines chose to use this weapon instead of his blaster due to his history with Finn. Though the fight was a spectacle, Nines should have opted for his blaster.
RELATED: Star Wars: Best Things Princess Leia Did (Outside The Movies)
Finn was an inexperienced lightsaber wielder, so a few shots from Nines’ blaster would have made quick work of him. Though the fight was engaging, it was unrealistic in showcasing the need for a Z6 Baton in the Star Wars galaxy.
6 Beskar Spear
Din Djarin utilizes the Beskar Spear against Mof Gideon during the climax of Season 2 of The Mandalorian. Its use in lightsaber combat is undeniable, but it is still an impractical means of combat in a galaxy full of experienced Force users.
Its only benefit in combat is its ability to deflect lightsaber blades, but it fails to hold any benefit in a gunfight. The value of its material alone puts a target on its wielder’s head, rendering them more susceptible to being attacked. The Beskar Spear invites unwanted battles that its wielder is unlikely to win if the opponent owns a blaster.
5 Gaderffii
The Gaderffii, also known as a gaffii stick, is a spear-like weapon used by Tusken Raider tribes. The Book of Boba Fett revealed how the weapon is used in combat as well as how it is created. Its usage can provide a stylish form of defense, but it only benefits its wielder aesthetically.
Boba Fett uses a Gaderaffii on Cad Bane during the climax of The Book of Boba Fett. The curved end of the spear allowed him to sweep Bane’s legs out from beneath him, giving Boba the upper hand. If not for this weapon, Boba would have been bested, but there are very few cases, aside from this, where a gaffii would assist anyone.
4 Amphistaff
The Star Wars series is constantly incorporating unusual weaponry into its entries with perhaps the strangest being the Amphistaff. The Amphistaff is a flexible spear capable of deflecting lightsaber blows, similar to a Lightwhip.
The most fascinating feature of the Amphistaff is its origins. Used by the Yuuzhan Vong, the Amphistaff was essentially a living snake that served its master in combat by hardening on command to block incoming lightsaber swings. Though being approached by someone wielding an Amphistaff would be terrifying, flinging a snake around at one’s foes would undoubtedly aggravate this supposedly loyal pet, resulting in eventual injury to the owner.
3 Booma
The Booma, also known as the Gungan grenade, is a deceptively harmless-looking bomb used by Gungans as their primary means of explosive weaponry. Star Wars: The Phantom Menace presented Gungans using Boomas during the Battle of Naboo.
RELATED: Things You Didn’t Know About The Canceled Star Wars Boba Fett Game
Though their usefulness during the Battle of Naboo is difficult to argue against, their practicality is questionable. In a battle where thousands of droids are utilizing blasters, the Booma can only do so much. While under heavy fire from droids, taking the time to throw a Booma would achieve more of a momentary distraction than a victory.
2 Geonosian Sonic Blaster
Debuting in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, the Geonosian Sonic Blaster was one of the most fascinating projectile weapons seen in the series up to that point. The blaster projected condensed energy and could kill on contact if one were unlucky to be in its line of fire.
Though its power is undeniable, its usage is limited due to its design. The unusual anatomy of Geonosians shaped the design of the Sonic Blaster, rendering the weapon unusable by any other species. The trigger is placed in such a strange location, that even holding the weapon would pose issues.
1 Whipcord Launcher
The Whipcord Launcher is a weapon used by both Jango and Boba Fett as it is part of their armor’s arsenal. It is an effective means of briefly immobilizing a target, but its combat uses are limited beyond that.
Though the Whipcord Launcher has gotten Jango and Boba out of several dire situations, it would be far more beneficial for the wielder to replace it with any other available weapon as soon as they can. The Whipcord Launcher merely postpones one’s demise, whereas a blaster would ensure it.
MORE: Star Wars Legends: The Imperial Civil War Explained
