These mechanical companions are not just side characters; they play essential roles in the storylines, often unexpectedly saving the day.
Whether it’s the quirky humor of K-2SO in Rogue One or the steadfast support of L3-37 in Solo: A Star Wars Story, these droids add depth and excitement to every movie, show, and game they appear in. Dive into the fascinating world of the best Star Wars droids and discover why they remain such a crucial part of the Star Wars timeline.
Best Star Wars Droids in the Star Wars Universe
These are the droids you’re looking for…
The Star Wars universe is filled with memorable droids that have captured the hearts of fans. These droids are essential in the storylines and are known for their unique abilities and personalities.
R2-D2
R2-D2 is an astromech droid known for his resourcefulness and bravery. Considered one of the best droids in Star Wars, he plays a crucial role in the Rebellion’s fight against the Empire, often aiding the main characters with his technical skills and loyalty. Interesting fact about Star Wars: Both R2D2 and C-3PO are the only characters featured in all nine Star Wars films.
Features in: All nine movies, The Clone Wars, Rebels, plus video games
C-3PO
C-3PO is a protocol droid fluent in over six million forms of communication. Often paired with R2-D2, C-3PO provides translation and etiquette assistance, though his anxious nature frequently contrasts with his companion’s boldness.
Features in: All nine movies, The Clone Wars, Rebels, plus Star Wars video games
BB-8
BB-8 is a spherical astromech droid who serves Poe Dameron. Known for his playful personality and advanced technical abilities, BB-8 quickly became a fan favorite after his debut in the sequel trilogy.
Features in: Sequel trilogy and various video games
K-2SO
K-2SO is a reprogrammed Imperial security droid who assists the Rebel Alliance. Known for his sarcastic wit and combat proficiency, K-2SO plays a key role in the mission to steal the Death Star plans.
Features in: Rogue One, comics and novels
IG-88
IG-88 is an assassin droid and bounty hunter. With his lethal skills and intelligence, IG-88 is a formidable adversary in the galaxy, often working alone or alongside other bounty hunters.
Features in: The Empire Strikes Back, The Clone Wars, Rebels
IG-11
IG-11 is another assassin droid turned protector, known for his role in “The Mandalorian.” Initially programmed to terminate his target, IG-11 is later reprogrammed to protect and care for Grogu.
Features in: The Mandalorian
HK-47
HK-47 is an assassin droid known for his distinct personality and penchant for calling organics “meatbags.” Created by Darth Revan, HK-47 is a beloved character from the “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic” games.
Features in: Knights of the Old Republic video games
L3-37
L3-37 is a unique droid with a strong sense of independence and social justice. As Lando Calrissian’s co-pilot and confidante, L3-37 is a key character in “Solo: A Star Wars Story.”
Features in: Solo: A Star Wars Story and various novels
Chopper (C1-10P)
Chopper, or C1-10P, is a grumpy yet loyal astromech droid from the animated series “Rebels.” He assists the Ghost crew with various technical tasks and missions against the Empire.
Features in: Rebels, Ahsoka
2-1B
2-1B is a medical droid known for his expertise in treating injuries and illnesses. He plays a critical role in the recovery of key characters throughout the saga.
Features in: The Emire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi
GNK (Gonk) Droid
Gonk droids, officially known as GNK power droids, provide mobile power to various devices and vehicles. They are characterized by their boxy appearance and distinctive “gonk” sound.
Features in: Original trilogy, The Clone Wars
R5-D4
R5-D4 is a red astromech droid that briefly appears in “A New Hope.” Known for his malfunction that leads to Luke Skywalker acquiring R2-D2 instead, R5-D4 has gained a cult following among fans.
Features in: A New Hope, Mandalorian
TC-14
TC-14 is a silver protocol droid known for serving the Trade Federation. She appears in “The Phantom Menace,” where she assists in negotiations that quickly turn hostile.
Features in: The Phantom Menace
4-LOM
4-LOM is a protocol droid turned bounty hunter, often seen working alongside his partner Zuckuss. Known for his cold efficiency, 4-LOM is a feared figure among those who cross him.
Features in: The Empire Strikes Back
EV-9D9
EV-9D9 is a supervisor droid who oversees operations in Jabba the Hutt’s palace. Known for her strict demeanor and cruel methods, she ensures Jabba’s will is carried out among the droids.
Features in: Return of the Jedi, Mandalorian
BD-1
BD-1 is an exploration droid and companion to Jedi Padawan Cal Kestis in the game “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.” Known for his curious and helpful nature, BD-1 assists Cal with scanning environments, providing stim canisters, and unlocking secrets.
