Kylo Ren's lightsaber has a crossguard because its cracked kyber crystal makes the blade unstable, and the two side blades vent that extra energy. It is one of the most recognizable weapons in the sequel trilogy, and a fair share of the internet argued about it for years. Here is what is actually going on.
Why does Kylo Ren's lightsaber have a crossguard?
The crystal inside the hilt is cracked, and that makes the main blade jagged and unstable. The two smaller blades near the hilt act as vents that release the extra energy, which is also why they spit and crackle like a campfire. It looks improvised because it basically is. The official Force Awakens Visual Dictionary describes the cracked crystal as the cause of the blade's ragged look.
The Rise of Kylo Ren comic gives the origin: Ben Solo tried to corrupt his blue crystal by bleeding it with the dark side, and the crystal cracked and turned red. The design itself is said to follow ancient lightsabers from the Great Scourge of Malachor, so Kylo was reaching back into Sith history for his look.
Was Kylo's lightsaber a bad design?
In practical terms, it is a hot, noisy, hard-to-control weapon. In story terms, that is the point. The saber matches the person: powerful, volatile and not quite under control. Fans have debated whether Kylo could have stabilized the blade. The sequel-era books suggest he preferred the way it looked and sounded, which is very on brand for a man who wore a mask he did not need.
What lightsaber form does Kylo Ren use?
Kylo's fighting leans on Form V, Djem So, the power-and-counterattack variant. That means heavy, forceful strikes and aggressive answers to whatever you throw at him. It suits a wide, crossguard weapon that wants to land hard. If you want the full rundown of every style, see our guide to all seven lightsaber forms.
Kylo Ren's lightsaber in the movies
It is first shown in The Force Awakens, where its ragged blade is a big part of the character's look. Kylo uses it throughout the sequel trilogy before eventually turning back to the light as Ben Solo.
Why is Kylo Ren's lightsaber red?
Red usually marks the dark side, and here it comes from the crystal being bled and cracked, not from a natural kyber color. Want the full color story? Read what every lightsaber color means.
Want a Kylo Ren lightsaber of your own?
We make a Kylo Ren lightsaber with a 13.8 inch hilt, and you can browse our full range of Sith lightsabers if you want to build a bigger dark side collection. If you are buying one for a younger fan, check the listing to see whether it is built for display, cosplay or heavy dueling, since those are different things.
Kylo Ren lightsaber FAQ
Why is Kylo Ren's lightsaber so unstable?
Its kyber crystal is cracked, which makes the blade jagged and prone to flaring. The crossguard blades vent the extra energy.
What color is Kylo Ren's lightsaber?
Red. The crystal was bled with the dark side and cracked, which turned it red.
Is Kylo Ren's lightsaber based on a real sword?
The crossguard is a nod to medieval crossguard swords, and in canon its design is tied to the ancient sabers of the Great Scourge of Malachor.
Which lightsaber form does Kylo Ren fight in?
Mostly Form V, Djem So, which is built around power and counterattacks.
