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{{Youmay|the [[Force-sensitive]] once known as Kylo Ren|the [[Pirate/Legends|pirate]] [[Gir Kybo Ren-Cha|Kybo Ren]]}}
{{Otheruses|Ben}}
{{MultipleIssues|expand|updatecontent=[[Last Shot]], [[Shadow of the Sith]], [[Bloodline (novel)|Bloodline]], [[Age of Resistance - Finn 1]], [[Phasma (novel)|Phasma]], [[Hyperspace Stories 8]], [[Through the Turbulence]], [[Choose Your Destiny: A Finn & Poe Adventure]], [[Galaxy's Edge: Black Spire]], [[Star Wars: The Last Jedi: Expanded Edition]], [[Star Wars: Legacy of Vader]], [[The Escape (episode)|The Escape]], [[Hyperspace Stories 4]], [[Star Wars Helmet Collection 21]], [[TIE Fighter Owners' Workshop Manual]], [[Path of the Lightsaber, Vol. 1]], [[Star Wars: The Secrets of the Jedi]], [[Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: The Visual Dictionary]], [[Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: The Galactic Guide]], [[Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: Expanded Edition]], [[Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: A Junior Novel]], [[See You Around, Kid]], [[The Star Wars Book]], [[Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire]]}}
{{NPOV}}
{{Tone}}
{{Character
|type=Jedi
|image=[[File:KyloRenVFcover-TROS.png]]
|option1=35 ABY
|image2=[[KyloRenHelmeted-TROS.png]]<!-- DECIDED VIA COMMUNITY CONSENSUS [[Forum:CT:Kylo Ren "Helmeted" Infobox Image]] PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE THE INFOBOX IMAGE -->
|option2=Helmet
|image3= [[Young-Ben-Infobox.jpg]]
|option3=19 ABY
|name=Ben Solo<br />Kylo Ren
|homeworld=[[Chandrila]]<ref name="TSWB">''[[The Star Wars Book]]''</ref>
|birth=[[5 ABY]],<ref name="Timelines">''[[Star Wars: Timelines]]''</ref> Chandrila<ref name="Empire's End">''[[Aftermath: Empire's End]]''</ref>
|death=[[35 ABY]], [[Exegol]]<ref name="Timelines" />
|species=[[Human]]<ref name="Kylo Ren DB">{{Databank|kylo-ren|Supreme Leader Kylo Ren}}</ref> {{C|[[Chandrilan]]}}<ref name="Empire's End" />
|gender=[[Gender|Male]]<ref name="Kylo Ren DB" />
|pronouns=He/him<ref name="Kylo Ren DB" />
|height=1.89 [[meter]]s (6[[Foot|ft]], 2in)<ref name="TROS VD">''[[Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: The Visual Dictionary]]''</ref>
|mass=89 [[kilogram]]s<ref name="TFA head to head">''[[Star Wars: The Force Awakens: Head-to-Head]]''</ref>
|hair=[[Color|Black]]<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War">''[[Skywalker: A Family at War]]''</ref>
|feathers=
|eyes=Brown,<ref name="Episode VII">{{Film|VII}}</ref> yellow {{C|[[Dark side of the Force|dark side]]}}<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 4">[[The Rise of Kylo Ren 4|''The Rise of Kylo Ren'' 4]]</ref>
|skin=Light<ref name="Episode VII" />
|cyber=
|families=*[[Solo family]]<ref name="TROS Junior Novel">''[[Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: A Junior Novel]]''</ref>
*[[Skywalker family]]<ref name="TSWB" />
*[[Elder Houses]]<ref name="Bloodline">[[Bloodline (novel)|''Bloodline'']]</ref>
**[[House of Organa]]<ref name="Bloodline" />
|parents=*[[Han Solo]]<ref name="Episode VII" />
*[[Leia Skywalker Organa Solo]]<ref name="Episode VII" />
|partners=
|siblings=
|children=
|affiliation=*[[Jedi Order]]<ref name="TSWB" />
*[[Knights of Ren]]<ref name="Kylo Ren DB" />
*[[First Order]]<ref name="Kylo Ren DB" />
**[[First Order Supreme Council]]<ref name="Episode IX">{{Film|IX}}</ref>
|masters=*[[Luke Skywalker]] {{C|[[Jedi Master]]}}<ref name="TSWB" />
*[[Ren (human)|Ren]] {{C|Knight of Ren Master}}<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 3">[[The Rise of Kylo Ren 3|''The Rise of Kylo Ren'' 3]]</ref>
*[[Darth Sidious]] {{C|dark side master}}<ref name="TSWB" />
**[[Snoke]] {{C|proxy}}<ref name="TSWB" />
|apprentices=[[Itai]] {{C|Knight of Ren apprentice}}<ref name="Path of the Lightsaber, Vol 1">[[Path of the Lightsaber, Vol 1|''Path of the Lightsaber'', Vol 1]]</ref>
}}
{{Quote|Forgive me. I feel it again. The pull to the light. Supreme Leader senses it. Show me again. The power of the darkness. And I will let nothing stand in our way. Show me&hellip; Grandfather&hellip; and I will finish&hellip; what you started.|Kylo Ren, to the helmet of Darth Vader|audio=ThePullToTheLight.flac|<ref name="Episode VII" />}}
'''Ben Solo''' was a [[Force-sensitive]] [[human]] [[Gender|male]] who turned to the [[dark side of the Force]] and became known as '''Kylo Ren''', the "'''Jedi Killer'''" who rose to power as [[Ren|master]] of the [[Knights of Ren]] and [[Supreme Leader]] of the [[First Order]] during the [[New Republic Era]]. Though neither [[Jedi]] nor [[Sith]], Ren was trained in the ways of both orders and embodied the conflict between the dark and the [[light side of the Force]], making him dangerously unstable. Despite his actions as Ren, Solo's connection to the light&mdash;combined with the love of his [[parent]]s and his [[Force-bond|connection]] to the [[scavenger]] [[Rey Skywalker|Rey]]&mdash;helped the fallen Jedi to reject the dark side shortly before his [[death]] in [[35 ABY]].

A scion of the legendary [[Skywalker family]], Solo was the son of [[General]] [[Han Solo]] and [[Princess]] [[Leia Skywalker Organa Solo|Leia Organa]], as well as the nephew of [[Jedi Master]] [[Luke Skywalker]], and grandson of the [[Chosen One]] [[Anakin Skywalker]]. [[Reproduction|Born]] in [[5 ABY]], Solo possessed raw strength in [[the Force]] and was trained in the [[Jedi training|Jedi arts]] as Skywalker's [[Padawan]] from [[15 ABY]] to [[28 ABY]]. Having inherited his bloodline's potential with the Force, Solo surpassed the other apprentices of his Master who hoped to see him rise not only as the first in a new generation of [[Jedi Knight]]s, but also as a future leader in the restored [[Jedi Order]]. Unbeknownst to Solo at the [[time]], he shared a powerful bond with Rey, [[Palpatine family|granddaughter]] of the [[Sith Lord]] [[Darth Sidious]], with whom he formed a powerful [[Force dyad|dyad in the Force]].

Following the revelation of his grandfather's identity as the Sith [[Lord]] [[Darth]] Vader, Solo became disillusioned with his family and the Jedi Order, both of which he renounced after the [[Destruction of the Jedi Temple|destruction]] of the [[Jedi Temple of Luke Skywalker|Jedi Temple]] on [[Ossus]]. Adopting the persona of Kylo Ren, the former Jedi took control of the Knights of Ren by [[Skirmish on Mimban|killing]] their [[Ren (human)|leader]] and subsequently championed the First Order's cause of rebuilding the [[Galactic Empire]]. Though trained in the ways of the dark side by Supreme Leader [[Snoke]], Ren was unaware that his new Master was an [[Bioengineering|artificial]] [[Strand-Cast]] created by Sidious, the fallen [[Galactic Emperor]] and [[Dark Lord of the Sith]] who was secretly [[Cloning|resurrected]] on the [[planet]] [[Exegol]] in the [[Unknown Regions]] of [[the galaxy]].

The [[Hosnian Cataclysm|outbreak]] of the [[First Order-Resistance War]] in [[34 ABY]] resulted in a chain of events that culminated in Ren's rise to power, from [[Battle of Takodana|encountering]] Rey on [[Takodana]] and [[Battle of Starkiller Base|killing]] Han Solo on [[Starkiller Base]], to [[Battle of Oetchi|usurping]] Snoke's role as Supreme Leader and [[Battle of Crait|confronting]] Skywalker on [[Crait]]. During the last [[Standard day|days]] of the First Order's war with the [[Resistance]], Ren was [[Palpatine's broadcast|lured]] to Exegol where Sidious offered to make the Skywalker heir his [[Emperor|successor]] if he succeeded in killing Rey and ending the legacy of the Jedi. Through the sacrifice and forgiveness of his mother, Leia Organa, as well as the memory of his father and the bond he shared Rey, Ben Solo found his way back to the light and renounced the dark persona of Kylo Ren. After the Emperor's destruction during the [[Battle of Exegol]], Solo sacrificed his life to save Rey, ultimately becoming one with the Force like his grandfather, uncle, and mother before him. Solo's death marked the end of the Skywalker bloodline, but his sacrifice ensured the survival of their legacy through Rey, who took the name Skywalker.

==Biography==
===Pre-natal history and earliest years===
====A voice from the future====
{{Quote|Let the past die.|Kylo Ren, as heard by Darth Vader|<ref name="Dark Lord 25">[[Darth Vader (2017) 25|''Darth Vader'' (2017) 25]]</ref>}}
[[File:LetThePastDie-2017DarthVader25.png|thumb|right|250px|The avatar of Darth Vader heard the voice of his grandson Kylo Ren saying, "Let the past die. Kill it if you have to."]]
Kylo Ren, the future [[Dark side of the Force|dark side]] persona of Ben Solo, was the subject of [[Force vision]]s prior to<ref name="Dark Lord 25" /> [[Gender|his]]<ref name="Kylo Ren DB" /> [[Reproduction|birth]]. Shortly after the [[Battle of Fortress Vader]], the [[Sith Lord]] [[Anakin Skywalker|Darth Vader]], the [[Sith]] persona of the famed [[Jedi Knight]] Anakin Skywalker, explored the dark side [[portal]] constructed by [[Darth Momin]] in [[Fortress Vader]]; within the portal, the spirit of Vader slaughtered illusions of [[Jedi]] as he heard the voice of Ren saying that it was [[time]] to "let the past [[Death|die]]."<ref name="Dark Lord 25" />

Ren's voice was also heard by the Jedi [[Padawan]] [[Ezra Bridger]];<ref name="A World Between Worlds">{{Rebels|A World Between Worlds}}</ref> in [[1 BBY]],<ref name="Mission date">''[[Star Wars: Timelines]]'' dates the mission to the [[Lothal Jedi Temple]] to [[1 BBY]].</ref> Bridger [[Mission to the Lothal Jedi Temple|traveled]] to the [[World Between Worlds]], a mystical plane that existed between time and [[Realspace|space]] where he heard the voice of Ren saying that he would "finish what his grandfather started."<ref name="A World Between Worlds" />

====The birth of Ben Solo====
{{Quote|I am in command of my own body, thank you very much.''"<br />"''Tell that to the little bandit.''"<br />"''I think you mean the little ''angel''.|Leia Organa and Han Solo|<ref name="Empire's End" />}}
In [[4 ABY]],<ref name="Timelines" /> [[Princess]] [[Leia Skywalker Organa Solo|Leia Organa]] and [[General]] [[Han Solo]] were among those who led the [[Alliance to Restore the Republic]] in a decisive victory over the [[Galactic Empire]] at the [[Battle of Endor]]. Their victory resulted in the deaths of the [[Galactic Emperor|Emperor]], [[Darth Sidious]], and Organa's biological [[Parent|father]], Anakin Skywalker;<ref name="Episode VI">{{Film|VI}}</ref> Skywalker ceased to be [[Darth]] Vader when he saved his son, [[Luke Skywalker]], and redeemed himself after [[Standard decade|decades]] of subjugating [[the galaxy]].<ref name="Darth Vader DB">{{Databank|darth-vader|Darth Vader}}</ref>

[[File:TheSkywalkerSoloFamily-BattleOfJakkuLastStand4.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The birth of Ben Solo, son of Han Solo and Leia Organa, marked the dawn of a new era in galactic history.]]
Soon after the battle, Organa and Solo [[Marriage|married]] and conceived their son, Ben Solo. During her pregnancy, the [[Force-sensitive]] Organa could sense her son through [[the Force]], and felt both the [[Light side of the Force|light side]] and the dark within him.<ref name="Empire's End" /> Ben was born in [[5 ABY]],<ref name="Timelines" /> one [[Standard year|year]] and four [[Standard day|days]] after the Battle of Endor,<ref name="Lost Stars">''[[Lost Stars]]''</ref> in [[Hanna City]], [[Chandrila]]. His birth was on the same day that the [[Galactic Civil War]] was formally ended with the signing of the [[Galactic Concordance]] between the Empire and the [[New Republic]], the [[Politics|government]] that arose after the Battle of [[Endor]]. Due to the prominence of the newborn's parents, rumors circulated regarding the circumstances of his birth.<ref name="Empire's End" /> Solo was Force-sensitive and possessed prodigious strength by virtue of his [[Skywalker family|Skywalker lineage]],<ref name="TSWB" /> a trait that he shared with his mother,<ref name="Royal Rebel">''[[Princess Leia: Royal Rebel]]''</ref> uncle, and grandfather.<ref name="TROS VD" />

Ben Solo's name was chosen by his father.<ref name="Han Solo BG">{{Databank|han-solo-biography-gallery|Han Solo Biography Gallery}} {{C|slide 49}}</ref> In [[13 BBY]],<ref name="Solo timeline">''[[Star Wars: Timelines]]'' dates the prologue events of ''[[Solo: A Star Wars Story]]'' to [[13 BBY]].</ref> the surname Solo was coined for Han on [[Corellia]] by [[chief]] [[Imperial Recruitment Officer|recruitment officer]] [[Drawd Munbrin]], who required a full name when Han enlisted for the [[Carida Academy]] to become a [[pilot]].<ref name="Solo">''[[Solo: A Star Wars Story]]''</ref> The inspiration for the child's first name was "Ben Kenobi," the alias of the late and legendary [[Jedi Master]] [[Obi-Wan Kenobi]];<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 2">[[The Rise of Kylo Ren 2|''The Rise of Kylo Ren'' 2]]</ref> Kenobi used that name while in [[Exile (punishment)|exile]] on [[Tatooine]] after the [[Great Jedi Purge|fall]] of the [[Jedi Order]] at the [[Mission to Mustafar|end]] of the [[Clone Wars]]; under this alias, Kenobi [[Rescue of Princess Leia (9 BBY)|rescued]] a young Leia Organa from [[Fortress Inquisitorius]] after being [[Ambush on Alderaan|kidnapped]] by the [[Inquisitorius]]<ref name="Part IV">{{Kenobi|Part IV}}</ref> and he later sacrificed his life while [[Rescue of Princess Leia|rescuing]] Organa from the first [[DS-1 Orbital Battle Station|Death Star]] [[battle station]]<ref name="Episode IV">{{Film|IV}}</ref> in [[0 BBY]].<ref name="Galactic Atlas">''[[Star Wars: Galactic Atlas]]''</ref>

As the son of an adopted [[Alderaanian]] princess, Ben Solo would have inherited the title of Prince of [[Alderaan]] if that planet and the [[House of Organa]] that ruled it had not been [[Destruction of Alderaan|destroyed]] by the Empire before he was born.<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" /> Upon his birth, he was considered a member of the [[Elder Houses]] and entitled through hereditary succession to ceremonial titles, such as the [[Supreme Governor]] of [[Birren]].<ref name="Bloodline" />

====Early years====
{{Quote|I know where you come from. Before you called yourself Kylo Ren.|Lor San Tekka|<ref name="Episode VII" />}}
[[File:SoloFamily-PoeDameronAnnual2.png|thumb|right|220px|Solo was initially raised on his homeworld Chandrila, the first capital of the New Republic.]]
Ben Solo was prone to crying as an [[Youngling|infant]], particularly in the first [[Standard month|months]] of his life,<ref name="TROS EE">''[[Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: Expanded Edition]]''</ref> and had difficulty falling [[Sleep|asleep]]. He would settle to sleep when he was held by his father<ref name="Last Shot">''[[Last Shot]]''</ref> or upon sensing the presence of his parents or their friend, Han's [[Wookiee]] [[First Mate]] [[Chewbacca]]. Organa was with Solo for multiple milestones: when he took his first steps, when he said his first word, and when he first instinctively harnessed the power of the Force to [[Telekinesis|telekinetically]] throw a toy across the room in anger.<ref name="TROS EE" /> As a toddler, Solo continued to demonstrate his ability to use the Force without either anger or training to bring objects to himself.<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" />

Though Han lacked the Force bond that Organa had with their son, he had a fatherly bond with Ben.<ref name="Empire's End" /> One night, when Ben was two years old, [[Chancellor (New Republic)|Chancellor]] [[Mon Mothma]] contacted the Solo house in an attempt to speak with Organa while Han and Ben were asleep following multiple nights of insomnia. The household [[protocol droid]], [[T-2LC]], awakened the father and son by activating a holo-projection of the chancellor; Han then soothed Ben's crying until they both slept.<ref name="Last Shot" />

At that time, the [[Solo family]] utilized the [[Class three droid|class-3]] [[culinary septoid droid]] [[BX-778]] to help them with the household chores. While supervising Ben at T-2LC's direction, a virus within BX-778 activated and caused the [[droid]] to consider cutting Ben's throat in order to stop the toddler's temper tantrum. The droid's programming was restored as a result of Han destroying the [[Phylanx Redux Transmitter]], erasing the command to kill organics that BX-778 had been infected with. The child was not consciously aware that his life had been endangered<ref name="Last Shot" /> and he may not have remembered it later; however, the incident may have been retained subconsciously as a near-death experience.<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" />

[[File:BenSoloPast-LegacyOfVader2.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Ben Solo's early childhood was full of love and affection torwards his family and their friends.]]
Solo grew close to his parents' friends in his childhood; in particular, he showed great affection toward [[Landonis Balthazar Calrissian|Lando Calrissian]], whom he referred to as "Unca Wanwo"<ref name="Last Shot" />&mdash;and later "Uncle Lando" when he was older<ref name="Star Wars 50">[[Star Wars (2020) 50|''Star Wars'' (2020) 50]]</ref>&mdash;and who told him stories of Han's days as a smuggler.<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" /> Chewbacca, whom Solo referred to as "Uncle Chewie," mentored him as he learned how to fly a [[speeder]] and fire a [[blaster]],<ref name="TROS EE" /> and he sometimes provided childcare when the boy's parents were occupied with their respective careers.<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" />

Solo heard many stories about the time of the Galactic Civil War from his family. His father told him about the time he was frozen in [[carbonite]] while being held as a [[prisoner]] of the [[Hutt]] [[gangster]] [[Jabba Desilijic Tiure]]; he learned about about the challenges that the Rebel Alliance faced in the aftermath of the [[Battle of Hoth]] from his mother; and Calrissian told Solo about the [[Syndicate War]] as well as the [[Scourge crisis]]. Solo was surprised that all of those events occurred in only one year. He would also come to know that Luke Skywalker confronted Darth Vader on more than one occasion. By the time of his Jedi apprenticeship, Solo knew that Vader and [[Emperor]] Palpatine were both [[Sith]]. He had also been told the Emperor died on the [[DS-2 Death Star II Mobile Battle Station|second Death Star]].<ref name="Star Wars 50" />

In [[9 ABY]],<ref name="AhsokaDate">{{AhsokaSeriesDate}}</ref>  Ben's name was included on a list of heroes on the gauntlet of [[Baylan Skoll]], a former Jedi Knight and an ally to the efforts to find the missing [[Grand Admiral]] [[Mitth'raw'nuruodo|Thrawn]] of the [[Galactic Empire]].<ref name="Part Two">{{Ahsoka|Part Two: Toil and Trouble}}</ref>

[[File:Kylo_Ren_dice.png|thumb|right|250px|Han Solo's gold dice became a favorite toy of Ben who, as a toddler, wanted to be like his father.]]
In his youth, Solo's parents had active lives in their respective professions.<ref name="TSWB" /> Restless with settling in one place for long, Han began mentoring young pilots;<ref name="Bloodline" /> he hoped to someday help Ben learn how to repair the [[hyperdrive]] of the ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' and acquire a [[starship]] of his own. He also hoped that Ben would someday choose the same simple path of adventurer rather than the path of a Jedi like his uncle and grandfather.<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" /> Ben enjoyed playing with the [[gold]] [[Han Solo's dice|dice]] that belonged to his father and would often follow him around. The boy aspired to become a pilot like his father<ref name="TLJ EE">''[[Star Wars: The Last Jedi: Expanded Edition]]''</ref> and inherited piloting skills from both his father<ref name="StealthMission">''[[Star Wars: Stealth Mission Book and Model]]''</ref> and his maternal grandfather. Meanwhile, Organa was a respected [[senator]] of the New Republic, and as she worked to repair the galaxy<ref name="Bloodline" /> and prepare for the future conflict she sensed, she became occupied with routine senatorial duties.<ref name="TSWB" />

His parents' increasing reliance upon a droid caretaker and their busy lives contributed to Solo developing a sense of loneliness. Although he was told his parents were away doing important work, a benefit his mother hoped he would realize and appreciate in time, the child had difficulty accepting and believing it.<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" />

====Sowing doubts and darkness====
{{Quote|I have been every voice, you have ever heard, inside your head.|Darth Sidious, to Kylo Ren|<ref name="Episode IX" />}}
[[File:SidiousRevealsRey-TROS.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Resurrected on Exegol, Darth Sidious conspired to turn Anakin Skywalker's grandson to the dark side of the Force.]]
Growing up, Solo was unaware of his Sith heritage as the grandson of Darth Vader. Only his parents and uncle, Jedi Master Luke Skywalker, knew the truth of Anakin Skywalker's past. Organa decided to delay telling Solo the truth about Vader until he was older and her brother could explain how had returned to the light side as Anakin Skywalker.<ref name="Bloodline" /> However, Solo perceived that his family was keeping something from him.<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" />

Solo's doubts about his family were encouraged by voices that communicated with him [[Telepathy|telepathically]] throughout his young life, one of which he knew as [[Snoke]]. The voice used his insecurities and fears against him<ref name="TROS VD" /> and would terrify him, claiming that he could not survive without the voice because he was weak. It also provided warnings of danger and told him secrets,<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" /> which he regarded as comfort and guidance.<ref name="TROS EE" /> Solo did not tell anyone about the voice.<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" />

In truth, Darth Sidious was the apex of the dark influence.<ref name="TROS EE" /> Invested in the powerful bloodline of his last apprentice, Sidious intended to convert Solo to the dark side as he did with the child's grandfather. He therefore used Snoke as a proxy to hold sway over Solo. In addition, Sidious infiltrated Solo's mind through the Force, influencing his thoughts and actions in order to turn him against his family and the light side.<ref name="Secrets of the Sith">''[[Star Wars: The Secrets of the Sith]]''</ref>

====Troubled youth====
{{Quote|When I found you, I saw what all masters live to see. ''Raw'', untamed power&hellip;and beyond that, something truly special. The potential of your bloodline. A new ''Vader''&hellip;|Snoke, to Kylo Ren|<ref name="Episode VIII">{{Film|VIII}}</ref>}}
[[File:SnokeThrone-TLJ.png|thumb|right|250px|Solo was manipulated and befriended by Supreme Leader Snoke, a creation of Sidious used by the Sith in part to convert the Skywalker heir to the dark side.]]
Despite being happy in his youth,<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" /> Solo had rough upbringing; As the Force awakened in young Solo, his parents recognized that he needed guidance despite their efforts to build a normal life for him.<ref name="TROS VD" /> In childhood, Ben Solo had unintentionally destroyed objects with the Force when angry,<ref name="TLJ EE" /> and eventually Solo developed feelings of abandonment from his parents because of their busy lives.<ref name="Ultimate Star Wars" /> He also was led to believe that his parents thought he was disturbed, having overheard their conversations about him and his lack of control over his innate Force abilities.<ref name="TLJ EE" />

Beginning from his early childhood, Solo was drawn toward the dark side of the Force by Snoke.<ref name="TFA novel" /> Snoke would utilize Solo's feelings of abandonment, desperate need for a teacher, and fascination with his family legacy to seduce him.<ref name="Snoke Bio Gallery" /> Having known of Snoke's interest in her son's potential for power, Organa sought to protect Solo from the mysterious [[dark side adept]]. However, she did not inform her husband about Snoke's designs on their son, believing that, as a non-Force-sensitive, Han would not understand Organa's responsibility to shield Ben.<ref name="TFA novel" />

Beyond Snoke's influence, Organa recognized similarities between her son and her father; therefore, she counted on her brother to train Solo and prevent him from following his grandfather down the path of the dark side.<ref name="Episode VII" /> It was because of Solo's heritage of Anakin Skywalker's grandson, Snoke saw a focal point within the boy, believing he had the right balance of both light and the dark, and desired to claim him as his own apprentice.<ref name="TFA novel" />

===Jedi training===
====Apprentice of Luke Skywalker====
{{Quote|For many years, there was balance and then I saw Ben. My nephew with that mighty Skywalker blood. In my hubris, I thought I could train him; I could pass on my strengths. Han was&hellip; ''Han'' about it, but&hellip; Leia trusted me with her son. I took him and a dozen students, and began a training temple.|Luke Skywalker|<ref name="Episode VIII" />}}
[[File:Luke_and_Ben.png|left|thumb|250px|Apart from his mother, Ben Solo became the first apprentice of his uncle Luke Skywalker, and proved to be the most gifted student of the Jedi Master.]]
In [[15 ABY]],<ref name="Timelines" /> prior to his tenth [[birthday]], Solo decided he would begin his [[Jedi training]] and joined Skywalker's initiative to restore the Jedi Order. It was apparent to Skywalker that his nephew was inherently powerful with the Force despite his lack of training in the Jedi arts.<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" /> Solo learned the ways of the Jedi, in its many forms, under the tutelage of Skywalker who impressed on his pupil the importance of practicing discipline and control. Solo gave his best efforts to gain his Master's approval, although at times their familial bond caused him to address Skywalker as uncle instead of Master. Skywalker had committed his life to reestablishing the Jedi Order's teachings, which had virtually nothing to do with family ties; therefore, he taught Solo that detachment and distance were necessary to gaining the pure focus that every Jedi aspired to achieve.<ref name="Shadow of the Sith">''[[Shadow of the Sith]]''</ref>

Solo and Skywalker traveled across the galaxy to search for lost lore of the Force, accumulating artifacts and learning more about the Jedi Order's ancient history in the hope of fully restoring it.<ref name="TROS VD" /> Through his training, Solo developed a strong sense of devotion to the ways of the Jedi;<ref name="Secrets of the Jedi">''[[Star Wars: The Secrets of the Jedi]]''</ref> he endeavored to gain greater knowledge of the Force and ways of the Jedi Order,<ref name="TROS VD" /> desired to prove himself worthy of inheriting the mantle of a Jedi Knight,<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" /> and learned a great deal of the teachings about the light side of the Force.<ref name="Ultimate Star Wars" />

As the grandson of the Chosen One and nephew of the last Jedi, Solo felt immense pressure to live up to the Skywalker family legacy, a burden that weighed heavily upon him and ultimately fueled his insecurities.<ref name="TROS VD" /> Under Skywalker, Solo learned much, leading the young Jedi to acknowledge and idolize his uncle for the knowledge of the Force and power he possessed, considering him a legend. However, Solo had misgivings about Skywalker's teaching methods, feeling as though despite all of what he learned, he was never able to utilize it, and he privately disagreed with his mentor's decision to store and lock away the Jedi knowledge they uncovered within the new Jedi temple.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 2" />

[[File:BenSoloLightsaber-SWTLC.png|thumb|right|250px|Solo constructed his own lightsaber during his apprenticeship under Skywalker.]]
As a Padawan, Solo constructed his own [[Kylo Ren's lightsaber|blue-bladed lightsaber]]<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 2" /> and became skilled with its use, ultimately proving to be the most gifted student with a lightsaber Skywalker would ever train.<ref name="Ultimate Star Wars" /> Solo would also keep a [[Ben Solo's calligraphy set|calligraphy set]],<ref name="TLJ VD" /> a set which once belonged to his namesake Obi-Wan Kenobi,<ref name="Star Wars 100 Objects">''[[Star Wars 100 Objects]]''</ref> within he would record and fill with his own Jedi insights,<ref name="TLJ VD">''[[Star Wars: The Last Jedi: The Visual Dictionary]]''</ref> in his quarters during his time with Skywalker.<ref name="Episode VIII" />

Solo was taught by Skywalker to also exercise a level of restraint when he grew more powerful within the Force, a way his uncle attempted to manage his progress in Jedi training.<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" /> Skywalker placed his hope for the future of the Jedi in Solo, convinced for a time he would not die the last of the Jedi Knights.<ref name="Secrets of the Jedi" /> At one point, Solo believed in his own destiny as a Jedi, with Skywalker encouraging his belief and resolve.<ref name="TLJ EE" /> Solo and Skywalker traveled the galaxy extensively, gathering lost Jedi knowledge, including [[Sacred Jedi texts|ancient Jedi texts]] filled with arcane [[writing]]s and [[holocron]]s filled with teachings from forgotten bygone eras of the Force.<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" />

====New generation of Jedi====
{{Quote|We were&hellip; learning. We all studied together. I was first, but they came not long after. Voe, Hennix, and Tai.|Ben Solo, on the other Jedi apprentices|<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 3" />}}
[[File:LukeTeachingJedi-TheRiseOfKyloRen3.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Solo was part of a new generation of Jedi trained by his uncle, Luke Skywalker, who sought to restore the Jedi Order.]]
Aside from his mother, whose Jedi training was cut short<ref name="TROS VD" />, and [[Din Grogu|Grogu]], a former Jedi youngling who abandoned his training to return to his friend and adoptive father [[Din Djarin]],<ref name="BOBF 7">{{BOBF|Chapter 7: In the Name of Honor}}</ref> Solo was the first student in Skywalker's initiative to rebuild the Jedi Order<ref name="TROS VD" /> on [[Ossus]],<ref name="Shadow of the Sith" /> where the [[Jedi Temple of Luke Skywalker]] was built to serve as an academy for the new generation of Jedi.<ref name="BOBF 6">{{BOBF|Chapter 6: From the Desert Comes a Stranger}}</ref> Skywalker, like his sister,<ref name="Bloodline" /> had tried to shield Solo from the secrets of their family. His efforts to protect his nephew inadvertently left Solo feeling isolated, especially after Skywalker took it upon himself to train multiple apprentices at the same time.<ref name="TROS VD" />

Over the course of their travels, Skywalker gathered disciples, young lost souls adrift with no way to harness their Force-sensitive powers as a result of the Jedi purge,<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" /> who went on to become his first students by [[16 ABY]].<ref name="Timelines" /><ref name="TLJ VD" /><ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 3" /><ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 3" />

In addition to several new recruits, [[Hennix]], [[Tai]], and [[Voe]] were apprenticed to Skywalker; as such, they became acquainted with his first<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 3" /> and strongest pupil.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 1">[[The Rise of Kylo Ren 1|''The Rise of Kylo Ren'' 1]]</ref> As younglings, they would sit on the [[Jedi temple|temple]] grounds and learn about the Force through Skywalker's lectures while simultaneously honing their skills by levitating rocks.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 3" /> Together they were all trained in lightsaber combat, meditation, and telekinesis.<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" />

Amongst all these students, in terms of Force powers and lightsaber skill, Solo was the most gifted;<ref name="Ultimate Star Wars" /> Solo's natural affinity with the Force did not go unnoticed by his peers, particularly Voe, who struggled to hone her skills despite training just as hard as Skywalker's nephew. While training on the temple grounds, Voe watched as Solo levitated a large rock with ease, and wondered why he was far stronger than her. According to Skywalker, however, strength had nothing to do with how the Force worked. He likened using the Force to opening a door, explaining that the Force flowed more easily through those who were open to its energy. Notwithstanding Skywalker's view on the Force, Solo surpassed his peers in every aspect of their training, including [[lightsaber combat]] and [[meditation]].<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 3" />

[[File:AllTooEasy-TheRiseOfKyloRen3.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Solo found a rival within Voe, a fellow student, during his time at Skywalker's Jedi temple.]]
His relationships with the other students were different. Hennix could make Solo laugh, and Tai tried to help him cope with the pressures of being a Skywalker. Solo assured his fellow Jedi student that he held nothing back, but through the Force Tai perceived a side to Solo that he hid from the others, including himself. Solo listened, but said nothing while Tai expressed his belief that everyone should be themselves.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 3" /> In Voe, despite being friends, Solo found a rival to push himself against during their training, Voe trying to surpass and beat her fellow Jedi at nearly everything within their training.<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" /> At one point, he defeated Voe in a sparring match. As their training progressed, Solo suspected that Voe resented him for his power.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 3" />

Though he befriended the other Padawans while training with them under Skywalker's watch, Solo also suspected that they viewed him as a symbol of preferential treatment, benefitting from his Skywalker bloodline instead of earning his place in the restored Jedi Order. This belief led Solo to feel like an outcast rather than part of a new generation of Jedi.<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" /> At some point during his training, Solo would face a group of [[IG-RM bodyguard and enforcer droid|IG-RM assassin droids]] alongside his uncle.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 10">[[Legacy of Vader 10|''Legacy of Vader'' 10]]</ref>

====Exploration and discovery====
{{Quote|I'm glad you came along, Ben.''"<br />"''Yes, Master Skywalker. So am I.|Luke Skywalker and Ben Solo|<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 2" />}}
[[File:Elphrona-TheRiseOfKyloRen2.jpg|thumb|left|250px|With Lor San Tekka's help, Solo and Skywalker discovered an ancient outpost of the Jedi Order on distant Elphrona.]]
Around [[19 ABY]],<ref name="Timelines" /> Solo accompanied his uncle to uncover knowledge of the Jedi Order.<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" /> [[Lor San Tekka]], a traveler noted for his expertise on the Jedi Order, informed Skywalker about the discovery of an [[Elphrona Outpost|ancient Jedi outpost]] on the planet [[Elphrona]]. Embarking on a [[Mission to Elphrona|mission]] to investigate San Tekka's findings, Skywalker brought his apprentice with him, knowing that, like himself, Solo was interested in discovering Jedi artifacts. Along the way, Solo was contacted by Snoke without Skywalker's knowledge. Snoke, having sensed anxiety in Solo, inquired after the boy's state of mind. They conversed telepathically while Skywalker and San Tekka talked about the outpost, noting that it may have dated as far back as the [[High Republic Era]], when the Jedi greatly expanded their activity throughout the galaxy.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 2" />

Solo digressed about the length of their journey, traveling to the edge between the known galaxy and unexplored space. He believed that his Master would only collect what they found but never use any of it, to which Snoke stated that the Jedi had a history of hoarding knowledge, believing themselves to be masters of the Force. As Solo's unrest grew, he became melancholic at having nothing to do on this mission except to follow Skywalker's lead. Though he expressed admiration for his uncle as a teacher, Solo confided in Snoke his belief that Skywalker was holding him back in his evolution as a Jedi. Snoke told Solo that his Master only saw him as a child, but, in time, he would become aware of his apprentice's true potential.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 2" />

[[File:KnightsOfRenCircleLorLukeBen-TheRiseOfKyloRen2.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Solo, Skywalker, and San Tekka were confronted by the Knights of Ren, a group of dark side warriors who sought to claim the outpost and its treasures for their own gain.]]
Their private conversation was interrupted by Skywalker and San Tekka; as they drew closer to Elphrona, Skywalker talked about how they not only had a chance to gain new insights into the ancient Jedi, but also how the mission could give Solo an opportunity to indulge his fascination with ancient weapons, knowing that his pupil was particularly interested in them. Solo smiled when his Master expressed how pleased he was to have his apprentice by his side, and told Skywalker that he felt the same.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 2" />

The outpost that they discovered was well preserved and the entrance intact. Both master and apprentice were impressed by it, though Skywalker warned that they should exercise caution while exploring the outpost, recounting a similar situation that nearly ended with his death in years past. The outpost was a repository of holocrons and other artifacts that Skywalker likened to a treasure trove. Solo had been inspecting a [[lightsaber rifle]] up close when he and his Master grew cold upon sensing the power of the dark side.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 2" />

[[File:BenLukeAndRen-TheRiseOfKyloRen2.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Though the Knights were defeated by Skywalker, the warrior known as Ren sensed the darkness within Solo.]]
A group of marauders, dressed in black, had entered the outpost after the two Jedi and their explorer companion. A warrior calling himself "[[Ren (human)|Ren]]" spoke on the group's behalf, declaring that the outpost and its contents were claimed by the [[Knights of Ren]]. Rejecting the Knights' claim, Skywalker drew his [[Luke Skywalker's green lightsaber|green-bladed lightsaber]] and introduced himself as the last Jedi, and therefore, the heir to all that belonged to the Order. Solo also activated his [[lightsaber]], but remained out of the ensuing fight, as Skywalker instructed him to protect San Tekka.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 2" />

Ren conceded the battle after his Knights were defeated by Skywalker. During the confrontation, however, he sensed that the dark side was strong with Solo. He invited Solo to seek out the Knights in the future, offering to teach the young apprentice about aspects of the Force contrary to Jedi teachings.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 2" />

====A teacher in the making====
{{Quote|He's going to make a fine Jedi one day, Luke. And learning the responsibilities of the temple while his Master is away will do him a world of good.|Lor San Tekka, to Luke Skywalker, referring to Ben Solo|<ref name="Shadow of the Sith" />}}
[[File:BenVsVoeTraining-TheRiseOfKyloRen3.png|thumb|right|250px|Solo, though still a Padawan, took on greater responsibilities that included assisting Skywalker's other apprentices with their Jedi training.]]
Solo was one of Skywalker's senior pupils by the time he became a teenager; as such, he was entrusted with some of his Master's responsibilities, such as the supervision of training sessions in which the younger students practiced with [[training lightsaber]]s.<ref name="Shadow of the Sith" /> In [[21 ABY]],<ref name="21 ABY">''[[Star Wars: Timelines]]'' dates the events of ''[[Shadow of the Sith]]'' to [[21 ABY]].</ref> Lor San Tekka visited the temple on Ossus to speak with Skywalker. Solo went to [[Luke's hut (Ossus)|Skywalker's hut]] to inform him of San Tekka's arrival, inadvertently interrupting Skywalker's meditation. Embarrassed at his intrusion, Solo accidentally referred to Skywalker as uncle instead of Master. Having been lectured by Skywalker on the need to exercise discipline and control, Solo composed himself and addressed Skywalker by his formal title as he informed him about their visitor. After Skywalker welcomed his old friend to the temple, San Tekka addressed Solo directly to inquire on the progress of his training. Solo's efforts at formality amused his Master, who assured San Tekka that Solo was a better student than he could have hoped for.<ref name="Shadow of the Sith" />

Skywalker told Solo to return to his studies while he and San Tekka spoke in private. Returning to the temple grounds, Solo replaced the [[Twi'lek]] [[Enyo]] as an [[instructor]] for a class of younglings who were exercising with [[training lightsaber]]s. He ended the training session after his Master signaled him to return to his hut. San Tekka had invited Skywalker to travel with him to an [[Archaeology|archeological]] site on [[Yoturba]], and also noted that Solo could benefit from his Master's absence by taking on more responsibilities at the temple.<ref name="Shadow of the Sith" />

====A future leader of the Jedi Order====
{{Quote|Considering&hellip; Well, your family, your skill in the Force, and that you'll be one of the first students to complete your training&hellip; It seems likely that you could hold a position of leadership in the Jedi Order to come.|Luke Skywalker, to Ben Solo|<ref name="Star Wars 50" />}}
[[File:MasterAndApprentice-2020StarWars50.png|thumb|left|250px|By passing on his experience to Solo, Skywalker hoped to guide his nephew on the path to becoming a true Knight of the Jedi Order.]]
During his training on Ossus, Solo was asked by his Master to accompany him on a walk through the temple grounds. At the time, Solo was practicing his skills in telekinesis, using the Force to levitate several objects such as his lightsaber, his [[Ben Solo's calligraphy set|calligraphy set]], and a few [[book]]s around him inside [[Ben Solo's hut|his hut]]. As they walked, Skywalker told Solo that he was almost ready to undergo the [[Jedi Trials]], the completion of which would mark the end of their time together as Master and apprentice. According to Skywalker, Solo would no longer have to listen to a master since he would be free to make his own decisions as a fully-trained Jedi Knight. In addition, Skywalker acknowledged Solo's potential to become a future leader in the Jedi Order that he was working to restore, given his nephew's status as a Skywalker, his strength in the Force, and the fact that he stood poised to be among the first in his generation to complete his instruction in the Jedi arts. Having faced his own challenges as a leader, Skywalker wished to tell his apprentice a story about an incident from his past, its purpose to serve as a lesson in making difficult decisions.<ref name="Star Wars 50" />

Skywalker's story centered on his discovery and subsequent use of the [[Grim Rose]], an ancient weapon that he discovered upon returning to the [[Living Sea]] on the planet [[Gazian]]. Solo learned that Skywalker had considered using the Grim Rose to assassinate Emperor Palpatine; using a sample of Palpatine's blood, the weapon could be used to target and kill the Emperor. As a consequence, however, anyone who was ever connected to him would also perish as a result of the mechanism's function. Solo theorized that the weapon had the capacity to destroy the Sith. Being aware of Vader's connection to Palpatine, Solo was certain that the weapon would have scanned Vader as well, ultimately resulting in the deaths of both Sith Lords. Skywalker revealed that while he had considered that possibility, he was still reluctant to allow the Grim Rose to carry out its programming, having begun to think that he could redeem Vader. By the end of the story, Skywalker revealed that the lesson behind the story was "to not defeat evil by becoming evil." Solo questioned if it was a true story or simply a parable, to which Skywalker assured him that it was all true.<ref name="Star Wars 50" />

===Fall to the dark side===
====Shattering revelation====
{{Quote|Senator Casterfo's accusation is true. My father was Darth Vader.|Leia Organa|<ref name="Bloodline" />}}
[[File:Bloodline-LiarPoster.png|thumb|right|250px|By his early twenties, Solo was still an apprentice under his uncle, Luke Skywalker, when he learned about the darkest secret of his family in the form of Darth Vader.]]
When the Skywalker family's secret lineage was revealed<ref name="Bloodline" /> in [[28 ABY]],<ref name="Timelines" /> Solo was twenty-three years old and still in the care of his uncle as he traversed the path toward becoming a Jedi Knight.<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" /> Elsewhere in the galaxy, the truth about the parentage of Solo's mother was revealed by Organa's political enemies in the [[New Republic Senate]]. Organa had yet to tell her son about Darth Vader and she worried about how he would react after finding out about it in such a public way.<ref name="Bloodline" /> To honor his sister's wishes, Luke Skywalker had likewise avoided to provide Solo an honest account of Vader's redemption. Just as Organa expected, upon becoming aware of the truth across the [[HoloNet]], Solo was shocked; the revelation felt like a betrayal for him and crushed the image he had of Anakin Skywalker by realizing that his parents and uncle never shared the truth with him despite knowing it for decades, leaving him to discover the Skywalker family's most carefully guarded secret along with the rest of the galaxy. Solo also believed that his family, by concealing his ancestry from him, justified the dark impulses that he suppressed throughout his young life. Organa sent a tearful and desperate message to her son soon after the news broke, but it was too late to prevent Solo's disillusionment with his family.<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" />

[[File:TheRiseOfKyloRen2_MuirVariantArt.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Snoke believed that Ben Solo was a focal point between the light and the dark side of the Force.]]
Snoke saw Solo as a focal point between the light side and the dark side&mdash;an ideal embodiment of a Force warrior&mdash;and wanted to take him as an apprentice of his own.<ref name="TFA VD">''[[Star Wars: The Force Awakens: The Visual Dictionary]]''</ref> Though his origins were a mystery even to his own subordinates,<ref name="TROS VD" /> Snoke was created by the phantom Emperor Darth Sidious<ref name="Episode IX" /> and designed by the [[Sith Eternal]] [[Sith cultist|cultists]] to mold Solo into an heir worthy of inheriting the legacy of the Sith.<ref name="TROS VD" />

Snoke utilized the anger Solo felt at this revelation to cap off his decade long manipulations, promising Solo with his guidance and the latter's power, he would become a figure that would even surpass his grandfather, Darth Vader. Solo felt like he no longer had to compete with his family or the Jedi who came before him anymore, but instead surpass them and live up to the power of his grandfather, feeding into Snoke's doctrine to turn the young man into a weapon of the dark side.<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" />

Unbeknownst to Solo, his descent to the dark side was part of Darth Sidious' plan to turn him against the new Jedi Order. The reborn Sith Lord had been using Snoke as a proxy to groom Solo for his future as Vader's heir, believing that his inner conflict made him an easily malleable, but worthy apprentice. Although Solo would not become a true Sith, his raw strength with the Force made him powerful with the dark side nonetheless.<ref name="Secrets of the Sith" />

====A fateful night====
{{Quote|He would bring destruction, pain, death, and the end of everything I love because of what he will become. And for the briefest moment of pure instinct, I thought I could stop it. It passed like a fleeting shadow. And I was left with shame and with consequence. And the last thing I saw were the eyes of a frightened boy whose master had failed him.|Luke Skywalker, about Ben Solo|<ref name="Episode VIII" />}}
[[File:Wakey_wakey_Ben.png|thumb|right|258px|Skywalker had a premonition that his nephew would herald death, destruction, and the end of everything he loved.]]
Skywalker eventually became aware of the darkness growing in his nephew as he observed glimpses during Solo's training. He went to his nephew's bedroom one evening to confront him, and found him asleep. Standing over his sleeping student, Skywalker reached out and sensed that Solo had already turned through Snoke's influence, and saw the death and destruction Solo would someday bring to everything Skywalker loved. The immediacy and severity of the threat caused the Jedi Master to instinctively draw his lightsaber, intending for a brief moment to kill his apprentice to prevent his vision from coming to pass, but the impulse vanished in an instant. Skywalker was immediately filled with shame and saw Solo had awakened to see his uncle standing over him with his lightsaber raised. Solo, unaware of the brevity of Skywalker's instinct, witnessed it long enough to fear for his life and realized what his uncle had seen in his mind. He panicked and drew his own lightsaber to strike his uncle first, but Skywalker quickly blocked his nephew's killing blow. In an act of desperation, Solo used the Force to collapse the entire hut on his master.<ref name="TLJ EE" />

