Wikipedia

Stormtrooper (Star Wars)

"Imperial Stormtroopers" redirects here. For other uses, seeStormtrooper (disambiguation).For WWI German Stormtroopers see, seeStormtroopers (Imperial Germany).
"Spacetrooper" redirects here. Not to be confused withspace marine,skytrooper,orstarship trooper.

Stormtroopersare fictionalsoldiersin theStar Warsfranchise created byGeorge Lucas.Introduced in theoriginalStar Warsfilm trilogy(1977–1983), the stormtroopers are theshock troops/space marinesof the autocraticGalactic Empire.Their predecessors, theclone troopersof theGalactic Republic,were used by EmperorPalpatineto take over the government and exterminate theJedi.After the fall of the Empire, as depicted in the original trilogy, stormtroopers remained in service to Imperial remnants, such as theFirst Order.

Stormtrooper
Star Warscharacters
First appearanceStar Wars(1977)
Created byGeorge Lucas
In-universe information
SpeciesHuman
OccupationSoldiers
AffiliationGalactic Empire
First Order
Sith Eternal

Theorder of battleof the Stormtrooper Corps is unspecified in theStar Warsuniverse. Accompanying the Imperial Navy, stormtroopers are able to be deployed swiftly and respond to states of civil unrest or insurrection, act as a planetary garrison, and police areas within the Galactic Empire. They are shown in collective groups of varying organizational sizes ranging fromsquadsto legions and for some, their armour and training are modified for special operations and environments.

Development

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In early drafts of theoriginalStar Warsfilm[a]as well as designs by conceptual artistRalph McQuarrie,stormtroopers wieldlightsabersand handheld shields as common weapons, as opposed to the former being mainly limited to theJediandSithfactions. While outlining his franchise in 1977,George Lucassaid there were numerous female stormtroopers in some units, but few were stationed on theDeath Star.[1][2]

Performers

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While stormtrooper performers likeMichael Leader(Episode IV),[3]Laurie Goode (Episode IV),[3]Peter Diamond(Episode IV-VI), Stephen Bayley (Episode IV), andBill Weston(Episode IV) have generally been uncredited in the film series,[citation needed]there have been a few exceptions.

InAttack of the Clones(2002) andRevenge of the Sith(2005), the clone troopers, which serve as the basis of what would initially become the Empire's stormtrooper force, werecomputer-generated imagesand voiced byTemuera Morrison,who played the bounty hunterJango Fett,the template of the clone army.[4]The child clone troopers were played byDaniel Logan,who also played Jango's clone sonBoba Fett,and the clone troopers as young men were played by Bodie Taylor, who was cast for his resemblance to a younger Morrison. InRevenge of the Sith,Morrison also playedCommander Cody,the only named clone trooper who is seen unmasked in the prequel trilogy.

InThe Force Awakens(2015),John Boyegastars asFinn,the former Stormtrooper FN-2187 who defects from the First Order and joins the Resistance,[5]andGwendoline ChristieportraysCaptain Phasma,commander of the First Order's stormtroopers.[6]Daniel Craighas a small uncredited role as a stormtrooper whomReycompels using theJedi mind trickto let her escape from captivity,[7][8]and directorJ. J. Abramsalso castAliasandLostcomposerMichael Giacchinoas FN-3181, andRadioheadproducerNigel Godrichas FN-9330.[7]A riot control stormtrooper who calls Finn a traitor during the battle onTakodana,portrayed by stunt performer Liang Yang and voiced by sound editorDavid Acord,is identified as FN-2199 "Nines" in the anthology bookStar Wars: Before the Awakening(2015) byGreg Rucka.[9][10]The trooper, armed with a "Z6 baton" and dubbed "TR-8R" by fans, quickly inspired multiplememesandfan art.[9][11][12]Actor/directorKevin Smithalso voiced a stormtrooper in the Takodana sequence.[13]

