It’s something we think we’ve all thought at some point: which of the billions of diverse planets in the galaxy far, far away, would be the best make our home?
From the scorched desert of Tatooine to the bustling capital of Coruscant, the Star Wars universe is home to a fantastic array of cultures and homes that would be interesting to settle down in.
According to an interview carried out by Betway casino with Star Wars expert Matt Hudson, the co-host of the Star Wars Sessions podcast, here’s a definitive list of the best places to live and a handy infographic to summerise….
BESPIN
Matt Hudson: Bespin is a massive ball of gas, basically with Cloud City at the top, which is the hospitable area. It’s all very white; very sterile and clinical. The administrator, Lando Calrissian, rules well and it seems like there’s a decent quality of life, even if it doesn’t look particularly lively. There’s not an awful lot there, so if you want to go to the pub or a bar or club – I didn’t see any. Everybody keeps to themselves and looks like they just live to work. I’d call it more of a retirement home than the most exciting place to live.
Rating: 7/10
CORUSCANT
MH: There’s a vibe of a city that doesn’t sleep as we know there are plenty of bars and clubs there. There’s an urban culture too, almost the equivalent of Brick Lane in the East End when you go down a few levels. On the other side of it, though, it’s a massive city, which isn’t for everybody. There doesn’t seem to be any way to chill as everything appears to be on the go the whole time. There’s also a clear class system; with over 1000 levels, the further down you go, it’s like descending into Hell. So if you’re rich, you’re in luck, otherwise it’s not the best place to reside.”
Rating: 6/10
ENDOR
MH: One for the nature lovers. You can get plenty of exercise running through the forest and climbing. Plus there’s the notoriety of being the planet that the second Death Star blew up over. There’s nothing there apart from trees and Ewoks, so I think it’s a safe place to live – no one’s going to try to take over the planet. The downside is those Ewoks, as they will murder you in cold blood. They’re vicious little things.
Rating: 8/10
HOTH
MH: Hoth would be a beautiful place to go skiing! If you have scientific interest, Hoth’s caves are brimming with possibilities, with different species, bugs, and bacteria. If you don’t, it’s cold – it’s an ice planet, and the wampas, like the one that attacked Luke Skywalker, are the apex predator, so you’re already second on the food chain. I see no reason why you’d ever want to live on Hoth.
Rating: 1/10
NABOO
MH: A planet of culture, Naboo boasts beautiful scenery. They’ve got the countryside, the meadows, the lakes, the waterfalls, the animals. The planet’s monarchy seem to love their citizens. Everything just seems chill in Naboo. I think the Gungans would be alright, they add a bit of flavour and give that cosmopolitan, diverse feel. However, the price of a pint would be quite overpriced. You’re not getting away with anything under a fiver in Naboo. A bit like London. The fact it’s the home planet of Emperor Palpatine himself might put people off, but I think the look and vibe of the place completely overshadows that, so I give it full marks.
Rating: 10/10
TATOOINE
MH: I think this is the Star Wars planet. If you’re on Tatooine, it’s a hard life, but immensely satisfying. Just like in a human farmer’s life, you reap what you sow, so if you really work hard you can make a decent life there. If you’re into your nightlife, the cantinas get a bit rowdy. The locals might kill you just for looking at them the wrong way. There’s also the two suns, which could be a blessing and a curse. Just look how it aged Obi-Wan Kenobi. So I think you’d have to have tough skin – literally and figuratively – to both withstand the weather and also the locals.
Rating: 5/10
ALDERAAN
MH: Alderaan was seen as the most beautiful, desirable planet in the galaxy. Like Naboo, it was known for rolling hills, mountains, waterfalls and the people were the most hospitable, generous, kind folk that you’d want to meet. It’s like New Zealand with sci-fi buildings, which to me is perfection. However, it did get blown up. So pre-explosion, it’s full marks, but as we saw, once the Empire gets wind that it’s the unofficial home of the Rebel Alliance, you’ve got no hope, so it’s off the cards now.
Rating: 10/10 (pre-explosion), 0/10 (post-explosion)
MUSTAFAR
MH: Mustafar was a lava planet, a molten hellscape. While it didn’t look quite as bad when we saw it in Rogue One, it still isn’t great. While it’s nice and hot and you’d have the place to yourself, you have to remember that Darth Vader’s castle is there, and if he’s in for the weekend, you’re pretty much dead. You’ve got more chance of surviving for longer on Hoth than Mustafar, when it comes to the heat, I think.
Rating: 0/10
DAGOBAH
MH: To me, Dagobah would be like going to the Amazon – you know the risks when you go there but would you live in the Amazon? No, but I’d certainly visit. It’s a remote planet and there’s not an awful lot of places to live, but if Yoda could make a hut, I’m sure I could as well. There’s a decent amount of species that you could cook up if you get hungry. Yoda survived there for long enough and he’s not exactly the biggest fella. On the downside, it’s strong with the dark side of the Force, so you may be tempted, or just get eaten by a big water dragon. I’m not too keen on the snakes everywhere either.
Rating: 6/10
KASHYYYK
MH: There are plenty of beaches to relax on if you want a bit of peace and quiet by the sea, and it looks lovely. If you have good relations with the resident Wookiees, you’re going to have decent lodgings as they’re strong craftsmen and carpenters. However, if you get on their bad side, you’ve got an entire planet of hairy, 8ft tall, creatures that will tear you to pieces. Other than that, I think Kashyyyk could be pretty cool to live on, just try to ignore the massive spiders and huge slugs. I think the pros outweigh the cons, though.
Rating: 7/10
THE VERDICT: NABOO
