Star Wars: The Most Evil Factions In The Galaxy

Key Takeaways

Star Wars history centers on war and evil factions like the Galactic Empire and Sith, with a few victories for the dark side.
Noteworthy villainous groups in the galaxy include Deathwatch, the Pyke Syndicate, and the Knights of Ren from the fringe.
Historical entities like the Nightsisters, the First Order, and the Sith further illustrate the galaxy’s dark past and ongoing struggles.

As a seasoned spacefarer who has traversed the vastness of the galaxy, witnessed the rise and fall of empires, and faced the sinister forces that lurk in its shadows, I can confidently say that the Sith Order holds the title of the most malevolent force in the galaxy. Their unquenchable thirst for power and dominance has led to countless wars, the destruction of planets, and the annihilation of entire species. Even after their apparent demise, they managed to manipulate events from behind the scenes, ultimately leading to the creation of the Galactic Empire – a reign of terror that brought misery to millions.

The Star Wars galaxy has been marked by conflict, disorder, and struggle throughout its history. The majority of Star Wars stories are centered around The Clone Wars and the Galactic Civil War, but there were equally harrowing events in the distant past that tested the resolve of the movie heroes just as much. Although the good often prevails, the dark side has had its moments of triumph too.

Across the distant cosmos, from malicious figures such as Emperor Palpatine (also known as Darth Sidious) to corrupt organizations like the Imperial Empire, there’s been no shortage of wickedness and deceit. These groups serve as a chilling reminder of the depths to which evil can plunge.

10 Deathwatch

Terrorist Sect Of Mandalorians

Star Wars: The Most Evil Factions In The Galaxy

First seen in The Clone Wars

Mandalorians have traditionally placed great importance on physical strength and combat abilities. Even without the power of the Force, they were capable of standing toe-to-toe with the Jedi Order in battle due to their exceptional fighting skills. However, during the Clone Wars era, the leadership of Mandalore chose to maintain a stance of neutrality and peace.

A band of Mandalorians, yearning to revert to ancient customs, established Deathwatch. In search of allies, numerous Deathwatch members pledged loyalty to Darth Maul with the aim of recapturing their homeland. Their antagonism towards peace drove them to collaborate with the former Sith lord, escalating conflict and earning them the reputation of a malevolent faction that worsened the galaxy for countless beings.

9 The Pyke Syndicate

Galactic Drug Cartel From Oba Diah

First seen in The Clone Wars

One significant crime conglomerate in the cosmos was known as the Pyke Syndicate. They primarily concentrated their activities on the spice business, so much so that they dominated nearly all spice production across the galaxy. Their immense riches granted them influence over not only local crime families on Coruscant but also powerful organizations like the Black Suns and Maul’s Shadow Collective.

In the era of the Galactic Empire, the Pykes had taken over the coaxium mines on Kessel and enslaved numerous beings from various species to work for them. Their involvement in drug manufacturing, slavery, and ultimately the downfall of Mandalore earned them an infamous reputation in the galaxy’s criminal underworld.

8 Knights Of Ren

Dark Side Order From The Fringes Of The Galaxy

First seen in The Force Awakens

A modest group of marauders, the Knights of Ren, dwelled in the outskirts of the galaxy within the Unknown Regions. Although their bond with the Force was weaker compared to that of Jedi or Sith, they effectively caused destruction due to their allegiance to the Dark Side. To be part of this order, a warrior needed either to slay someone dear to them or conquer a Knight of Ren in mortal combat.

In contrast to the Jedi and Sith, who adhered to codes, the Knights of Ren operated without such constraints. They embraced the Dark Side of the Force, using it as a means to seize whatever they desired, resulting in the devastation of numerous worlds across the Unknown Regions. Prior to their allegiance with Darth Sidious following the fall of the Empire, the Knights of Ren were infamous for the perils that lurked beyond the Outer Rim, making them a topic of many cautionary tales among travelers.

7 The Nihil

Outer Rim Pirates With Advanced Hyperspace Technology

First seen in the High Republic novel Light of the Jedi

The moniker “High Republic” period refers to an era characterized by widespread tranquility and affluence across much of the cosmos. During this time, the Outer Rim was being extensively surveyed, and the Sith were not a significant menace on a galactic scale. However, one unanticipated adversary emerged as a potent threat to the galaxy: The Nihil.

Back then, my fellow gamers, the tech for hyperspace travel was quite restrictive, with ships able to enter or exit only at certain designated spots. But the Nihil, they had a trick up their sleeve – technology that allowed them to zip in and out of hyperspace whenever, wherever they wanted. That edge made them a formidable, downright chilling adversary. Their chief, Marchion Ro, held a deep-seated grudge against the Jedi. Across the High Republic narratives, comics included, he and his pirate cult reaped victories in numerous catastrophic incidents, like the Great Hyperspace Disaster.

