Builders heading to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge have something new to look forward to. As of October 5, 2026, Savi’s Workshop is offering a new series of its “Protection and Defense” hilt theme, along with an enhanced lightsaber chassis and blade. The updates are available at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Here is a look at the new design, the added blade features, and how the build experience works.
A New Look for the Protection and Defense Hilt
The latest “Protection and Defense” series gives guests a fresh design to choose from when building a custom lightsaber. The hilts feature white finishes with gold detailing, a look that sets them apart from the darker, weathered styles found elsewhere in the workshop.
Each hilt carries ancient Jedi iconography and draws its inspiration from the High Republic. That era is remembered as a time when the Jedi Order stood as a symbol of peace and hope across the galaxy. The theme honors those who devoted themselves to protecting others, which fits the name it carries.
Upgrades to the Lightsaber Chassis and Blade
The new hilt series is only part of the update. Savi’s Workshop has also enhanced every lightsaber chassis and blade, regardless of which hilt theme a guest selects. The new features include:
- A thermal cutting effect
- A spinning effect
- Deflection effects
- Smoother blade activation
- Upgraded audio quality
These changes are designed to make the lightsaber feel more responsive once it leaves the workshop. Guests who built a saber in the past will notice the difference in both sound and motion.
The Cracked Kyber Crystal Color Change
Another feature worth knowing about involves special “cracked” Kyber crystals. When paired with one of these crystals, the lightsaber can unlock a color-change effect with a quick flick of the wrist.
The effect is meant to represent the inner struggle between the light side and the dark side of the Force. For fans who enjoy that part of the Star Wars story, it adds another layer to the finished build.
A Look Back at Reclaimed and Reforged
The “Protection and Defense” update follows an earlier limited-time offering. In April 2025, Savi’s Workshop introduced a hilt theme called “Reclaimed and Reforged.”
That theme centered on the idea that scraps from ancient battles, crashed ships, and abandoned parts could be gathered from the outer rim and brought to Batuu. Guests used these pieces to build a lightsaber that was new but still tied to the past. Because it was released as a limited-time theme, it was not intended to remain part of the permanent lineup.
The Four Year-Round Hilt Themes
Beyond any limited releases, Savi’s Workshop offers four hilt themes throughout the year:
- Peace and Justice
- Power and Control
- Elemental Nature
- Protection and Defense
Each theme has its own style and story. With the new “Protection and Defense” series now in place, guests choosing that option will receive the updated white and gold design.
How the Lightsaber Build Works
The experience begins outside the workshop, where guests meet one of Savi’s Gatherers. This is when each builder selects a hilt theme for the session.
Once inside, guests receive parts based on their chosen theme, identified by a cloisonné pin. During the “Reclaimed and Reforged” release, for example, each box of parts included one hilt, four sleeves to pick two from, two emitters to pick one from, two pommel caps to pick one from, and two sets of activation plates and switches to pick one set from. Builders assemble the hilt from these options and return any unused pieces to Savi’s inventory.
The final step is connecting the hilt to a blade. Guests choose a Kyber crystal that lights the blade red, blue, green, or violet, depending on whether they lean toward the Jedi or the Sith.
Availability and Reservations
The new “Protection and Defense” series and the chassis and blade upgrades are available at Savi’s Workshop in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. A purchase is required to take part.
Disney strongly encourages advance reservations for this experience at both resorts. Space inside the workshop is limited, so booking ahead is the most reliable way to secure a time that fits your plans.
Conclusion
The latest changes at Savi’s Workshop give guests a new reason to visit Batuu, whether they are building a first lightsaber or adding to a collection. The white and gold “Protection and Defense” series brings the High Republic into the workshop, and the upgraded chassis and blade apply to every hilt theme. If a lightsaber build is on your list for an upcoming trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland, make a reservation early and decide ahead of time which side of the Force you plan to follow.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