InStar Wars Rebels,different voice actors have provided the voices of the stormtroopers, includingDavid Acord,Dee Bradley Baker,Steven Blum,Clancy Brown,Robin Atkin Downes,Greg Ellis,Dave Fennoy,Dave Filoni,Tom Kane,Andrew Kishino,Phil LaMarr,Liam O'Brien,Freddie Prinze, Jr.,André Sogliuzzo,Stephen Stanton,Greg Weisman,Gary Anthony Williams,andMatthew Wood.[14]

InRalph Breaks the Internet,the stormtroopers in the "Oh My Disney" website are voiced by Jesse Averna, Kevin Deters, Jeremy Milton, andRich Moore.[15]

Jason SudeikisandAdam Pallyplay scout troopers in "Chapter 8: Redemption",the 2019 first-season finale episode ofThe Mandalorian.[16]

Background

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Skywalker saga

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Introduced inStar Wars(1977), the Imperial stormtroopers serve as the army of the Galactic Empire, establishing Imperial authority and putting down any revolts.

In theprequel filmStar Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones(2002), thefirst clone troopersareclonedfrom bounty hunterJango Fett,to be theArmy of the Republicin theClone Wars.[4]InEpisode III: Revenge of the Sith(2005), ChancellorPalpatineorders them to slay their Jedi generals in theGreat Jedi Purge.[17]After the change in regimes from the Galactic Republic to the Galactic Empire, the clone troopers who had served the Republic became the first generation of stormtroopers, enforcing the Emperor's will as military units, and law enforcement, policing the Emperor's ever increasingly oppressive laws.[18]

TheImperial Stormtrooper Corpsswell in size inThe Bad Batch(2021–present) after Palpatine almost completely replaces the clones with recruits andconscriptsof the Empire,[19]though the replacement of clones with natural beings lowered the effectiveness of the Empire's soldiers. With the Empire firmly stabilized and anImperial ArmyandNavyestablished, the stormtroopers are integrated into Palpatine's personal army and stationed on Imperial bases and cruisers, as well as on the Death Star.

As established inThe Force Awakens(2015), after Palpatine's death, stormtroopers continue to serve under the factions that broke apart from the Empire. With redesigned armor, they eventually serve under the leadership of the First Order.[20]In the First Order, an undisclosed number of stormtroopers are abducted as young children, given serial numbers for names andmentally conditionedfor loyal service.[21]Stormtrooper FN-2187, later known asFinn,plans his escape when his resistance to this conditioning puts him in line to be reprogrammed.[21]Additionally,Rey's goggles were based on scavenged stormtrooper lenses.[22]

Other appearances

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The streaming seriesThe Mandalorian,which is set after the fall of the Empire, portrays stormtroopers as freelance mercenaries in the service ofMoff Gideon,a former officer of the Imperial Security Bureau.[23]

Star Wars Legendsmedia such as games and comics feature a number of specialized stormtrooper units. TheMarvel-produced comics of the late 1970s and early 1980s featured Shadow Troopers. Other specialists have included commandos and troopers equipped to work in the vacuum of outer space, such as the zero gravitySpacetroopersdepicted engaging in extra vehicular battle in the 1991 novelStar Wars: Heir to the Empire,and its 1995Dark Horse Comicsadaptation.

A distinct variant known as "Shadowtroopers" appear inStar Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast,wearing black armour that incorporates a lightsaber-resistant mineral called cortosis. As a project of the Dark Jedi named Desann aligned with a Remnant of the Empire, the Shadowtroopers themselves had been immersed in a Force nexus on Ruusan, temporarily empowering them withForcesensitivity. This armour has a green synthetic gem set into the breastplate which sustained the otherwise temporary effect of their Force empowerment and combines with their abilities to render them near-invisible, with only a faint area of blue discoloration giving them away. In conjunction with their Force-granted telekinesis, reflexes, and agility, the Shadowtroopers are armed and trained in the use of mass-produced red lightsabers. Their combination of abilities allow them to lie in wait andambushthe enemy, representing formidable opponents even for trained Jedi, most often the game's Jedi protagonist,Kyle Katarn.Shadow stormtroopers appear inStar Wars: The Force Unleashedand wear exactly the same type of Phase III armor[clarification needed]as normal stormtroopers but not white in color, but rather a mixture of silver, grey and red detailing. These troopers also possess the invisible feature and use this tactic to ambush their enemies, but only if stormtrooper officers call out for support.

