| “ | The AT-ST kept spitting lasers at us, and we kept sinking lower and lower into the snow. Each blast took another bite out of the lip of the trench.
— Chandra Bet
|
” |
The AT-ST (All Terrain Scout Transport) is a vehicle featured in the Legends continuity of the Star Wars franchise. It is a reconnaissance vehicle used by the Galactic Republic during the later stages of the Clone Wars and the Galactic Empire during the Galactic Civil War. The AT-ST walkers were mainly used when it came to protecting both ally ground infantry and high value targets. The other main objectives of the AT-ST were to eliminate large amounts of ground infantry like what was attempted on Endor in Return of the Jedi.
AT-ST pilots were almost never expected to be on the ground as Stormtroopers were so they had little ground combat training, but they were taught basic combat skills nonetheless. The pilots of the AT-ST thrived from behind the wheel easily capable of turning the tides of most battles. The AT-ST walker model may have seemed very ineffective with the impracticality of the legs which was the case in certain times, but more often than not they were extremely durable and proved very effective in mobility and speed.
One of the biggest conflicts the walkers have been used effectively in was the Galactic Civil War being in the Battle of Allst Prime, Battle of Yavin, The attack on the Son-tuul Pride crime syndicate, and many more. The walker was used for more than just it’s high fire-power, but also for its large intimidation factor making many civilians and rebels fear the mere sight of these machines.
Battle vs. M12 Warthog (by Pink Pina)[]
Fight
Inside the AT-ST driver seat
Walker Driver: This is Newland reporting to command. It seems all of the rebels have either fled or been killed, but we have no reinforcements. We are requesting back-up at our current location.
The other end of the line is playing only static.
Walker Driver: I repeat, thi-
The gunner, quickly interrupts him
Walker Gunner: We just picked up heat signatures in the area. They seem to be rapidly heading towards this way.
Walker Driver: Get the weapons ready, it seems we have some more rebel scum to get rid of.
We cut to a Warthog with 3 marines.
Warthog Driver: A loud blast was heard towards this location, it could be covenant forces so be ready men.
Warthog Gunner: HOORAAH! Let's get these covenant bastards!
The Gunner readies his gun as the passenger loads his Assault rifle. The Warthog breaks out of the treeline and they spot the Walker moving towards them. The Warthog gunner opens fire with his Chain-gun.
Warthog Driver: What kind of covenant vehicle is that?
Warthog Passenger: Seems kind of primitive for them, maybe it’s a prototype.
The AT-ST returns fire with its main blaster and nearly lands a hit on the Warthog, shaking them.
Warthog Gunner: Returning fire!
The Warthog Gunner lands multiple direct hits, but none of them seem to do any significant damage. The Warthog begins to circle and constantly fire at the Walker. The Walker holds its position and uses its light blaster cannon to damage the Warthog’s armor.
Walker Gunner: Direct hit. Activating Concussion Grenades.
The Walker begins to launch multiple grenades, shaking and damaging the Warthog. The Warthogs main gun begins to overheat and the gunner stops shooting to let it cool. The Warthog passenger puts away his assault rifle and pulls out his SPNKr, firing both rockets at the Walker. The Walker barely avoids the first rocket, but the second one hits the main body and pushes it back, nearly making it fall over.
Walker Driver: Main Body heavily damaged! Fire the main weapon quickly!
Warthog Driver: Great job Marines! One more should do it!
The passenger pulls out his Spartan Laser as the Walker readies to fire its main gun, hitting and nearly destroying the Warthog.
Walker Gunner: Direct hit! Adjusting targeting systems!
Warthog Driver: Open fire Marine! It’s now or never!
The Walker and Warthog Passenger fire their Spartan Laser and MS-4 at the same time and each lands a direct hit. The smoke clears and we see the aftermath. The Walker is downed and the Warthog is completely destroyed. A hatch above the Walker opens up and both Gunner and Driver get out.
Walker Driver: Command, this is Newland reporting. We are downed and request immediate transport.
The Walker gunner walks over to the downed vehicle as the driver talks with command. He moves some of the parts obstructing the vehicle and there he sees the warthog driver barely alive, but conscious.
Walker gunner: We have one alive here!
The walker driver pauses their conversation with command and walks over seeing the warthog driver make eye contact with him.
Walker driver: Rebel scum.
The walker driver grabs his handheld blaster and points it directly at the marines head. The marine spits blood into the driver's face as he is shot directly in between his eyes. The walker driver wipes the blood from his face and looks up as he sees an imperial dropship begin to land.
Winner: AT-ST Walker!
Expert's Opinion[]
This was a very close match as both sides had more than enough firepower to destroy the other effectively. The biggest advantage of each side was the walkers armor and the warthogs speed, however it would seem the voters concluded that the warthogs armor was a major downfall allowing for the passengers would be protected very little, while the walker pilots had plenty of defense between them and the warthogs attacks. In the end, even with the warthogs speed, they just couldn't reliably damage the walker.