Dark Trooper
sw1161 · Star Wars
The Mandalorian · 2021 (Debut in Imperial Light Cruiser #75315)
Figure ID
sw1161
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2021 (Debut in Imperial Light Cruiser #75315)
Rarity
Common to Uncommon. While initially exclusive to an expensive set, it was later mass-produced in the Dark Trooper Attack battle pack, making it easily accessible for army building.
Head
The head is a plain black element covered by a unique, highly detailed molded helmet featuring red printed trans-eyes. The helmet mold includes 'breathing' vents and specialized sensor array shapes characteristic of the Phase III Dark Trooper.
Torso
Black torso with detailed silver and grey mechanical printing. Front depicts power cells and mechanical plating; back printing continues the heavy droid armor aesthetic. Black arms with black hands; features a specialized shoulder armor piece (Pauldrons) that fits over the neck peg.
Legs
Black legs with intricate silver and grey plate printing on the front of the hips and legs, representing robotic joints and heavy armor plating. There is no side leg printing.
Accessories
Typically comes with a black E-11 blaster rifle or a small blaster pistol. The most significant 'accessory' is the separate oversized shoulder armor piece (part 79653) which provides the figure's bulky silhouette.
Color Scheme
Monochromatic black base with metallic silver and light grey mechanical highlights. Red highlights are present only in the helmet's photoreceptors (eyes).
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing with excellent registration. The silver ink has a slight metallic sheen that catches the light well, effectively simulating a droid chassis. Detail is consistent with modern Star Wars 'Ultimate Collector' style droids.
Variants
There are no significant printing variants for sw1161, though early versions from the light cruiser set are identical to those in the battle pack. This figure is a complete redesign from the original 2008-era Dark Trooper concepts.
Condition Notes
The shoulder armor piece is prone to minor surface scratching. Because the figure is entirely black, dust is very visible. Check for 'neck cracks' on the torso, though modern plastic is more resilient than older eras.
Estimated Value
Used: $4 - $6 USD; New/Mint: $7 - $9 USD. Due to high supply from the battle pack, individual value remains affordable for collectors.
Price (New)
Available in set 75324 Dark Trooper Attack for $29.99 (4 minifigures included) or set 75315 Imperial Light Cruiser for $159.99.
Compatible Sets
75315 Imperial Light Cruiser (2021), 75324 Dark Trooper Attack (2022), 75343 Dark Trooper Helmet (Display set context).
Character Background
Dark Troopers are advanced battle droids and infantry exoskeletons. This Phase III version appeared in Season 2 of The Mandalorian as Moff Gideon's elite force, known for their near-indestructibility until facing a Jedi.
Design Notes
Features a unique helmet mold and shoulder armor piece designed specifically to recreate the bulky, non-humanoid proportions of the droids seen on screen. The use of a standard minifigure frame with 'bulk-up' parts is a distinct design success.
Similar Minifigures
Imperial Death Trooper (sw0796), K-2SO (sw0782), and the 2008 Clone Wars era Dark Trooper (sw0223).
Collectibility
High for 'army builders' who wish to recreate the hallway scene from The Mandalorian. Low individual investment growth potential due to high volume of production.
History
First introduced into LEGO canon in 2021 to coincide with the popularity of Disney+'s The Mandalorian. This represented a major jump in detail from the previous 'Dark Trooper' which was part of the 2008 Star Wars: Battlefront sets.
Interesting Facts
Despite being droids, these figures use a standard minifigure head-neck-torso connection rather than the thin droid skeletal arms used for Battle Droids, to emphasize their heavy armor status.
Display Suggestions
Display in groups of four or more. They look best inside a 'Greebe' heavy spaceship hallway MOC or paired with the Luke Skywalker (Jedi Knight) minifigure to recreate the Season 2 finale.
Modification Potential
Excellent for custom droid builds. The shoulder armor is frequently used by MOC builders for heavy infantry or sci-fi power armor.
Overall Assessment
A fantastic, screen-accurate representation of a modern Star Wars icon. It is a 'must-have' for fans of the Mandalorian, though its commonality makes it more of a play-set staple than a 'holy grail' item.