InLego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy,Speedo-clad and stormtrooper-helmet-wearing "Beach Troopers" appear rela xing at the beach. InLego Star Wars: The Complete Saga,they also wear life jackets.

Stormtroopers made their canonical debut in theStar Wars: The Bad BatchSeason 1 episode "War–Mantle", which was released on July 30, 2021.

Description

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Evolution of clone trooper & stormtrooper armour, illustrated by cosplayers. Left to right:
  1. ModernMandalorian(Jango Fett)
  2. Phase Iclone trooper(RC-1140 "Fixer")
  3. Phase II clone trooper (Commander Gree)
  4. Imperial stormtrooper
  5. First Orderstormtrooper
Cosplay of Imperial stormtrooper at theHelsinki Exhibition & Convention Centrein September 2018
Cosplay of First Order stormtrooper

According toStar Warslore, Imperial stormtroopers are men and women who have been recruited (or conscripted) at a young age to serve as expendable foot soldiers of the Empire, gradually replacingclone troopersas their accelerated aging forces them to retire. These recruits are trained at Imperial Academies spread out across the galaxy where they undergo intense conditioning that instills fierce loyalty, strict discipline and ruthless efficiency while removing any sense of individualism or empathy. As the backbone of the Imperial Army, stormtroopers are dreaded for their brutality, carrying out atrocities in the name ofEmperor Palpatine,and their fanaticism, engaging the enemy with no regard to casualties. Inevitably, some use their position for personal gain against a civilian population too terrified to resist.[24][25]However, inconsistencies in academy standards led to stormtroopers of varying combat skill and ability compared to the superior clone troopers,[26]which, among other things, can be seen in the stormtroopers' mainly variable, sometimes even weak, ability to hit the target in firefights.[27][28]After subduing any remainingSeparatistholdouts left over from theClone Wars,stormtroopers primarily serve as aninternal securityandpeacekeepingforce until theGalactic Civil Warwhere they start to engage theRebel Alliancein large-scale battles.[24][25]

Unable to conscript noventillions of soldiers to fill its stormtrooper ranks, yet unwilling to switch back to using rapidly producedclone troopers,First Order stormtroopers are bred, trained and indoctrinated from birth, raised their entire lives for no other purpose. First Order soldiers and crews have constantly trained for combat inwar gamesand simulations, making them much more effective one-on-one than the endless waves of stormtrooper conscripts fielded by the Galactic Empire. First Order stormtroopers are regularly put through mental indoctrination and propaganda programs, to make sure that they remain fanatically loyal and never hesitate or question orders. Being taken from their families at birth, these soldiers are not even given individual names for themselves but merely serial numbers, such as "FN-2187".[29]

Equipment

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Standard Imperial stormtrooper armor is white and has a utility belt and an helmet

Vehicles

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Main articles:List of Star Wars air, aquatic, and ground vehicles;List of Star Wars spacecraft;andList of Star Wars starfighters

Weapons

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Main article:List of Star Wars weapons

The standard firearm for Imperial stormtroopers is the BlasTech E-11blasterrifle, described inStar Warssources as combining excellent range and firepower in a compact and rugged design. Features include a telescopic range-finding sight, accessory mounting rail, power setting adjuster, three-pointfolding stock,magnatomic adhesivepistol grip,and advanced cooling system. Plasma cartridges provide enough gas for 500 shots, though a standard power cell which energizes the gas to produce blaster bolts will last for approximately 100 shots.[25][30]In addition to the E-11, stormtroopers employ a variety of different weapons as seen in theStar Warsfilms and other media. Examples includethermal detonators,sniper rifles,crew-servedheavy repeating blasters, and mortars.[25][30][31]

