Lightsabers. They're an elegant weapon for a more civilized age, according to some manipulative hermit in the desert. They're also one of the main motivations to keep playing in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 or KOTOR 2, as it's also known. Because no one wants a clumsy or random blaster. So uncivilized.
Granted, one can't just slap on any crystal in a glowstick and call it a lightsaber, even in KOTOR 2. Players will want to have the best lightsaber updates or upgrades they can get, regardless of whether they're Sith or Jedi. There are five upgrade or component slots in KOTOR 2's cool lightsabers; make sure to prioritize slotting in these upgrades.
7 Ultimate Diatium Energy Cell for All-around Damage
- +5 Damage
- Slot: Cell
For lightsabers, damage is the best upgrade modifier. That's because players can easily make up for their defense using other equipment. And besides, the best defense is a good offense. For that matter, a no-nonsense cell upgrade or component for lightsabers like the Ultimate Diatium Energy Cell is always welcome.
It's perfect for all situations, though the lack of specialization might hurt the overall damage output against specific enemies. Even so, damage that doesn't rely too much on a dice roll range will always have a better average output compared to others. So if players don't want to worry about their setup and want to charge head-on without much plan, then this cell is ideal.
6 Superior Energy Cell for Droids
- +2 Ion Damage
- +1-12 Droid Damage
- +1-6 Critical Damage
- Slot: Cell
With that said, some enemies can prove troublesome for an all-around setup. Certain levels in KOTOR 2 might favor certain enemy types. Droids are some of the most troublesome enemy types here since they tend to be tough. So if players want to dispatch these tin cans fast, then a Superior Energy Cell would be the superior choice.
It doesn't just give bonus damage to enemy Droids, but also some substantial damage increases for the player's Critical Damage. In fact, players could even opt to use it as an all-around lightsaber build, and they won't lose much in terms of damage. The Ion bonus and the Critical Damage increase compensate pretty well.
5 Telgorn Jolt III Cell for Electrical Damage
- +1-8 Electrical Damage
- Slot: Cell
Electrical damage is not only good against Droids but a lot of other targets. Granted, players will need to experiment regarding which targets have certain resistances. But since Force Lightning is also Electric damage in KOTOR 2, this one is a good pairing for those who took the Sith path.
Or it could also be a good option for players who went Jedi without Wisdom and are jealous of the Sith's Force Lightning abilities. The thing about different damage types in KOTOR 2 is that they don't matter too much barring certain resistances, so players can't go wrong with this robust lightsaber cell.
4 Ultima-Pearl Crystal for Critical Damage
- +2 Damage
- +3 Attack
- +1-6 Critical Damage
- Slot: Crystal
This one is a crystal, and it's a good thing there are two crystal slots in crafting a lightsaber in KOTOR 2. Because the Ultima-Pearl Crystal is one of the best options when it comes to lightsaber upgrades. Its damage bonuses might be small, but they all add up to some decent numbers.
The Ultima-Pearl is best for lightsaber users who value Critical Attacks and Damage above all else. The attacks and damage increase is just a bonus that can contribute well to the base multiplicand for the Critical Damage. In any case, always reserve a slot in the lightsaber for this kind of upgrade.
3 Barab Ore Ingot Crystal for Fire Damage
- +2-12 Fire Damage
- Slot: Crystal
Fire damage is always a welcome element and attack enhancements in RPGs, and KOTOR 2 is no exception. It builds upon the Aurora engine's Dungeons & Dragons roots, meaning several varying damage types are always welcome. If players want, they can even mix and match this crystal with another elemental damage type.
That ought to result in a well-rounded lightsaber capable of withstanding most threats. Regardless, Fire damage comes with its own reputation in RPGs. Moreover, the range of Fire damage introduced by this crystal is quite staggering. With a maximum of 12, players can deal good average damage numbers here, assuming they're not unlucky with the attack roll.
2 Upari Crystal for All-around Damage
- +1-8 Damage
- +3 Attack
- Slot: Crystal
The Upari Crystal can be a good alternative or pairing for the Ultimate Diatium Energy Cell. Whereas the latter focuses on a flat damage increase that doesn't rely much on the attack roll, the Upari Crystal offers an all-or-nothing chance. The average damage here is four or five, which isn't much lower compared to the Ultimate Diatium Energy Cell.
The best part is that players don't have to impose a dilemma upon themselves since they can use this with the Ultimate Diatium Energy Cell. This combo can and will result in some solid and reliable numbers, which is always an advantage in games with combat systems like KOTOR 2. Expect a more consistent damage output with this kind of pairing.
1 Ponite Lens for Energy Damage
- +1 Attack Bonus
- +2-12 Energy Damage
- Slot: Lens
Last but not least is something that can work just as well as a physical damage increase. The Ponite Lens thankfully occupies the lens slot in the lightsaber, allowing players to further boost their total damage output. This one specializes in Energy damage, which can also function as a decent all-around damage type.
In combination with the other elements above, players might not have to worry anymore about certain enemy resistances. This can serve as a good backup damage type for a lightsaber. If not, then it will certainly add in some impressive numbers and a better accuracy thanks to the Attack Bonus increment. Don't forget this when building a lightsaber in KOTOR 2.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 is available now for PC, macOS, Linux, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.