Summary
- Other Sith, such as Darth Bane, followed Vader’s style and donned impressive armor for both aesthetic and functional purposes.
- Darth Bane’s armor in Legends was unique due to the orbalisks, while Naga Sadow’s armor was inspired by Roman military officers.
- Different depictions of Sith troopers in canon and legend show unique armor styles; the Emperor’s Royal Guard wore armor for protection.
Darth Vader was Star Wars“The first Sith Lord, and he set a pattern for many Sith to wear absolutely stunning armor. In truth, armor is quite unusual for Sith; many, such as Darth Maul and even Darth Sidious, tend to be seen wearing dark robes instead. Still, following the pattern of Darth Vader, other Sith in Star Wars They have put on armor that is spectacular to behold, each iconic for different reasons.
Of course, Darth Vader wore armor for one very simple reason: he had no other choice. Many of the other Sith armors on this list are purely aesthetic, while others serve an important function as well. Here is our pick of the best Sith armors in canon and legend.
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10 Darth Bane wore two powerful armors
His armor was alive in the legends of Star Wars
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Best known as the Sith who instituted the Rule of Two, Darth Bane’s spirit showed itself in Star Wars, The Clone Wars He wore an impressive suit of armor. In canon, Darth Bane wore what has been called the Ancient Sith Armor, a dark and impressive suit that deliberately evokes Darth Vader. However, in Legends, he wore something quite different.
In Legends, Darth Bane encountered a parasitic race known as orbalisks while visiting the planet Dxun. The orbalisks’ hides were so strong that they could even deflect lightsaber blades; they sat atop Darth Bane’s body, feeding on his dark side energy, burrowing into his skin but preserving his life in a dark form of symbiosis. While wearing the orbalisk armor, Darth Bane was essentially invulnerable.
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9. Naga Sadow’s armor was inspired by real ancient armor
It was elaborately crafted and plated in gold.
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In canon, the Sith Lord Naga Sadow has only been briefly mentioned in Michael Kogge’s book. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: A Young Adult NovelNaga Sadow is described here as the leader of the Sith during the Great Hyperspace War. However, Star Wars Legends paints a detailed portrait of a terrifying warlord and a master alchemist.
Naga Sadow’s armor, which can best be seen in the MMORPG Star Wars: The Old RepublicIt appears to have been based on Roman military officers’ armor. It is also described as ancient Sith armor in Star Wars: Knights of the Old RepublicNaga Sadow’s armor was buried along with his body on the Sith planet Korriban. Although it had no special features, it was important enough that Naga Sadow chose to be buried in it.
8. Sith trooper armor looks different in KOTOR than in canon
His armor looks more like that of a stormtrooper in canon
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Depending on whether a person is referring to canon or Star Wars LegendsA Sith trooper can look very different. Knights of the Old RepublicSith troopers were the infantry deployed by Darth Revan and Darth Malak during the Jedi Civil War. These troops wore silver armor specifically designed to invoke fear, making these troops appear almost faceless in the process. They were a clear foreshadowing of Imperial stormtroopers.
However, in canon, these Sith troopers appear as part of Darth Sidious’ Sith Eternal in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. These loyal troops served to protect the reborn Sith, dedicated to the rebirth and protection of Darth Sidious. Their armor, while strikingly similar to that of stormtroopers, is tinted an imposing shade of red.
7 The Emperor’s Royal Guard has simple armor
His main job was to protect the Emperor
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Similar to the Sith troopers that would come later in Star Wars The Emperor’s Royal Guard, according to canon, was tasked with protecting Darth Sidious during the reign of the Empire. These teams were created before the fall of the Republic during the Separatist Crisis, when Chancellor Palpatine created the Red Guard to gradually take over the protection of the Senate. This impressive force was later composed of only the most skilled members of the Imperial military.
Best known for their flowing red robes and elegant helmets, these guards were incredibly dangerous in combat. In addition to their tunic-like uniform, they sometimes also wore light armour to accompany the Emperor to more dangerous locations. When wearing their robes, they concealed various weapons, such as stun batons and blasters.
6 The Emperor’s Shadow Guard has armor that reflects their name
This special sect of the Emperor’s guard could use force
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The red-clad faction of the Royal Guard was not the only one in Star Wars Legends, as there was also a Shadow Guard beholden to the Emperor. Trained by Darth Vader himself, this section of the Guard was comprised exclusively of Force-sensitive individuals. They were unable to speak, as they had been completely destroyed by the Empire, but they could have been Jedi before the Great Jedi Purge.
