Snowtrooper (Detailed Pattern)
sw0568 · Star Wars
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back · Debut in 2014 via Set 75049 (Snowspeeder) and Set 75054 (AT-AT). This era marked a transition to more detailed armor printing.
Figure ID
sw0568
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
Debut in 2014 via Set 75049 (Snowspeeder) and Set 75054 (AT-AT). This era marked a transition to more detailed armor printing.
Rarity
Uncommon. While not exclusive to a single high-priced set, this specific variant with dark tan hands and detailed torso/leg printing has been replaced by newer versions.
Head
Plain black head piece (3626c). At this stage in LEGO history, many helmeted figures used blank heads to simulate the visor look from behind the helmet eye-slits.
Torso
White torso with detailed Snowtrooper armor pattern including life support controls and thermal detonator on the back; white arms with Dark Tan hands.
Legs
White legs with dark gray and light gray printing depicting the characteristic insulated kama and boots. Features a white hip piece.
Accessories
None visible in image. Originally supplied with a white helmet (part 15632) featuring a molded cloth-like face shroud, and usually a medium blaster rifle or tripod gun.
Color Scheme
Primary white with secondary shades of Light Bluish Gray and Dark Bluish Gray for shading; Dark Tan accents for the gloves (hands).
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on torso (front/back) and legs (front). This variant introduced significantly more detail in the armor plating compared to the simpler pre-2014 versions.
Variants
Several exist: sw0031 (Classic), sw0115 (Light Gray hips), sw1185 (2022 dual-molded), and the sw1123 version which is similar but lacks some leg print nuances.
Condition Notes
Common issues include yellowing of the white plastic if exposed to UV, and potential cracks in the torso sides/heels. Dark Tan hands can show bite marks easily.
Estimated Value
Used: $4.00 - $6.00 USD; New: $8.00 - $11.00 USD. Prices are stable due to the high volume of Snowtroopers in circulation.
Price (New)
Included in sets ranging from $30 (Snowspeeder) to $110 (AT-AT) in 2014.
Compatible Sets
75049 Snowspeeder (2014), 75054 AT-AT (2014), 75098 Assault on Hoth (2016), and 75146 Advent Calendar (2016).
Character Background
Imperial Cold Weather Assault Stormtroopers, specifically trained for sub-zero environments like Hoth. They wear specialized breathing apparatus and insulated suits.
Design Notes
This 2014 mold for the helmet (15632) was a massive update over the 1999/2003 version, offering a more screen-accurate 'soft hood' look in hard plastic.
Similar Minifigures
sw0031 (Original Snowtrooper), sw0115 (Hoth Snowtrooper), sw1020 (Snowtrooper with fabric cape), and sw1185 (Newest 2022 variant).
Collectibility
Medium. Essential for 'army building' Hoth dioramas, but collectors often prefer the newest 2022 version for its improved waist molding/printing.
History
Replaced the 'Classic' Snowtrooper design in 2014. It served as the standard-bearer for the character for roughly 8 years before the line was updated for the UCS AT-AT wave.
Interesting Facts
The dark tan hands were chosen to represent the insulated gloves seen in 'The Empire Strikes Back' which have a brownish/leather tint compared to the white armor.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in groups of 3 to 10 on a white baseplate with trans-blue 'ice' elements or alongside a 75054 AT-AT model.
Modification Potential
Great for 'army builders.' The torso is neutral enough to be used for custom arctic explorers if the head is swapped for a face.
Overall Assessment
A foundational Star Wars minifigure. It successfully bridged the gap between 'classic' designs and the hyper-detailed modern figures of the 2020s. 8/10 for accuracy.