Ultimate Lightsaber Form

Among all known saber techniques, which one is the superior one? What advantages and disadvantages does it have and how well it performans against other forms?

1 - Shii-Cho
2 - Makashi
3 - Soresu
4 - Ataru
5 - Niman
6 - Shien/Djem So
7 - Juyo (excluding Vaapad)

On average the answer is Juyo. It has the highest barrier to entry due to how demanding it is physically and technically, and it requires high-level of mastery of other forms just as a prerequisite. In fact there's a quote stating that you need to master all of the forms in order to master Juyo.

It has no glaring disadvantages and some edges against some of the other forms, and the lack of defence is mostly circumvented through sheer aggression.

My answer may be cliche but I think Soresu is the best form.

Soresu imo

Soresu tbh.

The lightsaber instructor from that in-universe book (I believe it's Jedi Path but could be Jedi vs Sith) thinks Juyo can shred the defence of a Soresu master.

There are other statements claiming that Soresu requires the "deepest connection to the force" to master

Both represent the opposite sides of the spectrum. It mainly is based on which way of fighting you think is better, offense or defense, or which is more capably implemented by the force combatant

Djem-so/Shien is the most balanced one imo

Djem So

In the end it all depends on the user. I think Soresu is the best form because it doesn't have any weaknesses, even though it isn't really suitable for offense. As Mace said:

"I created Vaapad to answer my weakness: it channels my own darkness into a weapon of the light. Master Yoda's Ataru is also an answer to weakness: the limitations of reach and mobility imposed by his stature and his age. But for you? What weakness does Soresu answer?"

Or

"Defense will not slay my enemy."
"You lack the physical strength required for the powerful attacking strikes of Djem So or the other aggressive forms. You must rely on quickness, cunning and, most of all, patience to best your enemies


I think it performs well against anything. Shii-Cho is basic and does worse against single opponents. Makashi can be overwhelmed by great strength, Djem So lacks mobility and Juyo lacks defense and may affect the mental state of the user. Soresu only relies on patience and defense which is why it performs well against anything. I may be wrong though and willing to change my vote.

Djem so has always made the most sense to me, but I have no clue what sources say.

Moved to the appropriate forum

My bad, sorry.

Shii-Cho is like the ultimate fall back form

Yeah, Shii-Cho is pretty trash honestly.

DarthSkywalker0 wrote:Djem so has always made the most sense to me, but I have no clue what sources say.

Djem So has to be my favorite along with Makashi but the technique being relied on physical strength and limiting users mobility is quite a disadvantage IMO. If someone gets weaker, Djem So is rendered useless. Soresu is fine under any circumstances.

form one is the only reason Fisto didn't beat sidious 

In practice, I think all the forms are similar enough on a fundamental level. You always need good defense and offense for example. Even sources that emphasize the uniqueness of each form stresses this point:

Path of Destruction wrote:Bane had begun by learning the basic techniques common to all seven traditional lightsaber forms. His first weeks had been spent in endless repetitions of defensive postures, overhand strikes, parries, and counter-strikes. By observing the natural tendencies of his students as they learned the basics, Lord Kas'im determined which form would best match their style.

...

To accomplish this, Kas'im made his students practice sequences, carefully choreographed series of multiple strikes and parries drawn from their chosen style. The sequences were designed by the Blademaster himself so that each maneuver flowed smoothly into the next, maximizing attack efficiency while minimizing defensive exposure.

Once you reach a master level I don't think there is any real reason why you should be at an inherent advantage or disadvantage against another master fighter just because of forms.

Djem So has the fewest weaknesses, Juyo is probably the best overall.

Juyo, since by definition you should have mastered at least some other forms that you can fall back on. Anyway, nobody ever uses a form perfectly, their style is always tinged into it based on experience. It's just that the higher level technical masters have more sophisticated styles, whereas lower level combatants still haven't compensated for theoretical weaknesses on a technical level.

Just use KOTOR 2’s explanation. Shii Cho has no real weaknesses, and can be used against multiple opponents. All others have at least one glaring weakness. Makashi sucks with blasters, Soresu works against blasters, but not a single melee opponent.

IdrisianGraecus wrote:Just use KOTOR 2’s explanation. Shii Cho has no real weaknesses, and can be used against multiple opponents. All others have at least one glaring weakness. Makashi sucks with blasters, Soresu works against blasters, but not a single melee opponent.

Honestly Shii-Cho is the worst saber technique with most weaknesses. It is not suitable for melee combat and Makashi users stomp Shii-Cho practicers. It is focused on blaster deflecting and against multiple opponents only. That is why they teach it to younglings.

I love Niman myself.

I meant, that Shii Cho has no glaring weaknesses, and is not the best technique, but is more balanced than the others. I personally prefer Niman, as it blends Force attacks and lightsaber combat well. Makashi is ill advised against opponents with blasters, and if fighting a single opponent, soresu isn’t the best. Ataru, Juyo, Djem So, & Shien are all too aggressive, but when used correctly are extremely powerful.

Harbinger Kallig wrote:I love Niman myself.

Honestly Niman is the most underrated form.