[[File:DestructionOfTheJediTemple-TheRiseOfKyloRen1.png|thumb|left|250px|Driven by anger and confusion, Solo destroyed the Jedi temple along with most of his fellow students.]]
Solo emerged from the ruins believing he had killed Skywalker, and he raged in anger and confusion over why his uncle had attacked him. The night sky was clear as Solo shouted questions and pointed his ignited lightsaber at the [[Jedi temple]]. As his eyes changed to constricted pupils and irises clouded with red, Solo briefly<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 1" /> surrendered to the dark side and summoned a [[Force power|storm]] that could [[Destruction of the Jedi Temple|destroy the temple]].<ref name="Encyclopedia: Kylo">{{EncyclopediaCite|Kylo Ren and Other Followers of the Dark Side}}</ref> He then noticed the red storm clouds<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 1" /> he had summoned<ref name="Encyclopedia: Kylo" /> appear above the temple, which rained lightning upon the temple and set the buildings [[Fire|ablaze]].<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 1" />

The fire that Solo started when he lashed out destroyed most of the students along with the temple,<ref name="TROS VD" /><ref name="Ultimate Star Wars">''[[Ultimate Star Wars, New Edition]]''</ref> which collapsed<ref name="TLJ VD" /> and burned to the ground.<ref name="Secrets of the Jedi" /> The lightning strike caused an explosion that knocked back Solo and scattered debris and the bodies of dead students. When Solo attempted to run inside the burning temple, he was thrown back by another explosion. He surveyed the death and destruction around him and, horrified, said that he never wanted this. However, a voice inside of Solo's head told him that the fault lay not with himself, but rather with Skywalker and the Jedi.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 1" /> He assumed that a [[holocron]] containing a message from the former Jedi [[Grand Master]], [[Yoda]], was destroyed in the blaze.<ref name="Galactic Starcruiser">[[Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser|''Star Wars'': Galactic Starcruiser]]</ref>

====A dark path====
{{Quote|The Knights of Ren could be your first step on that path. They always seek powerful people to join their ranks. But be warned&hellip; the price of admission is steep.|Snoke, to Ben Solo|<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 2" />}}
[[File:TaiConfrontsBenSolo-TheRiseOfKyloRen1.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Solo, who felt that his master had betrayed him, renounced the Jedi Order and sought a new path under Snoke's guidance.]]
Returning from an off-world mission, the Jedi students Hennix, Tai and Voe confronted Solo and questioned his involvement in the temple's demise. Solo dejectedly informed them about Skywalker's actions and responded angrily when he assumed Voe was questioning his power in comparison to their master's. Solo told them the temple was a lie that was now over. As Solo turned to leave, the apprentices brandished their lightsabers at him, causing Solo to fight back with his [[Force power]]s, injuring Hennix. Defeating them, he boarded his starship [[Grimtaash (starship)|''Grimtaash'']], whilst the trio followed in their own spacecraft, the ''[[Verity]]''. Though Solo had the opportunity to kill them, he only incapacitated their ship before making his escape, and eventually arrived at [[Amaxine Space Station|Amaxine space station]] where Solo met with Snoke.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 1" />

[[File:TheFutureKyloRen-RiseOfKyloRen2.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Snoke encouraged Solo to adopt a new name, one that he would be known by throughout the galaxy.]]
Having rejected his future as a Jedi, Solo expressed interest in learning what he could from the Knights of Ren. Snoke not only supported Solo's new path, but also encouraged the fallen Jedi to take the opportunity of forging his own identity absent of Skywalker's influence. Solo had long felt the pressure of living up to the legends he was named after, and therefore wished to be rid of his given name as well as his father's surname. Even before he departed to search for the Knights of Ren, Solo began entertaining the idea of using a name he coined as a child. Snoke approved, believing that the new name represented Solo's true nature and would become known to the entire galaxy one day. Returning to the place where he last saw the Knights, Solo made contact with Ren by using the latter's [[helmet]] as a direct line of communication, and was told to seek them out on [[Varnak]] in the [[Mid Rim Territories|Mid Rim]]. By then, the other Jedi students had caught up to Solo, intending to prevent him from going any further down the path of the dark side.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 2" />

====Confrontation on Elphrona====
{{Quote|I went back there to see if I could find a path to you and the other Knights, but I was followed somehow. By three ''Jedi''. Students of Luke Skywalker. ''[&hellip;]'' And the temple's gone. Burned. I destroyed it. That's why the other students came after me. To kill me.|Ben Solo, to Ren|<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 3" />}}
[[File:VoeAttacksBenSolo-TheRiseOfKyloRen3.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Seeking the Knights of Ren, Solo returned to Elphrona where he was confronted by a trio of Jedi apprentices.]]
The [[Battle of Elphrona|battle]] moved outside of the outpost. Solo simultaneously parried Voe and Hennix's lightsabers, and Tai attempted a mental probe with the Force before Solo telekinetically threw him against a wall. Leaping high into the air, Solo told the other students to let him go. Voe refused to end their pursuit and followed him up a steep rock face, saying he had to face justice for betraying the Jedi, especially their master, and becoming a murderer. Solo reacted with fury and used the Force to throw her over the cliff. As Hennix witnessed the attempted murder, he scaled the rocks without seeing that Solo had halted Voe's descent and struggled to keep her suspended. Hennix, believing he was avenging Voe, called Solo a monster and threw his lightsaber. Reacting instinctively, Solo dropped Voe and deflected Hennix's blade back towards its owner before refocusing his attention on Voe. She was saved when Tai slowed her fall before she landed on him, but Hennix was unable to defend himself when his own lightsaber struck and killed him.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 3" />

Voe identified Hennix's scream and told Tai they had to stop Solo. After descending the cliff, Solo told the pair to get inside the outpost. Tai asked what had happened to Hennix, but Solo told them it did not matter. Before Voe and Tai could recover, Solo seized them both with the Force. He used the Force to throw them into the outpost and collapsed the entrance to trap them inside.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 3" />

====Trials of Knighthood====
{{Quote|But Snoke vouched for you, and you're strong in the shadow, and that's not nothing. Let's spend some time, see if you like us, see if we like you. Maybe you'll find that good death after all.|Ren, to Ben Solo|<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 3" />}}
[[File:ElphronaOutpostDestruction-TheRiseOfKyloRen3.jpg|thumb|left|250px|After defeating the Jedi on Elphrona, Solo tracked the Knights of Ren to the planet Varnak.]]
With the Jedi subdued, Solo completed his journey to Varnak, where he found Ren and the other Knights lounging in a [[cantina]]. Knowing that Snoke had sent Solo to them, Ren informed the young Jedi that he would have to offer them a sacrifice before he could join their ranks. As with Snoke, Ren was doubtful that Skywalker died by Solo's hand, although Solo confirmed that at this point he was responsible for the destruction of the temple and deaths of other Jedi. Ren, however, needed to know if the Jedi that Solo killed held any significance to him, so he asked Solo to recount the details of his confrontation with Tai, Hennix, and Voe. As Solo began telling his story, his thoughts drifted to years past when he was younger&mdash;a child surrounded by other young students whom Skywalker had taken under his wing.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 3" />

Solo recounted his experiences with the three Jedi who followed him to Elphrona, beginning with Voe. He remembered how she treated everything between them as a competition, throughout their time together as Skywalker's apprentices. For Solo, however, nothing with Voe was a contest as he outperformed her in every aspect of their training, despite all of Voe's attempts to reach the level of Solo's skill. Through Solo's recollection of her, Ren deduced that Voe was focused on his strength, whereas Hennix concentrated more on solving the mysteries of the Force as though it were a puzzle. Solo remembered Hennix for his humor and intelligence, but was more cryptic about Tai. Though Solo would not speak of him in detail to Ren, he remembered the way Tai encouraged him to be himself despite the pressure of being who he was&mdash;the scion of a legendary family.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 3" />

Having learned enough about the other students of Skywalker, Ren directed Solo to return to the more recent past regarding his confrontation with the trio that pursued him in the wake of the temple's destruction. Solo took responsibility for Hennix's death, telling Ren that he killed his fellow Jedi. Ren, however, remained skeptical as were the other Knights. Solo protested, believing he met their qualifications, and although Ren agreed that Hennix was technically a death caused by Solo, he knew that the young fallen Jedi was conflicted about it. Nevertheless, Ren allowed Solo to accompany the Knights, at least for the time being, given that he was strong with the dark side as well as the fact that Snoke had already vouched for him. Ren also suspected that, in the course of Solo's journey with the Knights, the former Jedi would eventually make a sacrifice that was worthy of the Knights of Ren.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 3" />

[[File:KyloRenBetaTestVersion-TheRiseOfKyloRen3.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Though conflicted over his choices, Solo's descent into darkness continued as he began traveling with the Knights of Ren.]]
As far as Ren was concerned, Solo's appearance as a Jedi made him unsuitable to be seen in the company of the Knights. As such, Solo was made to set aside his tattered [[Jedi apparel|Jedi robes]] for a set of black clothes. Once dressed in his new attire, Solo was told by Ren that they would now depart from Vanrak and find something to burn.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 3" />

By then, Tai and Voe had managed to create an opening in the destroyed entrance of the Jedi outpost. Tai, having seen glimpses in Solo's mind, knew that his former peer was seeking to join the Knights, believing his truth path was with the dark side warriors. His faith in Solo began to erode upon discovering the dead body of Hennix, whose lightsaber was claimed by Voe as a replacement for her weapon, which was destroyed during her battle with Solo.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 3" />

====The fall of Ben Solo====
{{Quote|Using Snoke as my proxy, I reached into the boy's mind, influencing his choices. I turned him against the new Jedi Order that was rising in my absence. I severed his bonds to his family and broke his ties to the light. Once reborn as Kylo Ren, he was mine to control.|Darth Sidious|<ref name="Secrets of the Sith" />}}
[[File:KnightsOfRenAcceptBen-TheRiseOfKyloRen4.png|thumb|left|250px|The Knights of Ren acknowledged Solo as their new master for having killed Ren in single combat.]]
Journeying to the [[Minemoon]] of [[Mimban]] in the Mid Rim, the Knights of Ren, along with Ben Solo, found themselves amidst [[Mimbanese]] [[miner]]s. Trailed by the Jedi Tai and Voe, Solo confronted the former as the latter repelled the Knights' attack on the Mimbanese. Tai attempted once again to bring Solo back into the light, but before Solo could respond, Ren used the Force to snap Tai's neck. Ren taunted Solo, claiming that Snoke was wrong about him and that he could never survive against someone who actually wanted him dead. They engaged in a lightsaber duel, and as Solo fell towards the dark side, a storm of lightning accompanied him. Those connected to him across the galaxy were able to feel the disturbance in the Force, including Solo's mother, Organa; Snoke; Darth Sidious; and his dyad counterpart, Rey. After successfully killing Ren and taking control of his knights, Solo returned to face Voe, snatched Voe's weapon, and killed her by igniting Ren's lightsaber through her chest.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 4" />

[[File:KyloBleedsCrystal-TheRiseOfKyloRen4.png|thumb|right|250px|Although Solo succeeded in bleeding his lightsaber's kyber crystal, he fractured it in the process.]]
Solo then returned to the ''Night Buzzard'' and retreated to a workbench within to modify his lightsaber. Deeply frustrated with his family's expectations of himself, Solo used the [[kyber crystal]] from his saber to [[Bleeding|bleed]] his hatred for the legacy of his family into it, renouncing his origins to the distant Darth Sidious and Snoke's approval. His eyes briefly turning yellow and red, the [[crystal]] cracked in its master's grip with a surge of fiery energy.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 4" />

Afterward, he had to modify his weapon to contain the power of the broken crystal, which produced a red blade with an unstable and fiery appearance,<ref name="TFA VD" /> a design after the weapon of an ancient Sith Lord, Darth Atrius.<ref name="Secrets of the Sith" /> After bleeding his kyber crystal and modifying his weapon, the newly-turned dark side warrior brandished his [[crossguard lightsaber]] and took on the [[Ren|name]] Kylo Ren.<ref name="Timelines" />

====The rise of Kylo Ren====
{{Quote|Now you will be who you are. Who you were always meant to be.|Darth Sidious, to Ben Solo|<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 4" />}}
[[File:Knights_of_Ren.png|thumb|left|260px|Kylo Ren was the master of the Knights of Ren and the apprentice of Supreme Leader Snoke.]]
Kylo Ren sacrificed everything in his pursuit of power through the dark side, choosing to isolate himself from the people he loved as Ben Solo.<ref name="TROS VD" /> In addition to becoming a champion of the [[First Order]],<ref name="Kylo Ren DB" /> the Empire's successor that Snoke ruled as [[Supreme Leader]],<ref name="TROS VD" /> Ren gained the title master of the Knights of Ren,<ref name="Episode VII" /> having inherited his predecessor's command with Snoke's blessing.<ref name="TROS VD" /> Through his new master's training, Solo became nothing more than a distant memory in the life of Ren. He was the Supreme Leader's most gifted apprentice as well as the embodiment of a new generation of dark side warriors that emerged to fill the void left by the fall of the Sith,<ref name="TFA VD" /> which became extinct with the deaths of Sidious and Vader as the last [[Sith Master]] and [[Sith apprentice]] under the [[Rule of Two]].<ref name="TLJ VD" /> During his training, Snoke warned Ren that, as his dark side powers grew, an equal of the light side&mdash;whom Snoke believed would be Skywalker but later reasoned was Rey&mdash;would arise to challenge him.<ref name="Episode VIII" />

Unbeknownst to Ren, Skywalker survived but was also forever changed upon witnessing the destruction of the Jedi Order by his nephew.<ref name="Episode VIII" /> Ren's actions sent shock waves through his family. With his Jedi temple destroyed, Skywalker vanished into exile. Those closest to him believed that he went in search of the [[first Jedi Temple]],<ref name="Episode VII" /> which he eventually discovered on the [[planet]] [[Ahch-To]].<ref name="Rey's Story">''[[The Force Awakens: Rey's Story]]''</ref> Organa and Solo separated, with Solo returning to smuggling with Chewbacca. Organa returned to a life of war,<ref name="Episode VII" /> forming a band of [[soldier]]s known as the [[Resistance]] when the New Republic Senate refused to take the emerging threat of the First Order seriously.<ref name="TFA VD" /> Though Solo believed there was too much of Darth Vader in Ben and that they lost their son forever, Organa never gave up hope that there was still good in him.<ref name="Episode VII" />

By decree of the Supreme Leader, Ren's true name could never be spoken. Ren sought to put his past behind him, become immune to the temptations of the light, and claim his birthright by ruling the weaker beings of the galaxy. He typically wore a [[Kylo Ren's helmet|combat helmet]], patterned after the battle gear of the Knights of Ren, in order to conceal his identity and give him a more intimidating presence. This helmet also contained a vocal modifier, which lowered the pitch of Ren's voice considerably. Ren's actions at Skywalker's temple earned him the nickname "Jedi Killer," a name whispered amongst the First Order ranks who knew Ren had prevented the return of the Jedi Order.<ref name="TFA VD" /> No longer a Jedi but neither a Sith, Ren strove to harness the pain of his emotional conflict in order to fuel his extraordinary powers and destroy the last traces of the Jedi tradition.<ref name="Kylo Ren Bio Gallery">{{Databank|kylo-ren-biography-gallery|Kylo Ren Biography Gallery}}</ref>

[[File:HelmetWarrantyVoided-TFAT2.png|thumb|right|250px|The legacy of Darth Vader would cast a dark shadow over the life of his only grandchild.]]
Ren's desire to put the light side behind him was a key part of how he viewed his heritage. He came to idolize Darth Vader and kept his grandfather's [[Darth Vader's armor|burned helmet]] as a shrine to the legacy of the [[Dark Lord of the Sith]],<ref name="Episode VII" /> hoping to destroy the last Jedi as Vader had once intended and stamp out the last remnants of the light side of the Force.<ref name="TFA novel">[[Star Wars: The Force Awakens (novelization)|''Star Wars: The Force Awakens'' novelization]]</ref> Though Skywalker had redeemed Vader during the Battle of Endor&mdash;allowing his father, Anakin to fulfill the ancient prophecy of the [[Chosen One]]<ref name="Secrets of the Jedi" />&mdash;Ren and Snoke both believed that Darth Vader was Anakin's true self and that his redemption had simply been a single yet fatal error in an otherwise important life.<ref name="TFA novel" /> Ren regarded Darth Vader as his real grandfather and wished to emulate him. While he later realized he had never managed to contact the Sith Lord he hoped to make proud,<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" /> Ren, at this time, believed that he had made contact with the [[Force spirit|spirit]] of his grandfather at least once; he later beseeched Vader's helmet to "show [him] ''again'', the power of the darkness."<ref name="Episode VII" />

Beyond becoming the regime's greatest warrior,<ref name="TFA Sticker">''[[Ultimate Sticker Collection: Star Wars: The Force Awakens]]''</ref> Ren became an influential member of the First Order's power structure by virtue of his position as Supreme Leader Snoke's apprentice and enforcer, mirroring his grandfather's status in Sidious' Empire. Though he had direct access to the Supreme Leader and could command [[First Order military|military]] officers, he existed outside of the official military command structure. This led to some tension with the First Order's upper ranks, who contended with him despite being wary that his agenda trumped military objectives. This arrangement deliberately mirrored the Galactic Empire's relationship with Darth Vader, who existed outside of the formal military hierarchy but could nonetheless command the [[Imperial Military]] in his own objectives. This tension was particularly palpable with General [[Armitage Hux]], the commander of [[Starkiller Base]], the First Order [[superweapon]] capable of destroying entire [[star system]]s. Ren, who was part of an unofficial Starkiller Base command triumvirate with Hux and [[Captain]] [[Phasma]] of the First Order military, had little regard for Hux as a warrior.; Hux's military experience was mostly theoretical and based on simulated but nonetheless respected battlefield scenarios.<ref name="TFA VD" />

Hux, likewise, was a man of science and had little understanding of Ren's mystical ways. Both vied for the attention of the Supreme Leader.<ref name="TFA VD" /> Over time Ren's reputation came to rival that of Hux and Phasma, both of whom were noted among the First Order ranks for their power and influence. Nevertheless, soldiers such as Captain [[Archex|Cardinal]] held Ren in high regard, believing he would be the one to lead the First Order to victory.<ref name="Phasma">[[Phasma (novel)|''Phasma'']]</ref> However, although he was highly regarded by some figures of the First Order command, others were less impressed with the young Knight of Ren. [[Agent]] [[Terex]], an officer of the [[First Order Security Bureau|First Order's security branch]], was disdainfully dismissive of Ren's attempt to emulate Darth Vader, whom he had met and considered a truly terrifying figure.<ref name="Poe Dameron 11">[[Poe Dameron 11|''Poe Dameron'' 11]]</ref>

===Dark side training===
====Apprentice of Snoke====
{{Quote|Use your fear. Let it crystallize into anger. Turn that anger into ''power''.|Snoke, to Kylo Ren|<ref name="Age of Resistance Snoke">[[Age of Resistance - Supreme Leader Snoke 1|''Age of Resistance - Supreme Leader Snoke'' 1]]</ref>}}
[[File:Rarlech-AORSnoke1.png|thumb|left|250px|Snoke trained Ren to turn his fear into anger, and his anger into power.]]
Sometime later, Snoke took Ren to a [[Unidentified planet (Rarlech system)|rocky planet]] in the [[Rarlech system]]. As the two stood at the edge of a cliff, Snoke turned to Ren and asked if he was afraid. Ren replied by saying he wasn't. Snoke, using the Force, pushed Ren off the cliff and held him in the air. He proceeded to say that he knew Ren was afraid, as he should have been because he had no control. Instead, Ren was obfuscated and powerless. Snoke continued by saying that feeling that was good. Powerless men turned to anger and could lash out blindly with rage. But powerful ones can harness their anger and use it strike. Either they strike or fall. Snoke then released Ren, letting him fall. He told Ren to use the fear in him, turn it into anger, and make that anger become power. Following the guidance of Snoke, Ren was able to use the Force to survive the fall. He then asked Snoke if he would have rescued him if he wasn't able to save himself. Snoke answered by saying that Ren's former master, Luke Skywalker would have, but in doing so would hinder Ren's progress. Snoke wanted Ren to find his true power and potential if the latter wished to rule the galaxy alongside him.<ref name="Age of Resistance Snoke" />

After leaving the rocky world, the duo arrived on [[Dagobah]]. As they prepared to depart from the shuttle, Ren was about to bring his helmet when Snoke ordered him to leave it behind. Ren tried to tell Snoke that he wanted to bring it, but the incensed Supreme Leader slapped him in the face, drawing blood, and once again ordered Ren to leave it, telling him that he couldn't pretend to be Vader where they were going.<ref name="Age of Resistance Snoke" />

====The Cave of Evil====
{{Quote|I feel cold, death, and more.''"<br />"''The cave is power. And darkness. And you will enter.''"<br />"''What's in there?''"<br />"''Only what you've been too weak to bury. Or you can run away, if you'd like.|Snoke and Kylo Ren|<ref name="Age of Resistance Snoke" />}}
[[File:KyloVsVisionLuke-AORSnoke1.jpg|thumb|right|230px|Kylo Ren battled a vision of Luke Skywalker in the Cave of Evil.]]
Following the incident on board their shuttle, Snoke and Ren proceeded towards the [[Cave of Evil]] on Dagobah. Ren commented that he could still sense his uncle from his time on Dagobah training with [[Yoda]]. Snoke nodded and told Ren that one of the most formidable Jedi began his training here. Ren then asked Snoke why he spoke of Skywalker with respect. Snoke said that Skywalker had earned his respect and fear. Ren told Snoke that Skywalker was weak. Snoke replied that Skywalker was not weak, merely misguided. If Snoke had had Skywalker by his side, the galaxy would have belonged to him a lot earlier. They then went to the cave, from which Ren could sense a coldness radiating, along with death and other things. Snoke explained that was where all the fears Ren had been too weak to bury resided. He could go in or run away. But Ren's mind was already made up. He ventured in.<ref name="Age of Resistance Snoke" />

Once inside, Ren had a vision of his uncle Luke, saying that he didn't want to fight Ren. Ren told him that he did not care and activated his lightsaber. Snoke sensed the decision Ren had made and told him that it was good and that Skywalker would have murdered him in his sleep because he feared Ren and how formidable he'd become. As the two dueled, Snoke advised Ren to use his hatred, rise above what was holding him back, and strike against the light within him. Ren did so and impaled the vision of Luke. Thinking he was finished, Ren told Snoke that he was done. But Snoke told him that the vision had just started.<ref name="Age of Resistance Snoke" />

[[File:BenSoloAndParents-AORSnoke1.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Despite his anger and rage, Ben Solo could not bring himself to strike down the apparitions of his parents, Han Solo and Leia Organa.]]
Ren then caught sight of his parents, begging him to quit his actions. He tried to kill the light within him by saying that Ben wasn't his name, but Leia insisted it was and that he was loved. Outside the cave, Snoke could sense the conflict within Ren, but then he sensed Ren ignite his lightsaber. He told Ren to kill the connection and snuff it out. But, in the cave, Ren hadn't killed his parents; instead, he used his lightsaber to slice a tree. This action proved that though he hated his uncle, he loved his mother and father, and it foreshadowed what he would do to Snoke, who couldn't sense that he had not killed the vision of his parents. Ren then destroyed the Cave of Evil, surprising Snoke, who told Ren that the cave had stood for thousands of years and that he had planned to bring other apprentices there. Ren answered by telling Snoke that the past was the past and that Snoke would no longer need any more apprentices.<ref name="Age of Resistance Snoke" />

===Enforcer of the First Order===
====Mission to Karaxis====
{{Quote|You will go to ''Karaxis''&mdash;both of you. Do not forget how integral they are to our plans. Travel there&hellip;show them ''strength''.|Snoke, to Kylo Ren and Armitage Hux|<ref name="Hyperspace Stories 8">[[Hyperspace Stories 8|''Hyperspace Stories'' 8]]</ref>}}
[[File:KyloKillsAKaraxian-HyperspaceStories8.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Ren oversaw the subjugation of the Karaxian people, forcing their world to submit to the rule of the First Order.]]
In addition to his role as Snoke's apprentice, Kylo Ren was also an enforcer of the First Order. When the [[Karaxian]]s refused to submit to the First Order in spite of the military occupation of [[Karaxis]], Snoke sent Ren to their homeworld as a show of force. However, the [[mission to Karaxis]] forced Ren to work alongside his rival, General Hux, whom the Supreme Leader also sent to Karaxis. While confident of his support with Snoke, who protected the general from Ren's wrath, Hux agreed to let Ren lead the mission. Upon their arrival in a [[city]] on Karaxis, Ren intimidated and threatened the Karaxian leadership by using the Force to harm them. He also threatened to kill Hux when the general undermined him by openly challenging his methods. After interrogating one of the Karaxian leaders, whose mind he probed through the Force, Ren learned the location of the individual who could convince the local population to serve the First Order&mdash;a Karaxian known as [[Kelvin Mann]].<ref name="Hyperspace Stories 8" />

Ren searched the nearby [[mountain]]s for Mann and was attacked by the Karaxian's supporters. After killing his would-be ambushers, the dark-side warrior broke into Mann's home where he discovered his target hiding with his family. While threatening to harm them unless Mann agreed to support the First Order, Ren sensed a powerful presence in the Force. At first he believed a member of Mann's family was Force-sensitive, but after probing Mann's mind he realized that none of them were strong with the Force. Ultimately, Ren was forced to return to the city before he could pinpoint the exact location of the power source that he sensed: Hux had allowed a local creature, known as a [[bramalish]], to break through the city wall. The general believed he could use the threat of the creature to pressure the Karaxians into submission. However, the [[First Order stormtrooper]]s under Hux's command were not able to force the bramalish out of the city.<ref name="Hyperspace Stories 8" />

[[File:KyloPushesBramalish-HyperspaceStories8.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The Karaxians surrendered to Ren after he protected their city from a bramalish, allowing the First Order to establish its authority over Karaxis.]]
Ren returned to the city in time to prevent Hux's death, using the Force to telekinetically freeze the bramalish before it could crush the general with its [[foot]]. Despite their rivalry, Ren and Hux worked together to force the bramalish to leave the city. Mann, who accompanied Ren to the city, agreed to convince his people to submit to the First Order's authority.<ref name="Hyperspace Stories 8" />

After the mission Ren returned to his master's flagship, the [[Mega-class Star Dreadnought|''Mega''-class Star Dreadnought]] ''[[Supremacy]]'', where he reported his discovery of a presence in the Force on Karaxis. He remained uncertain about the source, however, and speculated as to whether it was the Force or simply an echo of it. He was certain that the power he felt did not emanate from a person. Snoke chastised his apprentice for being too undisciplined in the ways of the Force to locate the "presence," but reasoned that with more time and training Ren would grow into his role as a dark-side warrior whose duty was to extinguish the light side of the Force where ever he encountered it.<ref name="Hyperspace Stories 8" />

====Colonization of the Unknown Regions====
{{Quote|They also said that someone called ''Kylo Ren'' was leading the First Order army. Does that name mean anything to you?''"<br />"''You could say that. General Organa will want to hear about this immediately.|Kazuda Xiono and Ello Asty|<ref name="The Children from Tehar">{{Resistance|The Children from Tehar}}</ref>}}
[[File:Decisive_Blow_SoR.png|thumb|right|200px|Ren became known for his aggressive tactics, including the massacre of civilians.]]
As one of the commanders of the First Order's military, Ren was heavily involved in its campaign to colonize the Unknown Regions, where the former Imperials had been rebuilding their strength since the Battle of Jakku.<ref name="TFA VD" /> Aided by mysterious alien navigators known as the [[Attendants]], the First Order had been able to navigate beyond the frontier of the known galaxy, allowing them to survive and rebuild their power.<ref name="TLJ VD" /> Several threats lurked in the Unknown Regions, hermetic kingdoms who were confronted by the growing new power. On Supreme Leader Snoke's instruction, the new military undertook a major offensive against several of these kingdoms to seize their worlds and resources to fuel their rise.<ref name="TLJ EE" />

At some point, Ren led an army to the world of [[Tehar]], where they subjugated the local population by [[Attack on Tehar|massacring]] a village. However, the siblings [[Kel]] and [[Eila]] survived the destruction of their village and fled Tehar after stowing away on a cargo ship. Since the children bore the knowledge of its aggressive actions against the people on Tehar, the First Order [[Hunt for Eila and Kel|placed]] a large bounty of twenty thousand credits on their heads, telling informants that Kel and Eila were members of a high-ranking First Order family from outside its military hierarchy.<ref name="The Children from Tehar" />

Kel and Eila eventually made their way to [[Castilon]] and sought refuge on a [[supertanker fuel depot]] known as the ''[[Colossus]]''. After meeting the Resistance [[spy]] [[Kazuda Xiono]], Eila told him about Ren's involvement in the raid on her village. Though she knew little about the warrior dressed in black, apart from his name and affiliation with the army that invaded Tehar, Ren's lightsaber reminded Eila of the legends about the Jedi who carried the same weapons. Xiono, who was also unaware of Ren's identity, passed this information to the Resistance while reporting to [[Ello Asty]].<ref name="The Children from Tehar" />

===The search for Skywalker===
====Hunting the last Jedi====
{{Quote|If Skywalker returns, the new Jedi will rise.|Snoke|<ref name="Episode VII" />}}
Both Ren and the Supreme Leader understood that if Skywalker and the Jedi were to ever return, they would be a grave threat to the future of the First Order. The people who were closest to Skywalker believed he had gone in search of the first Jedi temple, the location of which had been lost. A partial map was recovered from the archives of the Galactic Empire, but it was missing a key piece of the puzzle. The First Order soon discovered that the missing map fragment was in the possession of Lor San Tekka,<ref name="Episode VII" /> a member of the [[Church of the Force]].<ref name="TFA VD" />

====GUHL-J03870====
{{Quote|General Hux&hellip; I know where we must go&hellip; and I know this is the key. We are so close.|Kylo Ren|<ref name="Pest Control">{{IDWAdventuresCite-2017|issue=3|story=Pest Control}}</ref>}}
[[File:Ren_and_Hux_meeting.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Despite their rivalry, Kylo Ren and General Armitage Hux worked together during the hunt for Skywalker.]]
Later, Ren, Hux and two First Order [[admiral]]s gathered in a conference room aboard the ''Finalizer'' over the planet [[GUHL-J03870]]. They were discussing travel to a planet in the [[Western Reaches]]. While in the conference, the [[Unidentified GUHL-J03870 creature|creature]] that the stormtrooper, [[Finn|FN-2187]], was chasing turned off the lights, interrupting the conference. Ren, his temper under control, felt something nearby: something from the planet that should not be on board. He activated his lightsaber to illuminate the room and looked around, but whatever it was had now gone.<ref name="Pest Control" />

After the conference, Ren transmitted orders to Phasma via private frequency. But he had to make sure she got them, so he walked over to the captain's quarters and called her from outside. Only Phasma's helmet appeared through the opened doors. Pleased by her punctuality, Ren relayed what he sensed to Phasma, for he planned to have a discreet search throughout the ''Finalizer''. He ordered her to take a [[squad]] of trainees to investigate the planet for any Resistance activity. Anything Phasma may find, she must deliver to Ren. Then the dark warrior left.<ref name="Pest Control" />

====Marooned with Hux====
{{Quote|How did we&hellip;? Did you&hellip;did you save me?''"<br />"''Not intentionally. I saved myself. You were just nearby. Communications are out.''"<br />"''Which means I have no choice but to talk to you instead of literally anyone else.|Armitage Hux and Kylo Ren|<ref name="Age of Resistance Hux">[[Age of Resistance - General Hux 1|''Age of Resistance - General Hux'' 1]]</ref>}}
[[File:WakeUpHux-AORHux1.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A shuttle carrying Kylo Ren and General Hux was sabotaged by conspirators within the First Order.]]
At one point before the [[attack on Tuanul]], an [[Xi-class light shuttle|''Xi''-class light shuttle]] carrying Kylo Ren and General Hux crash-landed on a [[Unidentified planet (Bylsma)|distant world]]. Their shuttle was consequently destroyed and the pilot died in the crash, although Ren survived the incident by protecting himself with the Force. By saving himself, however, he inadvertently saved Hux's life as well. The destruction of their vessel along with its communications system left them marooned and unable to contact the First Order. Realizing that a [[Unidentified radar technician|saboteur]] was responsible for their predicament, the two rivals began bickering over which of them was at fault. Ren chided Hux as he believed the general was targeted by a conspirator in his own army, to which Hux responded by mocking Ren for his temper and efforts emulate Darth Vader. Ren drew his lightsaber at the mention of his parents and contemplated ridding himself of Hux once and for all, aware that it would be some time before the First Order located their position. However, Hux reminded him of the one person who would learn the truth: Ren's master, Supreme Leader Snoke. Although he did not understand why Hux was important to Snoke's plans, Ren conceded the point that there would be a penalty for killing the Supreme Leader's favored general, and therefore deactivated his lightsaber, sparing Hux.<ref name="Age of Resistance Hux" />

Following their argument, Ren and Hux were attacked by a [[norwood]], a large creature native to the planet that they were stranded on. Drawing his lightsaber once more, Ren took a defensive stance and told Hux to stay behind him, only to see that the general had already fled in the opposite direction of the beast. Though abandoned by Hux, Ren stood his ground and managed to incapacitate the norwood by using the Force to smack its head against a tree. Believing himself victorious, Ren called Hux a coward and told him to come out from wherever he was hiding, but a second norwood ambushed him and ultimately rendered the dark warrior unconscious, at which point the Alderaanian exile [[Bylsma (Alderaanian)|Bylsma]] emerged and prevented the norwoods from killing Ren.<ref name="Age of Resistance Hux" />

[[File:SavedByTheForce-AORHux1.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Ren used his powers to survive the crash, inadvertently saving Hux in the process.]]
Hux, who had been hiding in the trees and watching as the event occurred, cautiously approached Bylsma from his hiding place. Recognizing the old man's uniform, Hux came to the conclusion that Bylsma was an Alderaanian [[Alderaan Guard|palace guard]]. Bylsma confirmed as much and revealed that he had fled into exile after the destruction of Alderaan. He stranded himself on a distant planet and severed his connections to the larger galaxy, fearing that his new home would suffer Alderaan's fate if he attempted to use his ship's communications, but as a result, Bylsma had no knowledge of the events that unfolded after the disaster. Hux used Bylsma's ignorance of recent galactic history in order to gain his trust. In addition, he used Ren's heritage to his advantage, informing Bylsma that the man whom the norwoods attacked was, in fact, a fellow son of Alderaan. More to the point, he was the son of Leia Organa, the princess of Alderaan. Bylsma, who had known both the princess and her adoptive father, saw the physical resemblance between Ren and his mother and wondered if Ren was anything like the princess he once served. Hux assured him that Ren was indeed like his mother, even if he would have denied it.<ref name="Age of Resistance Hux" />

Bylsma built a stretcher and carried Ren to his home, where Hux convinced the retired soldier to give him access to the ship's communications so that they could be rescued. After regaining consciousness, Ren played along with Hux's deception until a shuttle arrived to retrieve them. The shuttle ramp lowered revealing Captain Phasma and a squad of stormtroopers, leading to the norwoods' immediate death by blaster fire. Ren boarded the shuttle in silence alongside Hux, who told the captain to spare the old man's life but to disable his communications array, leaving Bylsma truly stranded and alone. They reported directly to Snoke via hologram after their return to Starkiller Base; although Ren offered to punish the culprit responsible for sabotaging the shuttle, Hux insisted on handling the matter personally, given that the conspiracy was directed at him. Snoke approved the general's request, causing Ren to question the Supreme Leader's faith in Hux. Ren, who could sense Hux's ambition to kill and replace Snoke, and therefore, deemed him untrustworthy, was certain that his master knew it as well. Snoke dismissed Ren's concerns, however, and explained why Hux&mdash;a vicious and unforgiving man, consumed by ambition and driven by spite, molded as such through years of abuse&mdash;was ultimately a useful asset.<ref name="Age of Resistance Hux" />

===Walking in Darth Vader's shadow===
====Confronting old enemies of Vader====
{{Quote|But still, we are walking in Darth Vader's shadow. This is the field where he fought. There is glory here.''"<br />"''Glory? Nah. There's none of that buried out there. There are only wasted lives&hellip;|Kylo Ren and Ruthford|<ref name="Age of Resistance Kylo">[[Age of Resistance - Kylo Ren 1|''Age of Resistance - Kylo Ren'' 1]]</ref>}}
[[File:IWillSucceedWhereYouFailed-AORKyloRen1.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Kylo Ren confronted the Benathy decades after their battle with his grandfather.]]
The First Order deployed an army, under the command of Kylo Ren, to the [[Benathy]] homeworld in [[Wild Space]], intending to put an end to their [[Benathy expansion|expansionist campaign]]. Ren, who was aware that his grandfather once [[Battle against the Benathy|fought]] against the Benathy decades earlier during the reign of the Galactic Empire, saw his mission as an opportunity to succeed where Darth Vader failed&mdash;by forcing the Benathy to submit to the First Order. Captain [[Ruthford]], a veteran [[Stormtrooper|Imperial stormtrooper]] who joined the First Order, accompanied Ren as his military [[advisor]]. Having served with Ren's grandfather against the Benathy, Ruthford opined that Vader managed to subdue the aliens but at the cost of thousands on both sides, resulting in a pyrrhic victory. But where Ruthford was disillusioned by his past experience with the Benathy, believing their conflict with the Empire was pointless and a waste of lives, Ren saw only glory as he walked across the field of battle where Vader once stood, the shadow of his grandfather's legacy looming over him.<ref name="Age of Resistance Kylo" />

Despite the army behind him, the First Order's troops were ordered to stand by while Ren conducted negotiations with the Benathy's ruler, [[King]] [[Kristoff]], attempting to secure their capitulation without bloodshed. Desiring to expand the Benathy's domain, Kristoff not only conquered four nearby planets but also had them purged of all life, leading Ren to demand that the Benathy cease their expansion immediately. Compared to Ren, the late Vader commanded the king's respect, but only to a degree because while Vader killed [[Unidentified Benathy king|Kristoff's predecessor]] he failed to defeat their [[Zillo Beast]], which the Benathy worshiped as a god. Nevertheless, Ren continued his efforts to resolve their situation through diplomacy and even attempted to dominate the king's will by way of the Force. The [[mind trick]] failed, however. Kristoff openly mocked Ren's negotiating skills, causing Ruthford to caution him against provoking the dark warrior. At that point, Ren stabbed the king through the head with his lightsaber, concluding negotiations in favor of open [[Battle against the Benathy (First Order)|battle]].<ref name="Age of Resistance Kylo" />

[[File:KneelBeforeRen-AORKyloRen1.jpg|thumb|left|250px|With the death of their Zillo Beast god, the Benathy bent the knee to Kylo Ren and the First Order.]]
Leading by example like his grandfather before him, Ren fought alongside his stormtroopers as they engaged the Benathy and personally killed numerous enemy combatants until their deity arrived. Despite Ruthford's skepticism, Ren was undaunted and ordered his men to keep fighting. After their initial efforts to kill the beast failed, he improvised a plan to kill the creature to the dismay of Ruthford, who could no longer restrain himself from expressing his disapproval of Ren's desire to match Vader's achievements. In his view, there was no competition between Ren and Vader because the latter was long since dead.<ref name="Age of Resistance Kylo" />

Despite the captain's lack of faith in him, Ren commanded a shuttle to bring him to the jaws of the Zillo Beast, diving head-first into its mouth. Convinced that Ren was dead, Ruthford was in the middle of recommending the option of retreat to a nearby admiral when the Zillo Beast suddenly collapsed and died. Ren had killed the creature from within, where it was vulnerable, and managed to cut his way out, emerging from its corpse covered in the blood of the Benathy's deity. Declaring that their god was now dead, the dark warrior commanded the Benathy to submit to the First Order, and they did by kneeling in submission to him. In the end, he not only gained the allegiance of the Benathy, but also Captain Ruthford's respect.<ref name="Age of Resistance Kylo" />

====Mission to Pillio====
{{Quote|Tell me where Lor San Tekka took the map.''"<br />"''&hellip;Bayora. He took it to Bayora.|Kylo Ren and Del Meeko|<ref name="Battlefront II">''[[Star Wars Battlefront II]]''</ref>}}
[[File:MissionPillioKylo.png|thumb|right|250px|Ren personally oversaw the First Order's efforts to locate and destroy the last Jedi, his uncle and former Master Luke Skywalker.]]
The hunt for Skywalker caused Ren to undertake a [[Mission to Pillio (First Order)|journey]] the planet [[Pillio]]. Although San Tekka was not found on the world, the First Order's allies captured and detained [[Del Meeko]], a veteran of the Galactic Civil War who served the Empire and New Republic, in turn, as a member of [[Inferno Squad]]. Upon his arrival, the dark warrior was greeted by [[Protectorate (title)|Protectorate]] [[Gleb]] of [[Jinata Security]]. Dismissive of the formalities, he instructed the [[Aqualish]] [[officer]] to lead him to Meeko. He found the former soldier wounded and alone on the [[Bridge (starship)|bridge]] of the [[Raider II-class corvette|''Raider II''-class corvette]] [[Corvus (Raider II-class)|''Corvus'']].<ref name="Battlefront II" />

Ignoring the prisoner's sarcasm, Ren used the Force to [[Mind probe (Force power)|probe]] through Meeko's [[Brain|mind]], determined to learn where San Tekka took the map. For all of Meeko's efforts to resist the probe, invading his mind was a relatively simple task for Ren, who saw memories ranging across the former [[commando]]'s life&mdash;from his service on [[Scarif]] as a [[coastal defender stormtrooper]] to his participation in the Battle of Endor and the [[Skirmish on Vardos|skirmish]] on [[Vardos]]. He also learned that Meeko encountered Skywalker on Pillio and subsequently discovered his faith in the Force. Ultimately, Meeko was unable to resist Ren's powers and revealed that San Tekka took the map with him to [[Bayora]].<ref name="Battlefront II" />

Having gained the information he sought, Ren turned the prisoner over to [[First Order officer]] [[Gideon Hask]], one of Meeko's former teammates in the Inferno Squad prior the Empire's fall, who executed Meeko shortly thereafter.<ref name="Battlefront II" />

====Raid on Jakku====
{{Quote|The map to Skywalker. We know you found it. And now you're going to give it to the First Order.''"<br />"''The First Order rose from the dark side. You did not.''"<br />"''I'll show you the dark side.''"<br />"''You may try. But you cannot deny the truth that is your family.''"<br />"''You're so right.|Kylo Ren and Lor San Tekka|<ref name="Episode VII" />}}
[[File:Lor_San_Tekka_brought_before_Kylo_Ren.png|thumb|left|250px|Ren demanded that Lor San Tekka give him the map to Skywalker, but the old explorer refused&mdash;and paid for it with his life.]]
Eventually, the First Order learned that San Tekka was on [[Jakku]]. Ren, who knew San Tekka from childhood as the explorer was once an old ally of Organa and Skywalker, brought the [[Resurgent-class Star Destroyer|''Resurgent''-class Star Destroyer]] ''[[Finalizer]]'' in his search for the map. The First Order's military attacked the village of [[Tuanul]], where San Tekka lived. Once the First Order stormtroopers, under the command of Phasma, rounded up the denizens of the village, Ren arrived on the battlefield and confronted San Tekka, lamenting how old the former explorer had become, to which San Tekka replied that Ren's fall to the dark side was far worse. Ren demanded that San Tekka give the map to the First Order, but San Tekka refused to submit to the will of the dark side and reminded the one-time Jedi that Ren could not deny the truth of his heritage, at which point Ren struck him down with his lightsaber while sarcastically agreeing with him.<ref name="Episode VII" />

Moments later, he was shot at from afar by [[Commander]] [[Poe Dameron]], a [[Resistance Starfighter Corps|starfighter]] pilot in the Resistance who was sent to Jakku by General Organa to find the map before the First Order. Ren used the Force to [[Force Stasis|freeze]] the blaster bolt midair, and Dameron was soon brought before him. The dark warrior realized that Tekka gave the map to Dameron and ordered that the [[trooper]]s bring the pilot onto Ren's [[Kylo Ren's command shuttle|command shuttle]], before giving the order to kill the rest of the villagers. One stormtrooper, FN-2187, hesitated and ultimately chose not to fire on the civilians, an act that Ren noticed as he could sense his fear before boarding his shuttle.<ref name="Episode VII" />

====Locating BB-8====
{{Quote|Sir&hellip; we were unable to acquire the droid on Jakku. It escaped capture&hellip; aboard a stolen YT Corellian model freighter.''"<br />"''The droid&hellip; stole a freighter?|Dopheld Mitaka and Kylo Ren|<ref name="Episode VII" />}}
[[File:Kylo_tortures_Poe_Dameron.png|thumb|right|269px|Ren used the Force to extract the location of the map from Poe Dameron's mind.]]
Dameron was [[Prison|brought]] aboard the ''Finalizer'' for interrogation, where he was placed into an [[Torture|interrogation]] [[Interrogation chair|chair]].<ref name="Episode VII" /> The device, used by Ren to extract information from his prisoners, was based on similar devices once used by the [[Inquisitorius|Inquisitors]] of the Galactic Empire.<ref name="TFA VD" /> First Order interrogators were unable to break Dameron, but they did learn that he was the best pilot in the Resistance, a feat that Ren noted once he began interrogating the pilot personally. Though the dark knight was impressed that Dameron had not yet been broken, Ren began to use the Force to mentally extract the information from Dameron's mind. The pilot, who resisted the Force attack, finally was forced to reveal that he had hidden the map inside his [[BB-series astromech droid|BB unit]], [[BB-8]], who was likely still on Jakku. Ren informed General Hux of the new development and left the recovery of the droid in the hands of the military.<ref name="Episode VII" />

