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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Yes. You can play as Darth Vader in LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga and in several Star Wars Battlefront games. For a LEGO adventure across the nine-film Skywalker saga, start with The Skywalker Saga; for battle-focused play, consider Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection or the 2015 Star Wars Battlefront.
Which Star Wars game is best if you want to play as Vader?
It depends on what “play as Vader” means to you. The Skywalker Saga lets you select him as a character in a LEGO adventure. The Battlefront games put him in battle modes as a playable villain. Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes includes him as a character to collect and use in team battles, but that is squad-based strategy rather than directly controlling him as an action-game avatar.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
This is the clearest choice for character selection and exploration. LEGO’s official game page says players can choose heroes or “turn to the dark side as Darth Vader” and other villains. The game reimagines all nine Skywalker saga films with LEGO humor, combat using attacks, blasters, lightsabers, and Force abilities, and exploration across 23 planets, according to LEGO’s page.
Character selection does not mean Vader is available in every mission or scene; the official description establishes that he is playable, but does not promise that every section permits every character.
#1 Best Overall
- OUT OF THIS WORLD GAMEPLAY: This edition of the Bop It! game is designed to look like Darth Vader, the infamous villain from the Star Wars movies
- VOICE OF AN EVIL SITH LORD: Star Wars fans can appreciate this edition of the Bop It! game as it features the voice of Emperor Palpatine
- OBEY THE COMMANDS: Bop It, Twist It, Pull It! The voice of Emperor Palpatine gives commands to players to take 3 actions in a random order, and they need to respond fast and accurately to win
- FAST-PACED ELECTRONIC GAME FOR KIDS AGES 8+: Press the top of Darth Vader's head to start the game. Think fast, act fast and respond to the commands until it's time to "Pass it!" to the next player
- PLAY SOLO OR WITH MULTIPLE PLAYERS: The Bop It! Star Wars Darth Vader electronic game includes Solo and Pass-it modes, so kids can play Bop It! on their own or in a group
Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection
If you want battles rather than a saga-spanning LEGO adventure, the Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection bundles Star Wars Battlefront (2004) and Star Wars Battlefront II (2005). StarWars.com’s announcement names Vader among its playable heroes and villains and describes campaign and Galactic Conquest modes, as well as expanded Hero Assault.
The announcement lists Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam. Check the store for your region and device for current availability and the exact edition before buying.
Rank #2
- Embrace Your Inner Villain: Evil characters you love - Darth Vader, Kylo Ren, General Grievous, Asajj Ventress, and Moff Gideon, along with heroes Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and the Mandalorian.
- Engaging Strategic Gameplay: Master the art of deception and connect with your inner villain as you navigate the Star Wars galaxy with cunning tactics to outsmart your opponents utilizing critical thinking, problem solving and memorization skills.
- Visually Stunning Experience: Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Star Wars with exquisite artwork and thematic components that enhance every game session. With more villains to choose from, exciting board and card game thrills abound.
- Easy to Learn: Each villain has unique objectives and abilities, providing a fresh & distinct challenge with every game! Experience the thrill of mastering different play styles as you navigate the diverse powers of your favorite Star Wars villains.
- Family-friendly Star Wars Multi-player game: Includes 5 Villain movers, 5 Villain sectors, Villain & Fate Cards and more. Excellent choice for family game nights, children's birthday or holiday parties, sleepovers, couples game nights, & gatherings.
Star Wars Battlefront (2015)
The 2015 Star Wars Battlefront is another documented option. EA’s official UK PlayStation 4 manual says certain modes let players fight as iconic villains, and its Vader section lists Force Choke and Saber Throw. That documentation applies specifically to the UK PS4 edition; consult the manual or product information for other editions.
How the options differ
| Game | What playing as Vader means | Best fit | Platform information in the cited source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga | Selectable character in a LEGO adventure; not established for every mission or scene. | Exploration and a humorous retelling of all nine Skywalker saga films. | Not stated on LEGO’s cited game page. |
| Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection | Playable villain in battle-focused gameplay. | Classic-era Battlefront games, with campaign, Galactic Conquest, and Hero Assault modes described in the announcement. | Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam, per StarWars.com’s announcement. |
| Star Wars Battlefront (2015) | Playable villain in certain modes; the cited manual lists Force Choke and Saber Throw. | Battle modes with Vader as a combatant. | The cited manual is for the UK PS4 edition; other platform details are not stated in that source. |
| Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes | Collect Vader and use him in team battles; the cited description does not establish direct action-game control. | Squad-based character collection and strategy. | Not stated in the cited description. |
What about Galaxy of Heroes and other LEGO games?
Lucasfilm’s games index describes Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes as a character-collection RPG where players can collect Darth Vader and use characters in team battles. It is a valid way to include Vader in your play, but it is not the same kind of direct character control offered by the adventure and battle games above.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- “Something Wild! Star Wars" is a fast-paced, light card game for the whole family! Featuring a collectible Darth Vader figure, as well as your favorite characters from the world of Star Wars.
- Power Cards add a fun twist to this new-classic, set-making card game. Combine multiple games to add more character cards, more Pop! figures, and more powers to your game!
- Collectible card game Combine with any other Star Wars Something Wild! Game Ages 6+ For 2–4 players 15-minute gameplay
- Ages 6+
LEGO Star Wars Battles also names a Force Slam ability for Vader on its StarWars.com page. That page does not establish current purchase availability, so treat it as a catalogue example rather than a current recommendation.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- DARTH VADER: It’s time to welcome the Dark Side into your home.
- 8.5" FIGURE: Heavy duty PVC statue and sturdy base that holds your stuff without tipping over.
- VERSATILE: Easily holds and displays most hand-held electronics, business cards, TV remotes, eBook readers, etc!
- GREAT GIFT IDEA: Calling all Star Wars fans, this collectible figure is a must-have gift.
- OFFICIALLY LICENSED: Your favorite pop culture characters - With A Purpose! Officially licensed by Lucasfilm, styled on Lord Darth Vader.
Which one should you choose?
- Choose The Skywalker Saga if you want to select Vader in a LEGO game built around all nine Skywalker saga films.
- Choose the Battlefront Classic Collection if you want Vader in battle-focused classic games and its listed modes appeal to you.
- Consider the 2015 Battlefront if you want its specific villain-mode combat, checking the edition and platform details for your copy.
- Choose Galaxy of Heroes only if collecting Vader for squad battles suits you; it is not an action-game avatar experience.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
