Finn, portrayed by John Boyega, emerged as one of the most intriguing characters in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. As a former First Order stormtrooper who chose to break free from the regime, Finn’s journey was marked by courage, self-discovery, and an evolving role in the fight against tyranny. Along the way, Finn participated in several iconic battles that showcased his growth as a fighter, his loyalty to the Resistance, and his bravery in the face of overwhelming odds. Let’s dive into Finn’s most memorable fights across The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker.
The Escape from the Finalizer (The Force Awakens)
Finn’s first major fight came during his dramatic escape from the First Order’s Star Destroyer, the Finalizer. Partnering with Poe Dameron, Finn shed his stormtrooper identity and began his journey as a hero. Armed with a stolen blaster, Finn fought his former comrades while piloting a stolen TIE fighter with Poe. Though his skills as a pilot were nonexistent, Finn’s determination to break free from the First Order fueled his efforts.
This fight was more than a physical battle—it symbolized Finn’s moral choice to defy the oppression he was raised to uphold. Facing TIE fighters in the skies above Jakku, Finn’s desperation to escape the First Order while keeping Poe alive set the stage for his evolution as a freedom fighter.
Finn vs. FN-2199 (“Traitor!”) (The Force Awakens)
One of Finn’s most iconic one-on-one fights came during the Battle of Takodana when the Resistance attempted to rescue Rey. In the chaos, Finn found himself face-to-face with a stormtrooper wielding a Z6 riot control baton. The stormtrooper, FN-2199—also known to fans as “TR-8R” due to the infamous “Traitor!” line—recognized Finn as a deserter and engaged him in a furious melee.
Finn used Anakin Skywalker’s old blue lightsaber during this fight, though his lack of formal training was evident. FN-2199’s superior skills with melee weapons forced Finn on the defensive. Despite being outmatched, Finn held his ground, buying time until Han Solo intervened with Chewbacca’s bowcaster. This confrontation was Finn’s first time wielding a lightsaber in battle, marking a turning point in his journey from stormtrooper to Resistance hero.
Duel with Kylo Ren (The Force Awakens)
One of Finn’s most emotionally charged battles occurred in the snowy forests of Starkiller Base. After Rey was incapacitated by Kylo Ren, Finn stepped forward to protect her. Once again wielding Anakin Skywalker’s blue lightsaber, Finn confronted Kylo Ren, a powerful Force user trained in both the light and dark sides of the Force.
The duel was raw and unpolished. Finn displayed remarkable bravery, especially considering his lack of Force sensitivity and formal training. Though Kylo Ren’s skills far outmatched Finn’s, the former stormtrooper managed to land a few solid hits before being severely injured by a slash to the back. This fight cemented Finn’s loyalty to his newfound friends and the Resistance, even at great personal risk.
The Battle of Crait (The Last Jedi)
The Battle of Crait was another highlight for Finn, where his courage and determination were on full display. Finn piloted a ski speeder as part of the Resistance’s desperate attempt to hold off the First Order’s assault on their hidden base.
The most memorable moment came when Finn attempted to sacrifice himself by flying directly into the beam of the First Order’s battering ram cannon. Finn’s willingness to die for the Resistance demonstrated how far he had come since his days as a stormtrooper. However, Rose Tico intervened and saved Finn, explaining that the Resistance needed to win by saving what they loved, not by fighting what they hated.
This fight wasn’t just about Finn’s bravery—it also highlighted the evolving dynamics of his relationships with other Resistance members and his own understanding of what it meant to be a hero.
Finn and Jannah Lead the Charge on the Steadfast (The Rise of Skywalker)
Finn’s most impressive fight scene in The Rise of Skywalker took place aboard the Star Destroyer Steadfast during the climactic battle against the Final Order. Finn, along with Jannah and her fellow ex-stormtroopers, led a daring assault on the vessel. Mounted on Orbaks (horse-like creatures), Finn’s team charged across the Star Destroyer’s surface, battling stormtroopers while attempting to destroy the ship’s navigational array.
Armed with blasters and explosives, Finn showcased his leadership and combat skills in this high-stakes battle. His knowledge of First Order technology played a key role in the Resistance’s ability to dismantle the Sith fleet’s operations. The fight was not only visually stunning but also reinforced Finn’s connection with other defectors like Jannah, deepening his arc as a former stormtrooper turned Resistance hero.
Facing the Sith Eternal Army on Exegol (The Rise of Skywalker)
Finn’s final major fight in the sequel trilogy occurred on Exegol, the hidden Sith planet. During the epic final confrontation, Finn took command of Resistance ground forces in the battle against the Sith Eternal’s fleet. Fighting alongside Jannah and other allies, Finn worked to destroy the Star Destroyers before they could leave Exegol and unleash destruction across the galaxy.
Finn played a critical role in taking down the Steadfast by manually targeting its weak points, showing his tactical instincts and refusal to give up even in dire circumstances. This battle brought Finn full circle, pitting him against remnants of the First Order and reinforcing his status as a Resistance leader.
Legacy of Finn’s Fights
Finn’s fights in the sequel trilogy were not just physical confrontations—they were symbolic of his inner struggle, growth, and defiance of tyranny. From wielding a lightsaber against Kylo Ren to leading ground assaults against the First Order, Finn proved himself as more than a former stormtrooper. His courage and determination to fight for freedom cemented his place as a key figure in the Star Wars saga.
Finn’s fighting style evolved with his journey, from a blaster-wielding stormtrooper on the run to a Resistance leader capable of inspiring others. Each battle added layers to his character, showcasing his humanity, bravery, and belief in the power of choice. Finn’s fights remain some of the most thrilling and emotional moments in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, leaving a lasting impression on fans and solidifying his place in Star Wars history.
