Darth Nihilus
sw0252 · Star Wars
Star Wars Legends / Knights of the Old Republic II · Released in 2005 (Promotional) / Legacy Collection context. This specific figure was a LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game promotional character and part of many early custom-market interpretations.
Figure ID
sw0252
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
Released in 2005 (Promotional) / Legacy Collection context. This specific figure was a LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game promotional character and part of many early custom-market interpretations.
Rarity
Extremely Rare / Semi-Exclusive. While appearing in Bricklink databases, Darth Nihilus is famously the rarest of the 'classic' era Sith because he was only ever released as a promotional figure in specific territories (like certain Swedish magazine editions or very limited bundle promotions).
Head
White head with unique black and red mask printing. Features the iconic 'ghost mask' design with two vertical red stripes above the eyes and a black chin/mouth area, synonymous with the character from Knights of the Old Republic II.
Torso
Black torso with classic Jedi/Sith robe printing in dark bluish gray lines. Back is solid black (or light line printing depending on the specific production batch). Dark bluish gray hands.
Legs
Plain black legs with a black hip piece. No printing is present on the legs or the sides, which was standard for the era of this figure's design.
Accessories
Includes a black hood (piece 30381) and a black fabric cape. In his official gaming context, he is usually equipped with a red-bladed lightsaber with a chrome or metallic silver hilt.
Color Scheme
A strictly monochromatic palette of black and white, accented by the striking red Sith war paint on the mask design.
Printing Details
Pad-printed mask detail on a white element. The torso uses standard high-quality LEGO screen printing. The contrast on the mask is the focal point, using minimalist shapes to evoke the character's terrifying appearance.
Variants
There are no official LEGO variants, but many 'custom' versions exist. The authentic 2005 promotional version is distinguished by its specific plastic texture and authentic LEGO branding inside the neck and on the studs.
Condition Notes
The white head is prone to yellowing if exposed to UV light. The black fabric cape often frays at the edges over time. Check for 'neck cracks' in the torso, a common issue with mid-2000s black torsos.
Estimated Value
New/Sealed (Promo): $400 - $600+ USD; Used Complete: $150 - $300 USD; Head only: $100+. Values fluctuate wildly due to the extreme rarity of original authentic prints.
Price (New)
N/A - Originally a promotional gift-with-purchase or magazine insert. Never sold in a standard retail box set.
Compatible Sets
Not included in any retail sets. Often associated with the 2005 LEGO Star Wars Video Game promotional window.
Character Background
Darth Nihilus, the Lord of Hunger, is a wound in the Force and one of the primary antagonists of the video game Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II - The Sith Lords.
Design Notes
The figure is notable for its simplicity. It represents the 'Old School' LEGO Star Wars aesthetic where complex characters were translated into the most basic but recognizable icons possible.
Similar Minifigures
Darth Revan (sw0547), Darth Malak (sw1297), and classic Darth Vader (sw0001).
Collectibility
Extremedy high. Along with Darth Revan, Nihilus is a 'Holy Grail' for Star Wars Legends collectors and fans of the KOTOR series.
History
First appeared as a digital character in the 2005 video game. The physical minifigure entered the secondary market through very limited international promotional channels, making it a legendary 'white whale' for decades.
Interesting Facts
For years, many fans believed this figure was a myth or a high-end custom until its existence in limited legitimate promotional materials was confirmed by the collector community.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a UV-protected acrylic case alongside Darth Revan and Darth Malak. Use a black or dark red baseplate to accentuate the Sith aesthetic.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'purist' upgrades; many collectors replace the standard black hood with more modern fabric hoods or add custom molded lightsaber hilts.
Overall Assessment
A legendary piece of LEGO Star Wars history. While simple by modern printing standards, its rarity and the popularity of the character make it one of the most desirable Sith minifigures ever produced.