Kylo Ren, played by Adam Driver, is one of the most complex and tragic figures in Star Wars. Born as Ben Solo, the son of Leia Organa and Han Solo, his journey from the light side to the dark side and back to redemption is central to the sequel trilogy. His lightsaber duels and battles not only showcase his raw power and unique fighting style but also mirror his inner conflict and character arc. Below is the chronological order of all the major fights featuring Kylo Ren and his final transformation into Ben Solo.
1. Kylo Ren vs. Lor San Tekka’s Village (The Force Awakens)
Kylo Ren’s first appearance in The Force Awakens establishes his cruelty and dominance. When the First Order attacks Lor San Tekka’s village on Jakku, Kylo demands the map to Luke Skywalker. After Tekka refuses to cooperate, Kylo cuts him down with his crossguard lightsaber, showing his ruthless efficiency. The battle extends to the Resistance pilot Poe Dameron, whom Kylo captures after freezing his blaster bolt mid-air using the Force. This moment sets the tone for Kylo’s intimidating presence as a dark side enforcer.
2. Kylo Ren vs. Finn and Rey (The Force Awakens)
On Starkiller Base, after the devastating murder of his father, Han Solo, Kylo confronts Rey and Finn in one of the most pivotal battles of The Force Awakens.
The duel begins with Finn wielding Luke Skywalker’s blue lightsaber. Finn fights courageously but is no match for Kylo, who swiftly defeats him with a brutal slash to the back. Kylo then turns his attention to Rey, seeking to claim her for the dark side. Though Rey is untrained, her connection to the Force grows stronger, allowing her to hold her own. As the fight progresses, Rey channels the Force to overwhelm Kylo and disarm him. Injured and humiliated, Kylo is left behind as Starkiller Base collapses around him.
3. Kylo Ren vs. the Resistance Fleet (The Last Jedi)
At the start of The Last Jedi, Kylo leads the First Order fleet in an attack on the fleeing Resistance. Piloting his TIE Silencer, Kylo showcases his remarkable piloting skills, rivaling those of his grandfather, Anakin Skywalker. In a tense moment, Kylo hesitates to fire on the Resistance flagship after sensing his mother, Leia Organa, onboard. His hesitation reflects his lingering connection to the light. However, his wingmen fire instead, critically injuring Leia. This moment of indecision highlights Kylo’s internal conflict and his inability to fully sever ties with his family.
4. Kylo Ren and Rey vs. the Praetorian Guards (The Last Jedi)
In one of the most visually striking scenes in The Last Jedi, Kylo Ren teams up with Rey in Snoke’s throne room. After killing Supreme Leader Snoke in an act of betrayal, Kylo and Rey are forced to fight Snoke’s elite Praetorian Guards.
The choreography of this fight is masterful, with Kylo and Rey combining their unique fighting styles to defeat the guards. Kylo wields his crossguard lightsaber with brute strength and precision, while Rey fights with agility and raw determination. This battle teases the possibility of an alliance between the two, but their philosophical differences soon become apparent. After the fight, Kylo attempts to convince Rey to join him and rule the galaxy, but Rey rejects his offer, leaving Kylo to take control of the First Order alone.
5. Kylo Ren vs. Luke Skywalker (The Last Jedi)
On the planet Crait, Kylo faces what he believes to be his former master, Luke Skywalker. Blinded by his hatred, Kylo orders the full firepower of the First Order to be unleashed on Luke. When Luke emerges unscathed, Kylo confronts him directly.
Using his crossguard lightsaber, Kylo attacks Luke with a barrage of heavy strikes, but Luke calmly evades every blow. Kylo’s frustration grows as he realizes he cannot defeat his former mentor. When he finally lands a strike, it is revealed that Luke is a Force projection, buying time for the Resistance to escape. This confrontation is not only a testament to Luke’s mastery of the Force but also a symbolic representation of Kylo’s inability to escape his past.
6. Kylo Ren vs. Rey on Pasaana (The Rise of Skywalker)
Kylo Ren confronts Rey on the desert planet Pasaana during her search for the Sith wayfinder. Their duel, though brief, is a clash of ideologies as much as lightsabers. Kylo taunts Rey about her mysterious heritage, attempting to destabilize her emotionally.
The fight is interrupted when Rey uses the Force to destroy a First Order troop transport she believes is carrying Chewbacca. This moment reveals Rey’s growing power but also hints at the destructive potential of her anger—a trait Kylo tries to exploit. The confrontation ends with Kylo still determined to sway Rey to the dark side.
7. Kylo Ren vs. Rey on the Death Star Wreckage (The Rise of Skywalker)
One of the most iconic duels in the sequel trilogy occurs on the stormy ruins of the second Death Star. Kylo and Rey engage in a ferocious lightsaber battle, with crashing waves and turbulent emotions serving as the backdrop.
Kylo fights with his signature heavy and aggressive strikes, while Rey counters with speed and precision. The fight reaches its emotional climax when Leia Organa reaches out to Kylo through the Force. Distracted by his mother’s presence, Kylo is mortally wounded by Rey. However, Rey heals him using the Force, showing compassion that ultimately leads to his redemption. Leia’s death marks the turning point for Kylo, who casts aside the dark side and reclaims his identity as Ben Solo.
8. Ben Solo vs. the Knights of Ren (The Rise of Skywalker)
Having abandoned the identity of Kylo Ren, Ben Solo faces the Knights of Ren—his former allies—in one of the most symbolic battles of the saga. Initially unarmed, Ben relies on the Force to evade their attacks. In a crucial moment, Rey uses their Force dyad connection to pass him her blue lightsaber.
With the lightsaber in hand, Ben quickly dispatches the Knights with a fighting style that is lighter and more fluid than his former aggressive techniques. This battle represents Ben’s full transformation into a hero, fighting for the light side of the Force.
9. Ben Solo and Rey vs. Emperor Palpatine (The Rise of Skywalker)
The final fight of Ben Solo’s journey takes place on Exegol, where he and Rey confront Emperor Palpatine. Initially, Ben arrives unarmed and faces Palpatine’s guards with only the Force. After joining Rey, the two form a united front against the Sith Lord.
However, Palpatine drains their life energy through their Force dyad connection, temporarily incapacitating Ben. Rey, wielding the lightsabers of Luke and Leia, ultimately destroys Palpatine. Though Ben does not actively fight Palpatine, his role in supporting Rey and sacrificing his life to save hers cements his redemption. Ben uses the Force to heal Rey, giving up his own life in the process. His selfless act brings his story full circle, ending the Skywalker saga on a note of redemption.
Legacy of Kylo Ren and Ben Solo’s Fights
From the brutal aggression of Kylo Ren to the heroic transformation of Ben Solo, each battle tells the story of a man torn between darkness and light. His unique crossguard lightsaber, unstable and wild, is a reflection of his own inner chaos.
Kylo Ren’s fights, whether as a dark side enforcer or as a redeemed hero, have left a lasting impression on the Star Wars saga. His final act of redemption solidifies his legacy as one of the most complex and memorable characters in Star Wars history.