With armour so similar to their Royal Guard counterparts, the Emperor’s Shadow Guard were as imposing as their oppressive presence would allow. However, they could use a special type of lightsaber known as a lightsaber pike. Being so similar to the Inquisitors that would come later, it is possible that they served as an initial inspiration.
5 The Sith Stalker armor appeared in The Force Unleashed
It was used by Darth Vader’s apprentice, Starkiller
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When a suit of armor has its own name, it’s sure to be something special. This is the case with the Sith Stalker armor, famously worn by Galen Marek in Star Wars, the force unleashed. This armor is especially unique in that it was not only worn, but placed directly on the skin of those wearing it, specifically Sith assassins trained by the likes of Darth Vader. Galen initially saw this armor in a vision and only puts it on if the player chooses to end the game with the dark side ending.
Not only is it pretty terrifying to look at, but the armor shares some similarities with that of Darth Vader. The armor includes a breathing apparatus, though it’s not as advanced as the one used by the Sith Lord himself. Many Sith assassins who were grafted onto this armor also had their hands replaced with dangerous prosthetics, complete with a set of metal claws. Starkiller’s Sith armor made its way into canon in one surprising way. Andor Easter egg, but its fate is unknown.
4 Warb Null’s armor was imbued with Sith magic
It improved his skills, but it slowed him down
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Originally known as Shas Dovos, War Null was once a metalworker on the planet Onderon. However, his entire life changed after a Sith spirit tricked him into crafting a suit of armor. This armor was filled with Sith magic after its construction, and once he put it on, Shas Dovos transformed into the “Dark Jedi” Warb Null.
While the armor was incredibly imposing, it wasn’t particularly safe. It was only partially resistant to lightsabers, and had a specific weakness around Warb Null’s neck, which led to his death at the hands of Jedi Knight Cay Qel-Droma. It also slowed him down considerably, leaving him to rely on his powerful Sith magic.
3. Darth Malak’s mouthpiece replaces his lower jaw
It is the only real armor he uses
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Best known as the main villain of Knights of the Old Republic, Darth Malak is an interesting example of what happens when a Jedi loses faith in the Jedi Order. He lost faith in them during the Mandalorian Wars and fell to the dark side along with the man who would eventually become Darth Revan. The two would later be at odds throughout the story. Knights of the Old Republic, with Revan fighting to stop Darth Malak from building his Sith Empire.
This wasn’t the only time they were at odds, though. Revan is the one who separated Malak’s jaw from the rest of his face, causing him to wear the large metal shell he’s so well known for. It’s an interesting piece of armor with a specific backstory, made even more apparent by the fact that it’s the only armor Malak wears.
2 Darth Revan’s armor was strong and iconic
This recognizable armor can change throughout the game
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Darth Revan is one of the most famous Sith in the world. Star Wars Legends, appearing as the main protagonist of the beloved video game Knights of the Old Republic. After having his memories stolen by the Jedi, Revan was sent by the Republic to find Jedi Knight Bastila Shan. This would eventually bring them into direct conflict with Darth Malak, his former Sith apprentice.
While Revan is most well-known for the mask featured throughout his promotional material, his armor changes throughout the game. However, Revan’s most recognizable Sith attire was created through the use of the Star Forge, an incredible machine capable of mass-producing countless items, including droids and ships. This was done by imbuing it with dark side energy, creating the armor that many know Revan for.
1 Darth Vader’s suit was the original Sith armor
The suit kept him alive and looked intimidating in the process.
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Without a doubt, the most iconic armor on this list is Darth Vader’s, who appeared as the first on-screen Sith in 1977. This armor is made from tougher materials, such as obsidian and durasteel, allowing it to withstand blows that others simply couldn’t take. The armor’s boots even had magnetic clamps, allowing it to attach to any metal surface.
The most important fact about the suit is that Darth Vader simply couldn’t live without it. After his fight with Obi-Wan Kenobi on Mustafar, Anakin Skywalker was left injured and disfigured. This iconic fight gave rise to one of the most iconic armor sets of all time. Star Warsonly adding more to the legend that is Darth Vader.