Shortly after leaving Dameron under the guard of several stormtroopers, Ren arrived on the ''Finalizer''{{'s}} bridge upon hearing that the Resistance pilot [[Escape from the Finalizer|escaped]] aboard a [[TIE/fo space superiority fighter|TIE fighter]]. Hux confirmed this with the additional information of Dameron having had help from someone within the First Order's ranks. Ren realized that it could only have been FN-2187, after remembering how the conflicted soldier had hesitated in Tuanul, and he said as much to Hux. The TIE fighter was eventually shot down after a brief skirmish, and it crash-landed on Jakku.<ref name="Episode VII" />

[[File:Phasma_Hux_Ren.png|thumb|left|250px|Dameron escaped with the help of FN-2187, causing Ren to doubt the loyalty of Hux's stormtroopers.]]
The First Order recognized that Dameron and the deserter designated FN-2187 were looking for the droid, so Hux ordered a [[squadron]] to be sent to Jakku to recover it first. Hux soon spoke to the Supreme Leader, who ordered them to capture the droid if they could, but destroy it if they must. Ren questioned the capability of Hux's soldiers and training methods, wondering aloud whether the Supreme Leader would be better off using an army of [[Cloning|clones]]<ref name="Episode VII" /> as the [[Galactic Republic]]<ref name="Episode II">{{Film|II}}</ref> and the early Empire had once done.<ref name="Episode III">{{Film|III}}</ref> Hux told him that they were more than capable, and warned Ren not to let his personal mission to find Skywalker interfere with the Supreme Leader's orders.<ref name="Episode VII" />

Later that day,<ref name="Episode VII" /> a nervous [[Lieutenant]] [[Dopheld Mitaka]]<ref name="TFA VD" /> informed Ren that the [[astromech droid]] escaped aboard a [[YT-1300 light freighter]]. At first, Ren found it unlikely for a single droid to be capable of stealing a ship but allowed Mitaka to continue. Further intelligence suggested the probability of FN-2187, who had now branded himself with the name Finn, abetting the droid's evacuation from Jakku. Enraged that the [[Treason|traitor]] had robbed him of the means to find Skywalker, Ren ignited his lightsaber and destroyed the [[computer]] terminal in front of him. The dark warrior calmed down, asking if there was "anything else." Mitaka replied that the defector and the droid had help from a [[Rey Skywalker|girl]]. Ren used the Force to drag Mitaka towards him, grabbed him by the neck, and demanded to know who the girl was.<ref name="Episode VII" />

===Return of the past===
====The pull to the light====
{{Quote|The droid we seek is aboard the ''Millennium Falcon''. In the hands of your father&hellip; Han Solo.''"<br />"''He means nothing to me.''"<br />"''Even you, master of the Knights of Ren&hellip; have never faced such a test.''"<br />"''By the grace of your training, I will not be seduced.''"<br />"''We shall see. We shall see.|Kylo Ren and Snoke|<ref name="Episode VII" />}}
[[File:Kylo_Ren_and_Snoke.png|thumb|right|270px|The Supreme Leader told Ren that BB-8 was in the hands of Han Solo and warned the dark warrior he was about to face his greatest test.]]
With the droid gone, the ''Finalizer'' made its way to Starkiller Base. Once there, Ren and Hux spoke to Supreme Leader Snoke, who communicated to his subordinates via an enlarged [[hologram]]. Snoke remained concerned that Skywalker's return would be a threat to the First Order, so Hux proposed that they finally use the weapon as intended and destroy the New Republic one and for all. Without the Republic, Hux knew that the Resistance would be vulnerable and could be stopped before they found Skywalker. The Supreme Leader gave the general his permission and Hux left to oversee preparations, while Ren remained behind.<ref name="Episode VII" />

Both Snoke and Ren could sense that the Force was awakening<ref name="Episode VII" /> from dormancy once again,<ref name="TFA VD" /> and the Supreme Leader told his apprentice that the droid was in the hands of Han Solo; the old smuggler had the astromech aboard his ship, the ''Millennium Falcon''. Ren claimed Solo meant nothing to him and that he would not be "seduced" by the light<ref name="Episode VII" /> as his grandfather once was,<ref name="TFA novel" /> not while he had Snoke's training. Even so, the Supreme Leader warned that this would be Ren's greatest test.<ref name="Episode VII" />

Though Ren believed he would not be seduced, he nonetheless felt the pull of the light side.<ref name="Episode VII" /> In his personal quarters aboard the ''Finalizer'',<ref name="TFA VD" /> Ren spoke to the helmet of Darth Vader, searching for guidance and hoping that the legacy of the Dark Lord could remind him of the power of the dark side. He swore that if Vader could somehow show him that dark power, then Ren would finish what the Sith started and destroy the last of the Jedi.<ref name="Episode VII" />

====Capture of Rey====
{{Quote|You. You're afraid. That you will never be as strong as Darth Vader.|Rey, to Kylo Ren|<ref name="Episode VII" />}}
[[File:Destruction_of_Hosnian_System.png|thumb|left|260px|Ren witnessed the power that Starkiller Base unleashed upon the Hosnian system, destroying the New Republic and sending billions to their deaths.]]
The First Order soon learned that Solo, Rey, Finn, and BB-8 had landed on [[Takodana]], and were in the [[Takodana Castle|castle]] of the ancient [[pirate]] [[Maz Kanata]], whom Ren hoped would help deliver the droid to the Resistance. Before the First Order departed, General Hux unleashed the Starkiller weapon against the Republic. After giving a speech to his forces about the end of a regime that he believed could not contain the galactic chaos, Hux commanded that the weapon be fired. Ren watched from the bridge of the ''Finalizer''<ref name="Episode VII" /> as the weapon's [[phantom energy]]<ref name="TFA novel" /> left the surface of Starkiller Base and made their way<ref name="Episode VII" /> to the Republic's [[capital]] of [[Hosnian Prime]],<ref name="TFA VD" /> where they [[Hosnian Cataclysm|destroyed]] the entire [[Hosnian system]].<ref name="Episode VII" />

[[File:ReyRen-TFAintltrailer.png|thumb|right|250px|Ren discovered Rey on Takodana and took her prisoner once he realized she had seen the map to Skywalker.]]
With the Republic severely damaged, Ren led his forces to Takodana, where the stormtroopers [[Battle of Takodana|attacked]] Kanata's castle. Solo, Finn, and BB-8 were briefly captured by the First Order before Dameron and the Resistance Starfighter Corps arrived to recover the droid. When Rey and the astromech tried to escape through the forest, they split up as she led the stormtroopers away from the droid. Ren soon arrived on the battlefield and found her in the woods. She fired at him with [[Rey's blaster|her blaster]], but he followed her and deflected the shots with his lightsaber. Finally, Ren froze her in place with a [[Telekinesis|telekinetic]] attack.<ref name="Episode VII" />

Using the Force to enter Rey's mind, Ren saw that she had seen the map he sought. Believing the First Order would not need the droid since he could view Rey's memories, he used the Force to render her unconscious and captured her. He ordered the First Order to retreat and their forces left Takodana. The droid ultimately made it out of the forests and into the hands of the Resistance.<ref name="Episode VII" />

[[File:Mind_Probe_SWDA.png|thumb|left|250px|Ren probed Rey's mind for the map to Skywalker and sensed her loneliness in the process.]]
Ren brought Rey to Starkiller Base via his command shuttle and restrained her in an interrogation chair. When she awoke, she asked where her friends were, and Ren told her he had no idea and pointed out that would be a relief to her. He sensed she still wanted to kill him, and she said it was because she was being hunted by a creature in a mask. He removed his mask to show his young face and asked about the droid, but the girl only gave him BB-8's technical specifications. Ren told her that he knew about the map and that the First Order had recovered the rest of it from the archives of the Empire.<ref name="Episode VII" />

Ren warned Rey that he could take whatever he wanted from her before probing her mind with the Force while she resisted his mental attack.<ref name="Episode VII" /> At the time, Ren was unaware that he and Rey formed a [[Doctrine of the Dyad|prophesized]] [[Force dyad|dyad in the Force]], but he sensed they had an innate connection.<ref name="TROS VD" /> In her mind, he discovered her name,<ref name="TFA novel" /> felt her loneliness and fear, and saw an [[ocean]] and an island that she had dreamed about during her life as a [[scavenger]] in the [[Starship Graveyard|junkyards]]. When he sensed Han Solo, Ren could tell that Rey looked at the smuggler as a father figure, but he said that Solo would have only disappointed her. Rey grew more resistant to his mental attack and turned it against him, using the same ability to see that Ren was afraid he would never be as strong as Darth Vader was.<ref name="Episode VII" />

====Snoke's new strategy====
{{Quote|Supreme Leader, I can get the map from the girl. I just need your guidance.''"<br />"''If what you say about this girl is true&hellip; Bring her to me.|Kylo Ren and Snoke|<ref name="Episode VII" />}}
[[File:Snoke_speaks_to_Kylo_Ren_and_Hux.png|thumb|right|250px|Snoke ordered Hux to target the Starkiller at the Resistance, and told Ren to bring Rey before him.]]
Stunned by the reversal, Ren left Rey behind in the interrogation chamber and spoke to the Supreme Leader, who reacted with incredulity that a mere scavenger resisted him. Ren told Snoke that Rey was even stronger with the Force than she realized. The Supreme Leader asked what happened to the droid, and General Hux, who had just entered the chamber, told Snoke that Ren believed he only needed Rey and allowed the droid to escape. Concerned that the Resistance might have the full map to Skywalker, Snoke ordered Hux to unleash the Starkiller weapon against the [[Resistance base]] on the planet [[D'Qar]]. Ren swore that he could still find the map in Rey's mind as long as he had his master's guidance, so the Supreme Leader ordered Rey to be brought to him.<ref name="Episode VII" />

On his way to Rey's holding cell, Ren learned that the girl had somehow broken out. The guard who had been ordered to watch her could not fathom how he ended up in his quarters. When asked by a First Order officer if "stronger methods" were needed, Ren declined; any further simple questioning might enable the guard to remember something important. In the meantime, Rey must be found.<ref name="TFA novel" />

When Ren returned to the cell,<ref name="Episode VII" /> he needed to see if Rey had truly used her emerging Force abilities to escape. Inspection revealed the interrogation bench was deserted, every one of its restraints left open as if to mock Ren.<ref name="TFA novel" /> Enraged, he ignited his lightsaber and destroyed the room, causing two passing stormtroopers to quickly back away.<ref name="Episode VII" />

====Han Solo's last stand====
{{Quote|I'm being torn apart. I want to be free of this pain. I know what I have to do&hellip; but I don't know if I have the strength to do it. Will you help me?''"<br />"''Yes. Anything.|Kylo Ren and Han Solo|<ref name="Episode VII" />}}
Ren commanded the First Order troops to be on alert for Rey as she began making her way through the base, as he knew that the longer she was able to tap into her powers while escaping, the more dangerous she would become. [[Unidentified First Order stormtrooper (Starkiller Base)|A trooper]] reported sensor readings in [[Hangar 718]], which meant Rey could be there. But investigations turned up nothing. Nonetheless, Ren wanted every hangar on lockdown to prevent Rey from commandeering a ship. Right in the middle of that order, he was interrupted by a familiar presence: Han Solo. His father was on Starkiller Base.<ref name="Episode VII" />

Ren ordered for a search of the ''Millennium Falcon'', for the ship had shortly been sighted at the edge of a cliff. By the time he arrived on the scene, everything checked clear and not a single hidden trap could be found. He boarded the ''Falcon'' and sat on the pilot's seat, looking for anything that may lead him to Solo's whereabouts. Just then, he spotted Resistance [[T-70 X-wing starfighter|X-wings]] flying past and [[Battle of Starkiller Base|assaulting]] the [[thermal oscillator]],<ref name="TFA novel" /> hoping to destroy it and set off a chain reaction that would cause the planet to implode before the weapon could destroy D'Qar. Ren rushed to the oscillator, commanding his troops to find the intruders.<ref name="Episode VII" /> He knew Solo had to be nearby,<ref name="TFA novel" /> as well as the fact that he did not come alone.<ref name="Episode VII" />

[[File:KyloRenandHanSolo-KyloDB.jpg|thumb|left|253px|Ren was confronted by his estranged father, Han Solo, who tried to convince his son to reject the dark side and return home.]]
As Ren advanced on the walkway, he stopped upon hearing the voice of his father, calling out to him from behind, using his birth name. He turned about face and said he had been waiting for this eventuality. Solo told him to remove the mask so he could see the face of his son once more. Ren removed the mask but told Solo that he had destroyed Ben, who Ren thought was weak and foolish, much like his father before him. Solo refused to acknowledge Ren's pessimistic stance on the matter, retorting that his son was very much alive and Snoke was simply using Ren for his power, and that once Snoke had exhausted Ren's usefulness, he would be disposed of.<ref name="Episode VII" />

Ren, while neither denying nor confirming what Solo said about Snoke to be true, stated that it was too late for him. Solo pleaded with Ren to come home to his true family, claiming that he and Organa desperately missed the presence of their son. Ren, conflicted by the pull towards the light, broke down in tears and told his father that he was being torn apart by the constant struggle between the dark and the light inside him and wanted to be free of the pain that he was feeling. He knew what he had to do to put a permanent end to his inner turmoil, although Ren was uncertain whether or not he could perform the necessary act to do so. Asking for his father's assistance in ceasing the struggle, Solo agreed, not knowing that it was the light that Ren felt conflicted by.<ref name="Episode VII" />

[[File:Kylo_impales_Solo.png|thumb|right|264px|Although Ren found the resolve to kill his own father, the act of patricide only worsened the conflict within him.]]
Ren, who was being watched from afar by Chewbacca, Rey, and Finn, took out his lightsaber and Solo grabbed hold of it. As the Starkiller finished draining the [[star]] it orbited to power the weapon, and the light on the planet died out, Ren ignited his lightsaber and impaled his father through the torso. A mortally wounded Han Solo touched his son's face one last time before falling to his death in the bowels of the oscillator.<ref name="Episode VII" /> Despite Ren's role in his death, Han died refusing to believe that his son was lost to the dark side forever.<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" />

Unbeknownst to Ren, he had carried out a Sith [[trial of ascendancy]], a trial that required the sacrifice of a loved one to unlock newfound depths of dark power.<ref name="TROS VD" /> The act of patricide had an unsettling effect on Ren, as did Solo's gesture of compassion which tormented Ren far more than killing his own father.<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" /> Rather than make him stronger in the dark side, as he had thought, it had weakened his spirit.<ref name="TFA novel" /> He became unbalanced,<ref name="Episode VIII" /> and was more miserable and weak than before.<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" /> The shock had been so profound, he did not register Chewbacca's roar of anguish<ref name="TFA novel" /> nor Rey's scream of horror.<ref name="Episode VII" />

Enraged by the loss of his best friend, Chewbacca fired a powerful shot from his Wookiee [[bowcaster]] and hit Ren in the left side, seriously injuring the dark knight.<ref name="Episode VII" /> Quickly, Ren used the Force to reduce the effects of the wound, lest it may result in his premature death.<ref name="TLJ EE" /> Chewbacca killed several other stormtroopers in the area as Rey and Finn, who were high above in the oscillator, began firing into the area as well. The Wookiee then ignited charges that he and Solo set throughout the oscillator, causing a massive explosion that breached the oscillator and gave Dameron and the remaining Resistance pilots an opportunity to destroy it. As Ren composed himself from his injury, he made [[eye]] contact with Finn and Rey. Anger swelling within him, he was resolved to find them before they could escape.<ref name="Episode VII" />

====Duel in the forest====
{{Quote|We're not done yet.''"<br />"''You're a monster.''"<br />"''It's just us now. Han Solo can't save you.|Kylo Ren and Rey|<ref name="Episode VII" />}}
[[File:Enrage-Awakenings.png|thumb|left|250px|Ren pursued Rey and Finn into the forest despite the wound he sustained from Chewbacca's bowcaster.]]
Ren followed Rey and Finn into the forest outside of the oscillator, as they made their way back to the nearby ''Millennium Falcon''. He confronted them, lightsaber drawn, and said that they still had unfinished business from which Han Solo could not save them. Outraged by Ren's patricidal actions, Rey denounced the dark warrior as a monster and tried to attack him with her blaster, but he used the Force to throw her into a tree and knock her unconscious. Now it was just Ren and the traitor who had earned his ire.<ref name="Episode VII" />

Finn ignited the [[Skywalker lightsaber]] that had been given to him for safekeeping by Maz Kanata&mdash;a lightsaber that once belonged to Luke Skywalker, and to Anakin before him. Ren demanded that Finn give him the lightsaber, claiming it belonged to him, but instead the former stormtrooper engaged him in a lightsaber duel. It was a short but brutal contest, in which Ren kept striking his bowcaster injury in order to fuel his anger and power. In the end, Finn, who nonetheless landed one blow on Ren's right shoulder, was no match for Ren's power. Ren overwhelmed and disarmed his opponent, ending the fight with a punch and a lightsaber blow across Finn's back that left the one-time stormtrooper comatose.<ref name="Episode VII" />

With the duel seemingly over, Ren turned his attention towards his grandfather's lightsaber and attempted to use the Force to draw it into his hand. Instead, it flew past him and landed in the hands of Rey, who used the Force to call it to her&mdash;as it was her destiny to wield the lightsaber of Anakin Skywalker. Rey ignited the weapon and engaged Ren in a tense duel. At first, Ren had the upper hand, remaining on the offensive as he pressed his attack against the retreating scavenger. Their blades became locked, and Ren told the emerging Force-sensitive that she needed a teacher. It was he, Ren said, who could show her the ways of the Force. At that moment, Rey realized she could call upon the powers of the Force and began using that to her advantage.<ref name="Episode VII" /> Unaware, Rey instead gave in to her raw power, anger<ref name="Rey Bio Gallery" /> rage,<ref name="Kylo Ren Bio Gallery" /> and fury.<ref name="TFA novel" /> She turned the tide of the fight and pushed her own offensive against the dark warrior, who she was finally able to disarm.<ref name="Episode VII" /> Ren realized that he dueled an opponent with more anger than he, or with an emotion that he didn't even recognize anymore.<ref name="TFA junior novel">''[[Star Wars: The Force Awakens: A Junior Novel]]''</ref> In doing so, she slashed her blade across his face, knocking him down and disfiguring him in the process.<ref name="Episode VII" />

[[File:Rey_vs_Kylo_Ren.png|thumb|right|250px|Although Ren initially had the upper hand, Rey defeated him by embracing the power of the Force.]]
Phasma briefly bore witness to Ren and Rey's duel but did not provide aid to the dark side warrior, as she was busy [[Hunt for Rivas|searching]] for the officer she had framed for the fall of Starkiller Base, [[Sol Rivas]].<ref name="Captain Phasma 1">[[Captain Phasma 1|''Captain Phasma'' 1]]</ref> With Rey having rejected an amorphous, dark voice in her mind that demanded she kill Ren,<ref name="TFA novel" /> the young woman and Ren were separated for long enough that, before they could engage any further, the surface of the planet began to break apart&mdash;the Resistance was victorious, and the destruction of the oscillator triggered the Starkiller's implosion. Ren and Rey were separated by a deep chasm, so Rey left the dark warrior behind, recovered Finn, and fled the planet with Chewbacca aboard the ''Millennium Falcon''.<ref name="Episode VII" />

As the planet continued to collapse, Snoke ordered General Hux to find Ren and bring the young knight before the Supreme Leader so the young warrior's training could be completed.<ref name="Episode VII" /> Hux and several troopers tracked Ren's signal and took him aboard a shuttle, leaving before the planet exploded.<ref name="TFA junior novel" /> Immediately following Starkiller Base's destruction, Ren received treatment for the long scars on his body, though it was too late to erase them completely.<ref name="TLJ VD" />

===Let the past die===
====A child in a mask====
{{Quote|Yes. There it is. You have too much of your father's heart in you, young Solo.''"<br />"''I ''killed'' Han Solo. When the moment came I didn't hesitate.''"<br />"''And look at you. The deed split your spirit to the bone.|Snoke and Kylo Ren|<ref name="Episode VIII" />}}
[[File:Supreme_Leader_Kylo_Ren.png|thumb|left|250px|Ren remained at war within himself, having sustained hidden emotional wounds in addition to physical ones.]]
Following the Resistance's [[Battle of D'Qar|evacuation]] of the base on D'Qar, Ren was summoned to Supreme Leader Snoke's [[Snoke's throne room|throne room]] on the ''Supremacy''.<ref name="Episode VIII" /> The blows inflicted on him, by Rey and Chewbacca, though stitched up some by [[microsutures]], were still as fresh as ever, causing him some discomfort,<ref name="TLJ EE" /> though he tried to hide this. Kneeling before his master, he listened as Snoke loudly recalled the raw, untamed power that Ren possessed, abilities which had originally brought him to the dark sider's attention. Knowing the potential of the powerful Skywalker bloodline, the Supreme Leader revealed his belief that Ren could fulfill his grandfather's dark legacy.<ref name="Episode VIII" />

But in light of his apprentice's most recent setback, Snoke retracted his faith in Ren's power.<ref name="Episode VIII" /> He chastised the dark warrior, calling him weak and sentimental,<ref name="Kylo Ren DB" /> just like his late father.<ref name="Episode VIII" /> The struggle within Ren as he prepared to strike down Han Solo had been sensed by Snoke from afar.<ref name="Last Jedi 1">[[The Last Jedi Adaptation 1|''The Last Jedi Adaptation'' 1]]</ref> It was the trauma from this action that caused him to be outmatched by an untrained scavenger, who had never before wielded a lightsaber. Snoke had never seen such a pathetic display.<ref name="Episode VIII" />

[[File:I_gave_everything_I_have_to_you.png|thumb|right|250px|Ren's failure cost him the respect of his Master Snoke, who derided his apprentice as a sentimental child hiding in a mask.]]
Fury building within him, Ren rose to attack his master, but Snoke quickly suppressed the attack with a surge of [[Force lightning|lightning]], throwing the dark side apprentice back. As long as Luke Skywalker lived, Snoke seethed&mdash;as long as the Jedi remained&mdash;so did hope across the galaxy. Ren would never be able to destroy it because he was a mere child hiding in a mask&mdash;nothing like the feared Darth Vader,<ref name="Episode VIII" /> who would have been ashamed of his grandson.<ref name="Last Jedi 1" /> Leaving the throne room, Ren erupted in a rage of self-pity and smashed his helmet against the surrounding metal. He then ordered his ship to be readied, resuming his quest to eradicate the Resistance.<ref name="Episode VIII" />

====Chasing the Resistance====
{{Quote|Follow my lead.|Kylo Ren, to his wingmen|<ref name="Episode VIII" />}}
As Hux had anticipated through new tracking technology, the First Order armada emerged from hyperspace to find the Resistance fleet unprepared and defenseless in the [[Oetchi system]]. The [[Battle of Oetchi]] commenced as the warship ''Supremacy'' led the charge, its powerful [[turbolaser]]s showering the fleet with unyielding blasts. To complement the barrage, the ''Supremacy'' scrambled its short-distance fighters, with Ren spearheading the assault in his [[Kylo Ren's TIE silencer|personal TIE silencer]]. Covered by [[Kylo Ren's personal squadron|three wingmen]], until the third pilot was quickly destroyed, the dark apprentice intercepted the Resistance's [[MC85 Star Cruiser]] [[Raddus (MC85 Star Cruiser)|''Raddus'']], capital ship of the fleet. Before the rebel pilots could launch a counterattack, he destroyed the ''Raddus'' hangar, leaving them unable to resist the fighter wing.<ref name="Episode VIII" />

[[File:Kylo_Ren_Pilots_Silencer.jpg|thumb|left|267px|Ren sensed his mother's presence as he led a starfighter strike mission against her flagship during the Battle of Oetchi.]]
With the Resistance flagship crippled, Ren turned his fighter to face the bridge of the craft, readying his rockets. At this moment he sensed his mother's presence aboard the ''Raddus''&mdash;with his mother likewise sensing him too&mdash;and Ren, hesitating, held his thumb over the trigger in a moment of intense doubt. After a moment, he surrendered to his second thoughts and abandoned the trigger control. His [[Poldin LeHuse|wingmen]], however, had no such qualms; ever loyal to the First Order, they launched their rockets in Ren's place upon the bridge.<ref name="Episode VIII" />

Ren watched the detonation with astonishment.<ref name="Episode VIII" /> He reached out again, but could not feel Organa anywhere. He believed that if he had had enough time, if he had not been taken by surprise, he would have protected his mother with the Force. Now, however, he had to conclude that she had died, along with all those present on the ''Raddus''{{'}} bridge.<ref name="TLJ EE" />

Following this last offensive, Hux ordered the fighters back to the ''Supremacy'', as the Resistance fleet had pulled out of the ''Supremacy''{{'s}} protective radius in the intervening time. Ren, with his wingmen being blown up around him, had no other recourse but to comply.<ref name="Episode VIII" />

====A growing connection====
{{Quote|I'd never felt so alone.''"<br />"''You're not alone.''"<br />"''Neither are you. It isn't too late.|Rey and Kylo Ren|<ref name="Episode VIII" />}}
[[File:Why_is_the_Force_connecting_us.png|thumb|right|250px|Ren's mysterious connection with Rey grew more powerful with time, until they could see and hear each other across light-years.]]
As the First Order pursued the Resistance fleet, Ren was being treated for the injury he had taken to his face, a medical droid removing the microsutures that had been attached to it, when he sensed a disturbance. Before he knew it, a vision of Rey appeared before him. Taken aback, Ren could only watch as Rey reached for her blaster and shot him. However, no shot injured him. The still-shocked Ren pursued Rey when she ran away and found her soon after and tried to use the mind trick to force Rey to bring Luke to him, only to realize that they weren't actually in the same location and that Rey had not [[Force projection|projected]] her appearance to him as the effort would kill her. He even discovered that Rey had found Luke Skywalker and was now studying under him, although he could not discern where as he was unable to see Rey's surroundings.<ref name="Episode VIII" /> Whereas the aspiring Jedi regarded their [[Force-bond|connection]] as an inconvenience, Ren was intrigued by his bond with the former scavenger and sought to better understand it.<ref name="TLJ EE" />

The bond between Ren and Rey was unprecedented in its strength and raw power.<ref name="TLJ VD" /> It also had an effect on Ren's churning emotions,<ref name="Kylo Ren Bio Gallery" /> and as it grew stronger in the Force, Rey started gaining new insights into Ren, who,<ref name="TLJ EE" /> to Rey's surprise, no longer tried to hide his feelings of pain and misery from her.<ref name="Rey Bio Gallery">{{Databank|rey-biography-gallery|Rey Biography Gallery}}</ref> It was because of the bond and her new understanding of Ren's pain that Rey came to suspect that their destinies were intertwined.<ref name="Rey">{{Databank|rey|Rey}}</ref> Ren eventually revealed his recollection of the night he forsook Skywalker's teachings&mdash;how he awoke to the sound of a lightsaber, held by his uncle who intended to murder Ben Solo in his sleep&mdash;shaking Rey's faith in her Jedi Master. Although Rey called him a liar,<ref name="Episode VIII" /> she sensed no deception from Ren. He genuinely believed that his former mentor had betrayed him and intended to kill him while he was defenseless.<ref name="TLJ EE" />

[[File:Luke_interrupting_Rey_and_Kylo_Ren.png|thumb|left|262px|After touching hands, Rey sensed the light in Ren and sought to redeem him despite Skywalker's warning.]]
After failing to discover the fate of her parents, Rey sought out Ren through their bond because he understood what it was like to feel alone and lost.<ref name="TLJ EE" /> They comforted each other, insisting that neither was alone and in that moment they touched hands. Rey then beheld a vision of the future, leading her to believe that Ren was fated to renounce the dark side and return to the light,<ref name="Episode VIII" /> like his grandfather before him.<ref name="Battlefront II" />

As a result of what she saw, Rey became convinced that her adversary could be turned from the dark side of the Force. She left Skywalker on his sanctuary and traveled to the ''Supremacy'' to see Ren, her actions guided by the belief that Ben Solo could be redeemed with her help. By touching hands, however, Ren experienced a vision of his own and thereby discerned the truth of Rey's father and mother: they were no one, merely a pair of junk traders who sold their daughter for drinking money before ultimately dying and being buried in a pauper's grave in the Jakku desert.<ref name="Episode VIII" /> This discovery convinced Ren that Rey would turn to the dark side and stand with him as they moved to confront his master together.<ref name="TLJ EE" />

====Destiny fulfilled====
{{Quote|My worthy apprentice, son of darkness, heir apparent to Lord Vader. Where there was conflict, I now sense resolve; where there was weakness, strength. Complete your training and fulfill your ''destiny''.|Snoke's final words to Kylo Ren|<ref name="Episode VIII" />}}
[[File:TLJ_And_kills_his_true_enemy.png|thumb|right|258px|Snoke sentenced Rey to die by Ren's hand, but the newly resolved acolyte had other ideas.]]
Ren's emotions were fully open to Rey, who could feel that his conflict had grown worse since he killed his father. Clinging to the good she sensed within Ren, she reached out to the former Ben Solo and revealed her conviction in the vision she had when they touched hands through the Force. Solo was not fated to continue bowing before Snoke. Redemption was his destiny; of that Rey was certain. Ren, however, revealed that he also beheld a vision that convinced him it would be Rey who turned, because he now knew the truth behind Rey's parentage. Just before they entered the throne room where the Supreme Leader awaited their arrival, Rey sensed that much of Ren's churning emotions were about her.<ref name="TLJ EE" />

Snoke, who proclaimed that his faith in Ren had been restored, began appraising Rey, who remained defiant in spite of her inability to resist the dark master's Force powers. Although Rey remained certain that Ren would turn, her mental defenses began to crumble when Snoke revealed that he had been responsible for the intermittent connections she experienced with the Supreme Leader's apprentice, a revelation which came as a shock to Ren as well. It had all been a plot to draw Rey, the means to find Luke Skywalker, right into Snoke's hands. Nevertheless, Ren remained silent as Rey screamed,<ref name="Episode VIII" /> trying in vain to stop Snoke from invading her mind.<ref name="TLJ EE" />

[[File:Death_of_the_Supreme_Leader.png|thumb|left|258px|Ren accomplished what his grandfather could not: killing and usurping the dark master as ruler of the galaxy.]]
Upon discovering Skywalker's location, Snoke planned to wipe him out from above as soon as the more immediate enemy had been dealt with. Rey summoned Skywalker's lightsaber to her hand, only for Snoke to redirect the hilt onto her head; Ren, eyes shut, merely tilted his head to the right to avoid being struck by the flying object. The Supreme Leader revealed through his [[Oculus (device)|oculus]] the Resistance being picked off one by one as they tried to flee aboard [[U-55 orbital loadlifter|transports]] for safety. All that Ren's mother had fought for would be destroyed by the ''Supremacy''{{'s}} guns. In response, an enraged Rey pulled Ren's lightsaber into her hands and charged at Snoke, who effortlessly overpowered her. Ren watched the lightsaber fall out of Rey's grip and shut off, sliding on the floor back to its owner's feet.<ref name="Episode VIII" />

Snoke, who had grown weary of his oft-conflicted apprentice, exulted at the newfound resolve that he suddenly felt emanating from Ren. Having promised to kill Rey with the cruelest stroke, he immobilized Rey and gave Ren the chance to execute the girl who defeated him on Starkiller Base. Ren retrieved his lightsaber, stood up and stepped towards Rey.<ref name="Episode VIII" /> He knew what must be done<ref name="Kylo Ren Bio Gallery" /> and, as Rey predicted, he did indeed turn against his master.<ref name="Rey Bio Gallery" /> Knowing that Snoke could sense his every intent, he turned his lightsaber to Rey while simultaneously his uncle's weapon rotated to face in Snoke's direction. Snoke, who became distracted by the desire to appreciate Rey's impending doom with the Force rather than the approximation afforded by mundane senses, believed that Ren was about to kill his true enemy&mdash;a status he wrongly attributed to Rey.<ref name="Episode VIII" />

[[File:ReyKyloVsGuards.png|thumb|right|269px|Ren and Rey stood back-to-back against the Supreme Leader's vengeful Praetorian Guards.]]
With a hidden gesture from Ren's free hand, the blue energy blade of Skywalker's lightsaber sprang forth, spearing Snoke through his waist. Almost instantly, Snoke's control on Rey was lost. The blade, which was still under Ren's control, carved through Snoke, cutting him in half before returning to Rey's grasp. After a moment of locking eyes with each other, Ren and Rey stood back-to-back to receive the retaliation of the fallen Supreme Leader's [[Praetorian Guard|Elite Praetorian Guards]], who charged towards the Force-sensitive duo from all sides with the intent of avenging his death. Although the two were eventually separated and forced to contend with multiple guards on their own, they both held their own and continued to strike down one Praetorian after another. Ren, who felt both excitement and a hunger for battle, personally killed half the Guards on his own but was disarmed by his fifth opponent, causing Rey to throw the Skywalker lightsaber to him. He swiftly thumbed it on and off, letting the blade pierce through the last Praetorian's head.<ref name="Episode VIII" />

====Convictions and rejections====
{{Quote|It's time to let old things die. Snoke, Skywalker. The Sith, the Jedi, the Rebels&hellip; Let it all die. Rey, I want you to join me. We can rule together and bring a new order to the galaxy.|Kylo Ren|<ref name="Episode VIII" />}}
[[File:Mine_mine_mine.png|thumb|left|250px|Ren urged Rey to let the past die and join him, but she refused.]]
Rey, who stared at Ren through eyes filled with joy, beseeched him to help her save the Resistance fleet. To her disbelief and horror, Ren proposed that he and Rey join together and "let old things die," including the Resistance, and bring a new order to the galaxy.<ref name="Episode VIII" /> Neither fear nor anger influenced his decision; he had chosen to continue down the dark path with a deep resolve.<ref name="TLJ EE" /> Rey begged Ren to not give into the dark side, but the latter stood behind his convictions. To his frustration, he could see that Rey was still clinging to that futile hope of hers. He urged her to "let go," to admit the truth about her parents&mdash;a truth she had always known but hidden away for years. Rey struggled to control her emotions as she admitted that she knew this, that her parents were simply "nobody," but the revelation that she came from nothing threatened to overwhelm her. At that moment, Ren called Rey "nothing," and said she was not that to him.<ref name="Episode VIII" /> Ren, who saw Rey as an ally in destroying the past he hated,<ref name="Kylo Ren DB" /> wanted the former scavenger to join him. Motioning her to take his hand, he pleaded with her to stay with him so that they could rule the galaxy together.<ref name="Episode VIII" />

However, Rey used the Force to summon the Skywalker lightsaber to her grasp,<ref name="Episode VIII" /> just as she had when fighting Ren on Starkiller Base.<ref name="Episode VII" /> Ren, his entreaty rejected, raised his own hand to harness the Force around the lightsaber, causing it to stop midflight. Neither Ren or Rey relented as both continued to call upon the Jedi weapon with equal determination.<ref name="Episode VIII" /> In the midst of their standoff, the lightsaber's kyber crystal wailed through the Force, seeking resonance and harmony where there was nothing but dissonance.<ref name="TLJ EE" /> The crystal ultimately sheared apart, unleashing a wave of energy that tore the lightsaber in half before consuming the throne room in a flash of brilliant, blinding light. In addition to rendering both Force users unconscious, the shock wave of Force energy coincided with the sacrifice of [[Vice Admiral]] [[Amilyn Holdo]], who crashed the ''Raddus'' into the ''Supremacy'' at lightspeed, splitting the First Order flagship in half before it could destroy all of the Resistance transports.<ref name="Episode VIII" />

===The reign of Kylo Ren===
====The New Supreme Leader====
{{Quote|Get all our forces down to that Resistance base. Let's finish this.''"<br />"''Finish this? Who do you think you're talking to? You presume to command my army? Our Supreme Leader is dead! We have no ruler&mdash;''"<br />"''The Supreme Leader is dead.''"<br />"''Long live the Supreme Leader.|Kylo Ren and Armitage Hux|<ref name="Episode VIII" />}}
[[File:Long_Live_The_Supreme_Leader.png|thumb|right|255px|After Snoke's death, General Hux was forced to proclaim Ren the new Supreme Leader.]]
Ren regained consciousness shortly after Hux reached the throne room. Having killed the Supreme Leader and his guards, Ren falsely accused Rey of murder, claiming that she was the one responsible for Snoke's death. Hux, who had contemplated shooting the fallen knight before he awoke, informed Ren that the girl escaped from the ''Supremacy'' using Snoke's private shuttle.<ref name="Episode VIII" /> Realizing that Rey had awoken before him, Ren pondered why she had spared his life, knowing he was at her mercy while in an unconscious state. It then occurred to Ren that Rey did, in fact, care about him. Regardless, he dismissed it as a sign of sentimental weakness that would eventually lead to Rey's destruction.<ref name="TLJ EE" />

Knowing that Rey would travel to [[Crait]] in an effort to save the Resistance,<ref name="TLJ EE" /> Ren ordered Hux to send their forces to the planet where they would end the war and his mother's movement for good. Hux scoffed at the notion of taking orders from his longtime rival and reminded Ren that the [[First Order Army|army]] answered to their general. In addition, he pointed out that, without a Supreme Leader, the First Order was cast into a state of disarray. Before he could go on, the General's protests were suddenly silenced by Ren, who aggressively [[Force choke]]d Hux into submission. Overtaken by fear, Hux grudgingly pledged his allegiance to Ren, whom he hailed as Snoke's successor.<ref name="Episode VIII" /> Even so, Ren remained distrustful of Hux and chose to keep the General close by as a safeguard against treachery.<ref name="TLJ EE" />

====Battle of Crait====
{{Quote|General Hux, advance. No quarter, no prisoners.|Kylo Ren, to Armitage Hux|<ref name="Episode VIII" />}}
[[File:SuperlaserSiegeCanonAdvance-TLJ.png|thumb|left|270px|Ren led the First Order's assault on the Resistance's last redoubt, determined to end his mother's movement.]]
As far as the new Supreme Leader was concerned, the [[Battle of Crait]] would prove to be the final battle in the war between the First Order and the Resistance. He would give no quarter to his enemies, nor take a single prisoner. Looming overhead in his command shuttle, Ren oversaw the deployment of [[First Order All Terrain Armored Transport|AT-ATs]], [[All Terrain MegaCaliber Six|AT-M6s]], and [[First Order All Terrain Scout Transport|AT-STs]] to the salt-covered surface of Crait, gathered from what remained of the ''Supremacy''. It would be a relatively straightforward operation, with Ren's forces marching on an [[Crait outpost|abandoned rebel base]] which the Resistance had appropriated for its defense.<ref name="Episode VIII" />

When the First Order discovered a massive shield door impeding their advance into the enclosure, Ren further deployed a [[superlaser siege cannon]]&mdash;a device likened to a battering ram that was equipped with miniaturized [[Death Star]] technology&mdash;to his advantage. In response, the Resistance launched a number of old [[V-4X-D ski speeder|ski speeders]], an ultimately futile attempt to stop the cannon. While the Resistance attempted to halt the First Order's progress, Chewbacca and Rey joined the fray in the ''Millennium Falcon'', and Ren furiously sent every TIE fighter present to destroy his father's old ship.<ref name="Episode VIII" />

====Showdown with Luke Skywalker====
{{Quote|I'll destroy her, and you, and all of it.''"<br />"''No. Strike me down in anger and I'll always be with you. Just like your father.|Kylo Ren and Luke Skywalker|<ref name="Episode VIII" />}}
[[File:Family_Reunion.png|thumb|right|262px|Ren challenged his uncle Luke Skywalker to single combat, intending to finish what Darth Vader began by killing the last Jedi.]]
Shortly after the First Order breached the base, Luke Skywalker appeared and Ren, in a futile attempt to eliminate his uncle, ordered all of his forces to fire at him. After Skywalker shrugged off the attack virtually unharmed, Ren ordered his command shuttle to be set down. Hux tried to advise him against what he considered a waste of time, but Ren thrashed the General against the wall with the Force, knocking him unconscious. The nearby pilot needed no further prodding and complied with the command.<ref name="Episode VIII" />

The time had come for Ren to face Skywalker personally. He slowly advanced until he was but a few meters from the old Jedi. He tauntingly asked if Skywalker had come to be his salvation. Skywalker answered half-heartedly in the negative. Then lightsabers were drawn. Skywalker made no effort to harm his nephew and only moved to avoid Ren's attacks. He apologized for failing in his duty as Ben Solo's mentor, but Ren took it with sarcasm and declared that the war had ended with the death of the Resistance. In addition, he stated that Skywalker would die as well, marking the end of the Jedi Order itself. He was wrong on all counts, according to Skywalker: the war had just begun, the Rebellion was reborn, and he would not die as the last of the Jedi.<ref name="Episode VIII" />

Ren felt that Skywalker was talking about Rey, the old man's supposed "chosen one."<ref name="TLJ EE" /> He vowed that he would see her annihilated, along with Skywalker and the remnants of the Resistance. In response, Skywalker deactivated his lightsaber and warned his nephew against striking him down in anger, promising that he would always be with Ren, just like Han Solo. It was thus that he opened himself up for the final blow. Enraged, Ren charged at Skywalker once more until he slashed through him with no effect. Confused, he pointed his lightsaber in the Jedi Master's direction and moved forward until the blade harmlessly passed through his uncle again, revealing that Skywalker was not actually present for the battle; he had been [[Force projection|projecting himself]] through the Force from Ahch-To. With one final chiding goodbye, the image vanished.<ref name="Episode VIII" />

[[File:Kylo_Ren_looking_at_Rey.png|thumb|left|260px|Rey chose to shut Ren out when the Force reconnected them, leaving the Supreme Leader alone and unable to revel in his achievements.]]
At that moment, Ren realized what had his uncle had done: by distracting him, the old Jedi had bought time for the remaining members of the Resistance to escape. Hux had been right all along. Angered by the deception, Ren, Hux, and their forces scoured the now-empty base, but finding only a projection of his father's golden hanging dice, all Ren could do was kneel in defeat as they vanished from his hand. As the Resistance evacuated, Ren saw Rey once more as she boarded the ''Millennium Falcon''; no words were said as she closed the door on him,<ref name="Episode VIII" /> although Ren sensed that Rey felt neither hatred nor compassion for him.<ref name="TLJ EE" /> Both knew that this struggle between them was far from concluded.<ref name="TLJ Adaptation 6">[[The Last Jedi Adaptation 6|''The Last Jedi Adaptation'' 6]]</ref> Ren had become the Supreme Leader, all but destroyed his mother's Resistance and struck down his uncle on the battlefield of Crait, but it did not feel like a victory to Ren.<ref name="Kylo Ren Bio Gallery" />

After Crait, Rey and Organa discussed Ren and his actions. Rey wanted to understand him and how Ren had turned to the dark side, but Organa told Rey that she would need to ask Ren to know. Rey told the general that Ren wanted her to join him and that, while she thought she could help him, all he had wanted was for her to be like him. Organa could see that Rey cared about her son and also that he had disappointed her, so she informed the young Jedi that Ren had made his decisions, adding that the only person who could save him was himself, but Organa was unsure if that was what her son wanted. Rey understood this, but she had held onto hope, although Organa believed that hope was a good trait.<ref name="Resistance Reborn">''[[Resistance Reborn]]''</ref>

====The legacy of Darth Vader====
=====The dark prince=====
{{Quote|I thought I wanted to follow your path. You were the one I thought I understood. I thought I was your ''legacy''. But I'm not you.|Kylo Ren, to Darth Vader's mask|<ref name="Legacy of Vader 1">[[Legacy of Vader 1|''Legacy of Vader'' 1]]</ref>}}
[[File:SupremeLeaderKyloRen-LegacyOfVader1.png|thumb|right|250px|Kylo Ren proclaimed the end of Snoke's era and the beginning of his reign as the new Supreme Leader of the First Order.]]
Shortly after the Battle of Crait, Ren boarded the ''Finalizer'' in space to meet Hux and many organized squads of stormtroopers and other First Order personnel. Ren introduced himself as the new Supreme Leader of the First Order by revealing Snoke's bisected corpse, using the Force to lift the remains into the air for his audience to see. Still asserting that the Resistance killed Snoke, Ren released Snoke's body into the vacuum of space while claiming he would bring the First Order to glory.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 1" />

After his display of power, Ren reminisced alone about recent events and his encounters and memories with his father, mother, Snoke, and Rey. Though trying to affirm to himself that the past did not matter and that it was done, he could not let go of the images of those who were once close to him. Sending for Hux, Ren met with the General, telling him that he was a trusted advisor and that he needed advisement on military matters, which Snoke did not often discuss with Ren. Though Hux confirmed that Snoke had his plans, he implored Ren to take his own military direction as he now commanded the First Order's military. When Hux suggested that Ren fulfill the dreams of their forebears and rebuild the Empire, Ren told Hux that his own forebears shaped the known galaxy while Hux's bloodline produced lesser "lieutenants and lickspittles."<ref name="Legacy of Vader 1" />

The two then conferred on resources, with Hux elaborating that they needed more ships as Starkiller Base's destruction left them without a shipyard and the Resistance's [[Holdo maneuver|unusual tactics]] at the Battle of Oetchi destroyed the ''Supremacy'' and much of their fleet. With the destruction of the New Republic at Hosnian Prime and the dismantling of the Resistance, however, Hux believed the First Order would face little resistance other than local militias for their ambitions of conquest. Ren cut Hux's deliberations short, as he had not ordered him to perform any military action, instead ordering that a [[throne]] be built for himself. Though Ren suggested that the throne could be anything he liked, such as one made of [[aurodium]], Ren told Hux to choose and to do nothing else until Ren had a worthy throne, cautioning Hux to get it right the first time.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 1" />

