The Star Fox franchise has always been about high-flying action, daring space battles, and a team of colorful pilots risking it all to save the Lylat System. While teamwork is vital, individual skill often turns the tide of battle—and some pilots have risen above the rest. Whether it’s pulling off impossible barrel rolls, taking down enemy squadrons solo, or leading massive offensives against overwhelming odds, the pilots of Star Fox and their rivals have given us some of the most unforgettable aerial moments in gaming history. Today, we’re ranking the Top 10 Best Star Fox Pilots by Skill, celebrating the aces who could outmaneuver, outgun, and outlast almost anyone in the stars.
#10: Andrew Oikonny
Andrew Oikonny may not be the most popular character in Star Fox lore, but when it comes to sheer flying skill, he’s not someone to underestimate. As a member of Star Wolf—and later the leader of his own faction—Andrew showed considerable piloting prowess. Though often dismissed as riding on the coattails of his infamous uncle, Andross, Andrew’s performances in battles prove he could hold his own. His ship handling, while not as refined as Wolf’s, demonstrated aggressive tactics and surprising survivability. In games like Star Fox: Assault, Andrew stages entire rebellions and manages to put up credible resistance against seasoned veterans like Fox McCloud. He may lack finesse and tactical genius, but in raw, aggressive flying, he earns his spot among the most skilled. His downfall is less about his abilities and more about his ego—which, if better managed, might have made him an even greater threat to Star Fox.
#9: Pigma Dengar
Greedy, treacherous, and utterly self-serving, Pigma Dengar is no hero—but he is undeniably a skilled pilot. Originally a founding member of the original Star Fox team, Pigma betrayed James McCloud and helped engineer his downfall. While his personality leaves much to be desired, Pigma’s time with both Star Fox and Star Wolf showcases his natural talent for dogfighting and survival. He’s a cunning flier, often using dirty tricks and sneak attacks rather than head-on confrontations. His combat strategy revolves around deception, flanking, and exploitation of weaknesses, making him one of the more unpredictable adversaries in the series. In Star Fox 64, Pigma proves particularly troublesome in squadron battles, forcing players to rethink their engagements. His downfall, much like Andrew’s, stems from his arrogance and greed, but when focusing purely on skill, Pigma has the chops to be remembered—if grudgingly—as a dangerous pilot.
#8: Leon Powalski
Every great team needs a cold, calculating marksman, and for Star Wolf, that’s Leon Powalski. Leon’s flying style is deadly and methodical, marked by precision strikes and relentless pursuit. He’s not flashy like Wolf, nor brutally aggressive like Panther, but he’s chillingly efficient. Leon’s background hints at him being a trained assassin, which explains his surgical precision in the cockpit. In Star Fox 64, Leon targets Slippy Toad specifically, but players quickly realize he’s a threat to the entire team. His sharpshooting abilities make him one of the deadliest pilots to encounter, especially in one-on-one dogfights. Leon’s tactical awareness and mechanical skill set him apart from more chaotic pilots, proving that sometimes, ice-cold efficiency wins the day. In battle, Leon’s quiet focus and deadly aim make him one of the finest, if least celebrated, aces in the Lylat System.
#7: Panther Caroso
Smooth-talking, suave, and lethal, Panther Caroso brings flair and precision to Star Wolf’s already formidable lineup. Joining Star Wolf in Star Fox: Assault, Panther immediately distinguished himself as not just a skilled pilot but one of the most stylish. His signature Heart symbol attack move—where he fires homing shots shaped like hearts—may seem playful, but his tactics are ruthlessly effective. Panther excels at hit-and-run strategies, striking quickly and retreating before opponents can mount a counterattack. His ship handling is impeccable, often weaving through dense enemy formations with ease. Panther also brings a tactical mind to his engagements, exploiting weaknesses with charm and cunning. While he might prioritize theatrics a little too often for his own good, when Panther gets serious, he’s a devastating force. His combination of precision, flair, and tactical awareness earns him a solid place among Star Fox’s most skilled rival pilots.
#6: Slippy Toad
Slippy Toad often gets unfairly mocked for his high-pitched voice and distress calls, but the truth is that Slippy is an essential member of Star Fox—and an underrated pilot. While he’s not the best in one-on-one dogfights, Slippy’s technical prowess and defensive flying keep him alive through some of the toughest battles in the Lylat System. In Star Fox 64, Slippy’s real strength shines: his ability to analyze enemy shields and provide real-time combat intel. That skill alone has saved countless missions. Beyond his engineering genius, Slippy’s piloting under pressure is commendable—he may panic, but he rarely crashes or falls early in a mission. In Star Fox: Assault, Slippy proves his mettle by fighting on-foot and in vehicles, adapting faster than many expected. He’s not the ace that Fox or Falco is, but Slippy’s unique contributions, quick reflexes when cornered, and unshakable loyalty make him a vital and surprisingly skilled pilot.
