Imperial Death Trooper (Specialist / Pauldron)
sw0796 · Star Wars
Rogue One / Star Wars Story · 2016 (First appeared in October in Krennic's Imperial Shuttle, set 75156)
Figure ID
sw0796
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2016 (First appeared in October in Krennic's Imperial Shuttle, set 75156)
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare; while not a limited exclusive, it appeared only in two sets during the Rogue One wave and is highly sought after by army builders.
Head
Plain black head beneath the helmet. The helmet is a unique specialized mold for the Death Trooper, featuring a narrow visor and side mounted rangefinder-like detailing.
Torso
Black torso with silver/gray plating detail, ammunition pouches, and thermal detonator on the back; the specialty of sw0796 specifically includes a black fabric pauldron worn on the right shoulder.
Legs
Black legs with silver or light gray printed armor plates on the thighs and knees, continuing the specialist aesthetic.
Accessories
One black fabric pauldron (shoulder cloth). Typically sold with a long blaster rifle or SE-14r light repeating blaster in sets.
Color Scheme
Monochromatic black with metallic silver printing and tiny green accents for the helmet sensors/visors.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the front and back of the torso and the front of the legs; fine line work highlights the composite armor plates.
Variants
The standard Death Trooper (sw0807) lacks the fabric pauldron and appears in the 75165 Battle Pack; this variant (sw0796) is the rarer 'Specialist' commander version.
Condition Notes
Primary wear points are the fabric pauldron (fraying at the edges) and the helmet (susceptible to scratches on the smooth black surface). Ensure the neck hole of the pauldron isn't stretched.
Estimated Value
Used: $20.00 - $30.00 USD; New/Mint: $35.00 - $45.00 USD. Prices fluctuate based on the condition of the fabric cape accessory.
Price (New)
Included in set 75156 ($89.99 MSRP) and set 75165 ($14.99 MSRP, though sw0807 was the standard inclusion there).
Compatible Sets
75156 Krennic's Imperial Shuttle (2016).
Character Background
Death Troopers were elite specialists within Imperial Intelligence, serving as bodyguards and enforcers for high-ranking officers like Director Krennic. They are taller and more lethal than standard Stormtroopers.
Design Notes
The helmet mold is one of LEGO's most accurate 1:1 translations of Star Wars helmets, featuring the distinctive elongated 'beak' used for scrambler communication.
Similar Minifigures
sw0807 (Death Trooper standard), sw1147 (Death Trooper with printed pauldron), sw0585 (Stormtrooper).
Collectibility
High; they are a fan-favorite 'cool' trooper design and essential for completing a Rogue One collection or Krennic's shuttle scene.
History
Introduced in 2016 to coincide with the film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. This marked the first departure from standard Stormtrooper molds for specialist units in the Disney era of LEGO.
Interesting Facts
Death Troopers are named after a legendary Imperial project that supposedly resurrected fallen soldiers, though in Rogue One they are simply elite living humans in specialized gear.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside Director Krennic and a squad of at least four standard Death Troopers in a symmetrical formation to replicate their cinematic entrance.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'purist' customs; the torso can be used for black ops commandos or shadow troopers. Third-party manufacturers often sell green 'glow' visors to enhance the helmet sensors.
Overall Assessment
An iconic and intimidating minifigure with high production value. The inclusion of the physical fabric pauldron makes it significantly more desirable than later versions with printed-on shoulder details.