=====The fires of Mustafar=====
{{Quote|You are the past. Darth Vader is the past. This entire ''place'' is the past. The past ''strangles'' me. Its expectations and legacies and vendettas. I will destroy every last vestige of it. I will ''free myself''.''"<br />"''You foolish, ignorant ''child''. Vader's power ''was'' his past.|Kylo Ren and Vaneé|<ref name="Legacy of Vader 1" />}}
[[File:KyloAgainstCultists-LegacyOfVader1.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Ren visited his grandfather's fortress on Mustafar, where he encountered a Sith cult known as the Alazmec of Winsit.]]
Ren returned to solitude to confer with his grandfather's mask, questioning how Vader could have ruled for so long over weaklings and been satisfied. Ren asserted that he was not Vader, or his uncle, mother or father, and reaffirmed that though he had killed his past, he still was not free of it. He concluded the answer to be that his work killing the past was not complete, and that he would start with the burdensome legacy of his grandfather. Ren [[Mission to Mustafar (Kylo Ren)|traveled]] to [[Mustafar]], the [[Volcano|volcanic]] [[throneworld]] of his late grandfather, in his [[TIE/vn space superiority fighter|TIE silencer]]. As he approached [[Fortress Vader]], he was confronted by three warriors of the [[Alazmec of Winsit]],<ref name="Legacy of Vader 1" /> a [[Sith cult|group]] of [[Sith cultist]]s that colonized Mustafar's [[Corvax Fen]]<ref name="TROS VD" /> region near the castle grounds of [[Fortress]] Vader.<ref name="TROS EE" /> One of the warriors fired an [[arrow]] at Ren, who halted it inches from his face by use of the Force. Ren used his lightsaber to cut down his attackers, goading the remaining [[Alazmec]] warriors to attack him and further pontificating on his importance. One of the warriors wounded Ren in the midsection. As Ren approached the entrance to the fortress, [[blood]] from his wound would fall onto the [[stone]], detecting Vader's blood and opening for the dark warrior.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 1" />

[[File:RenSeesHologramOfVader-LegacyOfVader1.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Vaneé persuaded Ren to follow Vader's example by transforming the pain of his past into a source of dark power.]]
Ren was greeted by [[Vaneé]], Vader's servant in life, now reduced to a head affixed inside a droid body. Asking about Ren's connection to Vader, Ren confirmed that Vader was his grandfather. When Vaneé asked how he might best serve Ren, Ren threatened him with death, to which Vaneé confirmed his similarity to Vader, asking why Ren might kill him. Ren claimed that Vaneé, like Vader and the fortress, represented the past, which strangled Ren with its expectations, legacies and vendettas. Vaneé, amused, called Ren foolish and ignorant, offering that Vader's past was what gave him his power. Showing Ren a hologram of Vader, Vaneé told how Vader never let go of his past, which was what made him so powerful in the dark side of the Force. After contemplating Vaneé's words, Ren deactivated his saber and demanded his new servant to show him more of Vader's past.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 1" />

=====The sands of Tatooine=====
At the behest of Vaneé, Ren would [[Mission to Tatooine (Kylo Ren)|travel]] with his new servant to [[Mos Espa]] on the planet [[Tatooine]],<ref name="Mark2">{{Twitter|markpaniccia|status/1882799792323244050|[[Mark Paniccia]]|quote=Sneak peeks of STAR WARS: LEGACY OF VADER #2. Kylo Ren on... Tatooine!|archiveurl=https://archive.ph/eQyGX}}</ref> where his grandfather spent his early days. Though Ren did not at first understand the planet's importance, Vaneé insisted that Vader's past experiences on the desert world, such as meeting [[Padmé Amidala|his future wife]], joining the Jedi Order, losing [[Shmi Skywalker Lars|his mother]], and using the dark side of the Force for the first time when [[Mission to rescue Shmi Skywalker Lars|slaughtering]] a [[Unidentified Tusken village|village]] of [[Tusken Raider|Tuskens]], were key to his dark journey. Vaneé took Ren to Mos Espa's [[Mos Espa Grand Arena|Grand Arena]], where one of Anakin Skywalker's greatest triumphs took place: his [[Boonta Eve Classic (32 BBY)|victory]] in the [[Boonta Eve Classic]] as an untrained child and a [[Slavery|slave]], in which he was the only human to ever win. Ren did not at first believe that his grandfather was once a slave, but did believe that the Jedi would not take in Skywalker's mother. Vaneé speculated that like Vader, Ren's life was also one of prolonged pain, and though Ren quietly reflected on happy memories he shared with his family throughout his childhood, he agreed.<ref name=":0">[[Legacy of Vader 2]]</ref>

A trio of desert thugs approached Ren and Vaneé, having overheard the name "Skywalker", claiming to have heard that Luke Skywalker had recently took out an entire First Order fleet. The thugs then raised weapons, threatening to rob the duo of their [[credits]]. Using the Force, Ren manipulated the bodies of two of the thugs to point ther blasters at their allies, killing two of them. Ren told the lone survivor to spread the word that talking of Luke Skywalker could get one killed. Using his lightsaber to erase Anakin Skywalker's name from the arena's wall, Ren asked Vaneé who owned his grandfather.<ref name=":0" />

Vaneé brought Ren to the ruined [[Watto's junkshop|junk shop]] of [[Watto]], the [[Toydarian]] who owned Skywalker as a boy. Ren assumed that Vader must have returned to the shop to take revenge on Watto, but Vaneé denied this, as Vader was focused on other things. Vaneé did confirm that Watto acquired Skywalker from [[Gardulla Besadii the Elder]], who still lived. Hoping to erase this part of his grandfather's story, Ren acquired a speeder and travelled to Gardulla's [[Gardulla the Hutt's Palace|palace]]. After killing the guards and their [[Rancor|rancors]], Ren entered the palace to meet the [[Hutt]]. Assuming that Ren was sent by an employer to keep her criminal empire in check, Ren drew his lightsaber and sought to take revenge for Gardulla owning his grandfather. Though Ren deftly struck down the rest of Gardulla's guards, a small [[Unidentified Force-sensitive individual|being]] who sat at Gardulla's side took Ren's saber from him using the Force, claiming that the Force was weak with Ren. Gardulla revealed that she had taken precautions against Force-sensitive intruders after [[Jabba Desilijic Tiure|Jabba Desilijic Tiure's]] [[Rescue of Han Solo|fate]] thirty years prior. Gardulla had her guards incapacitate Ren and chain him in a dungeon, keeping him prisoner, taunting that Ren's grandfather's story was now his story too.<ref name=":0" />

Later awakening, Ren futilely implored Gardulla to release him, instead receiving repeated electric shocks. Calling Ren "nothing", Ren remembered telling the Jedi apprentice Rey something similar during the Battle of Oetchi shortly after killing Snoke and his Praetorian Guards. Failing to bargain with and threaten Gardulla, Ren was instead shocked repeatedly and told to obey. Eventually, Gardulla stopped at the behest of her Force-sensitive bodyguard, agreeing that Ren was more useful alive than dead. At the press of a button, Ren's chamber became filled with a noxious red gas, causing him to dream in visions. In these visions, Ren witnessed Vader slaughtering many Rebel Alliance troops. Asking Vader for help, Vader only replied that everything that had made him magnificent, he had accomplished alone. Heeding Vader's words, Ren awakened and goaded Gardulla into causing him more pain, giving him the dark side power needed to free himself and destroy Gardulla's dungeon.<ref name=":0" />

Wandering the suns-scorched desert, Ren encountered a [[Canyon krayt dragon|Canyon Krayt dragon]], slaying it without a weapon and fashioning its hide into clothing. Attacking two other desert wanderers, Ren used their communications equipment to order the ''Finalizer'' to Tatooine. Finding a [[dewback]], Ren relocated Gardulla's fortress, ordering General Armitage Hux to hit his given location with a full spread of weapons in twenty minutes. Ren rushed the fortress, once again dispatching guards, reclaiming his lightsaber and escaping shortly before Hux carried out the attack.<ref name=":0" />

Later, Ren met with Vaneé via hologram aboard the ''Finalizer'', the latter having feared the worst after hearing of the First Order attack. Vaneé asked if Ren's understanding of Vader and his power had grown on Tatooine; Ren confirmed that it had, with there being power and purity in his being alone. Pleased, Vaneé told Ren that there was still more to be shown about Vader's life and legacy, and after confirming that their adventures would continue, told Ren that he would await him at the island of [[Varykino]] on the planet [[Naboo]].<ref name=":0" /> 

===== The waters of Naboo =====
Ren met Vaneé on Naboo at the ruined [[Varykino Villa]], struggling to comprehend its importance as he did with Mos Espa on Tatooine. Vaneé regaled Ren with tales of Naboo's former glory, detailing its history as a powerful cultural hub with a [[Royal House of Naboo|democratic monarchy]]. Vaneé shared his knowledge of powerful individuals that once inhabited Naboo, such as [[Marlowe San Tekka|Marlowe]] and [[Vellis San Tekka|Vellis]] [[San Tekka clan|San Tekka]], but especially Emperor Sheev Palpatine, explaining that Naboo fell into chaos and disrepair after the Galactic Civil War as galaxy felt that Naboo's citizens had profited from their association with Palpatine. Growing impatient, Ren did not see the importance of the dead Emperor's past. Vaneé explained that Naboo was where Vader fell in love with and wedded Ren's grandmother, Padmé Amidala, [[Monarch of Naboo|Queen of Naboo]] and [[Senator|Galactic Senator]]. Though Ren rejected the idea of falling in love for the sake of power, Vaneé further explained that it was the loss of Padmé that granted Vader his dark power; his lack of limits for attachments allowed the Sith Lord strength and focus. Though Ren claimed to have no limits, Vaneé asked if Ren already had everything he needed and desired, causing Ren to once again reflect on his hopeful ally, Rey.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 4">[[Legacy of Vader 4|''Legacy of Vader'' 4]]</ref>

Their conversation was interrupted by a [[Sanga's companion|man]] and [[Sanga|woman]] in a boat, telling the two that the villa was cursed. At Ren's behest, the two explained that fifty years ago, a queen lived at the villa and returned dead under mysterious circumstances. They claimed that a "spirit of death" then came to the villa, destroying all memory of the queen and haunting Naboo, causing death to all who spoke of or even acknowledged her existence. Ren dismissed their superstition, but the two further explained that the story caused Naboo's elite to leave that part of Naboo, leaving "bad people" in their place. At that moment, [[Storg Veruna]] and his enforcers arrived, unhappy with the presence of trespassers on his property. In hand-to-hand combat, Ren dispatched Veruna and his guards easily, but the two visitors reacted in dismay, as the other Verunas, once a ruling family of Naboo who laid claim to much of the planet by force, would return to retaliate. As the two visitors fled in their boat, Ren told Vaneé that he was wrong, that Vader recognized that Naboo was a memory unworthy of his legacy, which led to its destruction. Finding the people of Naboo foolish in their obsession with the past, Ren used the Force to kill the two fleeing visitors. Though, Ren cryptically reflected that he could help Naboo.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 4" />

Two days later, Ren met with Armitage Hux aboard the ''Finalizer''. Asking the General if the First Order could still destroy a planet with the loss of both Starkiller Base and the ''Supremacy'', Hux said that fully destroying a planet would be difficult, but that the First Order's present military forces were sufficient to raze a planet clear of all structures and life given enough time; Ren was pleased to hear this, hinting that he possibly had a planet in mind to destroy. Asking about the status of his throne, Ren left the bridge before a frustrated Hux could finish explaining its ongoing progress. Having commandeered Naboo's communications network, Ren announced to the planet that he was unimpressed with them and their obsessions with lineage and superstition, announcing himself as King of Naboo to help them embrace the future.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 4" />

After deploying invasion forces to locations such as the city of [[Spinnaker]], Ren oversaw the invasions with Hux, who asked why Ren was invading the world and declaring himself its king. Ren simply stated that he was the Supreme Leader, meaning that he was already Naboo's king. Supplicant, Hux elaborated that there were other targets that would make better use of their military resources, such as [[Corellia]], which could serve as a much needed shipyard. At Ren's inquisition, Hux confirmed that the Naboo were not fighting back in any significant way, drawing his interest.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 5">[[Legacy of Vader 5|''Legacy of Vader'' 5]]</ref>

Ren traveled to the surface of Naboo to Spinnaker, disguised as an insurgent. Attacking a group of stormtroopers and an [[Urban Assault Triped Transport]], Ren destroyed the entire force, leaving the citizens of Naboo dumbfounded. Ren offered to show them how he was able to accomplish such feats, leading them to an underground tunnel. There, he informed the citizens of recent First Order losses, though he dismissed claims of victory at the hands of Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa as propaganda, claiming that the Resistance was decimated and meaningless. Some of the citizens wondered if Kylo Ren might make a benign ruler, as Naboo survived occupation by the Empire, but the disguised Ren asserted that Kylo Ren would take everything they had.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 5" />

Using his knowledge of the Rebellion, Ren would lead the citizens in a resistance effort against the First Order forces, which were unaccustomed to guerilla tactics. Ren would meet with Hux over hologram, who, not knowing of Ren's charade, bemoaned small pockets of resistance but dismissed them as of little concern, further emphasizing that Ren's personal oversight may expedite the occupation. Ren approved Hux's plan of using a Siege Dreadnought to destroy the city of Spinnaker. Claiming to have a source inside the First Order, Ren informed his resistance cell of the plan, quelling doubts about their actions and determined that the people of Naboo should act to defend their homeworld. Commanding the battle against the Dreadnought from the ground, Ren oversaw a struggle between the Dreadnought and a force of kitbashed ships sourced from [[N-1 starfighter]]s, [[T-70 X-wing starfighter|T-70 X-wing fighters]], [[TIE/rp Reaper attack lander|TIE Reapers]] and [[TIE/ln space superiority starfighter|TIE/ln fighters]]. Having observed Ren's charade quietly for some time, Vaneé asked why Ren was doing what he was doing. Ren claimed to want to have the people of Naboo to evolve, but Vaneé saw through Ren, recognizing a Vader-like streak of self hatred in Ren, interpreting the bizarre charade as a way of attacking himself. Angered by this accusation, Ren lifted Vaneé's droid chassis off of the ground, partially dismantling it. Questioning Vaneé's ultimate usefulness, Vaneé told Ren of a vault at Vader's castle on Mustafar full of power, but that it could only be opened when Ren was ready. Though Ren threatened Vaneé, demanding that he take him to the vault immediately, Vaneé refused, preferring to die than pass Vader's legacy to someone unworthy. Vaneé implored Ren to find somewhere true to put his hate other than himself: a worthy enemy. Processing Vaneé's proposal, Ren ordered Hux to withdraw the Dreadnought from Naboo, seconds before it would be ready to destroy the city.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 5" />

Believing they had fought off the First Order, the resistance fighters of Naboo returned underground to celebrate and thank the disguised Ren for leading them. After killing all of the Naboo citizens in his company, Ren ordered Vaneé to find him a worthy enemy, of which Vaneé already had one in mind.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 5" />

=====The shipyards of Corellia=====
Following Ren and Hux's previous discussion, the First Order brought its forces to bear on Corellia. Despite Hux's control over the battle so far, Ren took it upon himself to personally fly into the fray in his personal TIE silencer. Exhibiting phenomenal flying skills and executing exceptionally tight maneuvers, Ren cleared a path to the heavily defended command center. Though this defied Hux's plan for the battle, which called for a seige anchored by ground troops, Hux did not interfere with his Supreme Leader's strategy. Though his wingmates failed to provide Ren with adequate cover, Ren successfully arrived at the command center and secured a victory for the First Order.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 6">[[Legacy of Vader 6|''Legacy of Vader'' 6]]</ref>

Shortly after the victory at Corellia, Ren sat before a procession of First Order stormtroopers on his newly completed throne. As his followers chanted for their Supreme Leader, Ren regarded Hux, who stood beside him, telling his General that he knew the display made Hux feel small, and that it was not his role to feel large. Ren left his throne, ordering Hux to Ren's chambers for an after-action report and commending Hux for the throne. Hux reported that the invasion was a complete success, and that Corellia's shipyard were ready to begin shoring up losses from Starkiller Base, Crait and Naboo. Ren dismissed Hux, but the General remained, hoping to discuss another matter. Hux expressed his understanding that Ren used proactive and successful strategies that deviated from Hux's own, but made known his wish to be more informed of such surprise actions so as to be a more effective general. Shutting down Hux's concerns coldly, Ren simply dismissed Hux again. Picking up his commlink, Ren answered a call from Vaneé, who told Ren that he had found a Jedi, a worthy enemy for Ren, as promised.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 6" />

===== The snows of Lahtee =====
Ren and Vaneé took Ren's Upsilon-class shuttle to Lahtee, a snowy world in the [[Mid Rim Territories|Mid Rim]]. Ren believed that Vader had killed all of the Jedi, save for his uncle Luke Skywalker, the last Jedi. Vaneé reassured Ren that some few survived, but not for Vader's lack of trying; eventually, virtually no sightings or rumors of Jedi remained, and Vader's focus turned towards Skywalker. Vaneé's lead came from a report of a Jedi that came shortly before the end of the Empire and was never pursued, and the potential Jedi's name was unknown. Vaneé left Ren to his quest, hoping that a solitary quest would help Ren follow in Vader's footsteps.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 6" />

Ren walked into the snowy forest alone and made his way to a bar in a settlement. Ordering [[wine]] from the [[Snivvian]] bartender, Ren asked if there was anyone unusual in the town. Quickly growing impatient, Ren attempted to perform a mind probe when his lightsaber flew from his belt and into the hands of a bar patron. An old [[Theelin]] woman, [[Grandea]], the Jedi Ren was searching for, revealed herself, recognizing that the crystal in Ren's saber was cracked, and asked Ren to chat.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 6" /> Holding Ren at saber-point, the two walked outside.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 7">[[Legacy of Vader 7|''Legacy of Vader'' 7]]</ref>

With Ren surprised that Grandea knew his name without telling her, Grandea revealed that she could sense his name at the front of his mind, as if Ren wanted to drown out everything else by screaming, "I'm Kylo Ren." When asked why Ren was looking for Jedi, Ren simply replied that his reasons were his own. Grandea asserted that she was no longer a Jedi, telling Ren of her younger years, surviving [[Order 66]], losing [[Grandea's lightsaber|her lightsaber]], going into hiding, and using a Jedi [[mind trick]] to evade the [[Inquisitorius|Imperial Inquisitors]] and Vader. Still, Ren found her a suitable enemy. Briefly touching Ren's mind to uncover his intentions, Grandea pitied Ren, believing that he could have been so much more. Furious, Ren recovered and summoned his lightsaber, swinging it through Grandea's body. With Grandea lying at his feet, Ren muttered the name "Skywalker", now determined to erase him as well. Grandea, seemingly unharmed, told Ren that Luke Skywalker was dead. Now ghoulishly floating in the air, Grandea told a disbelieving Ren that she felt Skywalker's passing through the Force, and wondered how Ren, Skywalker's own student, did not. Repeatedly asking who Ren was, Ren struck her again with his lightsaber, after which the woman vanished. Confused and enraged, Ren shouted into the night.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 7" />

=====The new Knight of Ren=====
After Ren's encounter with Grandea on Lahtee and the First Order's full subjugation of Corellia's shipyards, the ''Finalizer'' would be approached by the ''[[Night Buzzard]]'', a ship that belonged to Ren's former allies, the Knights of Ren. Ren allowed the ship to board the ''Finalizer'' and was greeted by its sole occupant, a woman named [[Tava Ren]], proclaiming herself to be a Knight of Ren and submitting herself to Ren's service.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 8">[[Legacy of Vader 8|''Legacy of Vader'' 8]]</ref> Ren ignited his lightsaber, quickly attempting to strike her down. Tava ignited her own lightsaber, engaging Ren in a fierce duel. Incurious about Tava, Ren deflected Tava's attempts at conversation but denied nearby stormtroopers the chance to take her down, wanting to deal with Tava himself. Asserting that the Knights of Ren no longer meant anything to him, Ren rebuffed Tava's goading and disarmed her, holding her neck between both lightsabers. Tava pled to Ren that she was the only one with which he could discuss the "Shadow", and Ren spared her life, taunting that Tava best remember how easy his victory was. Asking Ren for something to eat, the two warriors moved to a private dining chamber aboard the ''Finalizer''.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 9">[[Legacy of Vader 9|''Legacy of Vader'' 9]]</ref>

As they ate, Ren asked Tava the whereabouts of the other Knights of Ren. Tava told Ren that though they were around, they did not want to come and meet Ren. Ren wondered how and why Tava took over the Knights of Ren, surprised that they were still alive after Ren abandoned them. Tava explained that she treated them like a prize while Ren treated them like garbage. Elaborating, Tava discussed her past as an enforcer for gang leader [[Bedat]], meeting the Knights after they were imprisoned by Bedat for botching a job. Tava asked to join their crew, which they allowed after Tava accomplished her "good death" by killing Bedat and all of his subordinates. Unsatisfied, Ren implored still why Tava came to him. Tava confirmed that her offer to serve Ren was a lie and that she had planned to kill Ren, which Ren did not believe would have worked. Having touched Ren's mind briefly with the Force, Tava claimed to see through Ren's facade, believing Ren to be a "wild man" not suited to the imposing and restrictive station of Supreme Leader. Though Ren warned Tava to be careful, Tava continued, suggesting that the Knights offered Ren the freedom to escape the life he built for himself within the First Order. Tava leaned over the table towards Ren, asking Ren who he wanted to be, and kissed him. Dismayed, Ren recoiled, and called over the ''Finalizer's'' comms for Tava to be executed by the ship's security forces. Still believing her assessment of Ren to be true, Tava retrieved her lightsaber and fled, fighting her way through hallways of First Order stormtroopers. Tava eventually reached the ''Night Buzzard'' and escaped the ''Finalizer's'' hangar, and though General Armitage Hux implored Ren on the ''Finalizer's'' bridge to order the ship shot down, Ren remained silent, allowing Tava to escape unharmed.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 9" />

=====The pits of Mustafar=====
Ren would return to Fortress Vader on Mustafar, conferring with Vaneé to discuss Ren's uncle, Luke Skywalker, who Ren knew after his encounter with Grandea. Ren felt that he could still sense Skywalker through the Force, though not at the fortress. Ren did not fear Skywalker, but wanted him gone nonetheless. Asking Vaneé how Darth Vader might have accomplished forcing Skywalker to appear before him, Vaneé admitted that he did not know Vader's deepest secrets. Growing frustrated with Vaneé's apparently selective knowledge of Vader, Ren demanded that Vaneé show Ren's the vault hidden within the fortress and the power inside. Though Vaneé couldn't enter the vault himself, he led Ren to its entrance. Ren, confident in his not needing Vaneé's help, walked the corridor, eventually finding himself walking right back through the entrance from which he came. Believing Vaneé to be toying with him, Ren used the Force to knock over Vaneé's mechanical body. Vaneé, panicked, explained that the vault itself decided who entered but also told of another way for Ren to obtain Vader's power. Vaneé then led Ren to Vader's [[Darth Vader's meditation chamber|meditation chamber]], hoping that Ren might find clarity inside as Vader had.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 10">[[Legacy of Vader 10|''Legacy of Vader'' 10]]</ref>

Ren, closing his eyes to meditate, implored his grandfather to bring him Skywalker. Falling into a Force vision, Ren found himself bound by the feet with many chains within a dark bog. Apparitions of people from his past, including his parents, fellow Jedi trainees, Lando Calrissian, Chewbacca, Rey, Snoke and Vader, appeared to Ren as withered skulls atop winding spinal columns. The apparations accused Ren with insults betraying his insecurities, such as "killer", "treacherous" and "disappointment". Ren, struggling to evade them, fell into the mud. Rejecting the apparitions, Ren summoned two spectral lightsabers, one appearing as the blue-bladed Skywalker lightsaber and another as his own. After cutting through the apparitions in a rage, Ren came to the conclusion that Skywalker would not be found in such a place, and reflected on his past memories to find him. After reflecting on his Jedi training with his uncle, Ren appeared within a brightly lit valley populated by glowing apparitions of Jedi. One figure approached Ren, wondering how Ren could have appeared there while the dark side of the Force burned within him. Ren attempted to slice through the figure with his blue-bladed spectral lightsaber, but the figure, unharmed, explained that the place would not allow that. Another figure approached Ren, materializing into the form of Skywalker, agreeing that Ren should not be there but confirming that he was all the same. Chiding that Ren missed him enough to follow him there, Skywalker asked Ren why he was there. Ren explained that though Skywalker was dead, he wanted to have killed Skywalker himself, and wanted to find who did kill Skywalker so he could learn how Skywalker suffered. Skywalker, bemused, told Ren that nobody killed him, that he sacrificed himself for others in the service of something greater. When Skywalker asked what Ren's life was for, Ren demanded that Skywalker stop trying to teach him, and Skywalker agreed that that time was over for the two of them. Ren then asked why Skywalker taught Rey, and Skywalker simply stated that she had wanted to learn. Telling Skywalker he hated him, Ren demanded that Skywalker stop following and watching Ren or be destroyed, asserting that Skywalker failed to turn Ren into him. Skywalker mused that Ren couldn't destroy him without destroying the Force, which would destroy Ren, further reflecting that it was meaningful that Ren had found himself at the Jedi's realm, and that he should ask himself how he managed it. As Ren faded from the realm, Skywalker told Ren that Kylo Ren meant nothing to him, but that he would always be there for Ben Solo.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 10" />

Reappearing in the dark bog, Ren was approached by an enormous dark figure. The figure told Ren that he must be reminded of his pain after trying to return to the light and forget his pain and attacked Ren with a red-bladed lightsaber. Ren emerged from his vision and stumbled out of the meditation chamber, his body having manifested grievous real injuries. Vaneé cradled Ren, asking what he had done to himself and believing that his grandfather would be proud.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 10" />

Vaneé placed Ren in Vader's bacta tank as Ren faded in and out of consciousness. Reciting Ren's recent journeys to him, Vaneé began to reveal his ultimate plan for Ren: Ren's "death" in the service of transforming him into a new Vader. For this to happen, Vaneé told Ren that he must "die", just as Anakin Skywalker had, to complete his journey and realize his full greatness. Vaneé injected Ren with a drug, causing Ren to lose consciousness, and moved Ren to a platform raised above a chamber of falling lava.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 11">[[Legacy of Vader 11|''Legacy of Vader'' 11]]</ref>

Ren regained consciousness just as one of [[Darth Vader's armor|Vader's helmets]] descended onto his face, its three pieces fully assembling as Ren steadily descended into the lava. Vaneé, observing Ren from above, told Ren to breathe in the lava's fumes and allow them to settle into his mind. Using the Force, Ren dragged Vaneé to teeter over the lava, but released him after Vaneé revealed that only he could release Ren from the pit. As Vaneé elaborated on his vision, telling Ren that he would receive a brief immersion into the flames of Mustafar as Vader did, believing it to be a key step to Vader's ascendance to power. Regardless, Ren summoned the strength through the Force to free himself from his restraints and leap free from the lava pit. Removing Vader's helmet, Ren pursued Vaneé throughout the fortress. Ren made his way through multiple obstacles and traps involving hazards such as heights, flames, lava, laser bolts and arrows, and used his acrobatic and Force skills to complete them unscathed. All the while, Vaneé continued to speak to Ren through the fortress's comms, explaining his belief that the galaxy needed a Vader-like figure to induce order through absolute fear and that Vaneé hoped his legacy would be giving the chaotic galaxy such a figure. Ren came across a chamber that soon filled with derelict [[DT-series sentry droid|DT-series sentry droids]] that he could not safely dispatch and fled them. Finding a display filled with lightsabers from long since fallen Jedi, Ren summoned one with a green blade, cutting down the sentry droids bleeding and cracking the weapon's exposed kyber crystal in his rage. Accepting his fate, Vaneé allowed Ren into his chamber. As a final request, Ren asked Vaneé whether Vader's vault was even real and contained real power, or whether it was merely a deception. When Vaneé admitted that he did not know, Ren told Vaneé that his gravest sin was wasting his time. As Ren held Vaneé over a chasm of lava with the Force, Vaneé accepted his death at the hands of one that was part of Vader's line. His head now severed from his mechanical body, Vaneé told Ren that everything he had done was in service to realizing Ren's potential, which only enraged Ren, who proclaimed that he was already everything he needed to be. Happy with Ren's self-acceptance, Vaneé fell to his death believing that Ren would honor his family's legacy.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 11" />

=====Vader's vault=====
Finally rid of Vaneé, Ren once again approached the cavernous mouth of Vader's vault. After hearing a voice asking if he was afraid, Ren, unbowed, confidently strode through the entrance.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 11" />

====Campaign of terror====
{{Quote|We have learned from the mistakes of the Empire&mdash;They were too ''lenient''. The Resistance is looking to replenish their lost ships and weapons&hellip; It is imperative they find none. Make sure the word is spread from here&mdash;to the farthest corner of the galaxy.|Kylo Ren|<ref name="Allegiance 2">[[Allegiance 2|''Allegiance'' 2]]</ref>}}
In the aftermath of the Battle of Crait, word of the duel between Ren and Skywalker had spread across the galaxy, despite the First Order's efforts to suppress the rumors. Immersed in the dark side of the Force, Ren instituted a zero-tolerance policy against "subversive" worlds, directing his forces to hunt and destroy all dissidents who opposed his reign as the new Supreme Leader. Ren also kept his involvement in Snoke's death a secret, so that no one would doubt his claim to the leadership of the First Order. Although General Hux survived the regime change within the First Order, the new Supreme Leader was distrustful and refused to lower his guard around someone as devious as Hux.<ref name="TROS VD" />

[[File:KyloRen-Allegiance2.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The new Supreme Leader decreed that any form of contact with the Resistance was punishable by death.]]
Ren ensured that his one-time rival would have little independent authority without supervision, even giving assignments to the Knights of Ren before entrusting Hux with anything of importance.<ref name="TROS VD" /> At some point during the war, Ren sought an update on the Order's stock of refueling stations, leading to a short notice meeting aboard the ''[[Titan]]'' that Hux was made to attend. Prior to the meeting, when Stormtrooper Commander [[Pyre]] complained about the short notice, Hux explained it was due to Ren's wishes.<ref name="Station to Station">{{Resistance|Station to Station}}</ref> Ren also kept Hux close by to countermand the general's orders when necessary; on one occasion, Hux dismissed a reported sighting of the Resistance operative Finn, believing it was a waste of the First Order's resources to follow up on every rumor regarding the Resistance. This led Ren to openly chastise Hux on the bridge of the ''Finalizer'', ensuring the general understood that they would use every available asset to find and destroy the Resistance.<ref name="Allegiance 1" />

Holding more power than he ever had in his life up to that point,<ref name="Rise Article">{{InsiderCite|193|The Rise of Skywalker: Villains Versus Heroes|''The Rise of Skywalker'': Villains Versus Heroes}}</ref> the Supreme Leader made good on his vow to punish any world that showed anything less than absolute loyalty. Making his way to the neutral planet of [[Fondor]], Ren placed it under military occupation after learning that the Resistance had passed through its system. Although an [[Unidentified human male (Fondor)|official]] of Fondor swore that his government held no allegiance to the insurgents, having refused to assist them in any capacity, the mere contact with the enemies of the First Order provided Ren with his justification for seizing control of the [[Fondor Shipyards]]. Convinced the Old Empire had been too lenient, Ren adopted a zero-tolerance policy in regard to the Resistance, and as such, he personally decapitated the official. Ultimately, Fondor was made an example to the rest of the galaxy, warning them to stay away from the Resistance on pain of death. Such measures were intended by Ren to prevent the Resistance from replacing their lost resources.<ref name="Allegiance 2" />

====Supervising the advance====
{{Quote|We can and will chase every rumor, every scrap, every vapor trail across the galaxy! We will mobilize every bounty hunter and informant and turn over every rock to find ''all'' of them&hellip;and wipe every one of them out of existence!|Kylo Ren, to Armitage Hux|<ref name="Allegiance 1">[[Allegiance 1|''Allegiance'' 1]]</ref>}}
[[File:KyloRen-GalaxysEdge5.jpg|thumb|right|250px|With much of the galaxy conquered through sheer military might under Supreme Leader Kylo Ren, the First Order saw his reign as the dawn of a new era, with no system daring to oppose the Supreme Leader's wrath.]]
Under Ren's leadership and with its military spreading across the galaxy,<ref name="Episode IX" /> the First Order was confident that, under the new Supreme Leader, the galaxy was on the verge of achieving unprecedented harmony.<ref name="Galaxy's Edge 5">[[Galaxy's Edge 5|''Galaxy's Edge'' 5]]</ref> A [[Unidentified First Order stormtrooper sergeant|stormtrooper sergeant]] in the [[709th Legion|709th "Red Fury" Legion]]<ref name="Galaxy's Edge 1">[[Galaxy's Edge 1|''Galaxy's Edge'' 1]]</ref>&mdash;a formation of elite stormtroopers chosen by Ren himself<ref name="Black Spire">''[[Galaxy's Edge: Black Spire]]''</ref>&mdash;regarded his leader's regime as the harbinger of peace, establishing a new era in place of the fallen New Republic, which the [[sergeant]] viewed as a turbulent period of chaos and corruption.<ref name="Galaxy's Edge 5" /> The galaxy, which had largely demilitarized during the decades of peace, was unprepared to face the threat of the First Order, and many worlds capitulated to Ren's rule.<ref name="TROS VD" /> However, the Supreme Leader lusted for even greater power.<ref name="Rise Article" /> Eager to crush any who opposed him,<ref name="Episode IX" /> he continued the manhunt for the surviving members of the Resistance, deploying First Order forces to various locations across the galaxy,<ref name="Galaxy's Edge">[[Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge|''Star Wars'': Galaxy's Edge]]</ref> and began a quest to uncover the Force's darkest secrets, hoping to use that knowledge to cement himself as the supreme ruler of the galaxy.<ref name="Rise Article" />

To that end, Ren established an elite force of stormtroopers, the [[First Order Raider]]s, to serve as extremely skilled relic hunters.<ref name="First Order Raiders Databank">{{Databank|first-order-raiders|First Order Raiders}}</ref> Ren dispatched his Raiders out into the galaxy with the mission of bringing him ancient relics,<ref name="Relic Raiders">{{Resistance|The Relic Raiders}}</ref> specifically those related to the Sith<ref name="First Order Raiders Databank" /> because of their destructive potential and power.<ref name="Mika Grey Databank">{{Databank|mika-grey|Mika Grey}}</ref> During their hunts, the Raiders crossed paths with the treasure hunter [[Mika Grey]], who learned of the troopers' personal allegiance to Ren<ref name="Relic Raiders" /> and hoped to keep such artifacts out of the Supreme Leader's hands. In particular, she had spent over two years hunting a [[Unidentified Sith relic|Sith relic]] with life-ending power,<ref name="Mika Grey Databank" /> [[Mission to Ashas Ree|finding]] it before the First Order on the planet [[Ashas Ree]]. Ultimately, she turned its power against a group of Raiders under [[Agent]] [[Raith]],<ref name="Relic Raiders" /> destroying them and draining the relic's energy.<ref name="Relic Episode Guide 11">{{SW|url=series/star-wars-resistance/the-relic-raider|text="The Relic Raider" Episode Guide &#124; Star Wars Resistance}} {{C|Episode Gallery Slide 11}}</ref>

====The Batuu gambit====
{{Quote|Enough! You will come to me! You cannot change what's happening, Rey. The past is dead. We, we can be the future! You and I can rule the galaxy, together.|Kylo Ren, to Rey|<ref name="Galactic Starcruiser" />}}
[[File:RenVsRey-SWGE.png|thumb|left|250px|The hunt for Rey brought Kylo Ren to Batuu, where he sought to capture the scavenger who had evaded him.]]
After receiving word that Rey had apparently been sighted on Batuu, Ren personally oversaw the search for Resistance fugitives at the [[Black Spire Outpost]] on [[Batuu]], having traveled to the remote installation via a [[TIE/es assault shuttle]]<ref name="Galaxy's Edge" /> along with<ref name="Galaxy's Edge 1">[[Galaxy's Edge 1|''Galaxy's Edge'' 1]]</ref> his elite 709th Legion.<ref name="Black Spire" /> Upon his arrival at [[Docking Bay 9 (Batuu)|Docking Bay 9]], Ren was greeted by a First Order officer whom he deemed incompetent, and consequently strangled the officer by way of the Force.<ref name="Galaxy's Edge" /> Ren's arrival on Batuu was supported by members of his Red Fury Legion, including stormtroopers [[CF-8011]] and [[AD-2508]]. In the presence of CF-8011, Ren repeatedly noted that he sensed disturbances in the Force. However, the reasoning for their deployment to Batuu and such statements from Ren were confusing to CF-8011, who asked AD-2508 what the dark warrior meant whenever he "sensed" something. Despite Ren's status as their Supreme Leader, AD-2508 mocked Ren as someone who needed to calm down.<ref name="Datapad">{{DatapadCite|First Order Comms|FirstOrderComms1-GEDatapad.png|FirstOrderComms2-GEDatapad.png|FirstOrderComms3-GEDatapad.png}}</ref> Other Red Fury stormtroopers, however, knew their deployment was because of Resistance activity on Batuu.<ref name="Galaxy's Edge 1" />

At one point during his time on Batuu, Ren confronted Resistance spy [[Vi Moradi]], but she refused to give secrets to the Supreme Leader. Before Ren could strike Moradi down, Rey arrived, and the two Force-sensitives began a lightsaber duel. However, Ren was ultimately forced to leave when a stormtrooper informed him of an incident aboard their destroyer.<ref name="Kylo vs Rey Galaxy's Edge">{{OfficialYouTube|channel=@attractionsmagazine|name=Attractions Magazine|video=UGUsYWmVV2I|text=Star Wars Lightsaber Battle and Stunt Show in Galaxy's Edge during media event &#124; Attractions Magazine|date=2019-12-04}}</ref> Later, Ren was with Hux and in command of<ref name="Rise of the Resistance">{{GEAttr|Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance|Rise of the Resistance}}</ref> the ''Finalizer''<ref name="TROS VD" /> when it [[Battle of Batuu|captured]] a Resistance [[Intersystem Transport Ship]]. However, Poe Dameron managed to escape before returning with a sizable fleet that caught the First Order off guard. Ren, who commanded the First Order forces alongside General Hux, realized that the Resistance was using a hijacked [[First Order Fleet Transport]] and eventually engaged in a pursuit. Despite his efforts, the Resistance operatives escaped from the Star Destroyer using one of its [[escape pod]]s to return to the ruins of Batuu.<ref name="Rise of the Resistance" />

[[File:Kylo-Rey-duel-GalacticStarcruiser.png|thumb|right|250px|Kylo Ren dueled Rey aboard the ''Halcyon'' star cruiser and once again tried to tempt her to the dark side.]]
When the First Order began to investigate the [[MPO-1400 Purgill-class star cruiser|MPO-1400 ''Purgill''-class star cruiser]] ''[[Halcyon]]'' for suspected Resistance activity, Ren personally arrived and threatened its current guests to try to find Rey. When she revealed herself, the two began a new duel as the crowd below watched, with Ren taking note of how her skills had grown. When Ren tried to talk down on the concept of the Resistance in a new attempt to convince her to join him, Rey rejected his offer, so Ren threw her against a railing and the wall, claiming the Skywalker lightsaber as his own from his injured enemy. After she avoided fire from the stormtroopers below, Ren managed to hold her in a Force grip, pulling her towards himself to demand that she join him while Chewbacca and other Resistance agents attacked.<ref name="Galactic Starcruiser" />

When Rey escaped and reclaimed her lightsaber, their duel continued until Yoda's holocron, the very same one Ren had assumed destroyed in the blaze of Skywalker's temple, played before them. Ren tried to claim the holocron for himself due to the knowledge it contained, but Rey stole it from him and escaped by Force pushing him back. Before chasing after her, Ren ordered Lieutenant [[Harman Croy]] to execute all of the guests below, whether or not they were loyal to the First Order, but the Resistance managed to overwhelm the stormtroopers after Ren left the room.<ref name="Galactic Starcruiser" />

====Cementing his command====
{{Quote|{{'}}''Supreme Leader.''{{'}} Not what I would have chosen for myself. 'Master of the dark side,' perhaps&hellip; 'Commander of the Knights of Ren'&hellip; But this is where I have landed. And now, it sounds&hellip; Right. ''Just.'' Head of the ''First Order.'' My word, unchallenged.|Kylo Ren|<ref name="Follow and Lead">{{IDWAdventuresCite-2020|issue=2|story=Tales of Villainy: Follow and Lead}}</ref>}}
Rebuilding his command in the wake of the ''Supremacy''{{'s}} destruction, Ren brought [[Allegiant General]] [[Enric Pryde]] to the forefront of his operations after discovering the reserve forces under his command. He also transferred his command to Pryde's Star Destroyer [[Steadfast (Resurgent-class)|''Steadfast'']], bringing Hux with him after the ''Finalizer'' sustained significant damage from the run-in with Resistance forces over Batuu. Ren entrusted important jobs that could have otherwise gone to Hux to the Allegiant General: in effect, the years that Hux spent jockeying for power against Ren ultimately worked against the general, as his authority was superseded not only by Ren, but Pryde as well.<ref name="TROS VD" /> As Supreme Leader, nevertheless, Ren formed a regime that was different from the one overseen by his predecessor. He sought to foster cooperation among the top First Order military leaders, and as such Ren formed the [[First Order Supreme Council|Supreme Council]], a cabinet consisting of members of High Command, including Pryde, Hux, Admiral [[Frantis Griss]], and generals [[Amret Engell]], [[Bellava Parnadee]], and [[Domaric Quinn]].<ref name="Supreme Council DB">{{Databank|first-order-supreme-council|First Order Supreme Council}}</ref>

[[File:DarkOrder.png|thumb|left|270px|As a head of state, Ren suppressed dissent through the threat and use of military force.]]
They were all proud men and women who were unaccustomed to Ren's leadership, having risen through the ranks in a time when most high-ranking officers knew little of the First Order's goals and capabilities. Despite Ren's motivation for creating the Council, their meetings aboard the ''Steadfast'' became marred by sniping and turf wars.<ref name="Supreme Council DB" /> Meanwhile, however, the First Order's military might cowed many worlds into submission,<ref name="Episode IX" /> although some remained defiant despite the threat of annihilation. Ren, who came to see himself as ruler of the galaxy, toured the worlds that the First Order conquered in the name of their new Supreme Leader. [[Unidentified world (Kylo Ren)|One of the worlds]] that he visited was under military occupation; the officer who greeted him expressed how honored they were by his presence while [[Unidentified First Order officer (Kylo Ren)|another]] prepared his speech to the local population, which included metaphors and allusions of cultural relevance to the world that they occupied.<ref name="Follow and Lead" />

As he stood on a balcony overlooking the crowd, he crushed the [[datapad]] containing his speech, which was followed by the stormtroopers saluting. The civilians responded by kneeling before him with downcast eyes as the First Order soldiers shouted "all hail the Supreme Leader!" Ren visited another world that the First Order subjugated on his behalf. However, he was ambushed by a group of insurgents hiding within the crowd. Ren ordered his stormtroopers to stand their ground and fought beside them. During the battle, he targeted the [[Unidentified human girl (Kylo Ren)|woman]] who led the insurgents, determined to make her an example to others who defied his authority. Interested in why she would attack him despite the consequences, he allowed her to declare that her people would rather die fighting for freedom than submit to Ren's [[Fascism|fascist]] rule. Ren's response was that he would make her people suffer for her actions, but the woman asserted that their sacrifice would not be in vain if it inspired further resistance against the First Order. Ren dismissed her as a fool, and said that she would regret her choice. As a result, her world was set aflame as Ren returned to the Star Destroyer in orbit.<ref name="Follow and Lead" />

====The ''Colossus'' cell====
{{Quote|I will not suffer the existence of any Resistance cell. No matter how small.''"<br />"''We understand, Supreme Leader.''"<br />"''Do you?|Kylo Ren and Tierny|<ref name="The Escape">{{Resistance|The Escape (episode)}}</ref>}}
In retaliation against the [[Aeosian]]s who supported the Resistance, a fleet of ''Resurgent''-class Star Destroyers invaded their homeworld of [[Aeos Prime]] and [[Suppression of the Aeos system|devastated]] it. After completing the [[orbital bombardment]], First Order Security Bureau Agent [[Tierny]] and Stormtrooper Commander Pyre reported their actions to General Hux but found Supreme Leader Kylo Ren waiting on the other side of the [[holoprojector]].<ref name="The Escape" /> Aware of Pyre and Tierny's failure to defeat the [[Team Colossus|''Colossus'' resistance]],<ref name="Escape 1 EG">{{SW|url=series/star-wars-resistance/the-escape-part-1-episode-guide|text="The Escape" Part 1 Episode Guide &#124; Star Wars Resistance}}</ref> he declared that he would not tolerate the existence of any Resistance cell.<ref name="The Escape" /> Reaching out through the Force, Ren influenced the two to stand and point their blasters at each other. He then severed the transmission, leaving his subordinates with an ominous warning about the price for failure.<ref name="Escape 1 EG" />

[[File:NoMercyForTheWeak-TheEscape.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Ren would brook no failure, and so he unleashed his wrath on Agent Tierny as a demonstration of his power.]]
Though they managed to locate the ''Colossus'' station in the [[Barabesh system]], the [[Battle of Barabesh|ensuing battle]] did not turn in the First Order's favor. Betrayed by the [[First Order TIE fighter pilot|TIE fighter pilot]] [[Tamara Ryvora|DT-533]], the First Order failed to prevent the Resistance operatives Kazuda Xiono and [[Jarek Yeager]] from warning their allies of the impending attack. Rather than retreat, however, the citizenry of the ''Colossus'' held their ground against the forces of the First Order. While the [[Ace Squadron]] intensified their attack run on the [[Thunderer|main Star Destroyer]], Tierny received a transmission from Supreme Leader Ren. She beseeched him to send reinforcements, but Ren rejected her request and declared that the First Order had no tolerance for the weak. With that, Ren telekinetically choked the First Order agent with the Force,<ref name="The Escape" /> unleashing his final punishment on Tierny.<ref name="Escape 2 EG">{{SW|url=series/star-wars-resistance/the-escape-part-2-episode-guide|text="The Escape" Part 2 Episode Guide &#124; Star Wars Resistance}}</ref>

