10 Best TIE Fighters in Star Wars, Ranked by Power and Design

The Empire’s TIE fighters have left an unforgettable mark on Star Wars, and if you’re anything like me, they’ve likely earned a spot among your favorite starships. 

Each TIE has its own unique style and strengths, from blazingly fast interceptors to tank-like fighters loaded with missiles and shields. Here, we’re diving into the top 10 TIE fighters ranked by power and design.

10. TIE/ln Space Superiority Starfighter

In the top 10, we have the TIE/ln Space Superiority Starfighter, a mainstay of the Imperial fleet and a vessel designed for intense, short-range dogfights. 

Developed and mass-produced by Sienar Fleet Systems, the TIE/ln was inspired by older designs, like the V-wing and Eta-2 Actis, incorporating elements that prioritized maneuverability, such as its twin ion engines and lightweight frame.

With its iconic hexagonal solar panels, this fighter channeled power directly to its engines, giving it impressive speed and agility. The engines themselves were fine-tuned for tactical versatility, enabling TIE fighters to zip through battles with lightning-quick turns. 

However, the lack of shields, heavy armor, or a hyperdrive made it vulnerable. In fact, most TIEs could be destroyed by a single well-aimed shot, so the Empire compensated by deploying these fighters en masse

What’s unique about the TIE/ln is the sound—its engines create that signature screech designed to inspire fear, a psychological tactic that complements the TIE’s tactical purpose. 

These fighters were made for short, intense missions, with pilots trained to push their reflexes and resolve to the limits. 

Each TIE pilot wore a life-support suit because the fighter’s interior had minimal environmental controls, another example of the Empire’s cost-cutting at the expense of its pilots​.

9. TIE/mg Mining Guild starfighter

When we think of TIE fighters, we usually picture sleek, deadly starfighters built for the Empire’s war machine. But the Mining Guild TIE, also known as the TIE/mg, is a little different—and you can spot that right away with its distinct yellow paint job.

Unlike Imperial TIE fighters, which are all about speed and combat, the Mining Guild’s TIE/mg was built for a completely different purpose—resource management and protection. Instead of dogfighting Rebel X-wings, these ships were used for patrolling asteroid belts and guarding mining operations.

They’re modified versions of the standard TIE/ln, but there’s one major difference—you might have noticed the cutouts on their stabilizers. Instead of the usual twelve solar collectors, they only have eight, giving pilots better visibility—a huge advantage when navigating through dangerous asteroid fields. The downside? It makes them way less maneuverable and weaker in combat.

To make up for that, the Mining Guild equipped them with special sensors to detect valuable materials, and for once, they actually added shields—something Imperial TIEs don’t have. It’s not much, but it at least helps protect the ship and its pilot during mining operations.

But let’s be honest—these things are not built for battle. We saw that firsthand in Star Wars Rebels, when the Ghost crew ran into Mining Guild TIEs during a daring heist. Ezra Bridger, riding alongside a purrgil, straight-up knocked the wing off one of them—which pretty much sums up how fragile they are compared to their Imperial counterparts.

8. TIE Advanced v1 Prototype

I have to say, the TIE Advanced v1 Prototype is one of the most interesting TIE designs I’ve seen. It wasn’t just another mass-produced fighter—it was an experimental step forward, blending new technology with practical improvements.

We know it took inspiration from the Scimitar, a Republic-era starfighter built for deadly efficiency. But what really stands out is its folding S-foils—something we don’t normally see in a TIE. The wings could fold inward, making it easier to store and transport in Imperial hangars where space was always tight.

Then there’s the unique wing design—instead of full solar panels, only the inner wing surfaces had them, while the outer wings were armored to offer extra protection from side attacks. That meant less solar energy for the engines, so the ship had to rely on fuel for propulsion, with the panels powering weapons and auxiliary systems.

And here’s the part that really gets my attention—this TIE actually had shields and a hyperdrive. That alone tells us the Empire saw it as something special, since most TIEs were built cheap and disposable.

For weapons, it packed two chin-mounted laser cannons and a projectile launcher that could fire tracking devices like the XX-23 S-thread tracker—which means this thing was built for hunting down targets.

If we look at the big picture, this wasn’t just some experimental ship—it was a serious attempt to push TIE technology forward, proving that not every Imperial fighter was just cannon fodder.