Features in: Jedi: Fallen Order video game
L0-LA59 (Lola)
L0-LA59, affectionately known as Lola, is a small, flying droid companion to young Leia Organa. This cheerful and resourceful droid provides support and companionship during Leia’s early adventures.
Features in: Obi-Wan Kenobi
B1-Series Battle Droid
B1-series battle droids are mass-produced combat units used by the Trade Federation and the Separatists. Though individually weak, their strength lies in their overwhelming numbers and coordination.
Features in: Prequel trilogy, Clone Wars
AZI-3
AZI-3 is a medical droid known for assisting the Clone Troopers during the Clone Wars. His dedication and expertise make him a valuable asset in medical and research operations.
Features in: The Clone Wars, The Bad Batch
Professor Huyang
Professor Huyang is an ancient architect droid who assists Jedi younglings in constructing their lightsabers. His vast knowledge and experience make him an essential guide in the Jedi Order’s training process.
Features in: The Clone Wars, Ahsoka
Droideka
Droidekas, also known as destroyer droids, are formidable combat units used by the Separatists. They are known for their ability to transform into rolling spheres, rapid blaster fire, and protective energy shields.
Features in: The prequel trilogy, The Clone Wars
B2EMO
B2EMO, often called Bee-Two, is an old yet loyal groundmech salvage assist unit. Known for his devotion to Cassian Andor’s family, he provides support and maintenance for their operations.
Features in: Andor
Droid Roles and Functions
Droids in the Star Wars universe serve a wide range of purposes. This includes combat roles, stealth missions, and essential support tasks such as medical assistance and repair work.
Battle Droids and Their Tactics
Battle droids are designed for combat. They play a major role in galactic conflicts, especially during the Clone Wars. The Separatists use the B-1 battle series extensively.
These droids are programmed to follow complex battle strategies. They can engage in frontline combat or support roles like artillery. The Super Battle Droid variant offers enhanced armor and firepower.
The tactical droids provide strategic planning and command control, which is crucial in battlefield management. These specialized droids support different missions, from large-scale battles to skirmishes.
Assassin Droids and Stealth Operations
Assassin droids are built for covert missions. One of the most notable is IG-88, known for his assassination skills and combat proficiency.
These droids are often programmed with advanced stealth technologies. They can infiltrate enemy lines and carry out targeted eliminations. Their design usually includes silent movement capabilities and advanced weaponry.
Assassin droids also employ sophisticated tracking systems. This allows them to locate and neutralize high-value targets efficiently. Their role is critical in eliminating threats without direct engagement.
Medical and Repair Droids in Service
Medical and repair droids provide essential services on the battlefield and in civilian life. The 2-1B surgical droid is widely recognized for its medical expertise.
These droids come equipped with various tools and instruments. The repair droids like the astromech unit R2-D2 are capable of fixing starships and machinery. They perform diagnostics and repairs quickly, ensuring systems stay operational.
In medical settings, droids offer life-saving treatments. They can administer care during emergencies, making them indispensable in both wartime and peacetime. Medical droids can also assist in surgeries, providing precise and consistent care.
What is a droid?
A droid, short for android, is a robot in the Star Wars universe designed to serve various roles ranging from combat and astromech repairs to protocol and medical assistance. Droids are equipped with varying levels of artificial intelligence, enabling them to perform complex tasks and interact with living beings.
Who are the most popular droids in Star Wars?
The best Star Wars droids are R2-D2 and C-3PO. These characters have been present from the original trilogy and have appeared in nearly every Star Wars movie. They play crucial roles in the saga, including key missions and interactions with main characters, but take a look through our Star Wars droids list and pick your favourite.
Which droid is the funniest in Star Wars?
K-2SO in Rogue One wins this one, with their great sense of sarcasm and humor. However, BB-8 is known for its humorous character among younger Star Wars fans. Introduced in “The Force Awakens,” this droid quickly became a fan favorite due to its playful personality and interactions with characters like Rey and Finn.
What does R2D2 and C3PO stand for?
R2-D2 stands for “Second Generation Robotic Droid Series-2,” while C-3PO stands for “Cybot Galactica/3rd Protocol Operations.” These acronyms reflect their respective functions: R2-D2 as an astromech droid specializing in starship repair and navigation, and C-3PO as a protocol droid fluent in millions of forms of communication and etiquette.
What is the nickname for battle droids?
Battle droids, specifically the B1-series battle droids used by the Trade Federation and the Separatists, are often nicknamed “clankers” by Clone Troopers. This nickname references the characteristic clanking sound made by their metal joints and movements during battles.