====Investigation on Vendaxa====
{{Quote|If they are indeed hiding on Vendaxa, then we will pin them down, smother them with numbers, and the Resistan&mdash;|Armitage Hux|<ref name="Loyalty Test">{{IDWAdventuresCite-2017|issue=30|story=Loyalty Test}}</ref>}}
[[File:Kylo_and_Ren_argue.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Ren and Hux argued before being attacked by an Acklay.]]
During the hunt for the Resistance, General Hux announced to a squad of stormtroopers that the First Order had received word of the rebels operating in secret on the planet [[Vendaxa]]. Supreme Leader Ren interrupted the general and dismissed the stormtroopers, intending to investigate the planet alone. However, Hux insisted on accompanying the Supreme Leader. They began their investigation upon arriving on Vendaxa, only to start bickering over their loyalties and sacrifices for the First Order. During their argument, an [[acklay]] approached the pair, causing Hux to run for his life while Ren stood his ground. Ren was unafraid and fought against the creature, but Hux took the opportunity to shoot at the Acklay with his [[SE-44C blaster pistol]], causing it to run away. Ren and Hux ultimately returned to the First Order after confirming that there were no Resistance operatives on Vendaxa.<ref name="Loyalty Test" />

====Ghost of Skywalker====
{{Quote|Where are you? I can feel you! I know you're watching me! Show yourself, you coward! No more tricks, Skywalker...just the reckoning I deserve! You're a fool.|Kylo Ren, to Luke Skywalker|<ref name="See You Around, Kid">{{StoryCite|story=See You Around, Kid|book=Star Wars (2020) 25}}</ref>}}
[[File:KyloRenOnCrait-SeeYouAroundKid.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Feeling the presence of his Jedi Master, Ren hoped to lure him out by visiting familiar locations.]]
Still sensing the presence of his Jedi Master Luke Skywalker, Kylo Ren attempted to have Skywalker show himself by visiting locations of their past, starting with Crait, the site of their final encounter. As the ''Steadfast'' neared the planet, Enric Pryde informed the Supreme Leader that they arrived at Crait, only for Ren to wrathfully order the preparation of his shuttle. Upon arriving on Crait, Ren began to violently swing his lightsaber near the location of his fateful duel with his former Jedi Master. The Supreme Leader and the Knights of Ren later traveled to the former Jedi outpost on Elphrona, where he and his master had their first encounter with the Knights.<ref name="See You Around, Kid" />

Ren commanded the Knights to remain vigilant for sightings of Skywalker's [[Force spirit|ghost]], to which the Knight [[Vicrul]] replied that no such apparition was felt. Ren mocked him by saying that they were defeated in that outpost before claiming that he had one final place to look. Kylo Ren arrived on Ossus, where the Jedi Temple of his past lay in ruin. Ren desperately shouted for his Jedi Master to show himself, but received no answer. After making peace with his fruitless travels, Ren boarded his ship, ordering General Armitage Hux to bombard the location from orbit, as there was nothing left.<ref name="See You Around, Kid" />

===Dark legacies===
====The phantom Emperor====
{{Quote|He's gone mad. Flames of rebellion burn across the galaxy and Ren chases a ''ghost''.''"<br />"''No. ''Someone'' was behind that transmission. And Leader Ren will answer to no one.|Armitage Hux and Enric Pryde|<ref name="TROS EE" />}}
Within a year of Kylo Ren's ascension to supreme power,<ref name="Timelines" /> a [[Palpatine's broadcast|mysterious transmission]] broadcasting the voice of Darth Sidious&mdash;the long-dead Galactic Emperor and Dark Lord of the Sith&mdash;reached the far corners of the galaxy. Although Ren doubted that Sidious had returned, he was certain that others believed the message, so he was determined to [[Search for Exegol|uncover the truth]] first to prevent any threats to his rule. As a result, he diverted his attention and the First Order's resources away from the Resistance to focus entirely on investigating the message.<ref name="TROS EE" /> The broadcast bolstered the rumors that the Emperor lived but was in hiding, leading many within the First Order to believe that they should follow Sidious instead of Ren.<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" /> While Pryde supported Ren's decision to investigate the mysterious message, Hux became convinced that the Supreme Leader had spiraled into insanity for committing the First Order's military towards what Hux considered as a hunt for a ghost while they faced rebellions across the galaxy.<ref name="TROS EE" />

[[File:Malice-SWZ87_Chris_Bjors.png|thumb|left|300px|Ren slaughtered the Alazmec of Winsit to acquire a Sith wayfinder on Mustafar.]]
In spite of the First Order's ongoing war against the Resistance and other dissidents, Ren's priorities changed after he learned that his late Master Snoke had not been the omnipotent ruler as he previously thought.<ref name="TROS VD" /> Though he had doubts about the transmission's authenticity, Ren was determined to find the source of the message and discover the truth himself.<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" /> To accomplish this, Ren sought a [[Sith wayfinder]] and undertook a [[Mission to Mustafar (First Order)|journey to Mustafar]]. Accompanied by Pryde, Hux and a stormtrooper escort, the Supreme Leader arrived in the Corvax Fen. His aim was to take possession of [[Vader's wayfinder]], one of two [[wayfinder]]s made by the Sith.<ref name="TROS EE" /> Devoted to protecting the fen, the Alazmec of Winsit obstructed his path to the crumbling ruins of Vader's castle.<ref name="TROS VD" /> Pryde and Hux watched from a safe distance as Ren slaughtered the cultists,<ref name="TROS EE" /> outpacing his stormtrooper escort.<ref name="TROS VD" />

At a small brackish lake, Ren encountered a [[spider]]-like being that identified itself as the [[Eye of Webbish Bog]].<ref name="TROS EE" /> Ren came close to killing the creature when it addressed him by his Skywalker heritage.<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" /> Killing the cultists had not been a challenge for Ren; nevertheless the Eye deemed him worthy of claiming the wayfinder in accordance with Vader's wishes. The Eye assured Ren that the artifact would guide him to the hidden Sith world of [[Exegol]], through the Unknown Regions, but also warned him that his path would end with the discovery of his true self. After taking possession of the wayfinder, Ren returned to the ''Steadfast'' and proceeded into the Unknown Regions on his own.<ref name="TROS EE" />

====Heir to the new Sith Empire====
{{Quote|Kill the girl. End the Jedi. And become what your grandfather Vader could not. You will rule all the galaxy as the new Emperor.|Darth Sidious, to Kylo Ren|<ref name="Episode IX" />}}
[[File:KyloRen-Exegol.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Ren's journey to Exegol revealed to him that the demise of the last Sith Lord had not ended the Sith religion.]]
Ren used the onboard [[navigation computer]] of his [[Kylo Ren's TIE whisper|modified TIE whisper]] to assimilate the data within Vader's wayfinder, which provided him with coordinates to navigate the anomalies of the Unknown Regions. After passing through the [[Red Honeycomb Zone]], he arrived directly at Exegol. There, he found an ancient [[Sith Citadel]].<ref name="TROS EE" />

Ren descended into the depths of the citadel with the intention of destroying the dark presence within and claiming its power for himself, which he believed was his birthright as the grandson of a Sith Lord. When a voice spoke telepathically to him, Ren instantly recognized it as both Darth Sidious and the voice he had heard in his mind throughout his childhood. Ren's suspicions of the Emperor's influence over his life<ref name="TROS EE" /> were further confirmed to him when Sidious morphed his voice into that of Snoke and Vader as he told Ren he'd been every voice Ren had heard inside his mind.<ref name="Episode IX" /> Sidious approved of Ren's actions, including killing Snoke;<ref name="TROS EE" /> his followers had created Snoke to mold Ren into an heir of the Sith, and Ren had acted as a true Sith by killing his master.<ref name="TROS VD" /> While searching for the Emperor, Ren saw a [[vat]] containing multiple versions of Snoke's body,<ref name="Episode IX" /> a sign to Ren that Snoke was originally from Exegol. Ren had been unaware that Sidious was his true master in the ways of the dark side, whereas Snoke served as the Dark Lord's proxy.<ref name="TROS EE" />

[[File:Kylo_Ren_confronts_Palpatine.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Determined to destroy any threat to his reign, Ren sought to kill Darth Sidious.]]
Ren found Sidious' physical form supported by a device that Ren recognized from his studies of the Clone Wars as an [[Ommin harness]]. The body within was a clone of the late Emperor and served as a host for his spirit, with the harness sustaining the cloned body as the dark side attached to the Emperor's soul caused rapid decay. Despite the frailty of the body, Ren could feel the undiminished strength of the dark side within.<ref name="TROS EE" />

Sidious revealed to Ren the final stage of his long-gestating plan for vengeance: the [[Final Order]]. In a vision,<ref name="TROS EE" /> Ren witnessed more than a thousand [[Xyston-class Star Destroyer|''Xyston''-class Star Destroyers]], modeled after [[Imperial I-class Star Destroyer|''Imperial I''-class Star Destroyers]], each outfitted with [[axial superlaser]] [[cannon]]s that were capable of destroying entire planets. Once deployed, it would be the largest armada the galaxy had ever known. This confirmed the rumors that Ren had heard about Exegol, particularly the Sith Eternal cultists who secretly resided there and continued to worship the Sith despite the demise of the last Sith Lords.<ref name="TROS VD" /> They were true believers in the dark side of the Force who had devoted their entire lives to creating a fleet that would annihilate the rebellion throughout the galaxy,<ref name="TROS EE" /> and it was their intention that Ren should inherit the Sith legacy by leading their forces against the galaxy.<ref name="TROS VD" />

[[File:Unidentified_Star_Destroyer_fleet.png|thumb|right|250px|Ren discovered the Final Order, the largest fleet in galactic history, secretly constructed on Exegol.]]
Ren's desire to control both the fleet and the [[Sith Eternal army|army]] of [[Sith trooper]]s delayed his plan for killing Sidious, who urged him to succeed where Vader failed by ruling the galaxy as the new [[Sith]] [[Emperor]]. His only stipulation before ceding control of the fleet, otherwise known as the Final Order, was to prevent Rey from becoming a true Jedi by killing her.<ref name="Episode IX" /> If she lived, Ren would die and the First Order would fall. Moreover, Sidious revealed her true heritage as his granddaughter. Ren realized he had incorrectly dismissed Rey's parents as a poor, frightened couple "living on the edge of desperation,"<ref name="TROS EE" /> when in truth they chose to live anonymously in order to protect their daughter from her grandfather.<ref name="Episode IX" />

Though Sidious acknowledged Ren as a worthy apprentice who possessed the raw power of the Skywalker bloodline, he harbored doubts about Ren's commitment to the dark side due to his inner conflict. Sensing the last vestiges of the light within Ren, Sidious intended the task of killing Rey to serve as Ren's final test to prove his worth by ending the Jedi and leading the galaxy as its new master.<ref name="Secrets of the Sith" />

[[File:SidiousandKyloRen-TROS.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Sidious urged Ren to kill the last Jedi and succeed him as the new Galactic Emperor.]]
Despite Sidious' ultimatum, Ren did not want to kill Rey; the full truth of her origins had renewed Ren's interest in turning her to the dark side to reign over the galaxy with him,<ref name="Episode IX" /> as he had tried without success during their last encounter,<ref name="Episode VIII" /> believing they would be invincible together.<ref name="TROS EE" /> After returning to his quarters on the ''Steadfast'', Ren meditated using his grandfather's mask and sought Rey through their connection in the Force. At the time, she was running an obstacle course outside the [[Resistance base (Ajan Kloss)|Resistance's new base]] on [[Ajan Kloss]]. Their minds connected and began to flood with memories of past events. Rey struggled against the dark side within herself, but she eventually lashed out after losing control.<ref name="Episode IX" />

====Reforging the mask====
{{Dialogue|Kylo Ren|I sense unease about my appearance, General Hux.|Armitage Hux|About the mask? No, sir. Well done.|Bellava Parnadee|I like it.|attr=Kylo Ren, Armitage Hux, and Bellava Parnadee|src=<ref name="TROS EE" />}}
Following his return from Exegol, Ren summoned his followers, the Knights to Ren, in order to utilize their tracking skills to locate Rey. As before, when he claimed the mantle of leadership, the Knights accepted Ren as their master without question, affirming that the results of his trial still stood. Recalling his Knights also motivated Ren to reforge his mask as a symbol of his place among their ranks. The work of rebuilding what Ren destroyed fell to [[Albrekh]], a Sith alchemist trained in classic metallurgy, capable of smithing feats that were unfamiliar to the modern galaxy. He was also the first [[Symeong]] that Ren had ever encountered.<ref name="TROS EE" />

[[File:RiseCollectorEdition-stare-at-helmet.png|thumb|right|270px|Kylo Ren watched as his new mask was forged from the shards of his first helmet by Albrekh, a Sith alchemist.]]
Ren gave the shards of his mask&mdash;all painstakingly scavenged from the wreckage of the ''Supremacy''&mdash;to Albrekh, who used [[Sarrassian iron]] to fuse the pieces back together. Applying the iron into the cracks of the reformed helmet created a red adhesive stronger than steel. When the Symeong's work was finished, the mask was restored to its original shape, albeit with red fractures that Ren likened to crimson lightning. It was more than symbolic of his status as a Knight;<ref name="TROS EE" /> in Ren's mind, it reflected his own personal growth and evolution. He reaffirmed his affiliation with the Knights, but this time on his own terms.<ref name="TROS VD" /> The reforged mask's crimson fractures also marked Ren's reign as the new Supreme Leader<ref name="Battlefront II" /> and his intent to follow in his grandfather's footsteps and become the Dark Lord of the Sith.<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" />

Ren learned that a spy had been captured on the [[Sinta Glacier Colony]] by the time he returned to the ''Steadfast''. Enforcing a zero-tolerance policy on espionage and treason, Ren had the prisoner, the [[Ovissian]] miner [[Boolio]], hauled before him to face summary execution by decapitation. After carrying out the deed himself, Ren joined the members of the Supreme Council in the High Command chamber where he slammed the spy's severed head on the conference table. While he acknowledged that there was another spy, one within their ranks, Ren was unconcerned with discovering their identity, feeling confident that the First Order would become a true Empire once it had assimilated the military assets he discovered on Exegol.<ref name="TROS EE" />

Ren listened as the Council discussed their new strategy. Parnadee and Engell proposed increasing their recruitment quotas by conscripting more children into the military. Quinn was skeptical of their alliance with the Sith Eternal, disdaining the cultists and their beliefs. Pryde, however, supported integration between the two forces, arguing that the Sith fleet would increase the First Order's range in power by ten-thousand fold, replacing the losses they suffered with the destruction of Starkiller Base, which he held Hux responsible for. Unlike the other officers, the Allegiant General did not fear Ren, who had considered liquidating Pryde but ultimately found him too competent to replace.<ref name="TROS EE" />

[[File:First-Order-Supreme_Council.jpg|thumb|left|270px|The discovery of new warships and soldiers bolstered the Supreme Council's confidence in the young Supreme Leader.]]
Ren moved to silence Quinn when the general began inquiring about the specific terms of his agreement with Sidious, preventing the Council from learning of the Emperor's interest in Rey. Using his anger and impatience to fuel his connection to the dark side, he threw Quinn up to the ceiling, causing his body to fracture upon impact. The Council watched silently as their colleague remained suspended above them, slowly choking to death while Ren informed the remaining members of his intention to personally oversee the hunt for Rey with the support of his Knights. Meanwhile, the Council was instructed to maintain order in the galaxy by suppressing any worlds exhibiting signs of dissent.<ref name="TROS EE" /> Though they preferred conquering the galaxy through orthodox tactics and strategies rather than relying on Ren's total devotion to the dark side of the Force, their confidence in his leadership had increased with his promise of the Sith armada.<ref name="TROS VD" />

====Hunting Rey on Pasaana====
{{Quote|I offered you my hand once. You wanted to take it. Why didn't you?''"<br />"''You could have killed me. Why didn't you?''"<br />"''You can't hide, Rey. Not from me.|Kylo Ren and Rey|<ref name="Episode IX" />}}
[[File:ReyOnPasana-TROS.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Ren used his bond with Rey to find her, and also to warn her that Sidious wanted him to kill her.]]
Allegiant General Pryde reported to Ren that the First Order had been unsuccessful in their search for the scavenger, and Hux offered to personally lead the kill squads against her. Ren ordered Pryde to target ships in the same class as the ''Millennium Falcon'', and informed Hux that the search for Rey was too important to risk error; as such, the Knights of Ren would lead the mission instead.<ref name="TROS EE" />

In his private quarters on the ''Steadfast'', Ren used his bond with Rey to initiate a connection. Unbeknownst to Ren, she was in the [[Forbidden Valley]] of [[Pasaana]] during the [[Festival of the Ancestors]], [[Mission to Pasaana (Resistance)|seeking the way to Exegol]]. It was their most powerful connection yet, showing them each other as if physically present in each other's locations without any other sounds or beings there.<ref name="TROS EE" /> He told her that the Emperor desired her death, but that he had no intention of serving another master and followed his own plan instead. Ren asked her why she had rejected his offer on the ''Supremacy'', knowing that she wanted to accept it. Rey avoided the question and asked why he had not taken the opportunity to kill her when he had the chance. He responded that she could not hide from him.<ref name="Episode IX" />

[[File:KnightsOfRen-DB.png|thumb|left|250px|The Knights of Ren journeyed to Pasaana with the intention of capturing the scavenger who vexed their dark master.]]
Ren's thoughts betrayed that he was still affected by killing his father, and when Rey threw into his mind the image of him killing Han, he confronted her with her own memory of counting the days since her parents left her.<ref name="TROS EE" /> Ren claimed that his mother and Rey's friends did not recognize the dark side in her as he did. He said that he could sense her anger and pain and stated that he did not want to have to kill her, but he would find her and turn her to the dark side. Before their connection ended, he ripped the [[husk necklace]] from her neck which physically transported it from Rey's location to Ren's hand.<ref name="Episode IX" />

Ren informed Pryde that he had found Rey through the Force, and [[intelligence officer]] [[Tishra Kandia]] returned with her analysis of the necklace; it was made in the [[Middian system]], specifically the Forbidden Valley. Ren ordered Pryde to immediately deploy a division of local troops and to prepare his ship for departure.<ref name="Episode IX" /> While Ren was unaware of the purpose of Rey's presence on Pasaana, he had hope that he would soon find her.<ref name="TROS EE" />

Shortly after Ren's arrival on Pasaana, the ''Millennium Falcon'' was found by the Knights of Ren and their stormtrooper escorts. The Supreme Leader ordered them to confiscate and scan the ship before finally destroying it. Meanwhile, Rey sensed Ren's presence in the Force as his ship drew closer to her location.<ref name="Episode IX" /> As Ren prepared to confront her, he realized that killing his father had not eliminated his pull to the light because Rey remained as his light. Until Ren killed her or the light inside her, he could not fully claim the darkness.<ref name="TROS EE" />

[[File:KyloRen-PasaanaDesert.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Ren confronted Rey in the Pasaana desert, determined to confirm what he had learned about her origins.]]
Ren increased the speed of his TIE whisper, flying it directly towards Rey with the intention of killing her.<ref name="TROS EE" /> Rey used her training under Organa and the Force augmenting her abilities to flip backwards over his ship, cutting the support pylon of his left wing with her lightsaber. Ren attempted to compensate, but lost control of the starfighter as it tumbled and ripped apart.<ref name="Episode IX" />

Despite the violent crash, Ren emerged from the burning wreckage unharmed. By then, Rey was straining with the Force to stop a First Order transport from leaving the planet, believing that Chewbacca had been taken aboard as a prisoner of the First Order. Ren reached out towards the vessel using his own powers trying to pull the transport out of Rey's grip.<ref name="Episode IX" /> He wanted to provoke her anger to gauge her true potential and determine the truth of her connection to the Emperor.<ref name="TROS EE" /> A tug of war ensued over the shuttle, causing Rey to give into her feelings and unwittingly channel the power of the dark side until Force lightning emanated from her fingertips. The transport to exploded to Rey's horror and Ren's astonishment. He watched from a distance as a [[Bestoon Legacy|derelict freighter]] took off, leaving Pasaana with Rey and her companions aboard it.<ref name="Episode IX" /> To Ren, this was confirmation that she was close to turning to the dark side and joining him in seizing the Sith throne and fleet.<ref name="TROS EE" />

====Confronting Rey with the truth====
{{Quote|My mother was the daughter of Vader. Your father was the son of the Emperor. What Palpatine doesn't know is that we're a dyad in the Force, Rey. Two that are one.|Kylo Ren, to Rey|<ref name="Episode IX" />}}
[[File:KijimiGarrison-TROSVD.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Ren ordered his forces on Kijimi to hunt down Rey and her companions.]]
When Ren returned to the ''Steadfast'', Pryde and Hux presented him with the First Order's newest prisoner, Chewbacca; he had been on a second transport, not the one that Rey destroyed.<ref name="Episode IX" /> Ren taunted Chewbacca before interrogating his mind with the Force to discover the purpose of Rey's visit to Pasaana. Ren sifted through Chewbacca's memories of both Han and Ben Solo, including "Uncle Chewie" teaching young Ben to shoot a blaster and fly a speeder. Though Ren discovered the information he sought, he struggled to center his thoughts after the interrogation was complete. He ordered his officers to have Chewbacca's belongings brought to his quarters.<ref name="TROS EE" />

Pryde and Griss informed Ren that his Knights had tracked Rey to a [[Kijimi City|settlement]] on the [[Occupation of Kijimi|occupied world]] of [[Kijimi]]. Ren rejected Hux's proposal to destroy the city as Ren wanted Rey captured alive. The local [[Kijimi garrison|First Order garrison]] unsuccessfully searched for Rey's team. Unknown to Ren, the arrival of the ''Steadfast'' at Kijimi allowed Rey to sense Ren's conflicted mind and realize that Chewbacca was still alive. Her team infiltrated the ''Steadfast'' to rescue him.<ref name="Episode IX" /> Ren arrived in Kijimi City afterward, and overcome by frustration, he used his lightsaber to destroy several inanimate objects before ordering a lockdown on the city.<ref name="TROS EE" />

[[File:Force-bond_battle.jpg|thumb|right|260px|The bond between Ren and Rey was stronger than ever before, allowing them to exist within each other's minds and spaces.]]
After Rey entered Ren's quarters, she touched the [[Blade of Ochi of Bestoon]] which triggered memories of her parents. Her vision changed into a Force connection with Ren. They were in each other's minds and spaces, and were physically together, yet still separate at the same time. Ren told Rey that he had gained knowledge about her past and disputed her accusation that he was a liar. Ren stated that he never lied to her.<ref name="Episode IX" /> While she believed him, she knew that he used the truth for his dishonest intentions.<ref name="TROS EE" /> Ignoring that she repeatedly told him to stop and that she did not want this, he forced her to remember what she had suppressed and listen to what he had learned; her [[Dathan|father]] and [[Miramir|mother]] chose to be "no one" in order to keep their daughter safe as Sidious' assassin [[Ochi]] hunted her family. Rey saw a vision of Ochi killing her parents.<ref name="Episode IX" />

During this confrontation, they engaged in a lightsaber duel and caused damage to each other's surroundings. Red berries from Kijimi spilled across the floor of Ren's quarters on the ''Steadfast'', and their blades slashed through the obsidian pedestal supporting Vader's mask. The mask was transported to Ren, which revealed Rey's location to him before the connection ended.<ref name="Episode IX" /> He ordered his troops to lock down the Star Destroyer to prevent Rey's escape so he could reveal her origins to her in person.<ref name="TROS EE" />

[[File:Dyad.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Ren revealed to Rey their nature as a dyad in the Force, a phenomenon which he explained as "two that were one."]]
Rey sensed Ren's presence upon his return to the ''Steadfast'' and decided to confront him while her friends escaped from the warship, not wanting them to risk their lives against the dark side warrior. A contingent of stormtroopers also arrived as Ren disembarked from his TIE whisper and cornered Rey at the hangar entrance. When Rey asked Ren why Sidious had tried to kill her when she was a child, the Supreme Leader revealed that Rey had inherited her powers from her paternal grandfather, the Emperor. In addition to the revelation of Rey's secret connection to the [[Palpatine family|Palpatine bloodline]], Ren disclosed his discovery of their shared nature as a dyad, making them one presence in the Force. The true extent of their connection was a secret that Ren kept from Sidious, whose death he plotted in order to claim the [[Throne of the Sith]] with Rey.<ref name="TROS EE" />

[[File:Ben_Solo_or_Kylo_Ren_IX_TROS.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Ren removed his helmet, allowing Rey to see his face as he invited her to join him against her grandfather, the Emperor.]]
As a sign of trust Ren removed his mask, allowing Rey to see his face along with the scar that she had given him in their first battle.<ref name="TROS EE" /> Ren, who was convinced that he had eradicated the last trace of his former persona, also wanted Rey to realize that he was fully committed to the ways of the dark side.<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" /> Ren's invitation to join him reminded Rey of the offer that he made to her in Snoke's throne room. While their victory over Snoke compelled Rey to acknowledge the potential of their combined power, she remained committed to the Resistance's cause.<ref name="TROS EE" /> Following a moment of indecision,<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" /> Rey chose to reject Ren once more when the ''Millennium Falcon'' arrived at the hangar entrance. The starship's engines forced the stormtroopers back, though Ren braced himself with the Force, watching Rey as she boarded his late father's ship.<ref name="Episode IX" />

Ren knew from the analysis of Ochi's dagger that Rey would next travel to [[Kef Bir]], an ocean moon located in the [[Endor system]]. While en route to the system, Sidious contacted Ren through the Force. His cloned body had further deteriorated, yet Ren was impressed by Sidious' ability to commune with another being across light-years. Sidious threatened to turn his fleet against Ren if he did not kill Rey. While mentally shielding his true intentions, Ren assured Sidious that he knew where Rey had gone and declared that he would not allow her to become a Jedi.<ref name="TROS EE" />

Despite the escape of the ''Millennium Falcon''{{'s}} crew, the incident aboard the ''Steadfast'' revealed Hux's efforts to undermine Ren. Hux failed to convince Pryde that the Resistance used coercion to enlist his aid; consequently, the general was executed for committing espionage against the First Order. Pryde then instructed his subordinates to inform the Supreme Leader that they had found the Resistance's spy.<ref name="TROS EE" />

====The last duel====
{{Quote|You were right. I did want to take your hand. ''Ben{{'s}}'' hand.|Rey, to Kylo Ren|<ref name="TROS EE" />}}
[[File:A_Dyad_in_the_Force.jpg|thumb|left|260px|Ren cornered Rey in the ruins of the second Death Star, where their respective grandfathers met their demise.]]
Ren [[Mission to Kef Bir|confronted]] Rey within the wreckage of the [[Emperor's Throne Room]] in the [[Death Star ruins|ruins]] of the second [[Death Star]]. After Rey found the [[Emperor's wayfinder]], she retreated from the dark side vision of her mirror-self and dropped the wayfinder. To her horror, Ren picked it up.<ref name="Episode IX" /> His appearance there felt like both her worst nightmare and destiny.<ref name="TROS EE" /> As she demanded the wayfinder, Ren claimed she had proven she was not a Jedi, and like him, could never return to Leia Organa. He urged her to surrender to the dark side, and declared that she would never find her way to Exegol without his help. He crushed the wayfinder in his hand.<ref name="Episode IX" />

[[File:KyloReyKefBirDuel-TROS.jpg|thumb|right|260px|The Supreme Leader and the former scavenger fought amidst the Death Star ruins as well as the raging ocean waves of Kef Bir.]]
Rey immediately attacked Ren,<ref name="Episode IX" /> drawing on her anger to amplify her power as she sought to kill him.<ref name="TROS EE" /><ref name="TROS Junior Novel" /> He initially evaded her lightsaber before defending himself with his own. They dueled through the Death Star wreckage and outside onto a bridge-like hunk of metal while the ocean raged around them. During the fight, Finn approached them and Rey instinctively pushed him away with the Force to protect him. She leapt to another section of the ruins to avoid the massive waves and Ren followed her across to continue the fight.<ref name="Episode IX" /> As they fought, Ren communicated with Rey through telepathy, insisting that he knew her despite her words to the contrary. Ren's guard remained unbroken despite how her anger flooded her with additional Force energy. He was physically stronger, and though she was a little faster, she was tiring and slowing due to lack of sleep and not recovering from healing the [[vexis]] on Pasaana.<ref name="TROS EE" /> Ren, however, withstood a colossal wave and continued to advance.<ref name="Episode IX" />

[[File:Kylo_Ren_IX_TROS.jpg|thumb|left|250px|During the duel, Ren withstood a colossal wave to show Rey that he could withstand anything.]]
Ren's anger and hatred fueled his attacks<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" /> as he drove the exhausted Rey back and knocked her off her feet, which caused her to lose her grip on her lightsaber.<ref name="Episode IX" /> As he raised his lightsaber above her, she believed she was about to die.<ref name="TROS EE" /><ref name="TROS Junior Novel" />

Then Ren stopped; from across the galaxy, he sensed his mother use her remaining reserves of strength to send him her love, forgiveness, and hope as she called him to the light.<ref name="TROS EE" /> He dropped his lightsaber as he felt her death.<ref name="Episode IX" /> Exulting at the prospect of victory,<ref name="TROS EE" /> Rey caught his lightsaber and moved to kill him<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" /> by running his abdomen through with his own blade.<ref name="Episode IX" />

[[File:Rey_heals_Kylo_Ren.jpg|thumb|right|260px|When the duel ended, Rey healed Kylo Ren's wound and confessed that she wanted to take Ben Solo's hand.]]
Ren collapsed to the ground in physical and emotional agony as Rey sensed Organa's death through the Force.<ref name="Episode IX" /> Sharing Ren's grief for Organa and no longer wishing to see him die,<ref name="TROS EE" /> Rey reached out to the wound that would have meant his certain death.<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" /> She transferred much of her life force to his body to repair his wound, even mending the scar that she had inflicted on his face in their first duel<ref name="Episode IX" /> and making whole again his burned flesh and damaged organs, clearing his mind as well.<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" /> Ren was astonished by her actions and her demonstration of a power that he had not known existed.<ref name="TROS EE" /> Before leaving him on Kef Bir, Rey admitted that he had been correct about her wanting to take his hand, but not Kylo Ren's; she had wanted to take Ben Solo's hand.<ref name="Episode IX" />

===The return of Ben Solo===
====The death of Kylo Ren====
{{Quote|I miss you, son.''"<br />"''Your son is dead.''"<br />"''No. Kylo Ren is dead. My son is alive.''"<br />"''You're just a memory.''"<br />"''Your memory. |Han Solo (memory) and Ben Solo|<ref name="Episode IX" />}}
[[File:BenSoloandHanSolo-TROS.png|thumb|left|260px|The memory of Han Solo helped his son, Ben Solo, overcome the dark persona of Kylo Ren.]]
The actions of his mother and Rey threw Ren's mind into turmoil as he sought to understand their reasons. He stood on the wreckage of the battle station while thinking of the voices in his mind and how they convinced him that his family never loved him. He also thought of his old master, Supreme Leader Snoke, who conditioned Ren to believe what the voices said to him. However, as a result of his mother's effort to reach him at the cost of her life, Ren found himself questioning everything he had been led to believe about the dark side, his family, and himself. In addition, he tried to understand Rey's reason for healing him.<ref name="TROS EE" />

His deep contemplation gave way to the memory of his late father, Han Solo, who manifested before Ren as a vision. Though the voices in his mind convinced Ren that it was too late for repentance, the vision of Han told him that he missed his son and it was not too late to fight for his mother's legacy. Ren was overcome by the emotions drawn out of him by his father's memory, and though he still questioned his resolve, uncertain if he was strong enough to do what he believed needed to be done, his father reassured him that he was strong. Ren ultimately made his choice by throwing his lightsaber into the sea. In that moment, he ceased to be Kylo Ren and became Ben Solo once again.<ref name="TROS EE" />

====Battle of Exegol====
{{Quote|As once I fell, so falls the last Skywalker.|Darth Sidious, to Ben Solo|<ref name="Episode IX" />}}
[[File:KyloFacesTheKnightsOfRen.png|thumb|right|260px|Claiming the lightsaber of Anakin Skywalker as his own, Ben Solo destroyed the Knights of Ren during the Battle of Exegol.]]
Stranded on Kef Bir, Solo climbed through the ruins of the Death Star in search of a hangar bay. He eventually found and repaired an old [[TIE scout]]. After leaving the ocean moon, Solo followed Rey's transmitted tracking markers towards Exegol, but the scout's navicomputers malfunctioned and threw its pilot off course. Solo, however, used all of his concentration to correct his course, thereby preventing his starfighter from becoming lost in unknown space.<ref name="TROS EE" />

The [[Battle of Exegol]] was under way by the time of Solo's arrival. The Sith fleet was in the process of launching its warships when the Resistance attacked Exegol, attempting to stop the fleet's deployment across the galaxy. Solo landed his TIE scout next to Rey's starfighter, an old Rebellion [[T-65B X-wing starfighter]] that had once [[Red Five (T-65B X-wing starfighter)|belonged to Luke Skywalker]]. Sensing Rey's presence emanating from the Sith Citadel, he sprinted for the monolith and descended to the lower levels to find her. Armed only with a blaster pistol and his own conviction, Solo charged through the cavernous cathedral beneath the citadel, shooting his way through the Sith cultists and [[Sovereign Protector|elite guards]] who obstructed his path. As he drew closer to the [[Amphitheater of the Sith Eternal|throne room]], the Knights of Ren appeared before him. Their hatred pulsated like waves through the Force, and Solo realized that they had traveled to Exegol to fight for Sidious, their true master.<ref name="TROS EE" />

[[File:Ben-and-Rey-on-Exegol.jpg|thumb|left|260px|Standing together as a true dyad, Ben Solo and Rey confronted the clone remnant of Darth Sidious.]]
The six Force-sensitive warriors initially held the upper hand, as their numbers, weapons and training worked to their advantage against their former leader. Solo sustained blunt force trauma to his abdomen and the back of his skull, being hit several times by his opponents' melee weapons. The Knights refrained from killing him outright, as they were confident in their ability to defeat a single opponent who appeared defenseless before them. They circled for another attack, but to their surprise, Solo revealed a blue-bladed lightsaber in his palm. It was the lightsaber that once belonged to his grandfather and uncle, in turn, and had been carried by Rey until she passed it to Solo through their bond as a dyad. He instantly recognized it as his lightsaber, as it had become an extension of his own self.<ref name="TROS EE" />

Thinking of what his father would say in this moment,<ref name="TROS EE" /> Solo simply shrugged his shoulders at the Knights, knowing now that the odds were in his favor.<ref name="Episode IX" /> Armed with the blade of the Chosen One himself, Solo immediately pressed the attack with all the focus of a Jedi,<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" /> killing Cardo and Kuruk with a single swing of the saber to their chests.<ref name="Episode IX" /> Simultaneously, Rey ignited her spare weapon, [[Leia's lightsaber|Leia Organa's lightsaber]], as several of the Emperor's guards surrounded her. As before on Pasaana and Kijimi, Solo and Rey were separate and together at the same time, with Rey battling the crimson-robed guards and Solo confronting his former comrades. This time, however, they were drawing on each other for strength, becoming even more powerful as one instead of two. Though he destroyed the Knights of Ren,<ref name="TROS EE" /> Solo did so without feelings of hatred or anger towards them, electing to give them the quick deaths that they had denied to those they had killed.<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" />

[[File:Force_drained_by_Sidious.png|thumb|right|260px|Having discovered that Solo and Rey were a dyad, Sidious drained them of their essences in order to regain his unlimited power.]]
Arriving in the throne room, Solo used the Force to incapacitate the last guardsman and approached Rey. They turned towards the Emperor, standing side-by-side with their lightsabers raised, to which Sidious exclaimed that they would die together. Despite their combined strength, the two Force users were overpowered by Sidious' attack through the Force. As a side effect, however, part of their life force transferred to the Emperor and began healing his cloned body. Sidious was astonished, realizing that his granddaughter and Vader's grandson were a dyad in the Force, and therefore, possessed a power equivalent to life itself.<ref name="TROS EE" />

Neither Solo nor Rey were able to prevent the Emperor from draining them of more Force energy. They became weaker as Sidious completely restored the vessel that carried his spirit. Their near lifeless bodies lay on the floor while the Emperor reveled in his restoration. In retaliation for his own death at Vader's hand,<ref name="TROS EE" /> Sidious scornfully proclaimed to Solo that he would fall as the last Skywalker, hurling the young Jedi into a nearby chasm.<ref name="Kylo Ren Bio Gallery" />

====Redemption and sacrifice====
{{Quote|Ben&hellip;|Rey, to Ben Solo|<ref name="Episode IX" />}}
[[File:Compassion-SWZ87_Chris_Bjors.png|thumb|left|300px|Ben Solo sacrificed himself for the love of another, as Anakin Skywalker once had, restoring Rey to life.]]
Solo survived due to his body being caught on a jagged outcropping. Despite breaking his ribs and twisting his ankle in the fall, he began climbing his way out of the chasm through perseverance. At the same time, Rey succeeded in destroying her grandfather with the help of the spirits of the Jedi,<ref name="TROS EE" /> although the monumental effort left her dead.<ref name="Rey Bio Gallery">{{Databank|rey-biography-gallery|Rey Biography Gallery}}</ref> She reached out with the Force, trying to find Solo through their bond as her remaining life force faded from her body.<ref name="TROS EE" />

After returning to the surface, Solo took Rey's body in his arms and, realizing that she was dead, began to despair. However, he sensed a spark of her essence and realized that the Force had not yet claimed her. Recalling the way she used the Force to heal him on Kef Bir, Solo applied the same technique on Rey, willing her to return to life.<ref name="TROS EE" /> He took the life energy that she had given to him and returned it to its original source along with all that remained of his own essence.<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" /> In the process he found "reservoirs of power" that he did not know he possessed, yet devoted all of it in his efforts to revive Rey.<ref name="TROS EE" />

[[File:BenandReyKiss-TROS.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Rey kissed Solo during his final moments, acknowledging their bond as a dyad for the first time.]]
Solo ultimately succeeded in bringing Rey back to life, though the effort would cost him his own life. During his final moments, Solo was surprised to see that Rey was glad to be with him. He believed that he did not deserve acknowledgement or gratitude from her, but to his astonishment Rey kissed him, acknowledging their bond as a dyad for the first time. His final awareness was of Rey holding his hand as the Force beckoned him, reaching for Solo in welcome. He died peacefully,<ref name="TROS EE" /> having felt no hesitation about sacrificing his life for Rey.<ref name="TSWB" />

===Afterlife===
{{Quote|I will always be with you.''"<br />"''No one's ever really gone.|Ben Solo's final words and Rey's response|<ref name="TROS EE" />}}
Death reunited Ben Solo with his mother, Organa, who did not pass into the Force until she was joined by her son.<ref name="TSWB" /> Their corporeal forms vanished simultaneously,<ref name="Episode IX" /> allowing mother and son to rest in peace together, becoming one with the [[Cosmic Force]].<ref name="TSWB" />

Rey felt despair as she watched Solo's body disappear until he called out to her from beyond death, promising that he would always be with her. She took comfort in hearing his voice as it reassured her that no one who died was truly gone.<ref name="TROS EE" />

===Legacy===
{{Quote|And when you called yourself by that new name, you saw your ''truth''. It represents what you want to do on a deep level. The part of yourself you want to cut away. The part you want to ''kill''. Perhaps someday you will do it. The galaxy will hear that name and ''see you''.|Snoke, to Ben Solo|<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 2" />}}
[[File:Uprising_on_Cloud_City.png|thumb|right|250px|The reign of Kylo Ren ended with the redemption of Ben Solo and the fall of the First Order.]]
Following the deaths of Kylo Ren, Enric Pryde, and Darth Sidious, a popular [[uprising against the First Order]] commenced as a consequence of the Sith fleet's destruction on Exegol. The First Order subsequently lost its control over<ref name="Episode IX" /> the empire that it fought to create through conquest during Ren's reign as Supreme Leader,<ref name="TROS VD" /> losing worlds, such as [[Uprising on Corellia|Corellia]], [[Uprising on Coruscant|Coruscant]], [[Uprising on Lothal|Lothal]], [[Uprising on Naboo (First Order)|Naboo]], and [[Uprising on Thyferra|Thyferra]].<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" /> Other revolts against the First Order occurred on [[Uprising on Endor|Endor]], [[Uprising on Cloud City|Bespin]], and [[Uprising on Jakku|Jakku]], where ''Resurgent''-class Star Destroyers sustained significant damage as a result of the uprisings, causing the warships to fall out of orbit. News of the uprisings reached the generals Poe Dameron and Finn by the time the Resistance returned to Ajan Kloss to celebrate their victory against the Emperor and his followers.<ref name="Episode IX" /> Rey, having been revived through Ben Solo's sacrifice,<ref name="TSWB" /> had also returned to the Resistance's secret base where she embraced her friends.<ref name="Episode IX" />

[[File:Kneelren.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Though redeemed as Ben Solo, Kylo Ren left a legacy of death and destruction that rivaled Darth Vader.]]
Despite Kylo Ren's efforts to live up to the memory of Darth Vader, in the end Ben Solo emulated Anakin Skywalker by sacrificing his life "for the love of another." He achieved redemption with his final act,<ref name="Kylo Ren Bio Gallery" /> returning to the light side<ref name="TSWB" /> and passing into the Force<ref name="Kylo Ren Bio Gallery" /> as a Jedi.<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" /> Rey mourned the death of Ben Solo while rejecting his dark-side persona as Kylo Ren.<ref name="TROS EE" /> The amount of death and destruction caused by Ren rivaled the legacy of his grandfather, Darth Vader.<ref name="TSWB" /> Nevertheless, Rey chose to remember him as Ben Solo rather than Kylo Ren. Following the Emperor's destruction, Rey acknowledged Solo as the reason for her success in resisting the dark side's temptations in addition to other influences such as her friends and the legacy of the Jedi Order. While she took comfort in the knowledge that Solo remained with her in spirit, she expressed a sense of loss and disappointment about<ref name="TROS EE" /> his passing into the Force,<ref name="Kylo Ren Bio Gallery" /> having lost the opportunity to know Ben Solo as the person he was before he became Kylo Ren.<ref name="TROS EE" />

The other individuals who remembered Solo were his father's friends, Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian,<ref name="TROS EE" /> both of whom Solo had considered his "uncles" during his childhood.<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" /> Ren had become the focus of Chewbacca's fury for the killing of Han Solo; however, the Wookiee retained joyful memories of his relationship with the Solo family, which included the time he spent helping to raise Ben. Among Chewbacca's possessions was a [[hologram disc]] that contained a picture of the Wookiee holding Ben Solo as an infant. The disc was hidden in a secret compartment beside Chewbacca's bunk on the ''Millennium Falcon''; Calrissian discovered the disc prior to the Battle of Exegol and could not bear to look at an image of Han's son, [[Kadara Calrissian|his own child]] having been abducted by the First Order.<ref name="TROS EE" />

[[File:The_Skywalkers.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Ben Solo's death marked the end of the Skywalker bloodline.]]
In the aftermath of Solo's death, Rey visited Tatooine where she buried the Skywalker lightsabers in the [[Lars homestead|childhood home]] of her first master, Luke Skywalker. Her mind dwelt on Solo as she looked over the horizon at the planet's [[Tatoo I|twin]] [[Tatoo II|suns]], reflecting on how he helped her to defeat Darth Sidious.<ref name="TROS EE" /> The Skywalker bloodline ended with Ben Solo, but its legacy was preserved by Rey, who chose "Skywalker" as her surname to honor the family that accepted her<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" /> in spite of her secret heritage as a Palpatine.<ref name="TROS EE" />

==Personality and traits==
===The Skywalker heir===
{{Quote|Alas, you're no Vader. You're just a child in a mask.|Snoke|<ref name="Episode VIII" />}}
[[File:BenSolo-SWTLC.png|thumb|left|250px|Ben Solo was a scion of the Skywalker family who shared similar traits with his forebears.]]
Ben Solo was a [[human]] [[Gender|male]]<ref name="Kylo Ren DB" /> who stood at 1.89 meters<ref name="CEUE" /> and weighed 89 [[kilogram]]s.<ref name="TFA head to head" /> He had dark brown hair, light skin, and brown eyes<ref name="Episode VII" /> that appeared ancient to his father when Solo was a child.<ref name="Last Shot" /> There was a strong family resemblance between Solo and his parents; he had his father's long face and posture,<ref name="TROS EE" /> as well as his pronounced [[nose]] and lopsided smile.<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" /> He also had his mother's warm,<ref name="TROS EE" /> piercing brown eyes, a feature Organa was sure was inherited from her own birth mother, Padmé Amidala.<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" /> He also mirrored his parents in personality, whether as Kylo Ren<ref name="Age of Resistance Hux" /> or Ben Solo.<ref name="TROS EE" /> He was very much like his mother, as observed by General Armitage Hux, who believed that Ren would have denied the comparison.<ref name="Age of Resistance Hux" /> He also had his father's sarcastic sense of humor,<ref name="Episode VII" /> which sometimes emerged in serious or violent situations.<ref name="Age of Resistance Kylo" /><ref name="TROS EE" /> However, Solo was also similar to his grandfather, to the dismay of his parents who saw "too much of Vader" within their son.<ref name="Episode VII" />

