AT-STs, or “chicken walkers,” might not have the towering presence of AT-ATs, but to infantry, they’re far more terrifying.
These two-legged walkers are fast, unpredictable, and designed to adapt to whatever terrain they’re thrown into.
And I’m here to convince you that AT-STs are scarier than AT-ATs—and this is exactly why.
Mobility and Speed
We’ve all seen how slow and steady AT-ATs are. These towering behemoths can crush anything in their path, but they’re lumbering giants—big, intimidating, and predictable.
You can spot them coming from miles away, giving infantry time to plan, hide, or at least figure out how to avoid them.
AT-STs, on the other hand, are a whole different story. They’re smaller, lighter, and much faster, making them far more agile on the battlefield.
One of the craziest things about AT-STs, and something I really like, is their turn rate.
I’ll never forget when I faced an AT-ST in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.
The thing was relentless. Every time Cal Kestis tried to move, the AT-ST turned so quickly it felt like it was always one step ahead.
It didn’t give me a single moment to find a weak spot.
That’s all because of what’s inside the cockpit. The AT-ST’s control system uses holoprojectors to give the pilot a 360-degree view of the battlefield.
Combine that with the cabin’s ability to rotate 240 degrees, and it’s clear why these things are so terrifying. For infantry, it’s not just a machine—it’s a hunter.
Weapons and Effectiveness
AT-ATs are equipped with massive laser cannons, perfect for taking down shield generators, heavy vehicles, or even ships.
But if you’re just a soldier on the ground, hiding in a trench or behind a rock, those weapons feel like overkill. Let’s be honest—AT-ATs aren’t exactly built to deal with scattered infantry.
AT-STs, on the other hand, are loaded to the brim with weapons specifically designed to ruin your day.
Their chin-mounted MS-4 twin blaster cannons have a range of two kilometers, meaning they can pick you off long before you even think about getting close.
And it doesn’t stop there. They’re also equipped with cheek-mounted 88i twin light blaster cannons and DW-3 concussion grenade launchers.
The grenade launchers are perfect for taking out groups of soldiers or mounted turrets that are too risky to approach with rocket launchers.
But what really makes the AT-ST stand out is its retractable footpad blades.
These clever additions can slice through wires, fences, or anything else that might try to slow it down, ensuring nothing gets in the way of its mission.