The Force is strong with this one! Star Wars fans, get ready to dive into the dark side as we rank the 15 most powerful Sith in the galaxy. From ancient legends to modern-day villains, these force-wielders will leave you in awe. But here's the catch: measuring power in the Force is like trying to catch a shadow. So, we're going to look at their sheer strength, impressive abilities, and the impact they've had on the galaxy far, far away. Get ready for an epic journey through the Star Wars universe!
Starkiller: The Jedi That Could Have Been
Imagine a Jedi so powerful that even Darth Vader feared him. Meet Starkiller, a.k.a. Galen Marek, who could've been an incredible Jedi if not for his tragic fate. Born to Jedi parents who abandoned the Order, Galen was found by Vader as a baby. Vader, sensing an immense Force connection, took him as his apprentice. In the video game Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, you can choose to follow the dark side and kill Vader, but his impact on the galaxy is undeniable. Starkiller's story is a fascinating 'what if' scenario, and his clone's role in Palpatine's return is a mind-boggling twist.
The Stranger: A Sith in Disguise
Qimir, or the Stranger, as he's known in The Acolyte, is a Sith with a unique twist. While he might not want to be called a Sith, he certainly fits the bill. In the episode 'Night,' he kills six Jedi Knights and a Padawan, showcasing his brutal fighting style. But his true strength lies in manipulation. He gets Osha to join his side and wipes Mae's memory, proving that sometimes, the most powerful weapon is not a lightsaber but the mind.
Savage Opress: Beyond Darth Maul's Brother
Savage Opress, voiced by Clancy Brown, deserves more recognition than just being Darth Maul's brother. In Star Wars: The Clone Wars, he's more than just Maul's right-hand man. His origin with the Nightsisters of Dathomir infused him with great power and a twisted mind. With his rage receptors opened, he connects deeply with the dark side. While he didn't have much training, his utilization of magic makes him a formidable foe. Sadly, his duel with Darth Sidious, one of the most underrated lightsaber duels, ended in defeat. But few can claim to have survived a duel with Sidious, making Savage Opress a force to be reckoned with.
Asajj Ventress: A Tragic Tale
Asajj Ventress, trained under the dark side by Count Dooku, is hard to classify as a true Sith. In Star Wars: The Clone Wars, she commands a droid army, but her true potential is unveiled when she battles Yoda. She's a ruthless combatant with the ability to conceal her Force powers. Darth Sidious, fearing her growing power, orders Dooku to kill her, leading Ventress to abandon the Sith way and become a bounty hunter. Eventually, she finds her way back to the light side. If Sidious hadn't interfered, she could've been one of the most powerful Sith.
Count Dooku: Trained by the Best, Fallen Tragically
Count Dooku, also known as Darth Tyranus, holds a unique place in Star Wars history. Trained by both a powerful Jedi (Yoda) and a powerful Sith (Darth Sidious), he honed his Force Lightning ability. He played a pivotal role in the Clone Wars, dueling against Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, even cutting off Anakin's hand. Dooku's tragic fate, being a pawn in Sidious' plan, adds to the overall tragedy of his lore.
Darth Maul: The Petty Sith
Darth Maul, introduced in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, is a character whose design alone has taken him far. As Sidious' apprentice, he let the Jedi know the Sith had returned. In the famous Duel of the Fates, he battles Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon Jinn, killing the latter. But his return in The Clone Wars series showcases an even more ruthless Maul. Fueled by hatred towards Obi-Wan, he accesses his dark side powers to conquer Mandalore and kill Duchess Satine, right in front of Obi-Wan. Maul isn't scary because of his power; he's terrifying because of his pettiness.
Darth Bane: Shaping the Sith
Darth Bane, a mythical figure in the mainline Star Wars continuity, has left an indelible mark. He foresaw internal strife breaking the Sith Order, so he created the Rule of Two, ensuring only a master and an apprentice at a time, with the apprentice eventually taking over. Without Bane, the Sith might've torn themselves apart. His vision and sheer physical strength make him a powerful Sith, shaping the order as we know it today.
