Clone ARF Trooper
sw0297 · Star Wars
Star Wars: The Clone Wars · 2011
Figure ID
sw0297
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2011
Rarity
Uncommon; it was released in only two sets during the peak of The Clone Wars line, making it highly sought after for army building and nostalgia.
Head
Standard Clone Trooper head with a grumpy or determined expression; the main feature is the unique ARF (Advanced Recon Force) Trooper helmet mold with distinct ventilation and visor prints.
Torso
White torso with gray/sand blue arms; detailed printing featuring Clone Trooper armor plates, life-support dials, and breathing tubes characteristic of specialized scout units.
Legs
Dark bluish gray (or sand blue depending on set version) plain legs without printing; hip piece matches leg color.
Accessories
Standard LEGO stud shooter (black with trans-light blue stud). Original versions often came with a DC-15S blaster carbine.
Color Scheme
White, dark bluish gray, and sand blue accents; designed to mimic desert or urban reconnaissance camouflage.
Printing Details
Pad printing on the torso and helmet; the helmet design is particularly high-quality for its era, featuring intricate black and gray line work.
Variants
Standard version (sw0297) and a more detailed Elite Clone Trooper variant. The mold was also used for the extremely rare Shadow ARF Trooper promo.
Condition Notes
The helmet is prone to surface scratches on the white plastic. Torso side-cracks are a common fatigue point for this era of Star Wars figures.
Estimated Value
Used: $12.00 - $18.00; New/Mint: $25.00 - $35.00 depending on the current demand for Clone Wars era collectibles.
Price (New)
Originally available in sets ranging from $12.99 (Battle Pack) to $29.99.
Compatible Sets
7913 Clone Trooper Battle Pack (2011), 9488 Elite Clone Trooper & Commando Droid Battle Pack (2012).
Character Background
Advanced Recon Force (ARF) Troopers were specialized clones used for short-range reconnaissance and operating AT-RT walkers during the Clone Wars.
Design Notes
Features a unique helmet mold specifically created for this character to accurately represent the CGI model from the animated series.
Similar Minifigures
sw0378 ARF Trooper (Elite Clone), sw0315 Shadow ARF Trooper, and various Scout Troopers from the original trilogy sets.
Collectibility
High; Clone Trooper variants from the 2008-2014 period have seen a massive resurgence in value and popularity among adult collectors.
History
Launched during the third season of The Clone Wars; represents the transition from classic animated styles to more detailed specialized grunt designs.
Interesting Facts
The ARF Trooper helmet is one of the few molds that has remained largely unchanged in geometry since its 2011 debut, despite changes in printing styles.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed with an AT-RT walker or alongside other 501st or 212th legion clones to create a tactical strike team vignette.
Modification Potential
Highly popular for custom 'weathering' or painting into specific legion colors (like the 104th Wolfpack or 212th ARF variants).
Overall Assessment
A classic specialized Clone Trooper that provides a great balance of unique molding and nostalgic value; a must-have for any Clone Wars army builder.