7. TIE/ba Baron Space Superiority Interceptor

The TIE/ba Baron Space Superiority Interceptor is easily one of the First Order’s most advanced TIE designs, built by Sienar-Jaemus Fleet Systems to be a top-tier starfighter.

With its striking crimson hull, this ship wasn’t just about looks—it was piloted by the best of the First Order, including Major Elrik Vonreg, who made it his signature fighter.

What really sets the TIE Baron apart is its Class 2 hyperdrive, something we don’t normally see in TIE fighters. This gave it complete independence, allowing it to travel across star systems without relying on a larger carrier ship. That alone makes it far more versatile than most TIEs, which usually need a Star Destroyer or a fleet to get around.

But mobility wasn’t its only strength.

Twin ion reactors and deuterium-fueled engines pushed this thing to 1,250 kph in atmospheric conditions, making it one of the fastest starfighters in the First Order’s fleet. It wasn’t just fast—it was built to dominate in dogfights.

For firepower, the TIE Baron didn’t hold back. It came equipped with four L-s9.7 laser cannons mounted on the wingtips and could launch ST7 concussion missiles and mag-pulse warheads, making it an absolute menace in combat.

And unlike standard TIE fighters, this one wasn’t paper-thin. It had armor-plated wings, a shielded cockpit, and a high-tech flight computer that made it easier to pull off precise maneuvers—even in the most chaotic battle conditions.

6. TIE/Sk x1 Experimental Air Superiority Fighter

In Rogue One, the TIE Striker made its explosive on-screen debut during the climactic Battle of Scarif. 

When we talk about Imperial starfighters, most of us picture TIE fighters swarming through space, but the TIE Striker? That was built for something different.

The Empire deployed these fighters to defend Scarif, protecting the planetary security complex that held the Death Star plans. And when the Rebel fleet launched their assault, TIE Strikers swooped in, their wing-mounted cannons lighting up the sky as they engaged X-wings and other Rebel ships in fierce, high-speed dogfights within the planet’s atmosphere.

Unlike standard TIE models, which were optimized for space combat, the TIE Striker was built for planetary defense. Its flat, angled wings gave it superior agility in-atmosphere, allowing it to pull off rapid dives, sharp turns, and high-speed pursuits with ease. The wings could even adjust between “flight mode” and “attack mode”, giving it a speed and control advantage over a standard TIE/ln starfighter.

And it wasn’t just fast—it packed serious firepower. Armed with four laser cannons and ArmaTek’s VL-61/79 proton bombs, this thing was designed to hit both aerial and ground targets, making it a major threat to Rebel vehicles and infantry.

The large central pod also gave it a bigger payload capacity, meaning it could even transport supplies or troops from orbit to the surface when needed. That made the TIE Striker one of the rare TIE models used by both the Imperial Navy and the Army, proving just how versatile it really was.

While we usually think of TIEs as pure dogfighters, the TIE Striker showed us that the Empire had specialized designs for every battlefield—even the skies of Scarif.

5. Kylo Ren’s TIE Silencer

Kylo Ren’s TIE Silencer, known as the TIE/vn Space Superiority Fighter, was designed for a pilot of his caliber—a descendant of two of the galaxy’s greatest pilots, Anakin Skywalker and Han Solo. 

Built by Sienar-Jaemus Fleet Systems, the Silencer was a prototype created to blend speed, power, and versatility in a way reminiscent of the TIE Advanced x1 and the TIE/d Defender, combining the best traits of classic Imperial starfighters with modern advancements.

Equipped with heavy laser cannons and missile launchers, the TIE Silencer brought significant firepower to the fight, making it a serious threat to Resistance forces.

One of its most notable appearances came during The Last Jedi, where Kylo took the Silencer into battle against the Resistance fleet shortly after the evacuation of D’Qar. 

In this intense engagement, Kylo’s piloting skills allowed him to destroy a section of the Raddus’s hangar, eliminating several Resistance fighters in a brutal assault. 

However, his hesitation to fire on the bridge, knowing his mother, Leia, was aboard, ultimately forced him to withdraw when Resistance forces regrouped.

4. TIE/IN Interceptor

We all know the Empire didn’t just sit back while the Rebel Alliance kept improving their starfighters. They needed something faster, deadlier, and built for high-speed dogfights. That’s where the TIE/IN Interceptor came in—a response to the Rebels’ X-wings and A-wings, which had been pushing Imperial pilots to their limits.

