Battle Droid - Dark Brown with Red Dot (Commando Droid)
sw0359 · Star Wars
The Clone Wars · Released in 2012. It debuted in the Elite Clone Trooper & Commando Droid Battle Pack (9488) during the height of LEGO's expansion of The Clone Wars animated series lineup.
Figure ID
sw0359
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
Released in 2012. It debuted in the Elite Clone Trooper & Commando Droid Battle Pack (9488) during the height of LEGO's expansion of The Clone Wars animated series lineup.
Rarity
Uncommon. While it appeared specifically in a low-cost battle pack, that set is now retired. It is rarer than standard tan droids but common enough for most Star Wars collectors to own one or two.
Head
Classic Battle Droid slender head mold in dark brown. Features light grey/silver printing on the top and sides representing the BX-series commando droid faceplate and sensor details.
Torso
Standard Battle Droid torso piece in dark brown. Features a specific small red dot printed on the left chest area, intended to represent a sensor or rank indicator. Back is unprinted with a single stud for backpacks.
Legs
Standard Battle Droid conjoined legs molded in dark brown. No printing on the legs or hips.
Accessories
Typically came with a long black blaster (E-5 blaster rifle). This specific figure in the image is missing its weapon.
Color Scheme
Monochromatic Dark Brown main body with small accents of Red and Silver/Grey printing.
Printing Details
High quality for the era. Features pad printing on the head (silver accents) and a precise red dot on the torso. This is more detailed than the standard tan droid which usually has no printing.
Variants
Variants include sw0230 (Regular Dark Brown Droid, No Dot), sw0851 (Commando Droid Captain with White/Grey markings), and sw0568 (Geonosis variation). This is the 'Red Dot' version.
Condition Notes
Prone to 'loose arm' syndrome where the clutch power fades on the shoulder hinges. The head post can sometimes show stress marks if pulled too hard. Dark brown plastic from this era can occasionally be more brittle than standard colors.
Estimated Value
Used Complete: $3.00 - $5.00 USD. New: $7.00 - $10.00 USD. This figure has remained relatively affordable due to high production volume in battle packs.
Price (New)
Originally included in set 9488 which retailed for $12.99 USD in 2012. The set contained four minifigures, putting the individual value at approximately $3.25 at launch.
Compatible Sets
Primary set: 9488 Elite Clone Trooper & Commando Droid Battle Pack (2012). Also briefly appeared in specialized promotional polybags in some regions.
Character Background
Based on the BX-series commando droids from the Star Wars: The Clone Wars series. These were elite, agile, and lethal infiltrator droids used by the Confederacy of Independent Systems (CIS).
Design Notes
LEGO utilized the standard B1 Battle Droid mold for this figure rather than creating a unique 'sleek' mold to match the commando droid's animated appearance, relying on color and printing to differentiate them.
Similar Minifigures
sw0001c (Battle Droid Tan), sw1069 (Battle Droid - Geonosis with Back Plate), and sw0360 (Commando Droid Captain).
Collectibility
Moderate. It is a 'staple' figure for army builders specializing in the Separatist droid army. Its value is stable and slightly appreciating as 2012 sets become vintage.
History
Prior to 2011, almost all droids were tan or orange. This dark brown variant marked a shift toward more accurate representation of the specialized droid classes seen in the TV show.
Interesting Facts
The red dot is often mistaken by casual fans as a 'mistake' or 'blood', but it accurately reflects the sensor lights seen on the droids' chests in the Season 1 episode 'Rookies'.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in groups of three or four to simulate a commando unit. Looks excellent on a Grey/Dark Blue baseplate representing a Moonbase or Droid Cruiser interior.
Modification Potential
Highly modular. The arms and head can be swapped with other droid colors to create 'scavenged' or 'merc' droids. Compatible with custom cloth pauldrons.
Overall Assessment
A solid, era-accurate figure. While it lacks the unique mold heights of the actual Commando droids, it is a classic piece of Clone Wars era LEGO history. Rating: 7/10 for army building utility.