In Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the Battle of Crait brings back a familiar sight for long-time fans: massive, four-legged walkers resembling the iconic Imperial AT-ATs from The Empire Strikes Back.
Seeing these towering machines stomping across the battlefield instantly triggers memories of Hoth and the Empire’s imposing force.
But don’t let the look fool you—these walkers are not the original AT-ATs we know from Hoth. They’re more like a sophisticated upgrade, adapted to serve the First Order’s unique approach to warfare.
Let’s explore the two types of walkers seen on Crait and how they reflect the First Order’s philosophy, blending legacy with innovation.
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Two Types of Walkers on Crait: AT-M6 and First Order AT-AT
1. AT-M6 (All Terrain MegaCaliber Six)
The AT-M6 is the First Order’s primary heavy assault walker.
Manufactured by Kuat-Entralla Drive Yards, the AT-M6 represents a significant upgrade from the original AT-AT, boasting both technological improvements and increased firepower.
This walker stands at 36.18 meters tall, making it larger and more imposing than the classic AT-AT. Known informally as the “Gorilla Walker” due to its reinforced, “gorilla-like” front legs, the AT-M6 was designed to be a stable siege platform.
These reinforced legs prevent it from tipping over, an issue that plagued AT-ATs during the Battle of Hoth.
The AT-M6 wasn’t just designed to intimidate; it’s a powerhouse engineered to crush Resistance defenses. Here are some key features that make the AT-M6 unique.
MegaCaliber Six Turbolaser Cannon: The AT-M6’s defining weapon is the MegaCaliber Six turbolaser cannon mounted on its back, which can deliver devastating long-range fire.
This cannon is a heavy-duty weapon capable of breaching fortified defenses, making the AT-M6 an effective siege engine.
The walker is powered by a dedicated turbolaser generator and auxiliary fuel cells, allowing it to recharge faster between shots.
Advanced Armor: The AT-M6 is armored with ultra-dense matrixed composite armor, giving it far more resilience against enemy attacks than the original AT-AT.
This upgraded armor ensures that the AT-M6 can withstand intense fire, further enhancing its role as a front-line assault vehicle.
Additional Armament: Alongside the MegaCaliber Six cannon, the AT-M6 also boasts two heavy fire-linked dual laser cannons and two medium anti-ship laser cannons mounted on the sides of its head, providing it with additional firepower. It’s designed to handle multiple targets, whether they’re ground-based or airborne.
2. First Order AT-AT
Alongside the AT-M6, the First Order deploys a few modified AT-ATs that retain much of the Imperial design while integrating new features.
Manufactured by the same Kuat-Entralla Drive Yards, these walkers have increased armor and a new boarding ramp positioned under their chin, replacing the original’s heavy laser cannons.
The main cannons on these walkers are now mounted on the sides of the head.
Though less advanced than the AT-M6, the First Order AT-ATs seen on Crait still showcase some important modifications that improve upon the Empire’s original model.
Here’s what sets them apart:
Enhanced Armor and Defenses: While not as fortified as the AT-M6, the First Order’s AT-ATs have improved armor over the Imperial models, giving them greater durability on the battlefield.
They also feature modifications that make them more resilient to attacks and environmental challenges.
Redesigned Cannons and Boarding Ramp: The First Order AT-ATs replace the heavy chin-mounted laser cannons of the original AT-AT with new primary cannons mounted on the sides of their heads.
Additionally, they feature a boarding ramp under the chin, making them more versatile for troop deployment and transport.