Star Wars is known for its iconic ships—the Millennium Falcon, X-wings, TIE fighters, and Star Destroyers are all synonymous with the franchise. Even people who haven’t seen a single Star Wars film could probably pick the Falcon out of a lineup, such is its importance in popular culture. However, for every Millennium Falcon or Star Destroyer, there are lesser-known ships that played crucial roles in the galaxy’s story. These underrated vessels often get overlooked in favor of their more famous counterparts, but many are just as important, and some even boast unique designs and history that deserve more attention.
Here’s a deep dive into seven of the most underrated ships in the galaxy.
1. The YT-2400 Light Freighter
While the Millennium Falcon, a YT-1300, is the most famous YT-class freighter, it's far from the only one. Enter the YT-2400, a variant that bears a striking resemblance to its more famous cousin but is often overshadowed by Han Solo’s hunk of junk. Featured in the Star Wars: Dark Forces video game, this ship is a fan favorite for those who appreciate speed and agility in their vessels.
The YT-2400 is just as fast and maneuverable as the Falcon, boasting impressive firepower, and was frequently used by smugglers and rebels. It’s a perfect example of how Star Wars is rich with alternative designs that get less attention than their more famous counterparts, yet offer a thrilling ride for those who choose them. This ship’s relatively low profile in the Star Wars franchise makes it an underrated gem for fans who enjoy exploring outside the mainstream.
2. The Gozanti-class Cruiser
The Gozanti-class Cruiser is a ship that might not immediately come to mind when discussing Imperial warships, but it was a vital piece of the Empire’s logistical operations. Designed for use as a light transport and escort ship, the Gozanti was capable of carrying cargo, troops, and even TIE Fighters, making it a versatile tool for the Empire. While it wasn’t as powerful as the larger Star Destroyers, the Gozanti-class was a reliable and efficient vessel. Its role in Star Wars Rebels further solidified its importance in the Imperial fleet, proving the Gozanti-class as an often-underappreciated ship in the Empire’s vast arsenal.
3. The Nebulon-B Frigate
The Nebulon-B Frigate is another underrated ship that doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. Serving as a medical frigate and multi-role support ship during the Galactic Civil War, the Nebulon-B Frigate was a key part of the Rebel fleet. It was designed as a smaller, more flexible option compared to the massive Mon Calamari cruisers, such as the Home One.
The frigate was used in pivotal battles such as the Battle of Endor and played a significant role in saving Rebel lives. It often served as an escort ship for Rebel convoys. Its unique, angular design and practicality make it stand out as an unsung hero. Though overshadowed by larger, more glamorous ships, the Nebulon-B was a crucial part of the Rebel fleet, proving that size isn't always the most important thing when it comes to warships.
4. The T-70 X-Wing Starfighter
Any Star Wars fan knows that the X-Wing is (deservedly) typically viewed as the quintessential Rebel ship. The T-65B X-Wing Starfighter is the classic model that the Rebellion used in many major battles, including the Battle of Yavin in A New Hope, but the T-70 X-Wing Starfighter, introduced after the original trilogy, is a worthy successor. With upgraded engines, improved weaponry, and more advanced targeting systems, the T-70 was designed to meet the evolving challenges faced by the New Republic.
The T-70 X-Wing came into prominence after the destruction of the Empire, but its role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: Resistance shows its importance to the surviving Rebel Alliance and the New Republic. The T-70 was instrumental in the fight against the First Order, with versatility and improved combat capabilities that allowed pilots to take on new threats with greater success.
5. The Braha'tok-class Gunship
The Braha'tok-class gunship is an underappreciated vessel in the Star Wars canon. Used by Imperial and later New Republic forces, this heavy Dornean gunship was designed for troop transport and close combat support. Equipped with substantial firepower, the Braha'tok-class played a key role in ground assault and fleet actions, though it never gained the same iconic status as ships like the Star Destroyer.
Seen in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed video game and Star Wars Rebels, the Braha'tok-class is a workhorse, often deployed for missions requiring heavy firepower in tight situations. Its role in supporting ground troops and assaulting planetary defenses made it a vital part of the Star Wars universe.
6. The C-ROC Gozanti-class Light Cruiser
Unlike the Gozanti-class Cruiser used by the Empire (#2 on this list), the C-ROC Gozanti-class Light Cruiser is often used by smugglers, pirates, and criminals. Featured in Solo: A Star Wars Story, the C-ROC is an underrated vessel with significant potential. While it lacks the agility of smaller ships like the Millennium Falcon, the C-ROC is large enough to carry a decent amount of cargo, making it perfect for those seeking to evade Imperial patrols or outpace enemies.
Its unique design and adaptability make it a favorite among pirates and smugglers who need a versatile ship that can serve as a mobile base of operations while still maintaining the ability to pack a punch. Its role in Solo exemplifies how underappreciated, yet essential, certain ships can be in the Star Wars galaxy.
7. The Ghost
This one might be more of an honorable mention at this point, with the love the Ghost has gotten in recent years, but it’s still underappreciated compared to the Falcon and iconic X-wings like Luke’s. In Star Wars Rebels, the Ghost served as the primary transport for Hera Syndulla and the crew of the Phoenix Squadron. While it’s a critical asset in the fight against the Empire, the Ghost, as noted, doesn’t get nearly as much attention as its more famous counterparts.
This ship is agile and loaded with vital tech, including advanced communications and sensor systems. The Ghost’s unique combination of speed and firepower made it a standout in hit-and-run tactics. It also represents the resilience and resourcefulness of the Rebel Alliance in a way that many of the larger ships can't.
While Star Wars has no shortage of iconic ships, there’s an entire fleet of lesser-known vessels that have shaped the galaxy’s history. These underrated ships often played critical roles in battles and the expansion of empires and rebellions alike. Whether it's the rebel-frigates like the Nebulon-B or the workhorse Dornean gunships, these ships deserve to be celebrated for their contributions to the galaxy’s history. They might not be as flashy as the Millennium Falcon or the Death Star, but without them, the galaxy’s most iconic battles might have played out differently.