BoLS logo Tabletop, RPGs & Pop Culture
Advertisement

Star Wars: The Five Greatest Blasters

3 Minute Read
Nov 6 2020

Let’s take a look at some of the best and most iconic blasters from a Galaxy Far Far Away.

Star Wars might be best known for crazy force powers and flashy lightsabers, but kid, we all know those are no match for a good blaster at your side. But what is a good blaster? Here’s a look at five of the best from Star Wars.

WESTAR-34 Blaster Pistols

The WESTAR-34, made famous by Jango Fett, really stands out. While many Star Wars blasters are kind of blunt and utilitarian, often based on real-world WWII guns, the WESTARs are practically art. These things, gleaming blasters, might not let you beat an angry Mace Windu, but they do look cool and have a great rate of fire. They are a big homage to the pulpy rayguns of the old series that helped inspire a young Lucas with the retro look. They also stand out as a nice fit for the more glitzy, pretty Old Republic Era.

Advertisement

A-280 Blaster Rifle

The A-280 Blaster Rifle was the primary infantry weapon used by Rebel troops during the Galactic Civil War. Arguable this gun was a major factor in bringing down the Empire. Cheap and reliable, it gave Rebel troopers superior firepower when fighting Stormtroopers. The weapon was easily modified for special missions and was far more accurate than the Imperial E-11. This gun looks like a military rifle you’d use in a desperate struggle and using it paid off.

Ezra’s Lightsaber/Blaster

Sure, a good blaster is better than an ancient weapon, but why not have BOTH at your side? Rebel Jedi Ezra Bridger’s custom lightsaber combines both classic Star Wars weapons in one. Made out of scavenged junk and an old kyber crystal, this weapon might not look like much, but it packs a punch. It can function either as a saber, or a light blaster, though it can’t do both at once due to a limited power pack. Combing the two weapons allowed for a lot of flexibility in fighting style, and as a bonus, gives you some hand protection. Sadly this one of a kind saber was destroyed by Darth Vader (the jerk!).

E-Web Heavy Repeating Blaster

When you absolutely positively need to kill everyone in a room, better bring an E-web. This heavy crew-served blaster is a killing machine even a Mando and his friends would worry about facing.  Used mainly by the Empire, the weapon needs a crew of two and can mow through infantry and even light vehicles. This is the heavy machinegun of the Star Wars battlefields and rightly feared. Its massive power pack can even be rigged with a portable shield generator giving the crew high levels of protection. In some other cases, E-webs have been rigged on hover sleds for better mobility. On a personal level for whatever, I’ve loved the E-web since I was a little kid, and it’s no doubt my favorite weapon in Star Wars.

DL-44 Heavy Blaster Pistol

The DL-44 is the most iconic blaster in Star Wars, thanks to its association with Han Solo. This gun combines stopping power with accuracy and reliability. It also looks cool as heck. This is, literally, THE blaster you want at your side.

Let us know what your favorite blaster is down in the comments! 

Avatar
Author: Abe Apfel
Advertisement
  • Star Wars: It's Thrawn-o'clock