Imperial Shadow Stormtrooper / Shadow Trooper
sw0166 · Star Wars
Legends / Expanded Universe · 2007 - Debuted in set 7664 TIE Crawler
Figure ID
sw0166
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2007 - Debuted in set 7664 TIE Crawler
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. While mass-produced in the late 2000s, it originated from the Expanded Universe line which had shorter production runs compared to movie-line sets.
Head
Standard 2000s-era solid black minifigure head element (no face printing), used to maintain the blacked-out appearance behind the helmet visor T-slit.
Torso
Black torso with silver/light gray printing depicting Stormtrooper armor plating and utility belt. The back is also printed with the oxygen tank/power cell design.
Legs
Black legs with black hips; no printing. Standard 3-piece assembly.
Accessories
Includes a specialized black Stormtrooper helmet (classic mold) and typically carries a black LEGO blaster (standard medium size). No cape or additional gear.
Color Scheme
Monochrome black with metallic silver/light gray highlights. This stealth-focused aesthetic is iconic to the 'Shadow' variants of Imperial infantry.
Printing Details
Pad-printed silver on black plastic. The alignment is usually crisp, though the metallic ink on these older figures can sometimes show rubbing or thinning over time.
Variants
The sw0166a variant features a newer head style. Later versions (sw0603) updated the mold to the modern Stormtrooper helmet with more detailed printing and blue vents.
Condition Notes
The glossy black plastic is highly prone to surface scratches and 'play wear' visibility. Checking for 'silvering' or bite marks on the helmet and torso edges is vital.
Estimated Value
Used complete: $10.00 - $18.00 USD. New/Mint: $25.00+ USD. Prices fluctuate based on the luster of the silver printing.
Price (New)
Originally included in set 7664 ($49.99 for two figures) and later in 7667 Imperial Dropship ($10.00 for one Shadow Trooper and three Stormtroopers).
Compatible Sets
7664 TIE Crawler (2007), 7667 Imperial Dropship (2008).
Character Background
Shadow Troopers were elite specialized stormtroopers who used experimental cloaking devices. They originated in the 'Star Wars: Empire at War' video game and 'Shadows of the Empire' lore.
Design Notes
This figure uses the classic 'rounded' Stormtrooper helmet mold that was standard from 2001 to 2013, before the more detailed 'rebels' and 'dual-molded' eras.
Similar Minifigures
sw0118 (Shadow Stormtrooper with different printing), sw0603 (Shadow Trooper 2015), sw0188 (Shadow Guard).
Collectibility
High demand for army builders. Collectors often seek to buy these in groups of 4 or more to create 'Stealth Squads' or dioramas.
History
This figure marks early LEGO Star Wars efforts to dive into the 'Expanded Universe' (now Legends) to keep the line fresh between movie releases.
Interesting Facts
The helmet in the image appears to be the classic 'hollow-stud' design, a hallmark of mid-2000s production before LEGO switched to the 'blocked-open' stud.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a wall-mounted acrylic case alongside a standard white Stormtrooper to highlight the 'Shadow' contrast. Looks great in Hoth or Death Star MOCs.
Modification Potential
Excellent for purist customs; the black helmet is a favorite for creating 'Shadow' versions of other characters like Scout Troopers or Clone Troopers.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential 2000s LEGO Star Wars figure. It is simple yet effective, holding its value well due to the popularity of Imperial army building.