Darth Sion: The Heavy Metal Sith
Darth Sion, an antagonist in Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords, is not the most powerful Sith, but he's definitely the most metal. He's achieved immortality, holding his body together as a necrotic husk fueled by anger and hatred. While the Knights of the Old Republic games are not canon, Sion's appearance in Ahsoka hints at his potential inclusion in future projects.
Darth Revan: The Amnesiac Sith
Darth Revan, the character you play as in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, is a force to be reckoned with. Initially a Jedi, you succumb to the dark side, becoming the amnesiac Revan. In the Shadow of Revan expansion, you fight Darth Revan, who has an incredibly high health bar, making it a challenging battle. Revan showcases his power by hurling meteors at you using the Force. While he eventually returns to the light side, his strength as both a Jedi and Sith is undeniable.
Darth Plagueis: The Master of Immortality
Darth Plagueis, known for Palpatine's monologue in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, had an incredible knowledge of the dark side. He could manipulate midi-chlorians to prevent his loved ones from dying, something that intrigued Anakin. Plagueis' main contribution to Star Wars canon is setting the stage for Palpatine's rise as the ruthless emperor. He taught Palpatine about the dark side and expanded his political influence. Even though Plagueis didn't live to see the Empire's rise, he's directly responsible for it.
Darth Vader: The Iconic Villain
Darth Vader, the face of Star Wars, is one of the most iconic movie villains ever. As Anakin, he was already a powerful Jedi, killing Count Dooku and even Mace Windu. As Vader, he had brutal moments, murdering rebel squadrons in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and the Vader Down #1 comic book. Despite not being the main villain, Vader's influence on the galaxy is undeniable, even after returning to the light side.
Marka Ragnos: The Mythical Sith
Marka Ragnos, a Sith from Star Wars Legends, remains mostly a myth in the canon. He existed thousands of years before the films and TV series, making him the most powerful Sith of his time. He could infuse artifacts with Sith power, and even death couldn't stop his influence. His spirit lingered, and the video game Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy almost successfully resurrected him. Ragnos' story, if brought to the modern day Star Wars mythos, would showcase his immense power.
Darth Nihilus: The Sith Vampire
Darth Nihilus, introduced in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II, is one of the most terrifying Sith. His constant connection to the dark side almost dehumanizes him, taking on an otherworldly appearance. He's so powerful that he can drain the Force from anyone nearby, making him a Sith vampire. His most destructive feat is annihilating the plant Kataar by draining its essence. To remain physically in the galaxy, he binds his spirit to his iconic mask and armor. Thankfully, most of his feats exist in Legends, as defeating him would be a challenge for any Jedi.
Darth Vitiate: The Powerful Non-Canon Sith
Darth Vitiate, from The Old Republic video game, is one of the most powerful beings in Star Wars, even though it's non-canon. His powers manifested at a young age, drawing the attention of Marko Ragnos. He ruled the galaxy for many years and was a threat to both Jedi and Sith. He performed a powerful ritual, draining other Sith of their Force power. He mastered various Force abilities, including telepathically controlling powerful Force users. His mental prowess made him hard to kill, as he could transfer his consciousness. While these feats are from non-canon games, his power is undeniable.
Darth Sidious: The Ultimate Sith
Darth Sidious, aka Emperor Palpatine, is the most powerful Sith of all time. He's held several apprentices, killed his master, and his schemes extended beyond the Force. He acquired his power as the Emperor legitimately, ruling the galaxy with Darth Vader. Palpatine is known for his Force lightning proficiency, but he's even stronger outside the main films. He's mastered the power of creating a Force Storm, capable of tearing apart planets. He conquered death through Project Necromancer, returning in The Rise of Skywalker. Sidious knew when to get rid of an apprentice, ensuring his power remained unthreatened. Until a stronger Sith appears, Darth Sidious reigns supreme in the main Star Wars story.
So, Star Wars fans, who do you think is the most powerful Sith? Join the discussion and let us know your thoughts! Are there any Sith you think should be on this list? Share your opinions and let's dive deeper into the dark side!