6 The Confederacy Of Independent Systems

Eclectic Group Of Business Leaders And Idealists

First seen in Attack of the Clones

In the years preceding the Clone Wars, trust in the Republic started to diminish. The Trade Federation’s attack on Naboo intensified this feeling of disillusionment, causing several systems to choose to break away from the Republic. This newly formed alliance, known as a confederacy, was headed by Count Dooku, who was supported by Nute Gunray, leader of the Trade Federation, and other affluent business magnates.

In essence, this situation led to the commencement of The Clone Wars and ultimately, the downfall of the Republic, the Separatists, and the Jedi Order. Initially, some senators supported the Separatist movement due to their ideals, but inadvertently inflicted substantial harm. Unbeknownst to them, they were being manipulated by Darth Sidious, who secretly controlled both factions during the Clone Wars as a means to achieve galactic control.

5 The Hutt Cartel

Crime Syndicate That Controlled Thousands Of Systems

First seen in Return of the Jedi

15,000 years before the Star Wars saga’s beginning, the Hutt race ruled an expansive galactic empire. Over time, they transformed into a cartel that controlled power through amassed wealth. For countless centuries, the Hutts utilized drug dealers, smugglers, assassins, bounty hunters, and even slave traders to assert their dominance.

Generally, the Hutts preferred to stay out of intergalactic disputes, but would intervene when it benefited them personally. They were willing to collaborate with external powers such as the Republic, primarily for the advantage of gaining an edge over their competitors.

4 The Nightsisters

An Order Of Dark Side Force Users

First seen in The Clone Wars

As a gamer immersed in the Star Wars universe, I’ve come across the formidable Nightsisters hailing from Dathomir. These ladies, often referred to as the Witches of Dathomir, tap into their planet’s strong connection with the Dark Side to amplify their power. Their manipulation of the Force feels more like wielding magic than what other Jedi or Sith can do. The Nightsisters who have mastered their craft to an extraordinary level can even manifest as spectral beings and resurrect the deceased.

Prior to the Clone Wars, they were under the guidance of Mother Talzin, who confided in Darth Sidious. However, he deceived her and chose Maul as his apprentice instead. Tragically, they met their end during the Clone Wars when General Grievous invaded Dathomir, leaving only a few survivors behind. Their unwavering allegiance to the Dark Side and their unique abilities made them a powerful faction.

3 The First Order

The Remnants Of The Empire Re-organized

First seen in The Force Awakens

Following the demise of Emperor Palpatine on the second Death Star, the Empire appeared to have been vanquished. Their forces and faithful commanders dispersed, leaving the New Republic with an apparent guaranteed victory. However, unknown to the Republic, Emperor Palpatine had a contingency plan in place for a resurgence should the Empire fall. Supreme Leader Snoke, who turned out to be a clone of the Emperor, secretly regrouped the Imperial remnants into the First Order and hid in the distant, uncharted regions of the galaxy for several decades.

Over time, the First Order employed Starkiller Base for annihilating key planets of the New Republic. This catastrophic act sent the republic back into disarray, causing the loss of countless lives – trillions in total. The First Order’s unwavering commitment to the oppressive Imperial ideals and their Sith ruler marked them as truly wicked.

2 The Galactic Empire

Darth Sidious Ruled With An Iron Fist

First seen in Star Wars: A New Hope

At the conclusion of the Galactic Clone Wars, the High Chancellor announced a transformation of the Republic into the first Galactic Empire. For several subsequent decades, he governed the most expansive government the galaxy had ever known. He, along with his apprentice Darth Vader, pursued remaining Jedi under their Inquisitorius program and enforced order through tactics such as imprisonment or even more severe penalties.

As a gamer, I can’t help but draw a parallel with my gaming experiences here. The Empire, much like an overbearing boss in a game, pulled out all the stops by unleashing its ultimate weapon, the Death Star – a terrifying technological juggernaut. With a single blast, they obliterated a planet. Talk about ruthless! Life under their rule was as oppressive as any game’s darkest levels, especially for those who dared to resist the Emperor’s every whim. Unsurprisingly, this tyranny sparked a rebellion, a valiant effort to stand up against them and restore peace and justice in the galaxy.

1 The Sith

The Preeminent Order Of The Dark Side

First mentioned by name in The Phantom Menace

As a gamer immersed in this universe, it’s indisputable that the Sith Order holds a notorious place in galactic history. This formidable faction trace their origins back to a Jedi who succumbed to the Dark Side long before the emergence of the Empire. They continued to pose a significant threat until Darth Sidious’ fall on Exegol. In an earlier era, before the Rule of Two was established by Darth Bane, the Sith were as numerous as the Jedi. Their expansion led to the formation of the Sith Empire and ignited a devastating galactic war with the Old Republic.

Despite seemingly being vanquished, the Sith continued to lurk unseen. With a limited structure of only a master and an apprentice, their activities remained concealed from both the Jedi and the Republic, leading many to believe that the Sith had become extinct. However, Darth Sidious exploited this misconception to annihilate the Jedi Order and establish the Galactic Empire. The Sith’s fanatical worship of the dark side and their destructive wars made them the epitome of evil in the galaxy.

2024-09-14 09:34