An Easy-To-Understand Guide To All The Most Important Locations In The Star Wars Universe

The galaxy far, far away is a big place. Comprised of an estimated 400 billion stars, there are hundreds of interesting planets in Star Wars, not to mention the rich array of of urban and rural environments found on their surfaces.

From Tatooine and Coruscant, to Bespin and Endor, the saga has introduced audiences to many of the most wondrous locations in science fiction cinema. With The Last Jedi hitting theaters in December 2017, the galaxy is about to get even bigger. 

The new Star Wars adventure adds at least two new locations to the story, including the casino city of Canto Bight and the mineral planet of Crait - not to mention that Episode VIII fully explores Ahch-To, the mysterious ocean planet where Rey meets Luke at the end of The Force Awakens

In case you're catching up on the Star Wars saga, or need a refresh on the different settings featured in the movies, here's a handy guide to locations in the Star Wars universe. Study hard, you must. 

Be warned: Spoilers for The Rise of Skywalker lie ahead.

Photo: user uploaded image

  • Naboo

    Naboo
    Photo: Lucasfilm
    • Why It's Important: Chronologically speaking, the saga begins on Naboo—specifically, with the Trade Federation's blockade of Naboo. 
    • First Appearance: Episode I: The Phantom Menace
    • Location: Mid Rim
    • Climate: Temperate
    • Points of Interest: Theed Royal Palace, Otoh Gunga
    • Fun Facts: The planet often elects teenagers as their monarchs, as the people believed them to be more pure in their thinking than adults.
  • Tatooine

    Tatooine
    Photo: Lucasfilm
    • Why It's Important: This is the birthplace of Anakin Skywalker, the Chose One who was destined to bring balance to the Force. Tatooine is also where C-3PO and R2-D2 found Luke Skywalker and Ben Kenobi - marking the true beginning of the Star Wars saga.
    • First Appearance: Episode IV - A New Hope
    • Location: Outer Rim
    • Climate: Desert
    • Points of Interest: Mos Eisley, Jabba's Palace, Dune Sea, Beggar's Canyon
    • Fun Facts: Jawas and Tusken Raiders are the native species on the planet. It was settled by other aliens later.
  • Coruscant

    Coruscant
    Photo: Lucasfilm
    • Why It's Important: Coruscant was the capital of both the Galactic Republic and the Empire. This is where the Jedi Temple was located before the rise of the Emperor. 
    • First Appearance: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
    • Location: The Core
    • Climate: Temperate
    • Points of Interest: Jedi Temple, Senate Building, The Underworld
    • Fun Facts: The entire surface of the planet is one large city. 
  • Geonosis

    Geonosis
    Photo: Lucasfilm
    • Why It's Important: Geonosis is where the Clone Wars began. It's the planet where the Death Star was designed and built. 
    • First Appearance: Episode II - Attack of the Clones
    • Location: Outer Rim
    • Climate: Desert
    • Points of Interest: Arena of Justice
    • Fun Facts: The planet was sterilized by the Empire to keep the Death Star a secret.
  • Kashyyyk

    Kashyyyk
    Photo: Lucasfilm
    • Why It's Important: Kashyyyk is the Wookiee homeworld.
    • First Appearance: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
    • Location: Mid Rim
    • Climate: Temperate Forest Planet
    • Points of Interest: Wawaatt Archipelago
    • Fun Facts: Chewbacca's birthplace! 
  • Mustafar

    Mustafar
    Photo: Lucasfilm
    • Why It's Important:  This is also where Anakin and Obi-Wan Kenobi had their climactic duel that led to the burning and mutilation of most of Anakin's body. After losing to his master on Mustafar, Anakin was truly reborn as Darth Vader.
    • First Appearance: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
    • Location: Outer Rim
    • Climate: Volcanic
    • Points of Interest: Darth Vader's castle. 
    • Fun Facts: The Clone Wars came to an end here. There was a bar on the planet's surface called The Last Resort.