Anakin Skywalker and Padm Amidala stand with young Luke and Leia on a balcony overlooking a futuristic city at sunset, digital painting.

If Anakin had stayed on the Light Side, Star Wars history would’ve changed in some massive ways — it’s basically the ultimate “What if?” of the saga. Here’s how it could’ve played out, step by step: --- ### 1. **Palpatine’s Plan Unravels** * Without Anakin’s betrayal, Palpatine would have struggled to execute Order 66 as effectively. * Anakin might have exposed Palpatine’s true identity to the Jedi Council earlier, giving the Jedi more preparation. * Mace Windu could have survived with Anakin’s help, leading to Palpatine being captured or killed. --- ### 2. **The Jedi Purge Averted** * The Clone Wars would still end, but not with the Jedi’s extermination. * The Republic could transition into a reformed government instead of the Empire. * The Jedi Order would remain weakened from the war, but intact — with Anakin potentially becoming the bridge to reform it. --- ### 3. **Padmé Lives** * With no betrayal, Anakin wouldn’t choke Padmé, and she likely survives childbirth. * Luke and Leia would be raised by their parents, potentially even as Jedi children within the Order. * This would eliminate the tragic Skywalker cycle of abandonment and secrecy. --- ### 4. **Anakin as the Chosen One** * By resisting the Dark Side, Anakin would fulfill the prophecy in a straightforward way — destroying the Sith without falling to them first. * He might have achieved balance by reforming the Jedi, blending compassion and attachment with discipline and duty. * Instead of Darth Vader’s reign of See more