Rakata

Rakata are a fictional ancient humanoid species from the Star Wars universe, originating on the planet Rakata Prime. They are best known for founding the Infinite Empire, a sprawling interstellar empire that flourished in the galaxy’s distant past and is often described as one of the earliest multi-world civilizations.

The Rakata developed advanced technology and a slave-based economy, exploiting power associated with the dark side of the Force. Their most famous achievement is the Star Forge, a massive facility capable of manufacturing fleets, weapons, and other starships, which they used to extend their empire across many worlds.

The Infinite Empire’s conquests eventually waned due to overextension, internal conflict, and a devastating plague that struck the Rakata. The empire collapsed, and Rakata civilization declined to a small remnant and eventually faded from the galaxy’s major power structures. In the present, Rakata artifacts and ruins are often encountered by explorers in various media, and their technology is sometimes referenced as a source of ancient power.

In Star Wars lore, the Rakata are discussed across Legends and Canon materials, with the most detailed portrayals appearing in older games and novels. Canonically, they are an ancient reference point for early interstellar civilizations, though many specifics differ between sources. The Rakata remain one of the galaxy’s best-known examples of an ancient, technologically advanced society brought down by internal strife and a plague, leaving a lasting influence on later generations through their relics and legends.