Both firing and non-firing prop models of the E-11 were based on the Mk 4Sterling submachine gun,with approximately 20 models built for the firstStar WarsmovieA New Hope.External modifications to the Sterlings to transform them into blaster rifles varied based on the parts available but most were similar in design. This included an American Mk38 azimuth tank scope and a Hengstler industrial counter box affixed to the top and left side of the receiver respectively. The Sterling would continue to serve as the basis for or inspire other blaster rifle designs in the rest of theStar Warsfilms.[32]

Background literature explains how the First Order's stormtroopers were armed in secret by the Sonn-Blas Corporation, a subsidiary of BlasTech Industries and Merr-Sonn Munitions created to circumvent theNew Republic'sdisarmamenttreaties. Building on classic design templates, they are meant to possess greater battlefield accuracy, ammunition yields and operational lifespans. Examples include the F-11D blaster rifle, SE-44C blaster pistol, and FWMB-10 repeating blaster cannon. For subduing civilian populations, First Order stormtroopers will also carryballistic riot shieldsandriot control batons.[26][33]

Armor

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As established in the originalStar Warstrilogy of films, the troopers' most distinctive equipment is their white battle armor, which completely encases the body and typically has no individually distinguishing markings. According to in-universe reference material, this armor was developed and manufactured by the Imperial Department of Military Research, and consists of 18 white plastoid armor plates magnatomically attached to a black body glove. These plates are generally impervious to most projectile weapons and blast shrapnel, and will protect against glancing hits by other blaster rifles though a direct hit will penetrate. The armor also provides protection against inhospitable environments, including the vacuum of space for a short period of time. Their helmets are fitted with filtration systems for polluted environments, with hookups for incorporating an external atmospheric tank while operating in space or to filter potent toxins. The helmets also include built-in communication system and multi-frequency targeting and acquisition system linked toin-lens displaysthat provide tactical information, protection from excessive brightness, and vision modes for seeing through smoke, fire and darkness.[25][30]

Based on conceptual drawings by Ralph McQuarrie,Liz Mooreand Nick Pemberton sculpted designs for the helmet, whileBrian Muirsculpted armor pieces for the stormtrooper costume. Muir, who was also responsible for sculpting the Darth Vader costume, worked out of the Art Department at Elstree Studios. The suit was molded and initially cast in plaster, with Muir sharpening the detail at the plaster stage. The plaster casts were then remolded and cast in fiberglass to use as the "tools" for thevacuum formingprocess. The suits were produced in house by Tashy Baines, the resident vacuum former, but then a problem developed with the machine. As Shepperton Design Studios had already been used to vacuum form the helmets, the fiberglass molds for the armor were then sent to them for vacuum forming the suits. By the end of production, two different helmets were produced; one for the common stunt trooper and a second design for close-ups. Fifty stunt helmets were produced in white-paintedHDPEand six hero helmets were produced in whiteABS plastic.Besides the material used, the two designs can be differentiated by differences in the eyes, the ears, and the mouth area.[citation needed]

The copyright status of the armor design has undergone legal challenges.[34]A 2004 lawsuit by Lucasfilm against one of the original prop designers, Andrew Ainsworth, who had been selling helmet replicas, confirmed the design to be under copyright in the US.[34]However, a 2011 UK court decision in Ainsworth's favor deemed the costume to be industrial design, which is protected there only for 15 years.[34]This puts the armor design in the public domain in the UK, and likely throughout theEuropean Union.[34]

To differentiate the First Order stormtroopers from their earlier Imperial counterparts, the helmet and armor were redesigned for the 2015 filmStar Wars: The Force Awakensby costume designerMichael Kaplanwith input from directorJ. J. Abrams.[35]Within theStar Warssetting, this armor is described as being an improvement over the previous iteration, including better joint design for greater flexibility, stronger betaplast armor plating, and upgraded helmet communication and targeting systems.[25][30]