#5: Peppy Hare
“Do a barrel roll!” That phrase alone cemented Peppy Hare as one of the most iconic figures in Star Fox history. But beyond the memes, Peppy’s skill as a pilot is undeniable. A veteran of the original Star Fox team alongside James McCloud and Pigma Dengar, Peppy has seen more battles than nearly anyone in the Lylat System. His flying style is steady, smart, and tactical. While Peppy’s age leads him to take on more of a mentor role in later games like Star Fox 64, when he was in his prime, Peppy was a force to be reckoned with. His ability to read enemy movements, anticipate ambushes, and guide younger pilots through tight situations showcases his deep combat experience. Even later, when piloting slower ships, Peppy can hold his own through pure battle wisdom and expert maneuvering. His influence on Fox’s development into a top-tier pilot cannot be overstated. Peppy Hare embodies the spirit of a true ace: skilled, strategic, and always ready to pass his knowledge to the next generation.
#4: Krystal
Krystal’s debut as a full Star Fox member in Star Fox: Assault and Star Fox Command introduced a new level of grace and psychic intuition to the team. Originally from the doomed planet Cerinia, Krystal’s combination of piloting expertise and empathic abilities makes her one of the most uniquely talented characters in the franchise. In the cockpit, Krystal displays incredible agility, sharp aim, and adaptability across a wide variety of vehicles, including the Arwing, Landmaster, and Wolfen-class fighters. Her ability to anticipate enemy strategies, thanks in part to her psychic powers, gives her a significant tactical advantage in battle. Krystal’s calm demeanor under fire contrasts sharply with some of her more impulsive teammates, allowing her to excel in chaotic dogfights. While some fans criticize the romantic tension added between her and Fox, there’s no denying that Krystal’s contributions to the team’s success are based firmly on her exceptional skill and reliability. She’s a prime example of how precision, calm thinking, and instincts can make a pilot not just good—but legendary.
#3: Wolf O’Donnell
Leader of the mercenary team Star Wolf, Wolf O’Donnell is arguably the most dangerous rival pilot in the entire Star Fox series. If Fox McCloud hadn’t been born, Wolf would undoubtedly be the undisputed ace of the Lylat System. Wolf’s piloting style is aggressive, relentless, and supremely skilled. He doesn’t just chase his enemies—he hunts them, often forcing them into mistakes with his relentless pressure and cunning tactics. Wolf’s ship, the Wolfen, is designed for maximum speed and offense, perfectly matching his ruthless approach. His rivalry with Fox has pushed both pilots to the limits of their abilities, and more than once, Wolf has gotten the upper hand. In Star Fox: Assault, Wolf’s intervention even saves Fox’s life against the Aparoid threat, showing that while he’s fierce, he respects true skill. Wolf’s sharp instincts, masterful control, and strategic mind make him one of the deadliest pilots ever—and an anti-hero whose skills command both fear and respect across the galaxy.
#2: Falco Lombardi
If pure skill were the only metric, Falco Lombardi might top this list. As Fox’s right-hand wingman, Falco brings speed, aggression, and a little bit of arrogance to every fight—and he backs it up with results. In Star Fox 64 and beyond, Falco consistently racks up more kills than any other teammate, often flying circles around both allies and enemies. His sharpshooting skills, lightning-quick reflexes, and daring aerial maneuvers make him a standout ace even in the elite Star Fox team. Falco’s only real flaw is his attitude—he’s cocky, occasionally insubordinate, and sometimes lets his ego get the better of him. But when it comes down to the wire, there’s no one Fox trusts more to have his back. Falco’s dogfighting skills are second to none, and his swagger isn’t just for show. Whether in an Arwing, on foot, or behind the controls of any combat vehicle, Falco’s raw piloting talent remains one of the greatest assets to the Star Fox team—and to the defense of the entire Lylat System.
#1: Fox McCloud
No surprises here. Fox McCloud is the best pilot in Star Fox history—and arguably one of the greatest heroes in all of gaming. Following in the footsteps of his legendary father James McCloud, Fox has continually proven himself as the ultimate ace through countless battles, from taking down Andross in Star Fox 64 to saving the galaxy multiple times over. What sets Fox apart isn’t just technical skill—though he has that in spades. It’s his leadership, adaptability, and unbreakable spirit under pressure. Fox combines sharp reflexes with unparalleled tactical awareness, constantly making split-second decisions that save not only his team, but entire planets. In the most desperate situations, Fox keeps a level head, flying with a mixture of guts, grace, and determination. His ability to bring out the best in his teammates, inspire loyalty, and lead daring assaults against impossible odds places him leagues above his peers. Fox McCloud isn’t just the best pilot of Star Fox—he’s the heart and soul of the Lylat System’s finest defenders.
Conclusion
The Star Fox saga has given us some of the most thrilling aerial battles and unforgettable pilot showdowns in gaming. Behind every daring assault, last-second barrel roll, and victorious escape stands a pilot whose skill made the difference. Whether it’s Fox’s legendary leadership, Falco’s raw talent, or Wolf’s relentless pursuit of dominance, these pilots remind us why we keep coming back to the Lylat System adventure after adventure. Each brought their own unique strengths—and quirks—to the battlefield, proving that true greatness in the stars comes from courage, skill, and a never-say-die spirit. Here’s to the finest pilots who made Star Fox a legend in gaming history!