Possessing an inquisitive mind, Solo endeavored to gain greater knowledge of the Force<ref name="TROS VD" /> and the Jedi ways<ref name="TLJ VD" /> during his apprenticeship under Skywalker.<ref name="TROS VD" /> Solo was particularly interested in ancient Jedi weapons; on one occasion, he marveled at a lightsaber rifle.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 2" /> He practiced the art of fancy [[Writing|handwriting]] or "calligraphy,"<ref name="TLJ VD" /> an art that had fallen into disuse as almost no one wrote by hand during the era of the New Republic.<ref name="Bloodline" /> He recorded his handwritten insights into the Jedi on parchment scrolls which he kept next to his calligraphy set.<ref name="TLJ VD" /> His interests included dark aspects of the Force not taught by Skywalker.<ref name="TROS VD" /> After Solo became Kylo Ren, he studied both Jedi and arcane dark side lore, using these contradictory teachings for greater power.<ref name="TFA VD" />

[[File:TalkingBehindLukesBack-TheRiseOfKyloRen2.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Solo's skills as a Jedi under Luke Skywalker grew to a point where he surpassed multiple students put together.]]
When Skywalker's attention was divided by teaching multiple students, Solo turned to the dark voice he knew as Snoke. Solo struggled with the expectations of his family legacy;<ref name="TROS VD" /> he was descended from some of the most powerful Jedi and Sith in galactic [[Timeline of galactic history|history]]. Supreme Leader Snoke considered Ren a focal point between the dark side and the light,<ref name="TFA VD" /> a balance that made him a target of Snoke so Ren's powers could be used to further the ambitions of the First Order. His fall to the dark side suppressed the boy who had once been named Ben Solo.<ref name="Episode VII" /> Solo burned and destroyed the Jedi temple<ref name="TROS VD" /> while furious that his uncle had apparently tried to kill him. He was immediately horrified and tried in vain to help his fellow students. He surveyed the fiery ruins and the bodies scattered around him in a state of shock, expressing how he never wanted this outcome. He warned his peers who survived the temple's destruction that he did not want to fight them, and fled to join Snoke and the Knights of Ren.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 1" /> His turn to the dark side was marked by killing the Knights' leader and murdering Voe, a fellow Padawan.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 4" />

When Solo turned away from the Jedi path, he no longer felt obliged to hold back his power. He embraced his conviction that he was more powerful than any of Skywalker's other apprentices, individually or collectively, and even Skywalker himself. As far as he was concerned, the notion that the others were his equal was a lie.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 1" /> Solo hated his full name; he felt as though everyone wanted him to be like his namesake he had never met, Obi-Wan "Ben" Kenobi, and that inheriting his father's invented surname represented how everything was a lie. Snoke told Solo to become his true self by adopting a new name, and encouraged him to take the name that Solo had invented as a child.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 2" />

[[File:Kylo_loses_his_temper.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Ren was known for losing control of his temper and the destructive outbursts that ensued.]]
As Kylo Ren, he was known for expressing himself with his lightsaber, and did so often enough that nearby stormtroopers avoided the area he was currently destroying.<ref name="Episode VII" /> He also used the Force to strangle, telekinetically throw, or kill subordinates who challenged him.<ref name="Episode VIII" /><ref name="Episode IX" /> He reveled in the fury of battle and killing his enemies.<ref name="TROS EE" /> In addition to his temperament, Ren was known for his lack of patience,<ref name="Phasma" /> especially for those who failed him.<ref name="Battlefront II" /> While Ren was not born into the First Order, he was convinced that they were on the right side of history.<ref name="TFA novel" /> Ren fought alongside his stormtroopers on the front lines of the battlefield. Although he would ignore the counsel of his advisors, favoring brute force over negotiation, he earned fear and respect through his ferocity as a warrior.<ref name="TROS EE" /><ref name="Age of Resistance Kylo" />

Having honed his fighting skills on the battlefield, Ren had little respect for his rival, General Hux, as a warrior.<ref name="TFA VD" /> He regarded the general with disdain and saw Hux as neither brave nor trustworthy.<ref name="Age of Resistance Hux" /> Ren embodied conflict,<ref name="TFA VD" /> having learned the arts of the Force through Jedi and Sith teachings.<ref name="Kylo Ren DB" /> He sought to bury his past as Ben Solo, yet channeled painful experiences and emotions from his youth to further his own power. He hoped to become immune to the light and avoid Darth Vader's sentimentality so he could succeed where Vader had failed.<ref name="TFA VD" />

[[File:Take_that_ridiculous_thing_off.png|thumb|right|260px|Ren was the embodiment of the conflict between the dark side and the light.]]
Despite Ren's willingness to extinguish the light within himself by any means necessary,<ref name="TSWB" /> his attempt to break his connection with the past and surrender entirely to the dark side by killing his father not only failed, but also marked him physically<ref name="TLJ EE" /> and psychologically.<ref name="Kylo Ren DB" /> Murdering his father imbalanced his mind and led to his defeat by Rey, who marked his face with a scar that became a reminder of his failure. Snoke, having observed that Ren remained at war with himself, derided Han's murder as an act of petulance instead of strength.<ref name="TLJ EE" />

Ren accepted the idea that he was a monster with cold reservation<ref name="Episode VIII" /> and believed the dark side was in his nature.<ref name="Episode IX" /> His failed attempts to contact his grandfather through the Force caused him to believe that hope, which he equated to a false prophet, only led to severe disappointment. Ren did not believe in the existence of an afterlife until his mother and Rey saved him from certain death, causing him to reconsider his outlook on life and death.<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" />

[[File:Kylo_connecting_with_Rey.png|thumb|left|250px|Ren saw himself as a monster and believed that the dark side was in his nature.]]
Ren's desperation to prove himself as a worthy apprentice<ref name="Kylo Ren Bio Gallery" /> was ultimately replaced by the desire to free himself from his Master, having spent much of his life as a student of Skywalker and Snoke in turn. He soon grew resentful of his status as Snoke's apprentice, believing he would always be kept subservient as long as his Master was alive. Ren felt liberated by Snoke's death because it granted him the power and independence he had long coveted. He had no intention of ever serving another master and was, therefore, fiercely protective of his new rank.<ref name="TROS VD" /> Like Vader before him, Ren believed it was his destiny to rule over the weaker beings of the galaxy.<ref name="TFA VD" /> He dreamed of conquering the galaxy with Rey at his side.<ref name="TROS EE" />

If Ren had chosen his own title, it would have been "Master of the Dark Side" or "Commander of the Knights of Ren" rather than "Supreme Leader;" however, he considered the title right and just for himself as the head of the First Order. Embracing an authoritarian style of leadership, he believed that all people and their worlds must bend to his will. He was determined to show the First Order's true power to the galaxy and expected it to be met with gratitude. Ren enjoyed the simplicity of fascism. Wielding absolute power reminded him of his grandfather, Ren, like Vader, was a leader who expected total obedience from his followers<ref name="Follow and Lead" /> and punished those who failed him. Relic hunter Mika Grey once taunted Agent Raith with such knowledge, remarking that Ren would surely punish the First Order Raider if he returned without any artifacts to show for himself.<ref name="Relic Raiders" />

[[File:Kylo-stands-tall.png|thumb|right|250px|Ren reveled in the power of his position as Supreme Leader, believing that the galaxy had to follow wherever he led.]]
Ren had little tolerance for those who defied him to his face, especially after he became the Supreme Leader. Defiance against the First Order, which he considered the greatest regime in the galaxy, perplexed him. Ren did not understand why a person would reject a life of security under his rule, risking one's life just to show their contempt for the First Order. However, he was interested in understanding the views of those who opposed him, though he considered them "radicals" for doing so. Regardless of their reasons, he still intended to punish an entire world and its population if they resisted his authority. Ultimately, Ren believed that resistance was futile, and that it was his right to lead the galaxy as the Supreme Leader of the First Order.<ref name="Follow and Lead" />

Ren was also distrustful of others; having isolated himself from his family and friends, the only people in Ren's life were subordinates and a master that he hated. Gaining the title of Supreme Leader only made Ren more suspicious of the individuals around him, particularly Hux,<ref name="TROS VD" /> but also Pryde and Darth Sidious. After the duel with Rey on Kef Bir, Ren questioned his beliefs and regretted the choices he made. His parents' love for him and Rey's compassion brought him back to the light, destroying the persona of Kylo Ren. Although he still carried feelings of guilt and self-doubt within him, he later recognized them as remnants of Snoke's conditioning that led Solo to become Kylo Ren. Having reconciled with his father in spirit, Solo hoped that one day he would come to forgive himself.<ref name="TROS EE" />

[[File:BenSoloRestored-TROS.jpg|thumb|left|260px|Renouncing the dark side destroyed the persona of Kylo Ren and restored that of Ben Solo.]]
Solo's personality and his former persona as Ren were different in several ways, as observed by both himself and Rey. Unlike Ren, Solo neither derived pleasure from killing nor reveled in the fury of battle.<ref name="TROS EE" /> He was relieved that the weapon he used to kill his father would never kill again after he discarded it.<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" /> He confronted his enemies with a Jedi's focus instead of enjoyment or anger. Unlike Ren, who had shown mercy to no one,<ref name="TROS EE" /> Solo avoided prolonging his opponent's suffering by giving them the mercy of a quick death.<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" />

Although he no longer counted himself among the ranks of the Knights of Ren, he still regarded them as his brothers-in-arms until their reunion on Exegol. Sensing their hatred for him,<ref name="TROS EE" /> Solo knew that they would no longer obey his orders as their true allegiance belonged to Darth Sidious.<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" /> He felt betrayed, but resolved to fight them out of determination to help Rey.<ref name="TROS EE" /> Mirroring Darth Vader's death as Anakin Skywalker, Solo sacrificed his life out of love and died following this redemptive act.<ref name="Kylo Ren Bio Gallery" /> He did not hesitate to do so,<ref name="TROS EE" /> and he likened the experience to returning home.<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" />

===Son of heroes===
{{Quote|Kid's gonna get in trouble one day. Every kid does, but with the blood of a scoundrel and a princess in his veins, his defiance will shake the stars.|Lando Calrissian|<ref name="Empire's End" />}}
[[File:Han_Leia_and_Ben.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Ben Solo was loved by his parents, but their absence in his life fostered feelings of abandonment in him.]]
Ben Solo meant everything to his parents, Han Solo and Leia Organa, and he was happy in his childhood.<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" /> He grew to believe that his parents thought he was disturbed, having overheard their conversations about him and his lack of control over his innate Force abilities.<ref name="TLJ EE" /> His parents' busy professional lives and their decision to send him to be trained by his uncle left him feeling abandoned.<ref name="Ultimate Star Wars" /> He did not realize at the time that his fears about his family were influenced by Darth Sidious.<ref name="TROS EE" />

Despite his feelings of neglect and abandonment, Ren did not hate his parents.<ref name="TLJ EE" /> During his trial on Dagobah, he could not bring himself to attack the vision of his parents, even as Snoke urged him to kill the source of his conflict.<ref name="Age of Resistance Snoke" /> Although he was adamant that Han Solo meant nothing to him,<ref name="Episode VII" /> Ren struggled with uncertainty when his father confronted him.<ref name="Han Solo Bio Gallery">{{Databank|han-solo-biography-gallery|Han Solo Biography Gallery}}</ref> His decision to kill Han was motivated by his desperation to escape his past<ref name="TLJ EE" /> by freeing himself from his attachments. However, his connection to the dark side did not grow stronger after committing patricide. Instead, the act of killing his own father caused Ren to feel weaker,<ref name="Kylo Ren Bio Gallery" /> affecting his very spirit and leaving him feeling more lost than ever.<ref name="Kylo Ren DB" /> When faced with the chance to kill his mother, Ren was surprised to sense her concern for him, having anticipated anger at the death of her husband. In the end, Ren could not bring himself to fire on her.<ref name="TLJ EE" />

As Leia Organa died, she reached out through the Force to send her hope and love to her son, calling him back to the light.<ref name="TROS EE" /> Listening to the voice of his father and seeing pride and joy in Han's eyes ultimately caused the last vestiges of the persona of Kylo Ren to fade from the mind of Ben Solo.<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" />

===Nephew of a legend===
{{Quote|At least he could have let me fly the ship. Would give me something to ''do''. He's a great teacher, very strong. I've learned so much from him&hellip; But he never seems to want me to ''use'' any of it.|Ben Solo, on his apprenticeship under Luke Skywalker|<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 2" />}}
[[File:MyMasterIsALegend-TheRiseOfKyloRen2.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Solo idolized his uncle, Luke Skywalker, when he was a child.]]
Ben Solo regarded his uncle and mentor, Luke Skywalker, with great esteem. Though he had misgivings about Skywalker's teaching methods, Solo saw his uncle as an amazing teacher and a legendary Jedi Master. He recognized his master's strength and knowledge with the Force, and learned much under Skywalker's tutelage. Despite the boredom that Solo tried to cope with on some of their missions together, he shared his uncle's enthusiasm for discovering ancient Jedi relics. In private, he lamented how Skywalker hoarded such treasures by storing them away in his temple, never to be used.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 2" />

As a Skywalker and a Jedi-in-training, Solo felt as though he was being judged against his legendary uncle and, by extension, the Jedi Masters who trained him. While such comparisons motivated Solo to excel at his Jedi training, they also contributed to his insecurities. His ambition was to become more powerful and accomplished than the generations of Jedi who preceded him, including the "old guard" of Jedi Masters like Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda whose legacies influenced the Skywalker family for two generations. Having never known the Jedi who died before his birth, Solo likened his competition with deceased Jedi Masters to playing a game of [[Sabacc|sabaac]] with "ghosts." Though jealous of his predecessors, Solo grew to respect the skills of the most legendary Jedi who were revered by his uncle. In contrast to his views of the old Jedi, Solo did not consider his fellow students as rivals.<ref name="Skywalker: A Family at War" />

[[File:BenSoloNeedsVisine-TheRiseOfKyloRen1.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Convinced that his uncle tried to murder him, Solo gave into his anger and the power of the dark side.]]
Seeing his uncle standing over him with an ignited lightsaber had a profound impact on Solo's psyche. Solo saw this as a betrayal that confirmed his worst fears about his family.<ref name="TROS VD" /> Overcome with anger and confusion, he believed his uncle would have murdered him in his sleep. The experience also left him disillusioned with the Jedi way, which Solo now viewed as a lie that his life had been wasted on.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 1" />

In contrast to the enduring sentiment that he harbored for his mother and father,<ref name="TLJ EE" /> Kylo Ren never forgave Skywalker<ref name="TROS VD" /> for what he believed was an intention to kill him in his sleep.<ref name="TLJ EE" /> Snoke tasked Ren with destroying any remnants of the Jedi, including his own uncle, whose attempt to restore the Jedi Order was thwarted when Ren betrayed him and the other Jedi students.<ref name="TFA VD" /> Ren struck down a vision of Skywalker on Dagobah without hesitation or regret.<ref name="Age of Resistance Snoke" /> When confronted by his uncle on Crait, Ren's hatred intensified,<ref name="TLJ EE" /> and he overlooked inconsistencies in Skywalker's illusionary appearance while the Resistance fled.<ref name="TROS VD" />

===Serving a dark master===
{{Quote|I have never had a student with such promise. Before you.|Snoke, to Kylo Ren|<ref name="TFA novel" />}}
[[File:TrainingOnDagobah-AORSnoke1.jpg|thumb|left|250px|With Snoke as his master, Ren trained to rid himself of all traces of his former persona.]]
Ben Solo was drawn towards the dark side by Snoke beginning in his childhood.<ref name="TFA novel" /> Through telepathic contact, Snoke acted as a confidant while sowing doubt.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 2" /> After destroying the Jedi temple, Solo sought out Snoke, whom he regarded as the only friend he had left. Snoke, in turn, used the situation to further discredit Skywalker in Solo's eyes, convincing the boy that his youth had been wasted learning the ways of the Jedi.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 1" /> Encouraged by Snoke, Solo sought the Knights of Ren,<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 2" /> and became their leader when he killed their master and turned to the dark side.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 4" />

Snoke promised Ren a future in which he was "heir to the Force" with no Jedi to oppose him.<ref name="TROS VD" /> Ren's inner conflict grew as his Master encouraged him to use the heritage of both the light and the dark,<ref name="CEUE">''[[Star Wars Character Encyclopedia: Updated and Expanded]]''</ref> honing Ren into a weapon of the First Order and the archetype of a new kind of dark side user that filled the void left behind when the Sith were destroyed during the Battle of Endor.<ref name="TFA VD" />

[[File:Episode_VIII_Snoke_and_Kylo_Ren.png|thumb|right|250px|Disillusioned with his role as an apprentice, Ren sought to take control of his life by destroying his master.]]
After his defeat at Starkiller Base, Ren was furious and resentful<ref name="TLJ EE" /> when his Master derided him as a failed apprentice<ref name="Kylo Ren Bio Gallery" /> and "a child in a mask."<ref name="Episode VIII" /> Snoke regarded Ren's imbalance after killing his father as proof that Ren was too weak and sentimental to be worthy of his grandfather's legacy.<ref name="Kylo Ren Bio Gallery" /> Ren's pain caused him to explore the connection he and Rey shared and question his loyalty to Snoke. In addition, his father's warning that the Supreme Leader was only using him for his power echoed in his mind. Ren was plotting his future through uncertain times and, with dark side-fueled ambition, prioritized his survival and ultimate ascension.<ref name="CVD">''[[Star Wars: The Complete Visual Dictionary, New Edition]]''</ref>

At first, Ren continued to think of Snoke as his esteemed mentor for guiding him on the path to the power of the dark side. However, the revelation of Darth Sidious' revival alarmed Ren as it fueled his suspicion that the Master he respected had been subservient to a greater power. Learning the truth about Snoke's origins shattered the respect that Ren held for the former Supreme Leader,<ref name="TROS EE" /> but it also reinforced Ren's belief that he had made the right decision to seize power from his predecessor.<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" /> Whereas Ren once regarded Snoke as the wise leader of the First Order,<ref name="Episode VII" /> he now saw his old Master as nothing more than an expendable "vat-grown organism."<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" />

===Heir of Darth Vader===
{{Quote|Young Ben Solo possessed what all masters live to see: raw, untamed power. But a great conflict raged within the boy as well. Not only did his inner turmoil make him heir apparent to his grandfather, Lord Vader, it also made him the perfect pawn.|Darth Sidious|<ref name="Secrets of the Sith" />}}
[[File:InTheShadowOfVader-SWTheDarkSide.png|thumb|left|300x330px|Kylo Ren saw himself as the rightful heir to the legacy of his grandfather, Darth Vader.]]
Like his grandfather, Anakin Skywalker, Ben Solo felt the need to prove himself because of the great power that he was born with.<ref name="TSWB" /> As Kylo Ren he saw himself carrying on the tradition embodied by Darth Vader, the dark side version of his grandfather<ref name="TROS VD" /> and Ren's personal hero.<ref name="Splash Screen Fun Fact #2">{{SWCT|set=Splash Screen Fun Facts|parent=1}}</ref> However, Ren's understanding of Skywalker's history was twisted by Snoke.<ref name="TROS VD" /> Ren, like Snoke, attributed the Galactic Empire's downfall not to ineffective strategy but to Vader's sentimentality for his son, Luke Skywalker. Ren considered it a foolish error in judgment and a momentary lapse in an otherwise great life. He believed that if Vader had not succumbed to the light, the Empire would have prevailed.<ref name="TFA novel" />

Ren idolized his grandfather&mdash;the darkness that was Vader, not the light of Skywalker.<ref name="TFA novel" /> He would have given anything to meet Vader in person, but rejected the memory of Skywalker and believed that version of his grandfather to be nothing more than a coward and a traitor, not his true grandfather.<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" /> Although Ren admired Vader, he remained torn by his conflict and was afraid of never attaining the strength his grandfather possessed.<ref name="Episode VII" /> He kept a shrine to Vader in his personal chambers aboard the ''Finalizer'', with the charred remains of the Sith Lord's helmet that had been recovered from his [[Funeral of Anakin Skywalker|funeral pyre]] on Endor.<ref name="TFA VD" /> Sitting atop a ceremonial plate that Ren covered with the ashes of fallen foes,<ref name="Helmet Collection 21">{{HelmetCollectionCite|21|Helmets}}</ref> the site was both a monument to the dark side's powers and its weakness.<ref name="TFA VD" /> Ren's efforts to make contact with Vader were motivated by his desire to feel his grandfather was proud of him. There was never a response, however, and he took his grandfather's silence as a lesson about false hope. As a result, Ren came to believe that there was nothing after death.<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" />

[[File:Kylo_Ren_Vader_Helmet_Chamber.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Ren idolized his grandfather, whose helmet he kept as a reminder of the dark side's power and weakness.]]
He chose to leave his grandfather's mask aboard the ''Finalizer'' before transferring to Snoke's flagship, the ''Supremacy'', unable to face the charred helmet until he recovered from his loss against Rey.<ref name="TLJ VD" /> He still treated Vader's mask with reverence after his ascension as Supreme Leader, placing the Sith relic atop a pedestal made of Mustafarian [[obsidian]]. During the final months of the war, the helmet was carefully preserved in a climate-controlled reliquary aboard the ''Steadfast''; he went to great lengths to ensure the preservation of this artifact by storing it in a custom collector's case built by First Order technicians. As with Ren's quarters, the case was made for the purpose of preserving Vader's helmet, possessing temperature control systems. It also shielded its contents from radiation and sensor scans, its [[obviribdum]] outer shell designed to be impervious to blaster fire at considerable expense. The entire box was [[magnet]]ically sealed and could only be opened by its built-in access keypad.<ref name="TROS VD" />

Ultimately, the charred helm continued to serve as an instrument in Ren's meditations, despite his failed attempts to commune with the spirit of his ancestor who once wore it. It also served a symbolic purpose, representing the power embodied by Ren's grandfather, yet also "weakness and dependency" as Vader could not live outside of the mask.<ref name="TROS VD" />

===A rival for power===
{{Quote|Someone in your army tried to kill you. Clearly, you've managed to inspire a lot of loyalty, Hux.''"<br />"''Oh, please. I thought you could read minds, Ren. You honestly believe people hate ''me'' more than they hate ''you''? With your petulant tantrums and your&hellip;''"<br />"''And my what?| Kylo Ren and Armitage Hux|<ref name="Age of Resistance Hux" />}}
[[File:Armitage_Hux_and_Kylo_Ren-TFA.jpg|thumb|left|260px|Kylo Ren's rise to power brought him into conflict with General Armitage Hux.]]
Despite Kylo Ren's status as the champion of the First Order,<ref name="Kylo Ren DB" /> his rise within the organization attracted the hostility of General Armitage Hux. A rivalry developed between the two as they both sought the approval of Supreme Leader Snoke.<ref name="TFA VD" /> Whereas Hux resented the mystical aspects of the First Order embodied by his rival,<ref name="TLJ EE" /> Ren considered the general untrustworthy and cowardly.<ref name="Age of Resistance Hux" /> Ren, who prided himself on his fighting skills, was unimpressed by Hux as a soldier.<ref name="TFA VD" /> His low opinion of Hux was such that he could not fathom why the Supreme Leader favored a general who wanted to usurp his throne.<ref name="Age of Resistance Hux" /> Even as Ren held Hux in great contempt, he did share at least one commonality with the general: they preferred to keep their appearances and individual quarters simple.<ref name="Phasma" />

As someone who was used to flattery throughout his life,<ref name="TROS EE" /> Ren was unaccustomed to directness, and when Hux confronted Ren about his insecurities about his heritage, the dark warrior came close to killing his adversary. Only the threat of Snoke's reprisal for killing his favorite officer prevented Ren from ending Hux's life. Shortly afterward, however, Ren made an effort to protect Hux when the two were attacked by a norwood, and was surprised to find that Hux had fled in the opposite direction, leaving Ren to fight the creature on his own. This incident reinforced Ren's views of Hux as a coward.<ref name="Age of Resistance Hux" />

[[File:StruckANerve-AORHux1.png|thumb|right|250px|Ren was often tempted to kill Hux who he had disdained as a coward.]]
The rivalry between Ren and Hux grew only stronger after Starkiller Base's destruction, with Ren increasingly irritated by Hux,<ref name="TLJ EE" /> who enjoyed knowing that his rival needed to be rescued after his defeat at the hands of a scavenger.<ref name="TLJ VD" /> Hux's confidence increased as Ren fell out of favor with Snoke, to the extent that he began patronizing Ren during the attack on the Resistance fleet. Ren swore to make the general pay for speaking to him like a child.<ref name="TLJ EE" />

Their rivalry ended when Ren usurped his master's throne, killing Snoke to become the new Supreme Leader. Ren did not hesitate to put Hux in his place by way of the dark side, and threatened to asphyxiate the general until he recognized Ren's claim. The new Supreme Leader decided on keeping Hux alive but close by;<ref name="TLJ EE" /> having never trusted the man whose ambitions were well known to Ren,<ref name="Age of Resistance Hux" /> he was certain that Hux would betray him at the earliest opportunity.<ref name="TLJ EE" />

[[File:Hux_Databank_IX_TROS.jpg|thumb|left|260px|As the new Supreme Leader, Ren took several opportunities to reduce Hux's status in the First Order.]]
Ren would remain suspicious of Hux throughout his reign. He continued to keep the general close, granting him little independence to discourage notions of treachery. He also took steps to diminish Hux's influence, such as favoring Allegiant General Enric Pryde with greater authority.<ref name="TROS VD" /> Although Ren saw his actions towards Hux as petty, he still enjoyed exerting power at the expense of his former rival. During the last days of their conflict with the Resistance, Ren all but ignored Hux despite forcing him to remain part of his entourage, which included Pryde.<ref name="TROS EE" />

For all of the actions that Ren took to neutralize Hux as a threat to his power,<ref name="TROS VD" /> he never suspected that Hux was the informant who leaked classified information about the discovery on Exegol to the Resistance. When considering the possible identity of the spy in their ranks, Ren immediately dismissed Hux as a suspect. While his loyalty to Ren had always been in doubt, Ren never questioned Hux's allegiance to the First Order, and as such, he did not believe the general would do anything that could undermine the First Order's ability to win the war.<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" />

===A dyad in the Force===
{{Quote|You come from nothing. You're nothing. But not to me. Join me. Please.|Kylo Ren, to Rey|<ref name="Episode VIII" />}}
[[File:KyloRenandRey-KyloDB.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Ren felt an innate connection to Rey from the moment he met her, unaware that they formed a dyad in the Force.]]
Ren was puzzled by the strange connection he felt with Rey during their first encounter. He was also astonished by her ability to read his mind while he probed hers, which allowed her to sense Ren's thoughts as well as his inner conflict and doubts.<ref name="Kylo Ren Bio Gallery" /> To Ren's surprise, Rey evoked feelings of compassion within him, according to Snoke, who decried his apprentice's sentimentality as a form of weakness. Ren denied his Master's accusations, unable to comprehend how he could feel anything except hatred for an enemy of the First Order.<ref name="TFA novel" /> Nevertheless, he offered to make Rey his apprentice after gauging her raw strength in the Force.<ref name="Episode VII" /> Even though she defeated him, Ren had sensed that their destinies were somehow intertwined.<ref name="Kylo Ren Bio Gallery" /> He plotted his own path to regain the power and status he lost to her blade. Rey's fate was inextricably tied to his own, and he was unable to deny their Force-bond.<ref name="CVD" /> Henceforth, Ren's churning emotions were as much about Rey as they were himself.<ref name="TLJ EE" />

A lifetime of conflict and loneliness caused Ren to find solace in his connection with Rey, and he developed an "insatiable" fascination with her.<ref name="TSWB" /> His emotional state became even more intense as their Force-bond grew stronger;<ref name="Kylo Ren Bio Gallery" /> to Rey's surprise, Ren no longer bothered trying to hide his pain and misery from her.<ref name="Rey Bio Gallery" /> Despite lowering his mental barriers, Ren was still guarded with his feelings as Rey attempted to learn more about his fall to the dark side and specifically his actions in regard to Han Solo. While her inquisitive nature amused Ren, he would raise his guard by using deflection and derision to avoid Rey's questions about his conflict and his father. Ren treated Rey as though they were master and student, keeping her at bay and off balance by his questions. His facade, however, broke when Rey called him by the name he had been born with. In that moment, he looked lost.<ref name="TLJ EE" />

[[File:Force-bond.png|thumb|left|260px|Ren understood Rey's sense of solitude and abandonment, having struggled with the same feelings throughout his life.]]
Ren understood Rey's feelings of solitude and abandonment; having experienced such emotions as well, he was all too familiar with the psychological effect they had on a person in the long term.<ref name="TLJ EE" /> He allowed Rey to confide in him and insisted that she was not alone. When Snoke ordered his apprentice to complete his training by killing Rey, Ren knew what he had to do.<ref name="Kylo Ren Bio Gallery" /> In that moment, the oft-conflicted apprentice's fears and doubts gave way to a newfound sense of purpose and determination that surprised his own Master. He did not hesitate to kill the one he considered his true enemy, who turned out to be Snoke instead of Rey.<ref name="TLJ EE" />

Ren wanted Rey to join him,<ref name="Episode VIII" /> as he had when they first dueled on Starkiller Base,<ref name="Episode VII" /> by forming a co-regency between themselves as rulers of the galaxy.<ref name="Episode VIII" /> Rey sensed that there was no threat in Ren's intentions toward her; he wanted Rey to overcome her past, and as such he told Rey that her parents were no one, believing that revelation would make her embrace the dark side as he did.<ref name="TLJ EE" /> Ren wanted Rey to be like him,<ref name="Resistance Reborn" /> yet his brutal honesty gave way to a softer approach when he beseeched her to join him, telling Rey that while she was no one, she was still important to him.<ref name="TLJ EE" />

[[File:Rey_and_Ben_Solo.png|thumb|right|260px|Ren felt compassion for Rey, who cared about him as well.]]
Rey's refusal to join Ren left the dark warrior feeling betrayed. He wondered why Rey had not taken the opportunity to kill him while he was unconscious, and for a moment he contemplated the possibility that Rey actually cared for him. He pushed such thoughts aside, however, convinced that Rey's feelings made her foolish and sentimental, and would be the death of her.<ref name="TLJ EE" /> Ren vowed to destroy Rey along with everyone else who opposed him, but upon seeing her again through their bond,<ref name="Episode VIII" /> he was left with a feeling of emptiness despite his recent accomplishments, which included his ascension as the new Supreme Leader.<ref name="Kylo Ren Bio Gallery" />

[[File:Dyad_in_the_Force.jpg|thumb|left|260px|Ren continued to pursue Rey, determined to prevent the apprentice from becoming a true Jedi.]]
Despite his complete submission to the dark side of the Force,<ref name="TROS VD" /> Ren's conflict remained and he was still tempted by the light side. He had thought that his father's death would bring an end to the agony within, only to realize, in time, that Han Solo represented his past, whereas Rey personified what he felt as the pull to the light. Though he was bidden to kill the scavenger by the clone of Darth Sidious, Ren feigned compliance. The discovery of her full origins reignited his desire to turn her to the dark side, yet he was also conflicted over whether it was worth the risk, now that he knew his struggle against the light was directly tied to Rey. His uncertainty was compounded by feelings of anger and resentment over her rejection of his first offer, which confounded Ren.<ref name="TROS EE" />

Ren sensed the terror that Rey felt whenever he was near her, and found it intoxicating, though her determination to resist him infuriated the Supreme Leader. The thought that she had dared to reject him fueled his rage, causing Ren to lose himself to his anger and hatred, forgetting for a moment about his plans to overthrow the Emperor and take control of the Star Destroyer fleet. Blinded by overwhelming rage and desperate to end his pain, he succumbed to the temptation of killing her. When the attempt failed, Ren chided himself for allowing Rey to use his anger against him, though he was even more stunned by the realization that he was relieved he had not killed her.<ref name="TROS EE" />

[[File:DyadofKyloRenandRey-TROS.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Ren's deepest desire was to rule the galaxy with Rey by his side.]]
Snoke had trained Ren to channel the dark side by acting on his impulses, but now the impulse to kill Rey could not be reconciled with his deepest desire, for the thing he wanted most was Rey herself. He found the effort of tempting Rey difficult, yet worthwhile, and with each encounter between them, he felt increasingly closer to achieving his goal with her. Ren also came to understand that his plans for her required planning and patience, but he was well aware of his impatience and temper. As a result, he found inspiration in Rey's grandfather Sidious, wanting to be able to embrace a plan so long suffering and painstakingly careful, and being able to do it without feeling tempted by the light. Ren knew that he did not have the Emperor's patience, but in his desire to convert Rey, he was willing to learn it.<ref name="TROS EE" />

Ren, whose mercurial nature inspired fear amongst his subordinates, maintained his composure around Rey. Her presence had a calming effect on him, although Rey found his calm irritating as she struggled to control her anger and frustration toward him. Following their confrontation on the ''Steadfast'', Ren found himself enjoying the experience of seeing Rey in person again, taking little notice of the dead and the injured around him. For Ren, any loss was a small price to pay to be with Rey. He delighted in provoking her rage; he wanted her to know that they were a dyad in the Force; and he enjoyed seeing the look on her face, which he regarded as beautiful, when he finally told her.<ref name="TROS EE" />

[[File:TheDyadVsTheEmperor-TROS.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Rey's compassion played a part in the return of Ben Solo, who stood with her as a true dyad against Darth Sidious.]]
After discarding the persona of Ren, Solo developed a new sense of purpose, which was to protect Rey. The need that he felt to stand at her side determined his actions for the remainder of his life, including his decision to die for her. Solo's return to the light also had an effect on his connection to Rey, changing the way the bond felt between them. Unlike with Ren, when the two halves of the dyad fought on opposite sides of the Force, the connection with Solo felt right to Rey. The differences between the personalities of Solo and Ren, as well as the way they fought as one on the side of the light, convinced Rey that this was how the bond between them was always meant to be. By standing together against Sidious, Solo and Rey achieved their true potential as a dyad in the Force, making their combined strength an equivalent to the power of life.<ref name="TROS EE" />

==Powers and abilities==
===Lightsaber abilities===
{{Quote|He really ''was'' the prize student.|Voe, on Ben Solo's overall ability as a Jedi|<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 1" />}}
[[File:KyloHachette.jpg|thumb|right|190px|Ren's extraordinary powers were complemented by his skills as a lightsaber swordmaster.]]
Out of the many apprentices his uncle trained, Ben Solo was the most talented and skilled with a lightsaber, although he was never able to surpass his uncle's skill in lightsaber combat.<ref name="Ultimate Star Wars" /> Kylo Ren, Solo's dark side persona, was a ruthless and efficient combatant on the battlefield,<ref name="TSWB" /> as well as master swordsman by the time of his apprenticeship to Snoke.<ref name="TROS VD" /> Ren, who pulled from the teachings of the light and the dark to hone his power, possessed superb skills in lightsaber combat. The destruction of Skywalker's new generation of Jedi earned him the nickname of "Jedi Killer" amongst the First Order ranks, and his abilities with a lightsaber were what ultimately prevented the art of lightsaber combat from returning to prominence as he eliminated the remnants of the Jedi.<ref name="TFA VD" /> In combat Ren typically utilized his lightsaber in the standard grip form, but he was also proficient in the unorthodox reverse grip.<ref name="Episode IX" />

With his proficiency in the art of lightsaber combat, Ren could fight outnumbered and prevail against multiple adversaries. Back when he was still Ben Solo, he fought off three of his fellow students on Elphrona.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 3" /> He fought alongside Rey against the Elite Praetorian Guard until they were separated, forcing Ren to fight four guardsmen on his own. He killed two Praetorians with his crossguard lightsaber and, using a dead guard's [[vibro-voulge]] as an improvised weapon in conjunction with his saber, demonstrated his ability in the art of [[Jar'Kai]] while defeating a third guard. Though he was outmaneuvered by the fourth and final Praetorian, Ren survived by stabbing the guardsman through the face with Rey's lightsaber.<ref name="Episode VIII" /> After reclaiming his identity as Ben Solo, although he was briefly outmatched by the Knights of Ren as he was outnumbered by his former subordinates, once armed with his grandfather's lightsaber, Solo<ref name="Episode IX" /> reminded them why he had been their master<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" /> and swiftly bested all six Knights on his own.<ref name="Episode IX" />

[[File:KyloRenElitePraetorianGuardJarKai-TLJ.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Ren's swordsmanship extended to the use of Jar'Kai.]]
Ren's loss to Rey&mdash;a girl unfamiliar with the lightsaber&mdash;was an isolated case according to his master Snoke, who believed his apprentice lost because he was unbalanced by the murder of his father.<ref name="TLJ EE" /> Ren, however, held that he would have defeated Rey if not for the physical wound that he sustained from Chewbacca's bowcaster, preventing him from fighting at full strength.<ref name="TROS EE" /> Despite her victory, Rey knew that Ren was strong with the dark side, and would only grow more powerful with time.<ref name="TLJ EE" /> Luke Skywalker even regarded his nephew Ren as a strong adversary who was far more powerful than Rey.<ref name="TLJ Adaptation 4">[[The Last Jedi Adaptation 4|''The Last Jedi Adaptation'' 4]]</ref> During the battle against the Praetorian Guards, neither emotional conflict nor physical injuries hindered Ren's fighting ability. Rey observed Ren during the battle, and compared him to a caged beast as he unleashed his fury, engaging several elite guardsmen who were felled by the dark warrior despite holding a numerical advantage.<ref name="TLJ EE" />

[[File:KyloRenvsReyDS2-TROS.jpg|thumb|right|250px|During their final duel, Ren unleashed a series of powerful lightsaber strikes that drove Rey to her knees.]]
Ren was highly accomplished in both an acrobatic and offensive form of lightsaber combat as well as the art of defense. As such, he was adept at evading close-quarter attacks while unarmed, sidestepping Rey's blade several times before activating his own lightsaber.<ref name="TROS EE" /> He was also skilled in hand-to-hand combat, seamlessly incorporating martial arts strikes into his lightsaber sequence, which he utilized against Finn<ref name="Episode VII" /> and the Praetorian Guards.<ref name="Episode VIII" /> Even in his injured state, he deflected all but one of Finn's attacks that injured him in the shoulder,<ref name="Episode VII" /> and returned with his own fierce blows that overwhelmed Finn before disarming and severely injuring the stormtrooper.<ref name="TROS VD" /> He maintained a fierce offense on Rey before she tapped into the Force to overwhelm him and managed to parry some of her blows afterward despite ultimately losing the duel.<ref name="Episode VII" />

While Rey had improved her skills in lightsaber combat with a year's worth of training, she failed to break through Ren's guard in both of their later engagements. Ren found her attacks easy to dodge and block, even as her powers grew with her anger. During their final duel, it became clear to Rey that Ren was physically stronger than her. His ability to dodge and parry all of her attacks angered Rey, who grew increasingly frustrated by her failure to outfight Ren. After defending himself for a time, Ren seized the offensive with a series of swift and powerful strikes. The combination of his strength and skill ultimately overwhelmed Rey, causing Rey to lose her footing and to fall to her knees, completely exposed and defenseless. However, Ren was beckoned by his mother through the Force, sensed her death from afar, and dropped his lightsaber, leading Rey to capitalize on his distraction by usurping Ren's weapon and impaling him with it.<ref name="TROS EE" />

===Force powers===
{{Quote|I've seen this raw strength only once before in Ben Solo. It didn't scare me enough then. It does now.|Luke Skywalker|<ref name="Episode VIII" />}}
[[File:Force_Stop_SWD.png|thumb|left|200px|Like his grandfather, Ren was strong with the dark side of the Force and possessed great skill with telekinetic abilities.]]
The heir to the Skywalker bloodline,<ref name="Snoke Bio Gallery">{{Databank|url=supreme-leader-snoke-biography-gallery|title=Supreme Leader Snoke Biography Gallery}}</ref> Ben Solo was gifted with extraordinary strength in the Force,<ref name="The Force DB">{{Databank|the-force|The Force}}</ref> though it was raw and untamed, a fact which did not go unnoticed by Luke Skywalker, Snoke,<ref name="TLJ EE" /> or Darth Sidious.<ref name="Secrets of the Sith" /> Skywalker recognized that his young nephew possessed Force powers that were already immense, and accepted Solo as his student.<ref name="TLJ EE" /> Snoke was intrigued by Solo's potential for limitless power, and conspired to bring that power into his service<ref name="Snoke Bio Gallery" /> at the expense of the resurgent Jedi Order.<ref name="Episode VIII" /> After surviving his confrontation with Skywalker, Solo believed that he had killed his Master, a feat which caused his confidence to grow and led him to seek Snoke's guidance.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 1" />

After he became Kylo Ren, he wanted to be as powerful as Darth Vader, but was afraid he would not be as strong as the Sith Lord once was. Though not yet at the heights of his grandfather's<ref name="Episode VII" /> or his uncle's power,<ref name="Age of Resistance Snoke" /> Ren's raw strength still gave him powerful abilities with the Force and in combat.<ref name="Episode VII" /> Armitage Hux described Ren as a "one-man Starkiller;" by wielding the power of the dark side, Ren inspired fear across the galaxy not unlike the superweapon<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" /> that destroyed Hosnian Prime.<ref name="Episode VII" /> Sidious credited himself with shaping Ren into a worthy apprentice, one that was just as powerful with the dark side of the Force as a true Sith.<ref name="Secrets of the Sith" />

[[File:Focused_rage.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Through the dark side, Ren gained greater power by focusing his rage.]]
The dark side that flowed through Ren made him a nearly unstoppable force, manifested in the potent [[focused rage]] that he drew from his inner conflict,<ref name="SWFA">''[[Star Wars: Force Arena]]''</ref> and he was exceptionally skilled in telekinetic attacks and defenses<ref name="TFA VD" /> even before adopting the persona of Kylo Ren.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 1" /> When defending himself from Skywalker the night his Master came close to murdering him, Ben Solo was able to telekinetically collapse an entire hut on Skywalker without harming himself while they simultaneously clashed blades.<ref name="Episode VIII" /> Solo was capable of using his mind to control both objects and other people; in the wake of burning the temple, he used his telekinetic abilities to attack three Jedi apprentices, hurling numerous pieces of fiery debris in their direction.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 1" /> After he was tracked to Elphrona by the same students who confronted him at the temple, Solo telekinetically lifted both Tai and Voe, tossing them into the abandoned Jedi outpost. Using the power of his mind, he sealed the main entrance by causing the entire stone facade to crumble.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 3" /> He was able to create an explosion through the Force, causing the annihilation of the entire Cave of Evil, of which he managed to survive, unharmed.<ref name="Age of Resistance Snoke" />

He was also able to alter the weather by creating a lightning storm, what he did during the destruction of Luke's Jedi temple. His pupils constricted in his [[Color|red]]-clouded [[eye]]s as matching red storm clouds appeared above the temple. Becoming aware of the clouds, he questioned their appearance just before they erupted with lightning. The storm he had created set fire to the dwellings and razed the temple, killing most of his fellow students.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 1" />

Whether as Solo<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 3" /> or Ren, his ability to effectively use the Force was dependent on his concentration and state of mind.<ref name="Episode VII" /> Though he could still use his telekinetic powers under mental duress, he nonetheless experienced greater difficulty controlling the Force when his focus was interrupted. During the duel on Elphrona, Solo managed to catch Voe in the air after pushing her over a cliff. Unlike before, he struggled to maintain his hold on her through the Force. Hennix's interference broke Solo's concentration completely, causing him to lose his grip on Voe.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 3" /> On Starkiller Base, Ren found himself struggling to summon his grandfather's lightsaber to his hand, having sustained physical and emotional wounds in the wake of killing his own father.<ref name="TFA novel" />

[[File:A_Mysterious_Connection.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Ren had the power to immobilize his targets, using the Force to make their bodies respond to his commands rather than their own.]]
Ren used his telekinetic skills to [[Force push]] Rey, sending her flying against a tree. He also pulled Dopheld Mitaka by the neck to his hand, as well as to hold him up with one hand while still pulling them with the Force.<ref name="Episode VII" /> Ren was proficient in the use of Force Stasis, enough to use such telekinetic halts in combat, which allowed him to freeze the motion of a target, immobilize and restrain people, hold a blaster bolt midair for over a minute,<ref name="TFA head to head" /> and block a lightsaber blade with the Force.<ref name="Episode IX" /> He was also able to manipulate the movements of living beings, which allowed him to force Rey to point her blaster at the ground as he simultaneously froze her in place.<ref name="TFA head to head" /> By the time he arrived on Batuu, Ren's proficiency in telekinesis allowed him to crush a person's larynx&mdash;an ability used by his grandfather before him&mdash;as he demonstrated on a subordinate at the Black Spire Outpost.<ref name="Galaxy's Edge" />

[[File:DoYouUnderstand-TheEscape.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Ren could telekinetically control the actions of others regardless of the actual space between them and himself.]]
By the time he ascended to the rank of Supreme Leader, Ren's telekinetic abilities allowed him to influence the actions of others across the galaxy. He demonstrated the range of his Force powers by controlling Agent Tierney and Commander Pyre while speaking to them through a hologram, forcing them to stand and aim their weapons at each other. When Tierny failed him again, Ren sent the agent another transmission and began choking her by way of the Force.<ref name="The Escape" />

Ren was also powerful in using the Force to strengthen his body, becoming sufficiently durable and resilient to having survived a long ranged blast from [[Chewbacca's bowcaster]] while only briefly doubling over in pain despite the severe injury even though the weapon could instantly kill armored stormtroopers on impact.<ref name="Episode VII" /> His natural ability with the Force allowed him to contain the blast and minimize the damage it caused, thereby preventing the resultant wound from being fatal.<ref name="TLJ EE" /> He could also cut ahead of Rey and Finn in this state, demonstrating remarkable speed. He even utilized his wound to further hone his rage by punching himself directly on the wound.<ref name="Episode VII" /> Additionally, Ren was capable of exerting enough strength to crush the Emperor's wayfinder with his bare hands and was able to [[Force jump|leap across great distances]] to an even greater extent than Rey<ref name="Episode IX" /> and Voe.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 3" />