501st Legion

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Further information:Clone trooper § 501st Legion

The 501st Legion Elite Stormtrooper Unit, or "Vader's Fist", is a stormtrooperunitfrom theStar Warsmovies andStar Wars Legendscontinuity. Commanded by the ruthlessly cunningGeneral Maximilian Veersand composed of the best trained soldiers in theStar Warsgalaxy, the legion earned a fierce reputation for completing missions considered unwinnable or suicidal. The 501st serves asDarth Vader's personal death squadron, whom he notably leads in theJedi extermination.The 501st spearhead the assault upon theTantive IVconsular ship, and capturePrincess Leia.During theBattle of Hoth,the 501st is instrumental in the destruction of theRebel Alliancebase, and nearly succeeds in capturing theMillennium Falcon.Most of the background story linked to the 501st comes fromStar Warsnovels, the gamesStar Wars: Battlefront IIandStar Wars: The Force Unleashed,[36]and the TV showStar Wars: The Clone Wars.[citation needed]

The elite 501st designation is resurrected byGrand Admiral Thrawn,who in theThrawntrilogyis charged with the defense of the "Empire of the Hand" Imperial Remnant forces. Thrawn's 501st is composed of aliens and humans.

The Legion's name is based on afan organization of the same name;their inclusion in the official continuity was based on the worldwide organization's dedication toStar Warsfandom.[37]

Specialists

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Within theStar Warsfranchise, several types of "military occupation specialist"stormtrooper units are seen. These include:

Imperial variants

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  • Sandtroopersare first seen on the desert world ofTatooineduringStar Wars(1977). They are trained toserve in arid environmentsand their armor is equipped with cooling units, anti-glare lenses, extra rations, and water supplies. Sandtroopers can be distinguished by their coloredpauldronswhich indicate rank: black for enlisted, white for sergeants, and orange for unit leaders.[38][39]Sandtroopers that rideDewbacksare known asDewback riders.
  • Snowtroopers,also known ascold weather assaultstormtroopers,are first seen during the battle ofHothinThe Empire Strikes Back(1980). Their armor is insulated against cold weather and modified with polarized snow goggles, a heated breather mask, insulated belt cape and ice boots. Battery packs can keep their systems powered for up to two weeks, while additional cold-weather gear is carried including grappling hooks, ion flares and homing beacons.[38][40]
Cosplay of scout trooper
  • Scout Troopersare first seen onEndorinReturn of the Jedi(1983). They are trained in advancedreconnaissanceand with an unusual degree of independence so they can serve as scouts andsnipersfar from Imperial support. Their armor is lighter than standard stormtrooper suits, with protection only covering the upper body and head, while their helmets incorporate a boosted communication system and enhanced macrobinocular viewplate for spotting targets at long range. On Endor, scout troopers piloted swift 74-Zspeeder bikesto patrol the area around theDeath Star II's shield generator.[38][41]
  • Shock Troopersare an upgraded variant of the Clone Shock Troopers, the red-armoredclone troopers,who first appeared inRevenge of the Sith(2005). They patrol government facilities and serve as bodyguards for Emperor Palpatine and those closest to him.[42]
  • Death Troopersare elite soldiers of Imperial Intelligence who make their first appearance inRogue One: A Star Wars Story(2016). Undergoing rigorous training and receiving top-secret augmentations which boost their performance beyond human limitations, death troopers are assigned to defendVIPssuch as Commander-in-Chief Darth Vader,Grand Moff Tarkin,DirectorOrson Krennic,Grand Admiral Thrawn and Moff Gideon, and take part in operations involving stealth and espionage.[43][44]Their black, classified armor monitorsbiofeedbackimplants in their bodies and can stimulate sensory organs for increased performance, features targeting systems far superior to standard stormtrooper versions, and is sprayed with a polymer called "reflec" that warps electromagnetic waves to defeat enemy sensors. The in-universe origin for their name is that it was specially chosen by Emperor Palpatine to play on rumors of an Imperial project to reanimate dead tissue.[38][45][46]TheStar WarsnovelDeath Troopers,part of the non-canonLegendscontinuity, revolves around the outbreak of azombievirus aboard anImperial Star Destroyer.
  • Shoretroopers,also known ascoastal defenderstormtroopers,are introduced inRogue One,where they are seen patrolling the beaches and bunkers ofScarif.They are described as uncommon stormtrooper specialists trained for combat in coastal environments on tropical worlds. Their armor is flexible and lightweight, designed to withstand corrosive aquatic environments and repel excess moisture, and can be modified to operate underwater. Shoretroopers are generally of sergeant rank or higher and command squads of other stormtroopers during instances of seaside combat.[38][47][48]Shoretroopers returned in "Chapter 15: The Believer"ofThe Mandalorian,in which they serve in an Imperial remnant stationed at a mining facility on Morak.[49][50]as well as appearing in Episode 7 ofAndoron the planet Niamos
  • Combat assault tank pilotsandcommanders,also known astank troopers,operate the Empire's arsenal of armoredrepulsorliftvehicles, from troop transports to heavily armored hovertanks. Combat drivers are lightly armored, relying instead on the thick skin of their vehicles to protect them in battle. The commander stays in contact with his crew and with headquarters to keep updated on changing combat conditions.[51]This type of troopers were introduced in the 2016Han Solocomic book series and made their on-screen debut inRogue One.
  • Patrol Troopersareenforcement-based stormtroopers, commonly found in large cities with particular strategic importance where they take the place of local security forces. The urban counterpart to scout troopers, they ride speeder bikes much like them. Patrol troopers are first seen inSolo: A Star Wars Story(2018), where one such trooper briefly pursuesHan SoloandQi'raonCorellia.[52]
  • Swamp Troopers,also known informally asmudtroopers,are Imperial Army troopers assigned to fight onswampy,war-torn worlds. Army troopers are regular infantry who fight alongside stormtroopers; many were members of planetary forces before being conscripted into Imperial service. Mudtroopers wear water-resistant clothing, partial armor with respirator masks, and polarized goggles. Swamp troopers are first seen on the planetMimbaninSolo,with Han Solo having been one such trooper during his service for the Empire.[53]Their armor is that of a standard stormtrooper but heavily customized to allow for optimal operation in the areas where they are dispatched. They can be distinguished by their grey, muddy armor, and waterproof capes.
  • Range Troopersare first seen onVandorinSolo.Considered to be one of the toughest branches of the Imperial Army, this type of troopers are selected from the ranks of the most skilled Imperial soldiers and usually assigned to protect valuable cargo, but sometimes can also be deployed to combat zones. Range troopers are outfitted with snowtrooper-like armor, including heavy fur-lined armor for protection against cold environments, and magnetic boots.[54][55]InSolo,a group of range troopers guard a cargo train transporting coaxium which is raided byTobias Beckett,Han Solo andChewbacca.[43][55]
  • Jumptroopers,also known asrocket troopers,are outfitted withjetpacks.They are trained to act in unison, often swarming and overwhelming their targets.[56]There are multiple variants of jumptroopers, such as theArctic Jumptrooper,deployed in cold environments, theDesert Jumptrooper,deployed in arid environments, and theForest Jumptrooper,deployed in forested areas. Jumptroopers are featured in variousStar Warsmedia, bothLegendsand canon, with varying designs.
  • Dark Troopershave made various appearances inStar Wars Legendsmaterial, often with varying designs. They are commonly depicted as dark-armoredcybernetically enhancedhumans, or in some variations droids, and are used in small numbers by the Empire. Dark Troopers were reintroduced in the currentStar Warscanon through the mobile gameStar Wars: Commander(2015), and made their live-action debut in thesecond season ofThe Mandalorian(2020).
