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Every type of lightsaber brings distinct benefits, and choosing the right one often comes down to personal style and intent.
Lightsabers are far more than iconic weapons; they are deeply personal tools that reflect a wielder’s philosophy, fighting technique, and connection to the Force. Across canon and Legends, countless types of lightsabers and lightsaber styles have emerged, each designed for specific combat needs, traditions, and users.
This guide explores the different types of lightsabers, breaking down how each style works, who typically wields it, and how these designs translate into modern custom sabers. Whether you’re new to the galaxy or a seasoned collector, understanding the many lightsaber styles will help you choose the perfect blade.
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| Lightsaber Type | Blade Count | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Bladed | 1 | Beginner | Dueling, Cosplay |
| Double-Bladed | 2 | Advanced | Crowd Control |
| Shoto | 1 (Short) | Intermediate | Dual Wielding |
| Crossguard | 1 + Vents | Intermediate | Power Fighters |
| Curved Hilt | 1 | Advanced | Precision Duels |
The single-bladed lightsaber is the most common and recognizable of all lightsaber types. Featuring one blade emitted from a single saber hilt, this design is prized for its balance, simplicity, and versatility. It supports every major lightsaber combat form, making it the foundation of Jedi and Sith training alike.
Because of its adaptability, the single-bladed saber remains the most popular choice for lightsaber dueling, cosplay, and collection displays. It is equally effective for beginners learning proper technique and advanced users refining their form.
Best for: Beginners, duelists, collectors, cosplay
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The double-bladed lightsaber, often called a saber staff, is one of the most visually striking lightsaber types. It features blades emerging from both ends of the hilt, either as a single unified weapon (using a lightsaber coupler) or as a split saber that can separate into two independent blades that can be dual-wielded.
This lightsaber type excels at crowd control and aggressive, flowing combat. However, it demands exceptional coordination and spatial awareness, as improper handling can leave openings or cause self-injury.
Best for: Advanced duelists, staff combat, choreography
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A crossguard lightsaber features a primary blade with two smaller side blades near the emitter, forming a cross-like silhouette. These side blades act as defensive guards while also providing close-range offensive options.
In lore, crossguard lightsabers are often associated with unstable or exceptionally powerful kyber crystals, requiring venting through the side emitters. The result is a lightsaber style that emphasizes raw power and intimidation. In canon, the most famous example of a crossguard lightsaber wielder is Kylo Ren, who used it to fight foes like Rey.
Best for: Power-focused duelists, Sith aesthetics, statement builds
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The shoto lightsaber is a shorter-bladed variant commonly used as an offhand weapon in dual-wielding lightsaber styles. Its compact blade allows for rapid strikes, tight defensive maneuvers, and superior control in close quarters.
While often paired with a full-length saber, shoto lightsabers can also be wielded independently, especially by smaller Force users or those who favor speed over reach, like Yoda.
Best for: Dual-wielding, fast combat styles, compact hilts
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Training lightsabers are explicitly designed for instruction and practice. Traditionally used by Padawans, these sabers feature reduced power output to minimize injury while still teaching proper technique and discipline.
In real-life collections, all kinds of lightsabers are technically training sabers, but more basic lightsaber hilt types are ideal for beginners, choreographed sparring, or anyone looking for a safer introduction to lightsaber combat.
Best for: Beginners, sparring, youth users
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The Darksaber is a legendary and unique lightsaber style, created by Tarre Vizsla, the first Mandalorian Jedi. Unlike traditional round blades, it features a flat, black lightsaber blade with a white edge and a Beskar hilt.
The Darksaber is deeply reactive to its wielder’s emotions and resolve. Those who fail to connect with it find the blade heavy and difficult to control, while a true wielder experiences it as a seamless extension of their will.
Best for: Collectors, Mandalorian fans, display pieces
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As one of the most uncommon lightsaber types, curved-hilt lightsabers are engineered for precision and comfort. The subtle curve of the hilt aligns naturally with the wrist, enhancing blade control and point accuracy.
This lightsaber style is commonly associated with Makashi form practitioners, such as Count Dooku, and excels in one-on-one duels where finesse and efficiency outweigh brute strength.
Best for: Duelists, precision fighters, elegant designs
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A lightsaber pike features an elongated hilt paired with a shorter blade, giving the wielder increased reach and leverage. These lightsaber types were often used by guards and sentinels tasked with protecting key locations. The lightsaber pike is most associated with the Jedi Temple Guard.
The extended design makes pikes effective for controlling distance and defending against multiple opponents.
Best for: Guard-style combat, reach-focused fighting
The lightwhip is one of the rarest and most dangerous lightsaber styles. This notably different style of lightsaber is also one of the most unique in design. Its flexible, non-rigid energy blade behaves more like a whip than a sword, making it highly unpredictable.
