Stormtrooper (Light Nougat Head, Dotted Mouth Pattern)
sw0188 · Star Wars
Classic Star Wars / Episode IV-VI · 2008 - Included in early 'army builder' style sets that revolutionized LEGO Star Wars collecting.
Figure ID
sw0188
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2008 - Included in early 'army builder' style sets that revolutionized LEGO Star Wars collecting.
Rarity
Uncommon - While mass-produced, this specific 'dotted mouth' variant was only available for a few years before being replaced by more detailed molds.
Head
Solid Light Nougat head with a simple face print (black eyes and determined expression), covered by the classic 2000s-style Stormtrooper helmet mold.
Torso
White torso with classic armor plating print. Front features a utility belt and chest plate lines; back features backplate detailing. Black arms with black hands.
Legs
White legs with black hips. Features front printing including knee protectors and lower armor plate segments in a slightly simplified 2008 aesthetic.
Accessories
Standard black Short Blaster (classic megaphone-inspired blasters were being phased out for these detailed molds in this era).
Color Scheme
High-contrast White and Black, matching the Imperial aesthetic from the original film trilogy.
Printing Details
Pad printing on head, torso, and legs. The alignment is generally high quality, though pixelation in the gray 'dots' on the helmet chin is a signature of this era.
Variants
sw0188 features the 'dotted' mouth vent helmet. Variants include sw0036 (yellow head), sw0585 (detailed helmet), and sw0997 (dual-molded helmet).
Condition Notes
Watch for yellowing of the white plastic due to UV exposure and 'helmet chin' cracks. The hip tension often loosens after years of play.
Estimated Value
Used: $5.00 - $8.00 USD; New/Mint: $12.00 - $15.00 USD. Prices are stable due to the nostalgia for this specific 'vibe' of trooper.
Price (New)
Retail context: Found in the 7667 Imperial Dropship ($9.99) and 10188 Death Star ($399.99).
Compatible Sets
7667 Imperial Dropship (2008), 8017 Darth Vader's TIE Fighter (2009), 10188 Death Star (2008).
Character Background
The backbone of the Galactic Empire's military. This version represents the troopers seen in 'A New Hope' and 'The Empire Strikes Back'.
Design Notes
This era marks the transition from 'classic' yellow-head troopers to flesh-toned heads, and the introduction of more accurate leg printing.
Similar Minifigures
sw0036 (Original 1999 version), sw0366 (2012 version), sw1095 (2020 updated version).
Collectibility
High for 'army builders' who prefer the consistent, clean look of 2008-2012 era Imperial layouts over modern, overly-busy designs.
History
Followed the iconic 1999 yellow-head trooper; this specific 2008 design held the standard for nearly four years during the boom of Star Wars Battle Packs.
Interesting Facts
Despite having a 'dotted' vent on the helmet (which is actually more accurate to the movies), many fans initially preferred the smooth-grilled older version.
Display Suggestions
Looks best when massed in ranks of 4 or 8. Pairs perfectly with the 2008 Vader or TIE Pilot from the same release wave.
Modification Potential
Excellent for purist customs; the torso is a versatile base for Imperial officers or specialized troops like Scout Troopers.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential Star Wars minifigure. While not the most valuable, it is an essential piece of LEGO history and the foundation of many modern collections.
Notes
This is an old stormtrooper from around 2008