  • Shadow Troopers,also known asblack hole troopers,are elite special-ops troopers featured mostly inStar Wars Legendsmaterial. Assigned to the Empire's mysterious Shadow Guard, one of their most prominent appearances is in the video gameStar Wars: The Force Unleashed,where they have shiny, reflective black armor that allows them to become invisible. Shadow Troopers returned inStar Wars Battlefront,which reintroduced them in theStar Warscanon.
  • Purge Troopersare a specialized class of stormtroopers trained and equipped to assist Darth Vader and his Imperial Inquisitors in hunting down surviving Jedi and other Force-sensitive beings who threaten the Empire.[57][58]Many Purge Troopers are former clone troopers. They appear in the comic seriesDarth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith(2018) and the video gameStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Order(2019).[44][58][59]Purge troopers appear also in the 4th and 5th episodes ofObi-Wan Kenobi(2022).
  • Lava Troopersare an elite class of stormtroopers stationed at Fortress Vader onMustafar.They are outfitted with heat-resistant black armor. Lava Troopers are featured in the comic book seriesTales from Vader's Castle.
  • Forest Troopersare trained to serve in forested environments. They are distinguished by their camouflaged armor. Forest Troopers have featured in the novelAftermath: Life Debt.
  • Seatroopersspecialize in underwater operations. They are outfitted with breathing tubes attached to a scuba backpack and underwater propulsion jets. Seatroopers were originally introduced inStar Wars LegendsinMarvel Comics'Star Warscomic book series,before being later reintroduced in the currentStar Warscanon.
  • Spacetroopersare stormtroopers trained to operate in Zero-G environments. They resemble the standard stormtroopers, but are outfitted with a rebreather pack to survive the harsh conditions of space. Two spacetroopers can be seen outside the Death Star inStar Wars(1977). They have since made appearances in a few other pieces ofStar Warsmedia. InStar Wars Legendsmaterial, a different variation of space troopers with a bulkier appearance calledZero-G assault stormtroopers,are featured.
  • Flametroopersspecialize in the use offlamethrowers.They have appeared in variousStar Warsmedia, with varying designs.
  • Incinerator Troopersare outfitted with flamethrowers and heat-resistant armor. They are distinguished by their red pauldrons and the red markings on their armor. They are likely an improved variant of the flametroopers. An Incinerator trooper is seen in the season one finale ofThe Mandalorian(2019).
  • Artillery Stormtroopers,also known asmortar stormtroopers,are outfitted with mortars and heavy armor. They are distinguished by their yellow pauldrons and the yellow markings on their armor, similar to the markings of the Incinerator Troopers. A Mortar Stormtrooper is seen in "Chapter 14: The Tragedy"ofThe Mandalorian.
  • Special Commando Advanced Recon Troopers,orSCAR troopers,are an elite class of stormtroopers in the Imperial Special Forces division. Most of these stormtroopers are unique in terms of armor design, equipment, and specialization, and are deployed in small groups by the Empire, to complete tasks that require their talents. One notable SCAR trooper squad is Task Force 99, featured in the 2016Star Warscomic book series.
  • Elite Squad Troopersare specially selected soldiers from across the galaxy after the Clone Wars to allow the Empire to not be entirely reliant on clones.[60]They are first seen inStar Wars: The Bad Batch(2021), which features a particular Elite Squad of recruited soldiers led by former Bad Batch member Crosshair.[61][62]
  • Storm Commandos,also known asshadow scouts,are elite stormtroopers, trained to perform tasks that regular troopers are incapable of accomplishing. They operate in small groups and are outfitted with silver scout trooper armor to make them less visible to the enemy. Storm commandos are featured in variousStar Wars Legendsmaterial, and were reintroduced in the currentStar Warscanon through the mobile gameStar Wars: Galactic Defense.
  • Heavy Troopersare an elite class of stormtroopers that specialize in melee combat. They carry electrostaffs and are outfitted with special combat armor. Heavy Troopers are featured inStar Wars: The Force Unleashed,and were reintroduced in the currentStar Warscanon throughStar Wars: Galactic Defense.
  • Riot control stormtroopersspecialize in melee combat. They are outfitted with batons and sometimes a shield. Most riot control stormtroopers are used as a security force tasked with the dispersion and arrest of insurgents taking part in disruptive activities. A different variation appears in theLegendsgameStar Wars: The Force Unleashed II,where they are outfitted with electro staffs and sport unique armor rather than standard stormtrooper armor.
  • Rocket stormtroopersare stormtroopers outfitted with rocket launchers. They are usually tasked with destroying armored vehicles or buildings. Rocket stormtroopers have appeared in severalStar Warsgames.
  • Demolition Troopersare stormtroopers that specialize in the use of explosive weapons, such as smart rockets. They are featured in the video gamesStar Wars: Battlefront(2015) andStar Wars: Battlefront II(2017).
  • Heavy Weapons Stormtroopers,also known asheavy assault stormtroopers,heavy troopers,orheavy gunners,are stormtroopers that specialize in the use of large rapid-fire blasters. Heavy troopers have appeared in variousStar Warsmedia, with varying designs.
  • Stormtrooper snipersare outfitted with sniper rifles. They can be distinguished by their visor and blue pauldron. A variant of the stormtrooper sniper, known asImperial sharpshooters,appears inStar Wars: Commander;this type of sharpshooters are drawn from the ranks of elite scout troopers and outfitted with E-11s sniper rifles and a grey variant of the scout trooper armor.
  • Magma Troopersare stormtroopers used by the Empire to crush revolts on volcanic mining worlds, such as Sullust and Mustafar. They are outfitted with heat-resistant armor and a respirator connected to a backpack via a tube to protect them from volcanic ash and gasses. They can be distinguished by their black pauldrons (colored for the officers) and extra armor on their legs. Magma troopers first appeared inStar Wars: Battlefront(2015).
  • Undead Troopersare Imperial Stormtroopers who have been infected by the Imperial Bioweapons Project Blackwing. They are standard troopers who have since died and been reanimated by the virus with the goal of infecting others and causing as much death and infection as possible.

