If you’re a fan of Star Wars, odds are you have noticed Jedi can move faster than their counterparts. The supernatural speed at which heroes like Obi-Wan and Luke Skywalker can move during battle allows the Jedi to outrun, outmaneuver, and defeat opponents.
While there is no approximate answer to how fast a Jedi can run, we know they are much faster than the average individual, or even an elite professional fighter, as evidenced in the films. This is due to the Force Dash, or Force Speed, a skill in which Jedi become well-versed early in their training.
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How Fast Can a Jedi Run?
There is no exact answer to the question. However, it is possible to estimate a Jedi’s speed based on what the films have shown. We know a Jedi can outrun a normal human being due to the Force Dash, also known as Force Speed.
The Phantom Menace may provide a clue about the exact range of how fast a Jedi can run when Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are escaping Trade Federation droidekas.
While they ran at a superhuman pace, thanks to the Force Dash, you could still follow their movements easily. This leads to an estimation of at least 55 miles per hour but no greater than 62, as these are the maximum speeds the average human eye can easily follow.
This speed range may not seem impressive to some. However, when you consider the fastest speed a human can run, a Jedi’s max speed is still twice that amount.
To put things into greater context, if you’ve ever watched Usain Bolt run, multiply his maximal speed by two.
How Fast is Anakin Skywalker?
It’s no secret Anakin Skywalker was one of the most powerful Jedi, if not the most powerful, in the Star Wars franchise, as shown early in Revenge of the Sith when he easily defeated and killed Count Dooku.
His easy victory is one example why some may also consider Anakin to be the fastest Jedi in the saga. Anakin also had a greater connection to the Force, which allowed him to further augment his speed.
However, whether he holds the top spot in the Force Speed rankings, is often disputed. One reason is that Darth Sidious ordered Dooku to hold back rather than duel Anakin at full-go, allowing the Sith Lord to step in and ultimately order Anakin to kill the former Jedi Master.
Who is the Fastest Jedi Ever?
There is only speculation about the Star Wars franchise’s fastest Jedi. Many attribute the accolade to Mace Windu. While some claim otherwise, solid evidence backs the Windu claim.
Take his duel with Jango Fett. Windu dodged bullets from Fett’s blaster pistol and while charging the notorious bounty hunter. From there, he slashed his trademark purple lightsaber and decapitated Fett.
Another reason to support the claim that Windu is the fastest Jedi ever comes during one of the most iconic scenes in Revenge of the Sith. When four Jedi Masters confronted the Sith Lord, an epic battle scene erupted, and Darth Sidious appeared on the verge of an easy victory.
However, Windu held his ground, deflecting the latter’s Force Lightning as though he’d done so a thousand times before. If Anakin didn’t show up to betray the Republic, Windu may have won the duel.
While others point to Anakin Skywalker, evidence shown in the Prequel Trilogy favors Windu. Anakin was also more precognitive and skilled in overall lightsaber combat, giving more of the illusion of speed.
His precognition also explains, following Anakin Skywalker’s transition into Darth Vader, how he maintained his speed in the Original Trilogy.
About Force Dash (or Force Speed)
Force Dash allows a Jedi to temporarily increase their speed when in battle. This allows them to better evade attacks, while simultaneously retaliating at a faster pace without sacrificing accuracy.
Like any skill the Jedi need to learn, increased ability in Force Dash comes with greater practice. Jedi is more advanced in the ability and can even run on vertical surfaces.
An ability both the Jedi and Sith can master. Notable characters with Force Dash ability include Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Sidious, and the Second Sister.
Why Isn’t Force Speed Used More Often?
Force Speed can cause serious power drainage given the energy required to evoke it. Jedi who uses the ability must also go through a lengthy recovery period.
This would explain why there are some instances in Star Wars that the Jedi did not use Force Speed even if it made sense. They otherwise would have. For example, Qui-Gon did not use the ability before dying at the hands of Darth Maul.
Mace Windu, perhaps the most well-known user of Force Speed, also did not use it despite the many battles he took part in. However, Windu used Force Speed when necessary, and it won him many battles.
Conclusion
Overall, it’s inconclusive to determine the approximate Jedi’s speed when using the Force Dash. However, it’s easy to at least estimate the range considering the escape scene in The Phantom Menace.
Evidence points to Mace Windu as the fastest Jedi ever. His slaying of Jango Fett and his epic duel with Sidious points the needle in his direction.
However, others will claim Anakin Skywalker is the fastest, citing his duel with Count Dooku even if Sidious ordered him to hold back.
Force Dash is what gives the Jedi such supernatural speed to outmaneuver their opponents. It also drains energy and metabolism quickly, which explains why it’s not consistently used.