This is a guide for my new favorite Dark Side build in SW:KOTOR1. I didn't think that anything could possibly top my previous LS build but i feel that this one is even better in my opinion. It trades a bit of debilitating power for even more melee damage. English isn't my primary language so don't be surprised if you see mistakes. I did try my best to be as clear as possible.

If you only wish to know the final product of the build without the extra explanations, go to Character Summary. This is a detailed build guide with additionnal alternatives that might fit your playstyle better. It isn't an ideal build for a first playthrough so i would advice that you complete the game first, especially that this guide contains spoilers.

Table of content

1-Character Development

2-Equipment Progression

3-Build Summary

4-Companions

5-Challenging Fights, Tactics and Tricks

Build Highlights

• Has the potential to solo the RCM Impossible difficulty, Taris still won't be a cakewalk solo but it is definitely doable for an experimented player just like the LS build;

• Able to do all skill checks in the game with minimal gear switch using the right party members;

• 1 strength modifier off the highest possible amount of damage per round, able to one shot Darth Malak with 95% accuracy per hit (max) without the need of debilitation you can see on my video here (again an older version of the build), also got some way better strategies for the fight for even more damage which will be discussed on the last page;

• Great survivability with high defense, good damage resistance with very decent immobilizing power for a dark side build;

• Minimal level saving for an optimal build so even Taris is not a problem at all and very smooth;

• Can effectively use the power of sneak attacks (4-24) for additionnal damage which also apply on the first force jump on an encounter, which is a guaranteed kill against all but the toughest opponent (Tarentatek for example). Anything you face will fall in a single round more often than not after leaving Dantooine.

• Good customizability, can choose various other attributes, feats an powers without losing too much effectiveness.

• Fast gameplay. You will enjoy enemies who are far from each other, jumping around.

• Small downside: the 10 int setup can fully repair HK-47 before the Leviathan, which require 171000 xp. You will need to complete nearly everything with but the tomb of Naga Shadow, so min-maxing XP is much more important (level 9 leaving Taris, using parts for droids, helping then killing the sand people, fixing the Manaan Harvesting Machine...)

Endgame Character Sheet (buffed)

Possibility to trade 1 dexterity for +4 saves using the Adrenaline stimulator and Cardio Power System for +4 constitution instead. This character sheet is using the RCM Ancient Rakatan Band, the vanilla alternative is the Advanced Bio-Stabilizer Mask.

Insane maximum damage potential, 1 point from the absolute maximum with possible 4-24 sneak attacks on top (17 starting strength would give the maximum). The blade and lightsaber can be switched against enemies that doesn't have a Dark Side alignment.

Malak Final Fight