Summary
Almost everyStar Warsstory is defined by its unforgettable villains, with some of the franchise’s most iconic characters being menacing and tragicSith Lords.From Darth Vader to Darth Maul, the image of a dark figure dressed in black and wielding a red lightsaber has captivated millions of fans. Every newStar Warsmovie, TV show, or game strives to introduce original Sith characters capable of standing alongside the legendary villains of the classic films.
ManyStar Warsgames feature an abundance ofgreat original Sith characters, with some even allowing players to create their own unique Sith andexplore the Dark Side of the Force firsthand. More often, players are challenged by powerful Sith adversaries throughout their journey, crossing paths and engaging with these formidable foes in both combat and ideology. Below are some ofthe best and most memorable Sith Lords ever introduced inStar Warsgames.
Although theSecond Sisterdidn’t have extensive screen time inStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, she remains one of the game’s most memorable characters and stands out among the Imperial Inquisitors. With her striking design, menacing presence, and chilling musical theme, the Second Sister commands players' full attention during every brief appearance as she relentlesslyhunts Cal Kestis and his allies.
What makes the Second Sister especially compelling is the tragic depth behind her villainy. Formerly known as Trilla Suduri, she was once a padawan to Cere Junda, who was captured and tortured into betraying her apprentice’s location. Her feelings of betrayal and anger ultimately led her down the path of becoming a ruthless Imperial Inquisitor. Yet beneath the dark mask, there is always a lingering sense of a traumatized individual wrestling with her painful past.
Galen Marek, also known asStarkilleror the Apprentice, is the protagonist ofStar Wars: The Force Unleashedand is one of the most powerful Force-sensitives in the franchise,rivaling even Darth Vader within the context of the games. Raised as Vader’s secret apprentice and trained as an assassin, Marek was tasked with the dangerous mission of hunting down the remaining Jedi following Order 66, including Masters Rahm Kota and Shaak Ti. For years, he served his master loyally, with only faint memories of his childhood and his parents, who were slain by Vader.
Like many who were bound to the Dark Side, Galen eventually broke free from its grip and embraced the Light, just before confronting his master in a final act of defiance that cost him his life. Brought to life by Sam Witwer, Starkiller’s appeal lies largely with younger audiences, reflected in his edgy persona. His dual-wielding backhand lightsaber style, along with his dark, sharp-fingered gloves and the menacing mask of the Sith Stalker suit, give him a distinctively cool and rebellious look.
Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic 2: The Sith Lordsis a treasure trove of memorable Sith characters, each unique and captivating in their own right. One standout is thepower-hungry Darth Nihilus, known for his iconic, almost theatrical mask and his ability to communicate through the raw dialect of the Force, which manifests as a haunting, indecipherable hissing. Then there’s the tortured and brokenDarth Sion, more akin to a walking corpse than a living being. With well-written dialogue full of pain and anger, combined with excellent voice acting, Darth Sion is arguably the more compelling villain. His connection to Darth Traya, his former master, adds layers of intrigue to his character.
Little is known about Darth Sion’s backstory, other than his discovery of immortality through constant, all-consuming agony. His singular mission is to eradicate the Jedi, relentlessly pursuing the player throughout the game, coming ever closer with each encounter. The final showdown with Darth Sion is one ofKotOR 2’s highlights, where the Exile helps him realize the terrible price he has paid for his immortality, ultimately guiding him toward peace.
The originalStar Wars: Knights of the Old Republicis widely regarded as one of the greatestStar Warsgames ever made, and rightfully so, thanks to its captivating story loaded with jaw-dropping twists and deeply compelling characters on both sides of the Galactic War.Darth Malakstands as one of the game’s central pillars, a true Dark Lord of the Sith who made devastating decisions, such as ordering the bombardment of an entire planet, Taris, resulting in billions of civilian casualties.
Everything about Darth Malak is striking, from his rich backstory detailing his fall to the Dark Side alongside Revan, to his menacing visual design — he is famously missing his lower jaw — to his fierce combat abilities and terrifying voice. Malak’s presence dominates the screen whenever he appears, leaving a lasting impression on the player.
2Darth Traya (Kreia)
Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords
Kreia, later revealed asDarth TrayainStar Wars KotOR 2: The Sith Lords, is not only the best character in the game, but also one of the most fascinating NPCs in the entire RPG genre. The team at Obsidian went above and beyond when crafting Kreia’s character and her philosophy, making her twisted yet deeply wise. Traveling alongside Kreia throughout almost the entire game provides an abundance of impactful dialogue and character development, with players slowly unraveling the layers of her ideology, past, and ultimate goals.
WhileStar Warshas had nuanced characters before, Kreia felt truly unique. Every conversation with her brought new revelations, powerful quotes that lingered, and thought-provoking reasoning that could completely upend the player’s perspective on events or lessons. What makes her character even more compelling is her unpredictability. Right up until the end, Kreia remains enigmatic, defying manipulation or complete understanding, making players feel like mere pawns caught in her intricate web.
1Darth Revan
Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic
Darth Revanis a mysterious figureinStar Warswhose shadow looms large over many storylines in the entireKotORseries, includingThe Sith LordsandStar Wars: The Old Republic. Introduced as a Sith Lord who once was a Jedi Knight, players gradually uncover Revan’s legacy, learning about the connections they forged, the teachers they influenced, and the sweeping vision that guided them toward greatness.
Revan’s past is filled with heroic deeds, war terrors, and mistakes. Darth Revan embodies everything fans could want from a powerful Sith figure: laconic, shadowy, and decisive, with a classic Sith appearance — a striking robe, mask, and two lightsabers of different colors, purple and red, reflecting their complex nature.Revan is one of the greatest characters BioWare has ever created, with a legacy so profound that fans continue to grapple with their motives and actions to this day.