[[File:RenMindprobesPoe-TGGH.png|thumb|left|250px|Ren interrogated his prisoners by invading their minds through the Force.]]
Ren excelled in interrogation, as he could [[Telepathy|telepathically]] invade the minds of his prisoners and psychologically torture them into revealing withheld information. His abilities also allowed him to render opponents unconscious without harming them, as he did to Rey on Takodana, causing her to fall asleep with a wave of his hand so he could capture her without resistance.<ref name="Episode VII" /> Although Snoke was capable of probing his apprentice's mind, Ren was able to deceive his Master into believing that he intended to kill Rey when his actual target was Snoke himself.<ref name="Episode VIII" /> He used his Master's reliance on reading his every thought, twisting it to his advantage and ultimately outmaneuvering the Supreme Leader.<ref name="TROS VD" />

Snoke considered Ren and Rey equals in the Force<ref name="Episode VIII" /> after realizing that their bond was uniquely powerful, making them a dyad in the Force.<ref name="TROS VD" /> After Snoke's demise, both sides of the dyad exerted equal control over the Skywalker lightsaber, which caused the weapon to break into two separate pieces.<ref name="TLJ EE" /> However, Ren ultimately proved stronger with the Force during their tug-of-war over a transport on Pasaana, in spite of all of Rey's exertion to stop the vessel from being pulled away from her.<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" />

===Other abilities===
{{Quote|He took out our main engines. One shot. If he was even the ''tiniest'' bit off, we'd be hot vapor right now.|Voe, on Ben Solo's piloting skills|<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 1" />}}
[[File:Predictive_Shot_SWZ.png|thumb|right|250px|Hailing from a family of expert pilots, Ren inherited the flying skills of his father and maternal grandfather.]]
Ben Solo's inherent Force ability came from his mother, whereas he gained his amazing reflexes and piloting skills from his father Han Solo.<ref name="TROS VD" /> He was an excellent pilot<ref name="TIE silencer DB">{{Databank|tie-silencer|TIE silencer}}</ref>&mdash;both as Ben Solo<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 1" /> and Kylo Ren<ref name="TIE silencer DB" />&mdash;hailing from a bloodline of expert pilots that included not only his father, but also his grandfather Anakin Skywalker.<ref name="TLJ:ICS">''[[Star Wars: The Last Jedi: Incredible Cross-Sections]]''</ref>

After he destroyed Skywalker's temple, Solo fled from the scene in his starship, the ''Grimtaash''. Pursued by his fellow Jedi students, Solo made an attack run on their vessel, the ''Verity''. Knowing that Solo's father and uncle were both accomplished pilots in their own right, Tai was convinced that Voe's attempt at evasive action would fail. Indeed, they did not succeed in evading Solo. With one shot, he rendered the ''Verity''{{'s}} main engine inoperable. Taking note of Solo's accuracy, Voe mentioned that the slightest imprecision would have destroyed the ''Verity'', yet Solo had only disabled the ship instead of destroying it outright.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 1" />

Kylo Ren exercised little restraint against his enemies until faced with the decision on whether to fire on his mother.<ref name="TLJ EE" /> Utilizing his personal fighter, Ren led the First Order's initial attack on the Resistance fleet. He was able to evade the ''Raddus''{{'}} defenses and destroy the vessel's starfighter hangar,<ref name="Episode VIII" /> owing to his own talents as a pilot.<ref name="TIE silencer DB" /> Ren was never satisfied with the speed and responsiveness of his craft and pushed the First Order engineers to outdo their best efforts. He modified his TIE whisper's astrogational systems to accept Darth Vader's wayfinder as a signal source, and the ancient device sent out binary signals that the ship's hyperdrive interpreted as jump coordinates.<ref name="TROS VD" /> Having important members of the Rebellion as family members, Ren learned the tactics of rebellion as he grew up, which made him a skilled strategist. He used this knowledge to guide the people of [[Naboo]] with great skill against the First Order invasion, which he himself caused.<ref name="Legacy of Vader 5">[[Legacy of Vader 5|''Legacy of Vader'' 5]]</ref>

==Equipment==
===Weapons===
====Ben Solo/Kylo Ren's lightsaber====
{{Quote|He was dressed in black, carried a {{'}}''laser sword''{{'}} like in the old Jedi stories.|Eila, on Kylo Ren|<ref name="The Children from Tehar" />}}
[[File:BenSoloLightsaber2-SWTLC.png|thumb|left|250px|Ben Solo's Jedi lightsaber produced a blue plasma blade.]]
As was the tradition of the Jedi Order,<ref name="A Test of Strength">{{TCW|A Test of Strength}}</ref> Ben Solo constructed his lightsaber at some point between 15 ABY and around 19 ABY<ref name="Creation date">''[[Star Wars: Timelines]]'' dates the beginning of [[Ben Solo]]'s [[Jedi training]] to [[15 ABY]]. His earliest known usage of the [[lightsaber]] was an encounter with the [[Knights of Ren]] in [[The Rise of Kylo Ren 2|''The Rise of Kylo Ren'' 2]], which dates to around [[19 ABY]] per ''[[Star Wars: Timelines]]''. Therefore, Solo built the lightsaber between 15 [['ABY-BBY' dating system|ABY]] and around 19 ABY.</ref> while being trained as a Jedi Padawan under his uncle, and Jedi Master, Luke Skywalker.<ref name="TROS VD" /> His innate strength in the Force and natural talent meant he excelled over his peers in skill with the lightsaber.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 3" />

[[File:Kylo_Ren_confronts_Rey_and_Finn.png|thumb|right|250px|Kylo Ren's lightsaber was an ancient design that recalled weapons used in the Great Scourge of Malachor.]]
Kylo Ren repurposed the kyber crystal and lightsaber hilt formerly used as Ben Solo to create his new<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 4" /> [[Sith lightsaber]].<ref name="Kylo Ren DB" /> First, he used the dark side to bleed the crystal; it cracked in its master's grip with a surge of fiery energy. Its hue was thus changed<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 4" /> to red-yellow.<ref name="SWL:AGtWotF">''[[Star Wars Lightsabers: A Guide to Weapons of the Force]]''</ref> In order to channel dangerous amounts of power through this broken crystal,<ref name="TROS VD" /> he added vents on either side to divert the excess heat and produce quillon blades.<ref name="TFA VD" />

The crude design was an ancient one, dating back thousands of years<ref name="TFA VD" /> to a [[Great Scourge of Malachor|battle]] between the Jedi and Sith on the planet [[Malachor]].<ref name="Twilight of the Apprentice">{{Rebels|Twilight of the Apprentice}}</ref> Even with these adaptations, the kyber crystal within could barely contain the weapon's power, and the broken crystal gave the red blade an unstable and fiery, flickering appearance. While its crude appearance suggested construction by an inexperienced hand,<ref name="TFA VD" /> Ren preferred his lightsaber's volatile nature and chose to not repair it.<ref name="TROS VD" /> Its partially exposed inner workings allowed for easy modifications and upkeep.<ref name="TLJ VD" />

====The Skywalker lightsaber====
{{Quote|That lightsaber. It belongs to me.|Kylo Ren|<ref name="Episode VII" />}}
[[File:Death_of_Trudgen.png|thumb|left|250px|During the Battle of Exegol, Ben Solo wielded the lightsaber that once belonged to his grandfather, Anakin Skywalker.]]
The Skywalker lightsaber was a Jedi weapon constructed by Ben Solo's grandfather, Anakin Skywalker, in the early days of the Clone Wars.<ref name="TROS VD" /> An admirer of Darth Vader, Kylo Ren despised the lightsaber that once belonged to Vader's former self, a Jedi Knight, as well as Ren's uncle, Luke Skywalker.<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" /> Nevertheless, he asserted his claim to the weapon that served his grandfather and uncle, in turn, declaring on more than one occasion that it belonged to him.<ref name="TFA novel" /><ref name="TLJ EE" /> Ultimately, however, Ren sought to destroy the Skywalker lightsaber that represented the family heritage he rejected.<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" />

His desire for its destruction ended when Ren renounced the dark side of the Force, becoming Ben Solo once more. During the Battle of Exegol, the blade passed from Rey to Solo by way of their bond as a Force dyad,<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" /> restoring the Skywalker lightsaber to the possession of a Skywalker.<ref name="Episode IX" /> Solo claimed his family's lightsaber as his own, knowing that it belonged to him the moment he felt it in his hand. He relished the feel of the lightsaber as it became an extension of his own being,<ref name="TROS EE" /> although he experienced neither anger nor pleasure while using it in battle. He wielded it only with the discipline of a trained Jedi.<ref name="TROS Junior Novel" />

====Blasters====
[[File:BenSolosDL44-TheRiseOfKyloRen3.png|thumb|Ben Solo's DL-44]]
When he first joined the Knights of Ren, Ben Solo was given a [[DL-44 heavy blaster pistol]] similar to his [[Han's heavy blaster pistol|father's]] in a [[holster]] on the side of his leg, but he eventually discarded it.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 3" /> When he returned to the light side and decided to help Rey on Exegol, Solo utilized another [[blaster pistol]] of an unidentified model. He later was disarmed of this weapon when he was surrounded and overwhelmed in combat by the Knights of Ren, before Rey gave him the Skywalker lightsaber through their bond.<ref name="Episode IX" />

===Vehicles===
{{Quote|Prepare my ship.|Kylo Ren|<ref name="Episode VIII" />}}
As a Jedi Padawan, Ben Solo possessed a starship named the ''Grimtaash''.<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 1" />
As Kylo Ren, he flew in a [[Upsilon-class command shuttle|''Upsilon''-class command shuttle]] which was present during the [[Attack on Tuanul|subjugation of Tuanul]] and the [[Battle of Takodana]], where it landed at the remains of [[Takodana Castle]].<ref name="Episode VII" /> At the time of the Battle of Crait, Kylo Ren flew his personal TIE silencer, a [[TIE/vn space superiority fighter]].<ref name="TLJ:ICS" /> When he sought the location of Exegol, he used his customized TIE whisper, a [[TIE/wi modified interceptor]].<ref name="TIE whisper">{{Databank|kylo-ren-s-modified-tie-whisper|Kylo Ren's modified TIE whisper}}</ref>

===Outfits===
{{Quote|Vader wore his mask because he couldn't breathe without it. But you&hellip;you just dress-up to hide the faces of your rebel scum parents&mdash;|Armitage Hux, to Kylo Ren|<ref name="Age of Resistance Hux" />}}
[[File:KyloRen-SWBC4cvr.png|thumb|right|250px|Ren wore a mask to hide his former identity and project a more intimidating persona.]]
Kylo Ren often kept his face covered with his mask which was modeled on the battle gear of the Knights of Ren. [[Kylo Ren's helmet|His mask]] projected and amplified his voice in a deeper way. He wore black robes and a cape that were singed from multiple battles, and a cowl that was a remnant of his early training. The combination of these elements made Ren an intimidating presence, particularly on the battlefield where he exuded confidence in his powers and his purpose.<ref name="TFA VD" />

However, Ren had deeply rooted insecurities that he attempted to conceal by wearing his mask and acting like Vader.<ref name="Age of Resistance Snoke" /> Additionally, he sought to hide his face as it reminded him of his former self<ref name="Battlefront II" /> as well as his mother and father.<ref name="Age of Resistance Hux" />

After usurping the title of Supreme Leader, Ren had his helmet reforged by a [[Sith alchemist]]. He considered it a mark of his role in the Knights of Ren, and a symbol of his own identity being broken and rebuilt.<ref name="TROS VD" />

==Behind the scenes==
===Creation and development===
{{Quote|I've written four ''Star Wars'' movies now, and there's never been a character quite like the one that Adam [Driver] plays. I think you're going to see something that's brand new to the saga&hellip; He's full of emotion. No matter how we express ourselves in the world, whether we hide it and act very calm or whether we're very out there and demonstrative, everybody's roiling with emotion. And you want your characters to be that way, too. Then they have to deal with their emotions as best they can, with what they are.|''The Force Awakens'' co-writer Lawrence Kasdan, on Kylo Ren|<ref name="EW Kylo Ren">{{WebCite|url=https://ew.com/article/2015/08/12/star-wars-force-awakens-kylo-ren|text=Star Wars: The Force Awakens: Kylo Ren's shroud is pulled back at last|author=Breznican, Anthony|date=2015-08-12|work=Entertainment Weekly|archivedate=20150813235359}}</ref>}}
[[File:Kylo_Ren_Helmet.jpg|thumb|left|242px|Several unused helmet designs were considered for the "Jedi Killer," the character who became Kylo Ren.]]
On [[October 30]], [[2012]], [[The Walt Disney Company]] purchased [[Lucasfilm]] from [[George Lucas]], the creator of ''[[Star Wars]]'', and announced that they would be making the long-awaited ''Star Wars'' [[sequel trilogy]], beginning with [[Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens|''Star Wars'': Episode VII]] in [[2015]]. In the months prior, as Lucasfilm co-chair (and eventual president) [[Kathleen Kennedy]] began the work to produce the new slate of films, it became clear to the creative team that the story could not just rely on characters from the previous films but would have to introduce new characters to carry the franchise forward.<ref name="Art of TFA">''[[The Art of Star Wars: The Force Awakens]]''</ref>

Since George Lucas' earliest versions of the film's story, a son of Han Solo and Leia Organa struggling with the dark side of the Force was always in the mix. In some of these versions, the son's name was "Skyler" and he was corrupted to the dark side by [[Darth Talon]], a character originally created for the [[Dark Horse Comics]]' ''[[Star Wars: Legacy]]'' [[Star Wars comic books|comic book]] series set over a century after the films.<ref name="George's Original Plans">{{WordPress|subdomain=naboonews|url=2018/01/04/george-lucas-wanted-darth-talon-to-corrupt-han-and-leias-son-in-episode-vii|name=Naboo News|text=George Lucas wanted Darth Talon to corrupt Han and Leia's son in Episode VII|date=2018-01-04|archivedate=20200317181103}}</ref> Talon's role was then morphed into that of the "Jedi Killer," the initial name of the character who evolved into Kylo Ren, which was used throughout the film's pre-production before the director and co-writer [[J.J. Abrams]] and his team settled on a name for the character. The character's design went through a number of iterations before the final design was approved on [[March 11]], [[2014]]. One design made him look similar to Darth Vader. According to concept artist [[Christian Alzmann]], the idea behind the similarity was that Darth Vader, as a Lord of the Sith, was not a "one-off" look. Instead, "he has a specific title and a specific look that goes with that title. Even though the mask was helping him breathe, there was still a certain look to it." Concept artist [[Glyn Dillon]], who designed the final look of the character, said that the design of the Jedi Killer was like "trying to land a helicopter on a penny. We couldn't be too Vader-ish, but we couldn't reference something else too heavily, either."<ref name="Art of TFA" />

[[File:Kylo_Ren_concept_art_Guavian.png|thumb|right|229px|Kylo Ren's "Jedi Killer" concept art inspired the design of the Guavian security soldiers.]]
Additional design concepts showed the Jedi Killer as someone who ate matter from stars. He would be in a meditation chamber, where energies from a sun could come into the room and he would consume whatever power was within it. Another piece of art showed him with a more robotic look, holding the mask of Darth Vader; at one point, the mask of Darth Vader was a central element to the film, before becoming part of the shrine that Kylo Ren had in the final story. One rejected piece of concept art showed the Jedi Killer with a red and black mask with a circular pattern in the center. This design later inspired the appearance of the [[Guavian security soldier]]s, the cybernetically enhanced security soldiers of the [[Guavian Death Gang]].<ref name="Art of TFA" />

Other designs the crew worked on included a fortress for the Jedi Killer. Concept artist [[Doug Chiang]] took "iconic shapes that we know from ''Star Wars''" but put "different material on them&mdash;in this case turning them into concrete instead of that slick painted metal." The crew also considered giving the Jedi Killer his own droid, such as a torture droid or something else that looked ominous.<ref name="Art of TFA" /> The idea of the Jedi Killer having an interrogation droid ultimately made it into the film, with Kylo Ren using interrogation droids and other torture techniques to break his prisoners.<ref name="TFA VD" />

The final design was meant to be memorable, much like Darth Vader's mask&mdash;upon which Ren's look was intentionally based. Costumer designer [[Michael Kaplan]] said that Abrams wanted the look to be memorable for kids, and that Abrams loved the final design when it was presented. In developing the character, original screenwriter [[Michael Arndt]], whose screenwriting duties were taken over by Abrams and co-writer [[Lawrence Kasdan]] when Arndt departed the project, said the character's backstory came about because the writers needed a rationale for the heroes of the [[original trilogy]] to have separated after the events of the [[1983]] film [[Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi|''Star Wars'': Episode VI ''Return of the Jedi'']]. Abrams wanted Episode VII, which came to be named ''The Force Awakens'', to tap into parental fears of a child gone wrong through Kylo Ren.<ref name="EW Kylo Shock">{{WebCite|url=https://ew.com/article/2015/12/21/jj-abrams-kylo-ren-shocking-act-star-wars-force-awakens|text=J.J. Abrams on Kylo Ren's shocking act in Star Wars: The Force Awakens|author=Breznican, Anthony|date=2015-12-21|work=Entertainment Weekly|archivedate=20200306122610}}</ref> He also wanted the film to tell the story of someone who was still becoming a villain, saying that the only reason Ren had "any hope of being a worthy successor" to the iconic Darth Vader was because he kills Han Solo. "There's nothing I could think of that is more hideous than patricide," Abrams said, "especially when it comes to Han Solo."<ref name="Abrams on Kylo">{{WebCite|url=https://www.fandango.com/movie-news/jj-abrams-on-how-harrison-ford-reacted-to-that-big-moment-in-star-wars-the-force-awakens-750544|text=J.J. Abrams on How Harrison Ford Reacted to That BIG Moment in 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'|author=Davis, Erik|date=2016-02-26|work=Fandango|archivedate=20190831114935}}</ref> At [[Rian Johnson]]'s request, the position of the character's facial scar was moved slightly for ''The Last Jedi''.<ref name="Rian tweet">{{Twitter|rianjohnson|status/854760359097286656|Rian Johnson|quote=It was my decision to slightly adjust it, and that was my justification. It honestly looked goofy running straight up the bridge of his nose|archivefile=File:Rjohnson-kren-tweet.jpg}}</ref>

Ren's parentage was initially to have been revealed earlier in ''The Force Awakens'', when Ren speaks to Darth Vader's helmet. Ren calling Vader his grandfather would have been the reveal, and the scene was written to take place shortly after Finn and Dameron escaped from the ''Finalizer''. Ren would have blamed himself for not having done anything about Finn's change of heart regarding the First Order, and he would have sought the counsel of his grandfather for guidance. Eventually, the film's editors, [[Mary Jo Markey]] and [[Maryann Brandon]], felt that the revelation came too early and it was a waste of a good moment. Instead of its original placement, they moved the scene later in the film to foreshadow Han Solo's death.<ref name="Vader Scene Edit">{{WebCite|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/behind-screen/star-wars-force-awakens-editors-852465|text='Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Editors Explain the Timing of a Key Kylo Ren Scene|author=Giardina, Carolyn|date=2016-01-06|work=The Hollywood Reporter|archivedate=20161220125803}}</ref> The moment when Ren first removes and places his mask on a table of ashes was originally filmed for the scene when he spoke to Vader's helmet; it was reshot with his mask on, but they wanted to keep that shot and moved it to his interrogation of Rey. Abrams described the table's contents as ashes of the enemies that Ren killed.<ref name="JJ Abrams Kylo Ren Ashes">{{WebCite|url=https://ew.com/article/2016/04/05/star-wars-force-awakens-jj-abrams-kylo-ren-ashes|text=What was Kylo Ren's strange table of ashes in ''Star Wars: The Force Awakens''?|author=Breznican, Anthony|date=2016-04-05|work=Entertainment Weekly|archivedate=20200112024250}}</ref> This fact was later mentioned in the [[Star Wars Helmet Collection 21|twenty-first]] issue of [[Star Wars Helmet Collection|''Star Wars'' Helmet Collection]].<ref name="Helmet Collection 21" />

For the film's [[Star Wars: The Force Awakens (soundtrack)|soundtrack]], composer [[John Williams]] wrote a theme for Kylo Ren that first appears in the track "[[Star Wars: The Force Awakens (soundtrack)|Main Title and The Attack on the Jakku Village]]." It is reprised throughout the film, including in "Kylo Ren Arrives at the Battle."<ref name="Soundtrack">[[Star Wars: The Force Awakens (soundtrack)|''Star Wars: The Force Awakens'' soundtrack]]</ref> In composing the theme, Williams approached it as an extension of Darth Vader and "[[The Imperial March]]," without it being too similar. He wanted the theme to convey Ren's great and evil power and strength, as well as the threat he posed. These elements came together to create a theme that could be instantly accessible to the audience.<ref name="Sound of a Galaxy">{{SWYouTube|5cPvY17ZdFM|The Sound of a Galaxy: Inside the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Soundtrack|sw_url=video/the-sound-of-a-galaxy-inside-the-star-wars-the-force-awakens-soundtrack}}</ref>

===Casting and portrayal===
{{Quote|When they think of their actions as morally justified, it makes them dangerous and unpredictable. There's no level they won't go to to accomplish what they're after. I never thought of the character as an evil person.|Adam Driver on Kylo Ren|<ref name="Empire Kylo">{{WebCite|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/star-wars-exclusive-new-look-adam-driver-kylo-ren|text=Star Wars exclusive: new image of Adam Driver's Kylo Ren|author=Nugent, John|date=2015-11-19|work=EMPIRE|archivedate=20200108174923}}</ref>}}
[[File:AdamDriver-IMDB.jpg|thumb|left|237px|Kylo Ren is played by Adam Driver, whom J.J. Abrams said brings a "wonderful ferocity" to the role.]]
Kylo Ren was portrayed by [[Adam Driver]] in ''The Force Awakens'', a role he reprised in the [[2017]] sequel [[Star Wars: Episode VIII The Last Jedi|''Star Wars'': Episode VIII ''The Last Jedi'']]<ref name="VIII Filming">{{SW|url=news/star-wars-episode-viii-now-filming|text=''Star Wars: Episode VIII'' Now Filming}}</ref> and the [[2019]] finale to the sequel trilogy, [[Star Wars: Episode IX The Rise of Skywalker|''Star Wars'': Episode IX ''The Rise of Skywalker'']].<ref name="Episode IX" /> Abrams originally saw other actors for the role, including [[Wikipedia:Eddie Redmayne|Eddie Redmayne]], who had been cast in other films by casting director [[Nina Gold]], but all of them lost out to Driver.<ref name="Kylo Redmayne">{{WebCite|url=https://uproxx.com/movies/eddie-redmayne-auditioned-for-kylo-ren|text=Eddie Redmayne Talks About The Time He Auditioned For Kylo Ren|date=2016-11-08|work=[[Wikipedia:Uproxx|Uproxx]]|archivedate=20200214232338}}</ref> Driver didn't need to audition for the role, however, and instead had a meet and greet with Abrams where the director wanted to get a look at the actor. Just as Abrams had to consider whether to cast Driver, the actor had to decide whether he wanted to take the part.<ref name="Howard Stern">{{WebCite|url=https://www.howardstern.com/show/2015/12/1/how-adam-driver-got-his-huge-star-wars-roleand-then-had-think-about-it|text=How Adam Driver Got His Huge 'Star Wars' Role&hellip;And Then Had to Think About It|date=2015-12-01|work=Howard Stern|archivedate=20200225062433}}</ref> Abrams described Driver has having a "wonderful ferocity that was perfect for this character."<ref name="EW Abrams Driver">{{WebCite|url=http://ew.com/article/2015/11/30/jj-abrams-adam-driver-kylo-ren-star-wars-force-awakens|text=Star Wars Force Awakens: J.J. Abrams talks Adam Driver/Kylo Ren similarities|author=Dornbush, Jonathan|date=2015-11-30|work=Entertainment Weekly|archivedate=20170930174932}}</ref>

Driver does not see Ren as a villain, a stance he took in order to get into the head of the character and portray him as well as possible. Rather, Driver sees him as a religious fanatic who sees his actions as morally justified. This makes Ren more dangerous and unpredictable for the actor, as there is no level that Ren will not go to in order to accomplish his objectives.<ref name="Empire Kylo" /> Getting into Ren's head was one part of Driver's method-acting approach. On set, Driver often stayed in character, keeping his helmet on to do so. Co-star [[John Boyega]], who plays Finn, recalled that acting with Driver was intense because Driver wanted to forget he was in ''Star Wars'' and take the role as seriously as any other role he had ever played.<ref name="Driver Method">{{WebCite|url=http://screencrush.com/adam-driver-method-acting-star-wars|text=Adam Driver Stayed in Character as Kylo Ren While Filming 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'|author=Sampson, Mike|date=2015-12-02|work=ScreenCrush|archivedate=20181217101426}}</ref> The process of getting into Ren's costume provided an extra motivation for the actor; Driver said that by the time he was in the costume and ready to shoot, the "cumbersome and difficult" process left him feeling "so pissed by the time we were ready to start shooting that I felt totally ready."<ref name="Secrets SXSW">{{WebCite|url=https://ew.com/article/2016/03/14/star-wars-secrets-force-awakens-sxsw-premiere|text=Star Wars: Secrets of the Force Awakens SXSW premiere|author=Sullivan, Kevin P.|date=2016-03-14|work=Entertainment Weekly|archivedate=20190905102609}}</ref>

In previous roles, Driver did not watch his performance because he preferred to not see himself on screen. He comes from a theater background, where actors never saw their own performances, and always hated noticing mistakes that he could not correct. He made an exception for ''The Force Awakens'', however, and watched the film in a private screening with just his co-stars [[Daisy Ridley]] and [[Carrie Fisher]], who played Rey and Leia Organa respectively. He felt comfortable sitting through the film and watching it with them because of how much time and effort he and his co-stars put into the film.<ref name="Howard Stern" />

===''The Last Jedi'' and ''The Rise of Skywalker''===
{{Expandsect}}
Rian Johnson, writer-director of ''Star Wars'': Episode VIII ''The Last Jedi'', stated that he felt the most interesting option for Kylo Ren would be to take out the character's shaky foundation at the start of the film. Johnson stated that, by the end of ''The Last Jedi'', Ren is no longer a Darth Vader copy, and he is now his own complex villain taking control. He also felt it was good setup for the ninth film in the [[Star Wars saga|Skywalker saga]],<ref name="Johnson discusses Snoke">{{WebCite|url=https://ew.com/movies/2017/12/17/star-wars-last-jedi-spoilers-snoke-killed-theories/2|text=The Last Jedi spoiler talk: Rian Johnson on Supreme Leader Snoke's startling scenes|author=Breznican, Anthony|date=2017-12-17|work=[[Wikipedia:Entertainment Weekly|Entertainment Weekly]]|archivedate=20200109221238}}</ref> which was eventually titled ''Star Wars'': Episode IX ''The Rise of Skywalker'' and firected by Abrams. ''The Rise of Skywalker'' ends with Ben Solo returning to the light side of the Force, forsaking the name "Kylo Ren" and fighting as a Jedi until his sacrifice to save Rey.<ref name="Episode IX" /> However, according to Driver, the original "overall arc" for Ren&mdash;which he states was supported by Abrams&mdash;was to have him end without being redeemed as an intentional inversion of Darth Vader's arc. Whereas Vader began the [[original trilogy]] committed to the dark side and ended it, in Driver's words, "vulnerable and weak," Ren was supposed to begin the sequel trilogy in that state of confusion and then end it more committed to the dark side than ever. However, Driver stated that this plan changed while shooting. Nonetheless, he claimed he kept his mind focused on that plan regardless of what was filmed.<ref name="Variety Adam">{{WebCite|url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/adam-driver-star-wars-set-exhausting-reprise-kylo-ren-1235865213|text=Adam Driver Made the ‘Star Wars’ Set ‘More Exhausting Than It Should Have Been,’ Says ‘I’m Not Doing Any More’ Films in the Franchise|author=Zack Sharf|date=2024-01-08|work=[[Wikipedia:Variety (magazine)|''Variety'']]|archivedate=20250210030044}}</ref>

In [[2024]], Driver stated that, as Solo is dead, he has no intentions of returning to the ''Star Wars'' universe. Furthermore, he admitted that he made the filming process "way more exhausting for" himself than it needed to be because, while he was working on ''Star Wars'', he "hadn't quite figured out the momentum of a set that was that big."<ref name="Variety Adam" /> Meanwhile, [[Daisy Ridley]]&mdash;who portrayed Rey in the sequel trilogy and is set to return in a [[Untitled Star Wars film (Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy)|forthcoming film]]&mdash;did not confirm nor deny if Solo would ever return to ''Star Wars'' because she did not have any information to that affect. When asked if Driver or her other sequel co-stars could return, she simply said she not know "what or who is who" in the upcoming film.<ref name="Variety Interview">{{WebCite|url=https://variety.com/2024/film/features/daisy-ridley-star-wars-return-worthwile-story-sometimes-i-think-about-dying-1235871459|text=Daisy Ridley on ‘Sometimes I Think About Dying’ and Her ‘Worthwhile’ Return to ‘Star Wars’: The ‘Idea Is Cool as S—’|author=Rebecca Rubin|date=2024-01-24|work=[[Wikipedia:Variety (magazine)|''Variety'']]|archivedate=20240628094559}}</ref> Later, she repeated that she had no idea if Solo was set to make some kind of posthumous appearance.<ref name="Deadline 03-10-24">{{WebCite|url=https://deadline.com/2024/03/star-wars-daisy-ridley-sxsw-1235852536|text=Daisy Ridley Says There Are “New Characters” In Next ‘Star Wars’ Film, But Probably No Kids For Rey – SXSW Studio|author=Anthony Dalessandro|date=2024-03-10|work=''[[Wikipedia:Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]''|archivedate=20250204163351}}</ref>

===Further appearances===
{{Quote|What a gift that character is. Everything he does is driven by self-hatred and self-love in equal measure. A rich stew.|Charles Soule, on Kylo Ren|<ref name="Soule 7">{{Bluesky|charlessoule.bsky.social|post/3lgywtna3hk27|[[Charles Soule]]|date=2025-01-30|quote=Just broke Kylo 7. What a gift that character is. Everything he does is driven by self-hatred and self-love in equal measure. A rich stew.|archiveurl=https://archive.ph/6nhwk}}</ref>}}
In addition to being portrayed by Driver in the films, Ren had two voice actors in ''[[Star Wars Battlefront II]]'', one for while he wore the mask, and the other for when he had the mask removed. The former was voiced by [[Lucasfilm]] sound editor [[Matthew Wood]], who previously voiced General [[Grievous]] in various ''Star Wars'' media, while the latter was voiced by [[Roger Craig Smith]].<ref name="Battlefront II" /> Wood continued the voice role in the [[2020]] animated movie ''[[The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special]]''.<ref name="Holiday Special">''[[The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special]]''</ref>

Kylo Ren was introduced as a playable character of the same name in the 2015 mobile game ''Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes'', which features characters and ships from both the canon and Legends continuities. He has been released 4 times, in 2015 as Kylo Ren, 2017 as Kylo Ren (Unmasked) 2020 as Supreme Leader Kylo Ren, and 2022 as Ben Solo.<ref name="GoH">''[[Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes]]''</ref> Kylo Ren was confirmed to appear at [[Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge|''Star Wars'': Galaxy's Edge]] in one of several promotional trading cards for Rise of the Resistance that were handed out during the [[December 16]], 2017 "Galactic Nights" event. The card in question, called "RESISTANCE RECRUITS FACE KYLO REN'S INTERROGATION," showed a Resistance soldier being lifted telekinetically by the Knight of Ren.<ref name="WDWNewsToday">{{WebCite|url=https://wdwnt.com/2018/01/photos-star-wars-galaxys-edge-trading-cards-provide-new-details-guests-will-find-batuu-2019|text=PHOTOS: Star Wars &ndash; Galaxy's Edge Trading Cards Provide New Details of What Guests Will Find on Batuu in 2019|author=Corless, Tom|date=2018-01-04|work=[https://www.wdwnt.com WDW News Today]|archivedate=20180510032057}}</ref>

The story of Ben Solo's fall to darkness and transformation into Kylo Ren was told in the comic miniseries ''[[Star Wars: The Rise of Kylo Ren]]'' by [[Charles Soule]],<ref name="Rise of Kylo Ren 4" /> who pitched the series with a poetic, thematic reference<ref name="SouleThematic">{{Twitter|CharlesSoule|status/1227672046366269441|[[Charles Soule]]|quote=This was exactly the thematic reference I used in my original pitch for the RISE OF KYLO REN series. It’s like poetry. It rhymes.|archiveurl=https://archive.ph/vIuXU}}</ref> and promised fans it was the story about Ren and his Knights that they had all wanted to see.<ref name="SouleLimitedSeries">{{Twitter|CharlesSoule|status/1152381134694580224|[[Charles Soule]]|quote=As just announced, I am writing THE RISE OF KYLO REN - a limited series comic launching in December, just before Episode IX. You know the one story everyone’s dying to see, about Kylo and the Knights of Ren? That’s this. You’re not ready (hell, I barely am.)|archiveurl=https://archive.ph/DVjfP}}</ref> Soule later returned to the character with the ongoing comic ''[[Star Wars: Legacy of Vader]]''. As regarded by Soule, Ren is a rich character whose every action is driven by an equal mixture of self-love and self-hatred.<ref name="Soule 7" />

===''The Hunt for Ben Solo''===
{{Main|The Hunt for Ben Solo}}
{{Quote|I always was interested in doing another ''Star Wars''. I had been talking about doing another one since 2021. Kathleen ''[Kennedy]'' had reached out. I always said: With a great director and a great story, I'd be there in a second. I loved that character and loved playing him.|Adam Driver|<ref name="2025AP">{{WebCite|url=https://apnews.com/article/adam-driver-star-wars-soderbergh-jarmusch-4e08164d0419759f1b5b50d69864975d|text=Adam Driver on Jarmusch, 'Star Wars' and putting filmmakers first|author=Coyle, Jake|date=2025-10-20|work=[[Wikipedia:Associated Press|Associated Press]]|archivedate=20251020222002}}</ref>}}
Despite his public rejection of returning to ''Star Wars'' in 2024<ref name="Variety Adam" /> and Solo's death in ''The Rise of Skywalker'', Adam Driver revealed in [[2025]] that he had always been interested in returning to the franchise and had been in talks about returning as Solo since [[2021]]; in that year, Lucasfilm President [[Kathleen Kennedy]] had reached out to him about possibly returning to the franchise, to which Driver said he would if they could find a director and story good enough enough to warrant his return. Ultimately, Driver partnered with director [[Steven Soderbergh]] for two years to create a pitch that culminated in the possible film ''[[The Hunt for Ben Solo]]''. The story would have been set after ''The Rise of Skywalker'' and featured a surviving Solo, who Driver believed had unfinished business he wanted to explore. Joined by [[Rebecca Blunt]], Soderbergh and Driver created a story pitch that they presented to Lucasfilm higherups Kennedy, [[Carrie Beck]], and [[Dave Filoni]], all of whom were interested.<ref name="2025AP" />

With Lucasfilm's interest secured, Driver and company recruited filmmaker [[Scott Z. Burns]] to create a script that Driver was amazed by, calling it "one of the coolest" scripts he had ever been involved with. Lucasfilm loved the script and understood the plan the team had for the film, but [[Bob Iger]] and [[Alan Bergman]] of The Walt Disney Company did not understand how Solo had survived so vetoed the project. In 2025, Driver said he could finally talk about the film in an interview with AP News and promised it would have been "really cool." Soderbergh concurred; in a statement to AP News, he said he "really enjoyed making the movie in my head" and apologized to fans that they would never be able to see it.<ref name="2025AP" />

===Continuity===
[[File:C-GA_War.jpg|thumb|right|214px|Kylo Ren shares some similarities with Jacen Solo, the son of Leia and Han in ''Star Wars'' Legends, who became the Sith Lord Darth Caedus.]]
Kylo Ren shares some similarities with [[Darth Caedus|Jacen Solo]],<ref name="CBR">{{WebCite|url=https://www.cbr.com/star-wars-how-jacen-solo-created-the-blueprint-for-kylo-ren|text=Star Wars: How Jacen Solo Created the Blueprint for Kylo Ren|author=Scott Allan|archivedate=20201004170346}}</ref> the son of [[Leia Skywalker Organa Solo|Leia Organa Solo]] and [[Han Solo/Legends|Han Solo]] in the now non-[[canon]]ical [[Star Wars Legends|''Star Wars'' Legends]] storyline. Jacen, the twin brother of [[Jaina Solo Fel]], was a [[Jedi Knight/Legends|Jedi Knight]] who ultimately turned to the [[Dark side of the Force/Legends|dark side of the Force]] and became the [[Sith Lord/Legends|Sith Lord]] Darth Caedus under the guidance of the Sith Lady [[Lumiya]]. It was Jacen's hope to lead the [[Galactic Federation of Free Alliances|Galactic Alliance]], once the New Republic, in bringing order to [[The galaxy/Legends|the galaxy]] after the horrors of the [[Yuuzhan Vong War]]. He killed his aunt [[Mara Jade Skywalker]],<ref name="LOTF Sacrifice">''[[Legacy of the Force: Sacrifice]]''</ref> and committed atrocities across the galaxy before he was finally killed by his sister at the end of the [[Second Galactic Civil War]].<ref name="LOTF Invincible">''[[Legacy of the Force: Invincible]]''</ref>

Ren shares a similar name to that of ''Legends'' character [[Gir Kybo Ren-Cha|Kybo Ren]], a space pirate from the ''Legends'' animated series ''[[Star Wars: Droids: The Adventures of R2-D2 and C-3PO]]''.<ref name="The Pirates of Tarnoonga">{{DroidsCite|The Pirates of Tarnoonga}}</ref>

===In popular culture===
====Matt the Radar Technician====
[[File:Matt_the_Radar_Technician.png|thumb|left|300px|On ''Saturday Night Live'', Adam Driver played Kylo Ren as taking on the role of "Matt the Radar Technician" to better understand the personnel under his command]]
On [[January 17]], [[2016]], Driver hosted the popular sketch comedy show ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' and filmed a sketch called "Undercover Boss: Starkiller Base." Parodying the show [[Wikipedia:Undercover Boss|''Undercover Boss'']], Kylo Ren disguises himself as a radar technician named Matt and mingles with the crew of Starkiller Base&mdash;including a stormtrooper played by future ''[[Star Wars Resistance]]'' voice actor [[Bobby Moynihan]]&mdash;to learn more about what it is like to work on the base. Throughout the sketch, in which he becomes friends with a Lieutenant Colonel named Zack ([[Taran Killam]]), whose son he killed months earlier, Ren displays his fiery temper on numerous occasions, particularly when crew members criticized Ren without knowing who they were speaking to. In the end, Ren says that he feels he understands the crew of Starkiller Base better and that he is ready to show everyone a brand new Kylo Ren&mdash;as Zack's lifeless body sits in the background.<ref name="Undercover Starkiller">{{OfficialYouTube|channel=channel/UCqFzWxSCi39LnW1JKFR3efg|name=Saturday Night Live|video=FaOSCASqLsE|text=Star Wars Undercover Boss: Starkiller Base - SNL}}</ref> Driver again appeared on the show on [[January 25]], 2020, appearing in a follow-up skit in which he goes undercover as "Randy the Intern."<ref name="Adam SNL">{{WebCite|url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/saturday-night-live-star-wars-adam-driver-undercover-boss-kylo-ren-watch-1203480485|text='SNL': Adam Driver Delivers 'Star Wars' 'Undercover Boss' Sequel (Watch)|author=Durchiano, Danielle|date=2020-01-25|work=Variety|archivedate=20200228112656}}</ref>

====Ben Swolo====
[[File:Ben_Swolo.png|thumb|right|150px|"Ben Swolo," as described by fans]]
In ''The Last Jedi'', Kylo Ren is briefly featured shirtless in one of his conversations with Rey via their Force bond.<ref name="Episode VIII" /> A screenshot of Ren's muscular body quickly spread around the internet as a meme, which dubbed the character "Ben Swolo" or simply "Shirtless Kylo Ren" while in that form.<ref name="Ben Swolo">{{WebCite|url=https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/ben-swolo|text=Ben Swolo Know Your Meme|archivedate=20241127072120}}</ref> The original ''Undercover Boss'' skit had also featured "Matt" comment to a group of stormtroopers that a friend told him that he saw Kylo Ren in the [[shower]] and that Ren "had an eight-pack" and was "shredded." These lines proved a source of retroactive amusement when ''The Last Jedi'' indeed featured Ren's shirtless appearance. In response to the online discussion around the scene, Director Rian Johnson explained that the scene was not merely gratuitous, but was intended to establish that through their Force-bond, Rey could actually see his body and not simply hear his voice or see just his face and eyes.<ref name="shirtless">{{WebCite|url=https://movieweb.com/kylo-ren-shirtless-last-jedi-why-it-happened|text=Why That Shirtless Kylo Ren Scene Had to Happen in Last Jedi|author=Burwick, Kevin|date=2017-12-21|archivedate=20190603191513}}</ref> Ren's shirtless appearance was later parodied in the ''[[The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special]]''.<ref name="HS">''[[The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special]]''</ref>

