It was way back during one of the trailers for Acolyte that a new villain with a cool-looking helmet was first revealed. We only got to see this big baddie in episode 4 but the true action and use of it are fully explained further in the most recent installment. 

Here are three cool facts about this new headgear.

#1 It can Disable Lightsabers

One of the features that make the new helmet so cool and interesting is that it can short out lightsabers. We were able to see this take its full effect in episode 5 of The Acolyte. Based on research that I made as I looked into this interesting tech, it is said that this helmet is made from a fictional and rare metal called cortosis. In the lore of Star Wars, we’ve seen several rare elements and types of metal such as Beskar from the Mandalorian franchise but cortosis seems to be one of the more interesting ones we’ve encountered yet. 

Cortosis is an extremely rare metal that’s not only capable of shrugging off lightsaber attacks but also causes the Jedi weapons to temporarily malfunction. Depending on the purity of the alloy, lightsabers can short out for a few moments, as seen in The Acolyte, to as long as a few minutes. Before The Acolyte, comics such as The Legends and video games such as the iconic games of the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic series depicted this piece of metal. Acolyte however will mark the first time that we see it in action in a live-action setting and honestly, it did not disappoint.

#2 Blocks Jedi Mind Readings

A very critical and crucial feature of the Sith Helmet that may be a game-changer even with Darth Vader’s classic helm is its ability to block off Jedi mind readings. This is a cool and beneficial function as it truly protects the Sith from being able to be located and controlled. Imagine the impact that this particular feature may have on the entire landscape of the Star Wars universe as it further explains why the Sith is truly a menacing entity in the galactic empire that truly took so long to defeat.

#3 Is Now Available through Hasbro

The last cool fact about this helmet will hit closer to home and reality (literally). Hasbro’s version of The Stranger’s helmet might not be able to short out lightsabers, but it is a wearable piece with a highly detailed sculpt and sufficient padding for extra comfort and an adjustable fit. For any Star Wars fan, this may be a piece of collectible that you must simply add to the collection. While the design has had fans placed on opposite poles of the spe3ctrum in terms of their satisfaction or might I even say dissatisfaction for the look of this helmet. Some have even gone on to call it Smiley-Ren. You can’t deny the impact it showcased on screen as well as the creepy look of it when it was first shown in the Acolyte.

The Hasbro version of this helmet also features interior lights with the option for an hour-long “collector display” mode for those wanting to admire the details. The Stranger helmet will cost Php 5,694 ($99.99 and goes up for pre-order on June 27 for release in Fall 2025. 

These are just a few features and cool facts about the new Sith Lord and his gear but we will have to stay tuned to The Acolyte every Wednesday on Disney+ to find out more.

For more updates on anything and everything in gaming and pop culture, continue to follow us here at VRSUS.