Right away, we can spot what makes the TIE Interceptor stand out—those sleek, arrow-shaped wings that give it an aggressive, streamlined look. But this fighter wasn’t just about style—it was all about speed and precision. Pilots even nicknamed it “Squint” because of its narrow, almost razor-like design that let it weave through dogfights with unmatched agility.

TIE Interceptor packed four laser cannons at the wingtips, allowing it to rip through enemy shields with brutal efficiency. Unlike some other Imperial ships, it didn’t waste time with extra armor or shielding—this was a pure offensive powerhouse, meant for skilled pilots who could survive on maneuverability alone.

We saw the Interceptor’s full potential at the Battle of Endor. The Empire sent them in waves, swarming the Rebel fleet and forcing even the most experienced pilots to fight for their lives. They didn’t win the battle, but the TIE Interceptor made sure the Rebels had to earn that victory.

Even today, when I think about the deadliest Imperial starfighters, the TIE Interceptor is always near the top of the list.

3. TIE/sa Bomber

The TIE/sa Bomber, or TIE Surface Assault Bomber, was a heavy hitter in the Empire’s arsenal, built for delivering massive payloads against entrenched targets. 

Recognizable by its double-pod design—one for the pilot and one for its extensive ordnance—the TIE Bomber was a direct evolution of the earlier TIE/gt, filling the role of anti-emplacement and ground support. 

Nicknamed “Dupes” by Rebel pilots due to their distinctive shape, these bombers were capable of unleashing devastating attacks on both ground installations and large starships.

One of its most iconic roles came during the Empire’s relentless pursuit of the Millennium Falcon in The Empire Strikes Back, where TIE Bombers scoured the asteroid field near Hoth, dropping explosives in an attempt to flush out Han Solo’s ship. 

The bomber’s armament options were versatile: it could carry a mix of concussion missiles, proton torpedoes, and even specialized bombs, making it capable of adapting to various combat needs. 

This model was crucial in major operations, from the infamous Night of a Thousand Tears on Mandalore, where it devastated entire cities, to brutal campaigns during Operation: Cinder after the Battle of Endor

2. TIE/D Defender

The TIE/D Defender, or simply TIE Defender, was the Empire’s attempt to craft the ultimate starfighter, balancing unmatched speed, firepower, and resilience. 

Designed by Morgan Elsbeth, this ship was part of Grand Admiral Thrawn’s initiative to create a more versatile Imperial fighter capable of challenging the growing strength of the Rebel Alliance. 

It boasted a tri-wing configuration, deflector shields, and, crucially, a hyperdrive—rare features for Imperial fighters, making it one of the most formidable ships of its time.

Armed with six laser cannons, ion torpedoes, and concussion missiles, the TIE Defender was initially developed from the TIE Advanced x7 prototype and produced on Lothal under Thrawn’s oversight. 

Though the project gained support from leaders like Grand Moff Tarkin and Emperor Palpatine, internal politics ultimately redirected funding to Project Stardust (the Death Star) after a fuel depot explosion on Lothal led to production delays. 

The TIE Defender program was scrapped, but its legacy lived on, influencing later First Order models like the TIE/sf and TIE/vn fighters and even Kylo Ren’s TIE Silencer.

1. Darth Vader’s TIE Advanced x1

At number 1, we have Darth Vader’s TIE Advanced x1, a custom-built starfighter with serious upgrades that made it far more formidable than the standard TIE/ln. 

Crafted by Santhe/Sienar Technologies to Vader’s exact specifications, this ship came equipped with features practically unheard of in other TIE models. 

It was fitted with deflector shields, a hyperdrive, and a reinforced hull—all rare luxuries among TIE fighters. 

These features not only enhanced its durability but also meant Vader could pursue targets across systems without needing a mothership for support​.

The TIE Advanced x1’s performance enhancements made it stand out. With its twin heavy blaster cannons and the capability to carry missiles, Vader’s TIE was capable of taking on multiple Rebel fighters at once. 

Its engines used an advanced solar ionization reactor, giving it higher speed and maneuverability than standard TIEs, making it a deadly tool in Vader’s hands. 

Its larger cockpit space also suited Vader’s imposing figure and even included a rare life-support system, allowing him to fly without his usual reliance on a Star Destroyer nearby.