==Appearances==
{{ScrollBox|content=
{{Mediacat|imagecat=Images of Ben Solo}}
*''[[Star Wars: Force Arena]]''
*''[[Star Wars: Starfighter Missions]]''
*[[Mace Windu 4|''Mace Windu'' 4]] {{C|Variant cover only}}
*''[[Star Wars Battlefront II]]''
*{{GOA|Jedi vs. Sith - The Skywalker Saga}}
*''[[Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple]]'' {{Nc}}
*[[Darth Vader (2017) 25|''Darth Vader'' (2017) 25]] {{Voice}}
*{{Rebels|A World Between Worlds}} {{Voice}}
*''[[A Leader Named Leia]]'' {{Ab|A Leader Named Leia (audiobook)}}
*[[Bounty Hunters 25|''Bounty Hunters'' 25]] {{Vco}}
*''[[Aftermath: Life Debt]]'' {{Ab|Aftermath: Life Debt (audiobook)}} {{Unborn}}
*[[Battle of Jakku — Republic Under Siege 4|''Battle of Jakku — Republic Under Siege'' 4]] {{Unborn}}
*[[Battle of Jakku — Last Stand 1|''Battle of Jakku — Last Stand'' 1]] {{Unborn}}
*[[Battle of Jakku — Last Stand 2|''Battle of Jakku — Last Stand'' 2]] {{Unborn}}
*''[[Aftermath: Empire's End]]'' {{Ab|Aftermath: Empire's End (audiobook)}}
*[[Battle of Jakku — Last Stand 3|''Battle of Jakku — Last Stand'' 3]] {{Unborn}}
*[[Battle of Jakku — Last Stand 4|''Battle of Jakku — Last Stand'' 4]]
*[[Star Wars (2025) 1|''Star Wars'' (2025) 1]] {{C|Variant cover only}}
*[[Star Wars (2025) 4|''Star Wars'' (2025) 4]] {{Mo}}
*''[[Last Shot]]'' {{Ab|Last Shot (audiobook)}}
*{{Ahsoka|Part Two: Toil and Trouble}} {{C|Mentioned in [[Aurebesh]] on wrist gauntlet}}
*''[[Shadow of the Sith]]'' {{Ab|Shadow of the Sith (audiobook)}}
*[[Star Wars (2020) 50|''Star Wars'' (2020) 50]]
*[[Bloodline (novel)|''Bloodline'']] {{Ab|Bloodline (audiobook)}} {{Flash}}
*[[The Rise of Kylo Ren 1|''The Rise of Kylo Ren'' 1]]
*[[The Rise of Kylo Ren 2|''The Rise of Kylo Ren'' 2]]
*[[The Rise of Kylo Ren 3|''The Rise of Kylo Ren'' 3]]
*[[The Rise of Kylo Ren 4|''The Rise of Kylo Ren'' 4]]
*[[Age of Resistance - Supreme Leader Snoke 1|''Age of Resistance - Supreme Leader Snoke'' 1]]
*[[Han Solo - Hunt for the Falcon 1|''Han Solo - Hunt for the Falcon'' 1]] {{Hologram}}
*[[Han Solo - Hunt for the Falcon 2|''Han Solo - Hunt for the Falcon'' 2]] {{Flash}}
*[[Han Solo - Hunt for the Falcon 3|''Han Solo - Hunt for the Falcon'' 3]] {{Flash}}
*[[Han Solo - Hunt for the Falcon 4|''Han Solo - Hunt for the Falcon'' 4]] {{Flash}}
*[[Life Day 1|''Life Day'' 1]] {{Flash}}
*''[[Before the Awakening]]'' {{Ab|Before the Awakening (audiobook)}} {{Mo}}
*[[Age of Resistance - Finn 1|''Age of Resistance - Finn'' 1]]
*[[Age of Resistance - General Hux 1|''Age of Resistance - General Hux'' 1]]
*[[Age of Resistance - Kylo Ren 1|''Age of Resistance - Kylo Ren'' 1]]
*[[Poe Dameron 10|''Poe Dameron'' 10]] {{Mo}}
*[[Poe Dameron 11|''Poe Dameron'' 11]] {{Mo}}
*[[Poe Dameron 12|''Poe Dameron'' 12]] {{Mo}}
*[[Poe Dameron 13|''Poe Dameron'' 13]] {{C|Mentioned only in opening crawl}}
*[[Poe Dameron Annual 2|''Poe Dameron Annual'' 2]] {{Flash}}
*[[Poe Dameron 22|''Poe Dameron'' 22]] {{Mo}}
*[[Hyperspace Stories—Codebreaker 3|''Hyperspace Stories—Codebreaker'' 3]] {{Mo}}
*{{Resistance|The Children from Tehar}} {{Mo}}
*[[Phasma (novel)|''Phasma'']] {{Ab|Phasma (audiobook)}} {{Mo}}
*"[[Reflections]]"
*{{IDWAdventuresCite-2017|issue=3|story=Pest Control}}
*[[Hyperspace Stories 8|''Hyperspace Stories'' 8]]
*{{Film|VII}} {{1st}} {{1stID|Ben}}
*[[Star Wars: The Force Awakens (novelization)|''Star Wars: The Force Awakens'' novelization]] {{Ab|Star Wars: The Force Awakens (audiobook)}}
*''[[Star Wars: The Force Awakens: A Junior Novel]]'' {{Ab|Star Wars: The Force Awakens: A Junior Novel (audiobook)}}
*[[The Force Awakens (Little Golden Book)|''The Force Awakens'' Little Golden Book]] {{1stID|Solo}}
*[[The Force Awakens Read-Along Storybook and CD|''The Force Awakens'' Read-Along Storybook and CD]]
*[[The Force Awakens (storybook)|''The Force Awakens'' storybook]]
*{{GOA|Rey and Finn vs. Kylo Ren}}
*{{GOA|The First Order vs. The Resistance}}
*[[Star Wars: The Force Awakens Graphic Novel Adaptation|''Star Wars: The Force Awakens'' Graphic Novel Adaptation]]
*[[The Force Awakens Adaptation 1|''The Force Awakens Adaptation'' 1]]
*''[[The Force Awakens: Rey's Story]]'' {{Ab|The Force Awakens: Rey's Story (audiobook)}}
*''[[The Force Awakens: Finn's Story]]''
*''[[Lightsaber Rescue]]''
*''[[Rolling with BB-8!]]''
*''[[Finn & the First Order]]''
*[[Finn and Poe Team Up! (book)|''Finn and Poe Team Up!'']]
*[[The Force Awakens Adaptation 2|''The Force Awakens Adaptation'' 2]]
*[[The Force Awakens Adaptation 3|''The Force Awakens Adaptation'' 3]]
*[[The Force Awakens Adaptation 4|''The Force Awakens Adaptation'' 4]]
*''[[Chaos at the Castle]]''
*[[The Force Awakens Adaptation 5|''The Force Awakens Adaptation'' 5]]
*[[The Fight in the Forest (book)|''The Fight in the Forest'']]
*[[The Force Awakens Adaptation 6|''The Force Awakens Adaptation'' 6]]
*''[[Forces of Destiny—Rey]]'' {{C|Appears through imagination}}
*''[[Galaxy's Edge: Black Spire]]'' {{Ab|Galaxy's Edge: Black Spire (audiobook)}} {{Mo}}
*[[Captain Phasma 1|''Captain Phasma'' 1]]
*[[Age of Resistance - Rey 1|''Age of Resistance - Rey'' 1]] {{Flash}}
*[[Star Wars Adventures Ashcan|''Star Wars Adventures'' Ashcan]] {{Flash}}
*{{Film|VIII}}
*''[[Star Wars: The Last Jedi: Expanded Edition]]'' {{Ab|Star Wars: The Last Jedi: Expanded Edition (audiobook)}}
*''[[Star Wars: The Last Jedi: A Junior Novel]]'' {{Ab|Star Wars: The Last Jedi: A Junior Novel (audiobook)}}
*[[The Last Jedi Adaptation 1|''The Last Jedi Adaptation'' 1]]
*''[[The Last Jedi: Rey's Journey]]''
*''[[The Last Jedi: Rose and Finn's Secret Mission]]''
*[[The Last Jedi Adaptation 2|''The Last Jedi Adaptation'' 2]]
*[[The Last Jedi Adaptation 3|''The Last Jedi Adaptation'' 3]]
*[[The Last Jedi Adaptation 4|''The Last Jedi Adaptation'' 4]]
*[[The Last Jedi Adaptation 5|''The Last Jedi Adaptation'' 5]]
*[[The Last Jedi Adaptation 6|''The Last Jedi Adaptation'' 6]]
*''[[Star Wars: Droid Repair Bay]]'' {{C|Starfighter only}}
*{{StoryCite|story=Legacy of Vaneé|book=Free Comic Book Day 2025: Star Wars 1|bformatted=Free Comic Book Day 2025: ''Star Wars'' 1}} {{Hologram}} {{Flash}}
*[[Legacy of Vader 1|''Legacy of Vader'' 1]]
*[[Legacy of Vader 2|''Legacy of Vader'' 2]]
*[[Legacy of Vader 3|''Legacy of Vader'' 3]]
*[[Legacy of Vader 4|''Legacy of Vader'' 4]]
*[[Legacy of Vader 5|''Legacy of Vader'' 5]]
*[[Legacy of Vader 6|''Legacy of Vader'' 6]]
*[[Legacy of Vader 7|''Legacy of Vader'' 7]]
*[[Legacy of Vader 8|''Legacy of Vader'' 8]]
*[[Legacy of Vader 9|''Legacy of Vader'' 9]]
*[[Legacy of Vader 10|''Legacy of Vader'' 10]]
*[[Legacy of Vader 11|''Legacy of Vader'' 11]]
*{{Resistance|The Relic Raiders}} {{Mo}}
*[[Poe Dameron 26|''Poe Dameron'' 26]] {{Flash}}
*[[Poe Dameron 27|''Poe Dameron'' 27]] {{Mo}}
*[[Poe Dameron 28|''Poe Dameron'' 28]] {{Mo}}
*''[[Resistance Reborn]]'' {{Ab|Resistance Reborn (audiobook)}} {{Mo}}
*{{StoryCite|story=Through the Turbulence|book=Stories of Jedi and Sith|audiobook=1}} {{Mo}}
*[[Path of the Lightsaber, Vol. 1|''Path of the Lightsaber'', Vol. 1]] {{Hologram}}
*{{IDWAdventuresCite-2017|issue=30|story=Loyalty Test}}
*{{Resistance|Station to Station}} {{Mo}}
*{{Resistance|No Place Safe}} {{Imo}}
*[[Allegiance 1|''Allegiance'' 1]]
*[[Allegiance 2|''Allegiance'' 2]]
*[[Allegiance 4|''Allegiance'' 4]] {{Flash}}
*''[[Choose Your Destiny: A Finn & Poe Adventure]]'' {{Ab|Choose Your Destiny: A Finn & Poe Adventure (audiobook)}} {{Hologram}}
*''[[Spark of the Resistance]]'' {{Ab|Spark of the Resistance (audiobook)}} {{Mo}}
*[[Galaxy's Edge 2|''Galaxy's Edge'' 2]] {{Mo}}
*[[Galaxy's Edge 5|''Galaxy's Edge'' 5]]
*[[Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge|''Star Wars'': Galaxy's Edge]]
*{{GEAttr|Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance|Rise of the Resistance}}
*[[Star Wars: Datapad|''Star Wars'': Datapad]] {{Mo}}
*[[Halcyon Legacy 4|''Halcyon Legacy'' 4]] {{Flash}}
*[[Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser|''Star Wars'': Galactic Starcruiser]]
*{{StoryCite|story=See You Around, Kid|book=Star Wars (2020) 25}}
*{{IDWAdventuresCite-2020|issue=1|story=The Obstacle Course, Part 1}} {{Mo}}
*[[Hyperspace Stories 4|''Hyperspace Stories'' 4]] {{Mo}}
*{{IDWAdventuresCite-2020|issue=2|story=Tales of Villainy: Follow and Lead}}
*[[Tales From the Nightlands 3|''Tales From the Nightlands'' 3]] {{Flash}}
*''[[The Jaws of Jakku]]'' {{Mo}}
*{{Resistance|The Escape (episode)}} {{Hologram}}
*{{Film|IX}}
*''[[Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: Expanded Edition]]'' {{Ab|Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: Expanded Edition (audiobook)}}
*''[[Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: A Junior Novel]]'' {{Ab|Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: A Junior Novel (audiobook)}}
*[[The Rise of Skywalker Adaptation 1|''The Rise of Skywalker Adaptation'' 1]]
*[[Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Graphic Novel Adaptation|''Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker'' Graphic Novel Adaptation]]
*{{GOA|Kylo Ren and Darth Vader - A Legacy of Power}}
*{{GOA|Kylo Ren vs. Resistance Rebels}}
*''[[Star Tours: The Adventures Continue]]'' {{Nc}}
*''[[Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes]]''
}}

===Non-canon appearances===
{{ScrollBox|content=
*<!-- 2014-11-25 -->''[[Minecraft]]''
*<!-- 2015-08-30 -->''[[Disney Infinity 3.0]]''
*<!-- 2016-01-05 -->{{LegoMiniMovie|pkuyk73OBjY|The Force Awakens Buildable Figures}}
*<!-- 2016-02-15 -->{{ResistanceRises|Poe to the Rescue}}
*<!-- 2016-05-04 -->{{ResistanceRises|Attack of the Conscience}}
*<!-- 2016-05-XX -->{{LegoMagazineCite|club=1|issue=May/June 2016|story=Resistance to the Rescue!}} {{Mo}}
*<!-- 2016-06-28 -->''[[LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens]]''
*<!-- 2017-06-24 -->{{LSWCite|25|Hostages on Takodana}}
*<!-- 2017-09-XX -->{{LEGOWeb|url=en-us/kids/games/star-wars/the-last-jedi-360-experience-27fca6390b2844009545df0b33dcdeb3|text="The Last Jedi" 360 Experience|int="The Last Jedi" 360 Experience|nolive=1}}
*<!-- 2017-12-23 -->{{LSWCite|31|Shuttle Testing}}
*<!-- 2017-XX-XX -->{{LEGOWeb|url=en-us/starwars/games/empire-vs-rebels-2017-08dd24e36d0147a0bc9dce70bbc41e15|text=Empire vs Rebels (2017)|int=LEGO Star Wars: Empire vs Rebels (2017)|nolive=1}}
*<!-- 2018-06-09 -->{{LSWCite|37|The Attempted Escape}}
*<!-- 2018-07-14 -->{{LSWCite|38|The Off Switch}}
*<!-- 2018-12-01 -->{{All-Stars|Scouting for Leia}}
*<!-- 2018-12-01 -->{{All-Stars|A Mission with Maz}}
*<!-- 2018-12-08 -->{{All-Stars|Rolling with BB-8}}
*<!-- 2018-12-08 -->{{All-Stars|Resistance on the Run}}
*<!-- 2019-08-17 -->{{LegoMiniMovie|series=Stop-Motion Story|text=A Dancefloor Battle in Snoke's Throne Room|video=Jow3OSfQEto}}
*<!-- 2019-11-10 -->{{LegoMiniMovie|series=Battle Story|text=Kylo and Rey's Snowball Fight|video=phDvDkhBMsg}}
*<!-- 2019-11-13 -->{{LegoMiniMovie|series=Battle Story|text=Hungry Porg Attack!|video=UvU2XeYZl-g}}
*<!-- 2019-11-23 -->{{LSWCite|54|Silencer Attack}}
*<!-- 2019-12-14 -->[[Fortnite X Star Wars|''Fortnite'' X ''Star Wars'']]
*<!-- 2019-12-17 -->''[[Disney Magic Kingdoms]]''
*<!-- 2020-01-20 -->{{LegoMiniMovie|series=Battle Story|text=Escape from Starkiller Base|video=4FB2KvWWzoM}}
*<!-- 2020-03-18 -->{{RollOut|Ben Solo and the Bug Hunters &ndash; Chapter 1}}
*<!-- 2020-03-25 -->{{RollOut|Ben Solo and the Bug Hunters &ndash; Chapter 2}}
*<!-- 2020-04-01 -->{{RollOut|Ben Solo and the Bug Hunters &ndash; Chapter 3}}
*<!-- 2020-09-08 -->''[[The Sims 4 Star Wars: Journey to Batuu]]''
*<!-- 2020-11-17 -->''[[The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special]]''
*<!-- 2021-05-04 -->"[[The Force Awakens From Its Nap]]"
*<!-- 2021-09-24 -->''[[LEGO Star Wars Battles]]''
*<!-- 2021-10-01 -->''[[LEGO Star Wars Terrifying Tales]]'' {{Flash}}
*<!-- 2021-11-27 -->{{LSWCite|78|The First Order Flyers}}
*<!-- 2022-04-05 -->''[[LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga]]''
*<!-- 2022-08-05 -->''[[LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation]]'' {{Ghost}}
*<!-- 2024-09-13 -->{{RebuildTheGalaxy|Part One}}
*<!-- 2024-09-13 -->{{RebuildTheGalaxy|Part Two}} {{Imo}}
*<!-- 2024-11-01 -->{{LSWCite|116|The Duel in Space}}
*<!-- 2025-02-04 -->''[[Destiny 2]]'' {{C|Costume}}
}}

==Sources==
{{ScrollBox|content=
*<!-- 2014-11-28 -->{{SWYouTube|erLk59H86ww|Star Wars: The Force Awakens Official Teaser|sw_url=video/star-wars-the-force-awakens-official-teaser}} {{1stp}}
*<!-- 2014-11-29 -->{{SW|url=films/star-wars-the-force-awakens-digital-trading-cards|text=Star Wars: The Force Awakens Digital Trading Cards}} {{1stID|Kylo Ren}}
*<!-- 2014-12-11 -->{{SWCT|set=The Force Awakens - Teaser|cardname=Kylo Ren ignites his Lightsaber!}} {{Po}}
*<!-- 2015-01-20 -->{{InsiderCite|155|Launchpad|Launch Pad}}
*<!-- 2015-04-16 -->{{SWYouTube|ngElkyQ6Rhs|Star Wars: The Force Awakens Official Teaser #2|sw_url=video/star-wars-the-force-awakens-official-teaser-2}}
*<!-- 2015-04-22 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|17|Databank A-Z}}
*<!-- 2015-05-03 -->{{SW|url=news/star-wars-the-force-awakens-products-to-arrive-on-force-friday-september-4|text=''Star Wars: The Force Awakens'' Products to Arrive on 'Force Friday,' September 4}}
*<!-- 2015-06-03 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|13|Databank A-Z}}
*<!-- 2015-06-09 -->{{InsiderCite|158|Launchpad|Launch Pad}}
*<!-- 2015-07-15 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|24|Databank A-Z}}
*<!-- 2015-08-26 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|27|Weapons & Uniforms}}
*<!-- 2015-09-02 -->{{LEGOCite|num=75104|name=Kylo Ren's Command Shuttle}}
*<!-- 2015-09-04 -->''[[Star Wars: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know]]''
*<!-- 2015-09-22 -->{{InsiderCite|160|Bantha Tracks}}
*<!-- 2015-10-19 -->{{SWYouTube|sGbxmsDFVnE|Star Wars: The Force Awakens Trailer (Official)|sw_url=video/star-wars-the-force-awakens-trailer-official}}
*<!-- 2015-11-10 -->{{InsiderCite|161|Blaster}}
*<!-- 2015-11-12 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|35|Databank A-Z}}
*<!-- 2015-12-18 -->''[[Star Wars: The Force Awakens: Incredible Cross-Sections]]''
*<!-- 2015-12-18 -->''[[Star Wars: The Force Awakens: New Adventures]]''
*<!-- 2015-12-18 -->''[[Star Wars: The Force Awakens: The Visual Dictionary]]''
*<!-- 2015-12-18 -->''[[The Art of Star Wars: The Force Awakens]]''
*<!-- 2015-12-22 -->{{InsiderCite|162|Adam Driver is Kylo Ren|reprint=1}}
*<!-- 2016-01-26 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|45|Databank A-Z}}
*<!-- 2016-01-XX -->''[[Star Wars: The Force Awakens: Head-to-Head]]''
<!-- 2016-03-22 -->{{SourceContents|issue={{HelmetCollectionCite|18|parent=1}}|contents=
*<!-- 2016-03-22 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|18|Databank A-Z}}
*<!-- 2016-03-22 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|18|Helmets}}
*<!-- 2016-03-22 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|18|Highlights of the Saga}}
}}
*<!-- 2016-04-05 -->''[[Star Wars Character Encyclopedia: Updated and Expanded]]''
*<!-- 2016-04-05 -->{{HomeVideoCite|film=7|featurette=Secrets of The Force Awakens: A Cinematic Journey|ftext=Secrets of ''The Force Awakens'': A Cinematic Journey}}
*<!-- 2016-04-18 -->''[[Star Wars Expert Guide]]''
<!-- 2016-04-22 -->{{SourceContents|issue={{HelmetCollectionCite|42|parent=1}}|contents=
*<!-- 2016-04-22 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|42|Helmets}}
*<!-- 2016-04-22 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|42|Highlights of the Saga}}
*<!-- 2016-04-22 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|42|Weapons & Uniforms}}
}}
<!-- 2016-05-03 -->{{SourceContents|issue={{HelmetCollectionCite|21|parent=1}}|contents=
*<!-- 2016-05-03 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|21|Helmets}}
*<!-- 2016-05-03 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|21|Highlights of the Saga}}
}}
<!-- 2016-05-17 -->{{SourceContents|issue={{HelmetCollectionCite|44|parent=1}}|contents=
*<!-- 2016-05-17 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|44|Helmets}}
*<!-- 2016-05-17 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|44|Highlights of the Saga}}
}}
*<!-- 2016-05-31 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|61|Databank A-Z}}
*<!-- 2016-06-03 -->{{Topps|set=2016 Topps Star Wars Evolution|subset=Lightsaber|cardname=Kylo Ren}}
<!-- 2016-06-14 -->{{SourceContents|issue={{HelmetCollectionCite|43|parent=1}}|contents=
*<!-- 2016-06-14 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|43|Databank A-Z}}
*<!-- 2016-06-14 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|43|Helmets}}
}}
*<!-- 2016-06-14 -->''[[Star Wars: ABC-3PO]]''
*<!-- 2016-06-28 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|47|Databank A-Z}}
*<!-- 2016-07-26 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|31|Helmets}}
*<!-- 2016-08-04 -->[[Star Wars: The Force Awakens Beginner Game|''Star Wars: The Force Awakens'' Beginner Game]]
*<!-- 2016-08-23 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|48|Weapons & Uniforms}}
*<!-- 2016-09-20 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|51|Weapons & Uniforms}}
*<!-- 2016-09-27 -->[[Star Wars: Death Star Battles (2016)|''Star Wars: Death Star Battles'']]
*<!-- 2016-09-27 -->[[Star Wars: Complete Locations (2016)|''Star Wars: Complete Locations'']]
*<!-- 2016-10-21 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|50|Databank A-Z}}
*<!-- 2016-11-01 -->''[[Poe Dameron: Flight Log]]''
*<!-- 2016-11-03 -->''[[Star Wars: Galactic Atlas]]''
<!-- 2016-11-22 -->{{SourceContents|issue={{HelmetCollectionCite|46|parent=1}}|contents=
*<!-- 2016-11-22 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|46|Databank A-Z}}
*<!-- 2016-11-22 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|46|Weapons & Uniforms}}
}}
*<!-- 2016-11-29 -->''[[Princess Leia: Royal Rebel]]''
*<!-- 2016-11-XX -->{{SW|url=films/star-wars-episode-7-the-force-awakens-story-gallery|text=''Star Wars: The Force Awakens'' Story Gallery}}
*<!-- 2016-12-09 -->''[[Entertainment Weekly's Ultimate Guide to Rogue One]]''
*<!-- 2016-12-XX -->{{Destiny|set=Awakenings|cardname=Anticipate|link=https://swdestinydb.com/card/01114}} {{Po}}
*<!-- 2017-01-XX -->{{GentleGiantCite|set=Mini Busts|pack=Kylo Ren|link=star-wars-the-force-awakens-kylo-ren-mini-bust}}
*<!-- 2017-03-07 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|57|Databank A-Z}}
*<!-- 2017-03-21 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|54|Databank A-Z}}
*<!-- 2017-04-04 -->''[[Star Wars: The Visual Encyclopedia]]''
*<!-- 2017-06-27 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|72|Highlights of the Saga}}
*<!-- 2017-07-25 -->''[[Star Wars Super Graphic: A Visual Guide to a Galaxy Far, Far Away]]''
*<!-- 2017-08-08 -->''[[Star Wars: On the Front Lines]]''
<!-- 2017-08-22 -->{{SourceContents|issue={{HelmetCollectionCite|68|parent=1}}|contents=
*<!-- 2017-08-22 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|68|Highlights of the Saga}}
*<!-- 2017-08-22 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|68|Weapons & Uniforms}}
}}
*<!-- 2017-09-01 -->''[[Star Wars: Stealth Mission Book and Model]]''
*<!-- 2017-09-01 -->[[Star Wars Look and Find (2017)|''Star Wars Look and Find'' (2017)]]
*<!-- 2017-09-XX -->{{HasbroCite|set=Star Wars: The Black Series|pack=#045: Kylo Ren|altlink=https://www.rebelscum.com/kylo-ren-45-The-Black-Series-last-jedi-6-inch.asp}}
*<!-- 2017-10-03 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|77|Databank A-Z}}
*<!-- 2017-10-03 -->''[[Star Wars: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know, Updated and Expanded]]''
*<!-- 2017-10-XX -->{{HasbroCite|set=Star Wars: The Black Series|pack=Kylo Ren (Throne Room)|altlink=https://www.rebelscum.com/Kylo-Ren-Throne-Room-Star-Wars-The-Black-Series-6-Inch.asp}}
*<!-- 2017-11-15 -->''[[Star Wars: Geektionary: The Galaxy from A - Z]]''
*<!-- 2017-12-15 -->''[[Star Wars: The Last Jedi Activity Book with Stickers]]''
*<!-- 2017-12-15 -->''[[Star Wars: The Last Jedi: Heroes of the Galaxy]]''
*<!-- 2017-12-15 -->''[[Star Wars: The Last Jedi: Incredible Cross-Sections]]''
*<!-- 2017-12-15 -->''[[Star Wars: The Last Jedi: The Visual Dictionary]]''
*<!-- 2017-12-15 -->''[[Star Wars: The Last Jedi: Ultimate Sticker Collection]]''
*<!-- 2017-12-15 -->''[[The Art of Star Wars: The Last Jedi]]''
*<!-- 2017-12-16 -->[[Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge trading cards|''Star Wars'': Galaxy's Edge trading cards]] {{C|Card: {{WebCite|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/news/1753060/awesome-star-wars-trading-cards-reveal-big-secrets-about-disneys-new-theme-park|text=Resistance recruits face Kylo Ren's interrogation|archivedate=20210121001042}}}}
*<!-- 2018-01-02 -->''[[Star Wars: Lightsaber Battles]]''
*<!-- 2018-04-03 -->''[[Star Wars Encyclopedia of Starfighters and Other Vehicles]]''
*<!-- 2018-07-XX -->{{HasbroCite|set=Star Wars: The Black Series|subset=Centerpiece|pack=#03: Kylo Ren|altlink=https://www.rebelscum.com/Kylo-Ren-03-Star-Wars-The-Black-Series-Centerpiece-Hasbro.asp}}
*<!-- 2018-07-XX -->{{HasbroCite|set=Star Wars: The Black Series|subset=Centerpiece|pack=#04: Rey (Starkiller Base)|altlink=https://www.rebelscum.com/Rey-Starkiller-Base-04-The-Black-Series-Centerpiece.asp}}
*<!-- 2018-08-07 -->{{BustCollectionCite|15|Character}}
*<!-- 2018-09-18 -->''[[Star Wars: The Complete Visual Dictionary, New Edition]]''
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*<!-- 2018-12-06 -->''[[Star Wars: The Dark Side]]''
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*<!-- 2019-04-04 -->''[[Star Wars Character Encyclopedia, New Edition]]''
*<!-- 2019-04-09 -->''[[Star Wars Search and Find Volume I]]''
*<!-- 2019-04-25 -->''[[TIE Fighter Owners' Workshop Manual]]''
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*<!-- 2019-10-04 -->''[[Journey to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: First Order Villains]]''
*<!-- 2019-10-04 -->''[[Journey to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: Resistance Heroes]]''
*<!-- 2019-10-04 -->''[[Journey to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: The Resistance]]''
*<!-- 2019-10-04 -->''[[Ultimate Star Wars, New Edition]]''
*<!-- 2019-10-04 -->{{LEGOCite|num=75256|name=Kylo Ren's Shuttle}}
*<!-- 2019-10-29 -->{{InsiderCite|193|The Rise of Skywalker: Villains Versus Heroes|''The Rise of Skywalker'': Villains Versus Heroes}}
*<!-- 2019-10-29 -->{{SWKidsYouTube|series=Star Wars Galaxy of Adventures Fun Facts|text=The First Order|video=tMAyaxs75Hw}}
*<!-- 2019-11-12 -->''[[Star Wars: The Secrets of the Jedi]]''
*<!-- 2019-11-26 -->{{SWKidsYouTube|series=Star Wars Galaxy of Adventures Fun Facts|text=Finn|video=FjiAbmTZeJw}}
*<!-- 2019-12-09 -->{{SW|url=news/marvel-star-wars-the-rise-of-kylo-ren-interview|text=The Creators of Marvel's ''Star Wars: The Rise of Kylo Ren'' on Ben Solo's Turn}}
*<!-- 2019-12-11 -->{{SW|url=news/the-rise-of-kylo-ren-1-exclusive|text=Ben Solo's Hate Grows in ''The Rise of Kylo Ren'' #1 - Exclusive}}
*<!-- 2019-12-19 -->[[Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker – The Official Collector's Edition|''Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker'' – The Official Collector's Edition]]
*<!-- 2019-12-20 -->''[[Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: The Galactic Guide]]''
*<!-- 2019-12-20 -->''[[Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: The Visual Dictionary]]''
*<!-- 2020-01-02 -->{{LEGOCite|type=micro|num=75264|name=Kylo Ren's Shuttle Microfighter}}
*<!-- 2020-02-05 -->{{SW|url=news/the-rise-of-kylo-ren-3-preview|text=Ben Solo Seeks Out the Knights of Ren in ''The Rise of Kylo Ren'' #3 - Exclusive}}
*<!-- 2020-03-17 -->{{InsiderCite|196|The Jedi Redeemed: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker|The Jedi Redeemed: ''Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker''}}
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*<!-- 2020-03-25 -->{{Topps|set=2020 Topps Women of Star Wars|cardname=#86: Tallie Lintra|link=https://www.tcdb.com/ViewCard.cfm/sid/216003/cid/14374579/2020-Topps-Women-of-Star-Wars-86-Tallie-Lintra|nobackup=1}}
}}
*<!-- 2020-03-31 -->''[[The Art of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker]]''
*<!-- 2020-04-24 -->{{SW|url=series/clone-wars/the-phantom-apprentice-episode-guide|text="The Phantom Apprentice" Episode Guide &#124; The Clone Wars}}
<!-- 2020-07-21 -->{{CardGameSet|set={{SWCT|set=2020 Base Series 2|parent=1}}|cards=
*<!-- 2020-07-21 -->{{SWCT|set=2020 Base Series 2|cardname=Han Solo (The Force Awakens)}}
*<!-- 2020-07-21 -->{{SWCT|set=2020 Base Series 2|cardname=Kylo Ren}}
*<!-- 2020-07-21 -->{{SWCT|set=2020 Base Series 2|cardname=Rey}}
}}
*<!-- 2020-07-31 -->{{SWKidsYouTube|series=Star Wars By the Numbers|text=Every Ship in the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy|video=bb3vhWXClTY|nolive=1}}
*<!-- 2020-08-21 -->{{SWKidsYouTube|series=Star Wars Galaxy of Adventures Fun Facts|text=Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge &ndash; Batuu|video=QZhTQ2gJf0M}}
*<!-- 2020-08-24 -->{{LEGOCite|num=31200|name=Star Wars The Sith}}
*<!-- 2020-09-22 -->{{GermanFanCite|99|Database}}
*<!-- 2020-09-30 -->{{EncyclopediaCite|R2-D2}}
*<!-- 2020-10-01 -->''[[The Star Wars Book]]''
*<!-- 2020-10-20 -->''[[Star Wars: The Lightsaber Collection]]''
*<!-- 2020-11-10 -->{{InsiderCite|198|Resistance to the End}}
*<!-- 2021-01-08 -->{{EncyclopediaCite|The Final Order and the Battle of Exegol}}
*<!-- 2021-01-22 -->{{EncyclopediaCite|C-3PO}}
*<!-- 2021-03-16 -->{{EncyclopediaCite|Kylo Ren and Other Followers of the Dark Side}}
*<!-- 2021-04-06 -->''[[Skywalker: A Family at War]]''
*<!-- 2021-05-04 -->[[Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga – The Official Collector's Edition|''Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga'' – The Official Collector's Edition]]
*<!-- 2021-06-21 -->[[Star Wars Day-at-a-Time Calendar 2022|''Star Wars'' Day-at-a-Time Calendar 2022]]
*<!-- 2021-09-24 -->{{FFGXW2|set=Fury of the First Order Squadron Pack|cardname=Kylo Ren}}
*<!-- 2021-10-12 -->''[[Star Wars: The Secrets of the Sith]]''
*<!-- 2021-10-XX -->{{SideshowCite|set=Acme Archive Art Prints|pack=The Duel: Kylo Ren|altlink=https://art.sideshow.com/art-prints/star-wars-the-duel-kylo-ren-acme-archives-501627U}}
*<!-- 2021-10-XX -->{{SideshowCite|set=Acme Archive Art Prints|pack=The Duel: Rey|altlink=https://art.sideshow.com/art-prints/star-wars-the-duel-rey-acme-archives-501387U}}
*<!-- 2021-11-02 -->''[[Star Wars: Battles that Changed the Galaxy]]''
*<!-- 2021-11-04 -->''[[Star Wars: The Mandalorian Handbook]]''
*<!-- 2022-04-29 -->{{SW|url=news/star-wars-day-deals|text=''Star Wars'' Day 2022 Deals!|oldversion=20220408204823}} {{Po}}
*<!-- 2022-05-04 -->''[[Behind the Mac: Skywalker Sound]]'' {{Video}}
*<!-- 2022-05-05 -->''[[Star Wars Jedi Pocket Expert]]''
*<!-- 2022-05-24 -->''[[Star Wars: The Mini Book of Lightsabers]]''
*<!-- 2022-05-29 -->{{SW|url=news/swca-2022-fan-interviews|text=SWCA 2022: Fans Share the Joy of ''Star Wars'' Celebration Anaheim 2022}}
*<!-- 2022-06-07 -->{{InsiderCite|211|Launchpad}}
*<!-- 2022-07-13 -->{{SW|url=news/marvel-star-wars-25-exclusive-preview|text=Lessons of the Skywalker Saga in Marvel's ''Star Wars'' #25 &ndash; Exclusive Preview}}
*<!-- 2022-07-14 -->{{ThisWeek|5MmJiU_fiA4|Obi-Wan Kenobi Dark Side Props, Emmy Nominations, and More!|sw_url=video/obi-wan-kenobi-dark-side-props-emmy-nominations-and-more}}
*<!-- 2022-07-20 -->{{SW|url=news/charles-soule-star-wars-interview|text=As His 100th ''Star Wars'' Comic Hits Shelves, Charles Soule Looks Back}}
*<!-- 2022-09-13 -->{{InsiderCite|213|A Certain Point of View}}
*<!-- 2022-11-08 -->''[[The Art of Star Wars: The High Republic: Volume I]]''
*<!-- 2023-03-14 -->{{InsiderCite|217|It's About Time: The Inside Story of Star Wars: Timelines|It's About Time: The Inside Story of ''Star Wars: Timelines''}} {{Po}}
*<!-- 2023-04-03 -->{{SW|url=news/star-wars-celebration-europe-2023-exclusives|text=Check Out ''Star Wars'' Celebration Europe 2023 Exclusives from Hasbro, the LEGO Group, and More}} {{Po}}
*<!-- 2023-04-04 -->''[[Star Wars 100 Objects]]''
*<!-- 2023-04-09 -->{{SW|url=news/swce-2023-lucasfilm-publishing-panel|text=SWCE 2023: 10 Reveals from the Lucasfilm Publishing Panel}} {{Po}}
*<!-- 2023-04-10 -->{{SW|url=news/swce-2023-jazwares|text=SWCE 2023: Check Out Jazwares' ''Star Wars'' Micro Galaxy Squadron Series V}}
*<!-- 2023-04-11 -->''[[Star Wars: The Dark Side Pocket Expert]]''
*<!-- 2023-04-25 -->''[[Star Wars: Timelines]]''
*<!-- 2023-04-27 -->{{SW|url=news/star-wars-day-video-game-deals|text=''Star Wars'' Day 2023 Games and Experiences Deals!|oldversion=20230427193303}} {{Po}}
*<!-- 2023-07-14 -->{{SW|url=news/star-wars-exclusives-sdcc-2023|text=Shop the Galaxy's Finest ''Star Wars'' Exclusives at SDCC 2023}}
*<!-- 2023-08-25 -->{{SW|url=news/ahsoka-fortnite|text=Ahsoka Tano Coming to ''Fortnite''}}
*<!-- 2023-10-13 -->{{SW|url=news/scary-star-wars-stories|text=Our Favorite Scary ''Star Wars'' Stories to Thrill You This Halloween Season}}
*<!-- 2024-05-01 -->{{SW|url=news/star-wars-day-video-game-deals|text=''Star Wars'' Day 2024 Games and Experiences Deals!|oldversion=20240501171354}} {{Po}}
*<!-- 2024-05-29 -->{{SWYouTube|l6sMKf2qoFs|Amandla Stenberg at Disneyland &#124; The Acolyte}}
*<!-- 2024-06-27 -->{{SW|url=news/the-acolyte-highlights-night|text=''The Acolyte'' Explained &#124; Highlights from "Night"}}
*<!-- 2024-07-09 -->''[[Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire]]''
*<!-- 2024-07-10 -->{{SW|url=news/the-acolyte-music-michael-abels-interview|text=Scoring ''The Acolyte'': Composing for the Jedi, the Witches, and the Many Moods of the Stranger}}
*<!-- 2024-07-12 -->{{SW|url=news/dressing-the-acolyte-costumes-feature|text=Dressing ''The Acolyte'': The Stranger and an Assassin Hunt the Jedi of the High Republic &mdash; Updated}}
*<!-- 2024-07-23 -->{{SW|url=news/twins-in-star-wars|text=An Uncommon Bond: Twins in ''Star Wars'' Stories}}
*<!-- 2024-08-27 -->{{InsiderCite|227|Launchpad}}
*<!-- 2024-10-09 -->{{SW|url=news/star-wars-halloween-shopping-guide|text=''Star Wars'' Halloween Shopping Guide 2024|oldversion=20241118012036}}
*<!-- 2024-10-08 -->{{SW|url=news/star-wars-celebration-japan-badge-art|text=''Star Wars'' Celebration Japan Badge Art - Reveal}}
*<!-- 2024-10-15 -->{{SW|url=news/10-things-you-did-not-know-about-star-wars-rebels|text=10 Things You Didn't Know About ''Star Wars Rebels''}}
*<!-- 2024-10-19 -->{{SW|url=news/nycc-2024-fan-spotlight|text=NYCC 2024: StarWars.com Fan Spotlight}}
*<!-- 2024-10-24 -->{{SW|url=news/marvel-legacy-of-vader|text=Kylo Ren Returns in Marvel's ''Star Wars: Legacy of Vader'' &mdash; Reveal}}
*<!-- 2024-10-29 -->{{InsiderCite|228|Making History: Five Years of The Mandalorian|Making History: Five Years of ''The Mandalorian''}}
*<!-- 2024-11-19 -->''[[Star Wars Encyclopedia: The Comprehensive Guide to the Star Wars Galaxy]]''
*<!-- 2024-11-22 -->{{SW|url=news/star-wars-black-friday-and-cyber-week-deals|text=''Star Wars'' Black Friday and Cyber Week 2024 Deals|oldversion=20241214054257}} {{Po}}
*<!-- 2024-11-22 -->{{SWYouTube|blr7msYLc48|Skeleton Crew &#124; The Skeleton Crew Talks Star Wars &#124; Streaming December 3 Disney+}}
*<!-- 2024-11-27 -->{{SW|url=news/star-wars-kids-lego-announce|text=The ''LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special'' Arrives on YouTube}} {{Po}}
*<!-- 2024-12-10 -->{{InsiderCite|229|Launchpad}} {{Po}}
*<!-- 2025-01-03 -->{{Marvel|url=articles/comics/marvel-2025-free-comic-book-day-first-look-ultimate-universe-fantastic-four|text=Get Your First Look at Marvel's 2025 Free Comic Book Day Titles}}
*<!-- 2025-02-13 -->{{ThisWeek|BiDmIqlI2VA|Dispatch: More Star Wars Celebration Badge Art Revealed}}
*<!-- 2025-02-21 -->{{SW|url=news/star-wars-celebration-japan-art-show-reveal|text=''Star Wars'' Celebration Japan 2025 Art Show - Reveal}}
*<!-- 2025-02-25 -->{{InsiderCite|230|Launchpad}}
*<!-- 2025-02-28 -->{{SW|url=news/akira-kurosawa-star-wars-influence|text=Five Films that Inspired ''Star Wars'' Storytellers}}
*<!-- 2025-04-10 -->{{SW|url=news/star-wars-celebration-2025-lucasfilm-publishing-panel|text=''Star Wars: Master of Evil'', a New Darth Vader Novel, Turns the Page on the Sith Lord}}
*<!-- 2025-04-19 -->{{Marvel|url=articles/comics/star-wars-the-high-republic-the-finale-and-more-revealed-star-wars-celebration-japan|text='Star Wars: The High Republic - The Finale' and More Marvel 'Star Wars' Titles Revealed At Star Wars Celebration}}
*<!-- 2025-04-22 -->{{SW|url=news/andor-trivia-guide-week-1|text=Secrets from the Set of ''Andor'' Season 2: Week 1 Trivia}}
*<!-- 2025-04-29 -->{{InsiderCite|231|Launchpad}}
*<!-- 2025-04-29 -->{{InsiderCite|231|Writing History}}
*<!-- 2025-04-30 -->{{SW|url=news/andor-trivia-guide-week-2|text=Secrets from the Set of ''Andor'' Season 2: Week 2 Trivia}}
*<!-- 2025-05-03 -->[[Free Comic Book Day 2025: Star Wars 1|Free Comic Book Day 2025: ''Star Wars'' 1]]
*{{SW|url=news/star-wars-san-diego-comic-con-lucasfilm-publishing-panel-2025|text=SDCC 2025: Highlights from the Lucasfilm Publishing Panel}} {{Po}}
*{{SW|url=news/national-video-games-day-star-wars-easter-eggs|text=In ''Star Wars'' Video Games There's a Galaxy of Connection}} {{Po}}
*{{SW|url=news/star-wars-legacy|text=Leia Organa and Rey Return in ''Star Wars: Legacy'' - Exclusive Interview}}
*{{SW|url=news/nycc-2025-lucasfilm-publishing-reveals|text=NYCC 2025: All the News and Reveals from the Lucasfilm Publishing Panel}}
*{{SW|url=news/star-wars-holiday-gift-guide|text=''Star Wars'' Holiday Gift Guide 2025|oldversion=20251118054516}}
*{{Databank|alazmec|Alazmec}}
*{{Databank|albrekh|Albrekh}}
*{{Databank|anakin-luke-and-reys-lightsaber|Anakin, Luke, and Rey's Lightsaber}}
*{{Databank|captain-phasma|Captain Phasma}}
*{{Databank|corvax-fen|Corvax Fen}}
*{{Databank|eila|Eila}}
*{{Databank|exegol|Exegol}} {{Po}}
*{{Databank|finalizer|''Finalizer''}}
*{{Databank|first-order-flametroopers|First Order Flametroopers}}
*{{Databank|first-order-interrogator-droid|First Order Interrogator Droid}}
*{{Databank|first-order-medical-droid|First Order Medical Droid}}
*{{Databank|first-order-raiders|First Order Raiders}}
*{{Databank|first-order-supreme-council|First Order Supreme Council}}
*{{Databank|first-order-transporter|First Order Transporter}}
*{{Databank|force-healing|Force healing}}
*{{Databank|general-engell|General Engell}}
*{{Databank|general-hux|General Hux}}
*{{Databank|general-parnadee|General Parnadee}}
*{{Databank|general-pryde|General Pryde}}
*{{Databank|general-quinn|General Quinn}}
*{{Databank|han-solo|Han Solo}}
*{{Databank|knights-of-ren|Knights of Ren}}
*{{Databank|kylo-rens-command-shuttle|Kylo Ren's Command Shuttle}}
*{{Databank|kylo-rens-lightsaber|Kylo Ren's Lightsaber}}
*{{Databank|kylo-ren-s-modified-tie-whisper|Kylo Ren's modified TIE whisper}}
*{{Databank|lieutenant-mitaka|Lieutenant Mitaka}}
*{{Databank|lor-san-tekka|Lor San Tekka}}
*{{Databank|luke-skywalker|Luke Skywalker}}
*{{Databank|mazs-castle|Maz's Castle}}
*{{Databank|mika-grey|Mika Grey}}
*{{Databank|poe-dameron|Poe Dameron}}
*{{Databank|leia-organa|Princess Leia Organa}}
*{{Databank|rey|Rey}}
*{{Databank|snokes-throne-room|Snoke's Throne Room}}
*{{Databank|starkiller-base|Starkiller Base}}
*{{Databank|kylo-ren|Supreme Leader Kylo Ren}}
*{{Databank|supreme-leader-snoke|Supreme Leader Snoke}}
*{{Databank|the-first-order|The First Order}}
*{{Databank|the-force|The Force}}
*{{Databank|tie-silencer|TIE silencer}}
}}

===Non-canon sources===
*<!-- 2021-04-13 -->''[[LEGO Star Wars Yoda's Galaxy Atlas]]''
*<!-- 2021-09-22 -->{{VisionsFocus|Akakiri}} {{Video}}
*<!-- 2021-10-18 -->{{SW|url=news/lego-star-wars-terrifying-tales-easter-eggs|text=20 Eerie Easter Eggs from ''LEGO Star Wars Terrifying Tales''}}
*<!-- 2021-XX-XX -->[[LEGO Kids Memory Game]]
*<!-- 2025-04-01 -->''[[LEGO Star Wars Character Encyclopedia Updated Edition]]''

{{StartBox}}
{{SuccessionBox
|title=[[Supreme Leader]] of the [[First Order]]<ref name="Episode VIII" />
|years=[[34 ABY]]<ref name="Episode VIII" />&ndash;[[35 ABY]]<ref name="Episode IX" />
|before=[[Snoke]]<ref name="Episode VII" />
|before-years=&mdash;[[34 ABY]]<ref name="Episode VIII" />
|after=Position abolished<ref name="Episode IX" />
|after-years=
}}
{{EndBox}}

==Notes and references==
{{ScrollBox|content={{Reflist}}}}

==External links==
*{{WP|Kylo Ren}}
*{{Jazwares|url=products/star-wars-micro-galaxy-squadron-series-8-starflighter-class-collection|text=STAR WARS™ Micro Galaxy Squadron Starfighter Class Collection (Series 8)}}

{{KnightsRen28}}
{{KnightsRen35}}

{{Interlang
|bg=Кайло Рен
|cs=Ben Solo
|de=Ben Solo
|el=Μπεν Σόλο
|es=Ben Solo
|fi=Ben Solo
|fr=Ben Solo
|he=בן סולו
|hu=Ben Solo
|it=Kylo Ren
|ja=ベン・ソロ
|ka=ბენ სოლო
|ko=벤 솔로
|nl=Ben Solo
|pl=Ben Solo
|pt=Ben Solo
|ro=Kylo Ren
|tr=Ben Solo
|uk=Бен Соло
|zh=凯洛·伦
|ptFA=1
}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Solo, Ben}}
[[Category:Chandrilans]]
[[Category:First Order deserters]]
[[Category:House of Organa]]
[[Category:Humans]]
[[Category:Individuals with he/him pronouns]]
[[Category:Jedi trainees of the Jedi Order]]
[[Category:Males]]
[[Category:Ossus residents]]
[[Category:Pilots]]
[[Category:Redeemed Jedi]]
[[Category:Rens]]
[[Category:Skywalker family]]
[[Category:Solo family]]
[[Category:Supreme Leaders of the First Order]]
[[Category:Torturers and interrogators]]
[[Category:Warlords]]
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Template:Tl (view source) (protected)
Template:Tone (edit)
Template:Top (view source) (protected)
Template:Top-mobile (view source) (protected)
Template:Topps (view source) (protected)
Template:Twitter (view source) (protected)
Template:Unborn (edit)
Template:Vco (edit)
Template:Video (edit)
Template:VisionsFocus (edit)
Template:Voice (view source) (protected)
Template:WP (view source) (semi-protected)
Template:WebCite (view source) (protected)
Template:WordPress (edit)
Template:Youmay (view source) (protected)
Module:ArchiveAccess (edit)
Module:ArchiveAccess/Databank (edit)
Module:ArchiveAccess/Destiny (edit)
Module:ArchiveAccess/DisneyToyCite (edit)
Module:ArchiveAccess/GentleGiantCite (edit)
Module:ArchiveAccess/HasbroCite (edit)
Module:ArchiveAccess/Jazwares (edit)
Module:ArchiveAccess/LEGOWeb (edit)
Module:ArchiveAccess/Marvel (edit)
Module:ArchiveAccess/Rebelscum (edit)
Module:ArchiveAccess/SW (edit)
Module:ArchiveAccess/SideshowCite (edit)
Module:ArchiveAccess/YouTube (edit)
Module:Arguments (edit)
Module:BaseCitation (edit)
Module:CardGameCite (edit)
Module:CardGameCite/data (edit)
Module:CardMiniDB (edit)
Module:CardMiniDB/FFGXW2 (edit)
Module:CardMiniDB/shared (edit)
Module:Dialogue (view source) (semi-protected)
Module:FormattedTextLookup (edit)
Module:FormattedTextLookup/Cards (edit)
Module:FormattedTextLookup/General (edit)
Module:FormattedTextLookup/RefMagazine (edit)
Module:FormattedTextLookup/RefMagazineTitles (edit)
Module:HideParanthetical (edit)
Module:InfoboxGallery (edit)
Module:InfoboxParamCheck (edit)
Module:InternetCitation (edit)
Module:LEGOCite (edit)
Module:LinkCheck (edit)
Module:Main (edit)
Module:Multiple issues (edit)
Module:Multiple issues/switch (edit)
Module:Reprint (edit)
Module:Reprint/data (edit)
Module:SWCT (edit)
Module:SpecialCategorizer (view source) (protected)
Module:Top (view source) (protected)
Module:Top/whitelist (edit)
Module:ToyCitation (edit)
Module:WebCite (edit)
Module:Yesno (edit)
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