The Star Wars universe is known to be host to multiple unique creatures, species and people, and its weapons are just as unique as their users. Han Solo's famous side-kick, Chewbacca, is no exception to this rule, nor is his signature weapon of choice, the infamous bowcaster!

In a galaxy of weapons such as lightsabers, blasters, vibro-axes, electro-chain whips and more, Chewbacca's blaster stands out with its unique design and powerful impact. It's been used by him as long as he's been on screen; however, its origins are not as clear upon first watch, with the original trilogy not explaining its mechanics like it does for the lightsabers. And while the original trilogy does well in highlighting its power, only in The Force Awakens was it truly made remarkable -- and that mostly acted as foreshadowing to show how tough Kylo Ren is.

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Chewbacca is seen using the weapon in just about every film, television show and video game appearance he's been in, and for good reason. Bowcasters are based off of ancient Wookiee weapons that fired poison darts, but Chewbacca's is not this older version of the weapon. Chewie's updated version is hand-crafted by the Wookiee himself during the Clone Wars, sometime prior to his use of it on the Battle of Kashyyyk.

Chewie's bowcaster is a mix of modern technology and traditional materials, like all Wookiee weapons. However, unlike other modern Wookiee bowcasters, Chewie's is particularly powerful. Because of his proficiency in mechanics, he is able to craft a more advanced version of the Wookiee weapon, which includes an automatic cocking detail -- an upgrade from the traditional version. It also fires metal quarrels sheathed in plasma energy; this is much stronger than a regular blaster, which only fires packets of plasma.

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The astounding punch of this weapon also comes in part due to the orbs balancing on either side. The orbs provide a magnetic field that propel the quarrels forcefully through the barrel and towards the target. The result of the firing is an explosive impact. Because of this impact, the weapon requires a tremendous amount of strength, and most species cannot wield it; however, Wookiees are some of the only ones in the galaxy that can. Of course, this idea was challenged when Han Solo fired the weapon during the battle on Takodana, to which he declared, "I like this thing."

The Wookiee's signature weapon requires him to carry a hefty amount of ammo in his bandolier, which he also made himself. The bandolier is hand-woven from kshyyy-vine and can hold up to nineteen ammo cases.

Chewbacca and his bowcaster are an inseparable duo; in fact, Chewie is to his bowcaster as Luke is to his lightsaber, or Han to the Falcon. The bowcaster is an iconic piece of weaponry unique to the Wookiees, and it gives fans insight into the history of the beloved creatures; however, Chewbacca's bowcaster is uniquely his own.

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