Darth Vader is one of the most powerful and intimidating characters in the Star Wars galaxy, capable of crushing his enemies with sheer Force power and unmatched lightsaber skills.
But what happens when you throw him up against a rancor—one of the most ferocious creatures in the galaxy?
As it turns out, we don’t have to imagine too hard—Darth Vader actually faced a rancor in canon, and it wasn’t just any rancor. It was enhanced, faster, and deadlier than the one Luke fought.
This is how Darth Vader handled a rancor.
The Time Darth Vader Proved His Power Against a Rancor
You can find it out yourself, in Star Wars: Darth Vader #21 (2015), where Darth Vader faces a Rancor unlike any other. This wasn’t just a standard Rancor—it was cybernetically enhanced, designed specifically to eliminate him.
Created by Tulon Voidgazer, one of Dr. Cylo’s allies, the monster was unleashed aboard a massive organic whale ship to stop Vader in his relentless pursuit of Cylo.
The battle was nothing short of ferocious. The cyber-rancor charged at Vader with terrifying speed and strength, its modifications pushing it far beyond what a natural rancor could achieve.
From the start, Vader didn’t hold back—he ignited his crimson lightsaber and sliced off half of the Rancor’s hand in a swift strike.
But the beast didn’t even flinch. Watching from the sidelines, Voidgazer coldly announced, “Neural dampeners holding. No pain response. Activate adrenal stimulants in 3…2…1.”
The rancor, now supercharged with adrenal boosts, roared with renewed ferocity and lunged at Vader with even greater force, driving him back.
Realizing that physical attacks alone wouldn’t stop the creature, Vader turned to the Force. He used a Force choke, attempting to overwhelm the beast’s systems.
At first, it seemed to work—the rancor slowed under the crushing grip of Vader’s power. But the respite was brief. The creature shook off the Force’s hold and retaliated, smacking Vader into the walls of the ship with its massive hand.
After being tossed around, Vader’s strategic mind kicked in. He quickly analyzed the beast’s enhancements and identified its weakness: a chip embedded in its head. With precision and purpose, Vader threw his lightsaber—not at the beast’s body, but directly at the chip.
The lightsaber found its mark, shattering the chip in an instant. The cyber-rancor’s body froze before collapsing at Vader’s feet.