Some lightwhips can alternate between rigid and flexible states, further increasing their versatility and risk. Only highly disciplined Force users can wield this lightsaber type safely.
Best for: Advanced users, collectors, exotic designs
A sabercane-style lightsaber disguises a fully functional lightsaber within a walking cane. Designed for concealment and surprise, this lightsaber type allows its wielder to remain inconspicuous until combat is unavoidable.
Despite its subtle appearance, a sabercane performs like a standard lightsaber once activated.
Best for: Cosplay, collectors, concealed weapons
Protosabers were the earliest lightsaber designs, requiring external battery packs connected by power cables. While cumbersome, they represent a critical step in the evolution of modern lightsabers.
Today, protosabers are valued primarily for their historical significance and unique appearance. A real protosaber was created by the Hacksmith back in 2020, and it is truly a sight to behold.
Best for: Lore enthusiasts, display collections
Forcesabers predate protosabers and were wielded by Rakatan Force Hounds during the era of the Infinite Empire. These ancient weapons used artificially grown crystals infused with Dark Side energy rather than balanced kyber resonance.
Unstable and dangerous, forcesabers were eventually abandoned as lightsaber technology advanced.
Best for: Sith lore fans, ancient designs
Dual-phase lightsabers contain multiple kyber crystals, allowing the wielder to adjust blade length at will. This unexpected shift in reach provides a significant tactical advantage during combat.
Darth Vader is the most famous wielder of a dual-phase lightsaber, using its adjustable blade to dominate opponents.
Best for: Advanced duelists, tactical fighters
From classic single-blade designs to rare and experimental weapons like the lightwhip and forcesaber, the many types of lightsabers reflect the diversity of combat philosophies and Force traditions throughout galactic history.
Understanding these lightsaber styles makes it easier to choose the right saber, whether you’re buying your first blade, expanding a collection, or searching for a design that perfectly matches your fighting style or character concept.
The single-bladed lightsaber is the most common and widely used lightsaber style across canon, Legends, and modern custom saber builds. Its balance, versatility, and ease of use make it ideal for beginners, duelists, and collectors.
For beginners, single-bladed lightsabers and training lightsabers are the best options. These lightsaber styles are easy to control, adaptable to many combat forms, and ideal for learning proper technique before moving on to more advanced designs.
A double-bladed lightsaber and a saber staff generally refer to the same lightsaber type: a weapon with blades emitted from both ends of the hilt. Some staff sabers can also split into two single-bladed lightsabers, offering additional versatility. Learn more by reading our guide, From Staff to Dual Lightsaber: Using a Quick Release Coupler.
A shoto lightsaber (like Ultrasabers’ Xeno Shoto Lightsaber) is a shorter-bladed saber most often used as an offhand weapon in dual-wielding lightsaber styles. It provides faster movement, close-range defense, and improved control in tight combat situations.
Crossguard lightsabers (such as the Renegade or the Xeno Fallen Crossguard Lightsaber at Ultrasabers) are fully functional weapons. Their side blades can be used defensively to catch an opponent’s blade or offensively at close range. While visually striking, they also serve a practical purpose in certain lightsaber combat styles.
The Darksaber is unique due to its flat black blade, beskar hilt, and its strong connection to the wielder’s emotions and intent. Unlike most lightsabers, it becomes heavier or lighter depending on the user’s ability to connect with the blade, making it both a weapon and a symbol of authority. Read Darksaber History & Origins to learn even more about this incredible weapon.
Some of the rarest lightsaber types include the lightwhip, forcesaber, and protosaber. These designs are either extremely difficult to master, tied to ancient civilizations, or phased out as lightsaber technology evolved.
For dueling, single-bladed lightsabers and curved-hilt lightsabers are the most popular choices. These battle-ready lightsaber styles emphasize balance, precision, and control, making them ideal for one-on-one combat.
Many classic lightsaber styles, such as single-bladed, double-bladed, crossguard, shoto, and curved-hilt sabers, are widely available as modern custom sabers. Some exotic or ancient designs, like protosabers and lightwhips, are typically produced in limited or specialty builds for collectors.
Choosing the right lightsaber type depends on your experience level, intended use, and personal style. Beginners often start with single-bladed lightsabers, while experienced users may prefer saber staffs or curved hilt designs. Collectors and cosplayers may prioritize unique or lore-specific lightsaber styles. Dig deeper and learn how to customize and build your own lightsaber online at Ultrasabers. You can also discover more offerings with What Is The Best Lightsaber To Buy? Lightsaber Blade Length To Color.