Night Troopersare stormtroopers who serve Grand Admiral Thrawn during his exile on the extragalactic planet Peridea. Their armour is unique, featuring red bandages wrapped around it, as well as a gold alloy filling in cracks. Thrawn's Nightsister allies imbue them with their magick, making them energized and faster, as well as allowing them to resurrect upon death.

First Order variants

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  • Flametroopersare first seen during the attack on the Tuanul village onJakkuinThe Force Awakens(2015). Often deployed alongside standard First Order infantry, these specialized units flush out entrenched enemies with roaring sheets of flame from theirflamethrowers.They wear backpack-style propellant tanks, special helmets with slit-like lenses that reduce glare, and temperature-control body gloves beneath their armor.[63]
  • Megablaster heavy assault troopers,more commonly known asheavy troopers,are introduced inThe Force Awakens.They carry large FWMB-10 repeating blasters and web gear loaded with extra ammunition.
  • Riot Control Troopersare first seen during the battle ofTakodanainThe Force Awakens.While they resemble the standard First Order stormtroopers, these specialized units excel inriot controland are outfitted with non-lethal betaplast shields and Z6 batons.[10][64]One such trooper, FN-2199, calls Finn a traitor and fights him with a baton in the aforementioned battle before being killed by Han Solo.[9][11]
  • Snowtroopersare first seen onStarkiller BaseinThe Force Awakens.They wear specialized armor and gear that let them operate effectively in icy conditions. Snowtroopers carry a backpack-style personal environment unit and wear insulated helmets with glare-reducing slit lenses, gloves, a kama, and a heat-resistant body glove beneath an oversuit of wind-resistant fabric. Snowtrooper teams scouted the planet that once housed Starkiller Base, eliminating native life forms that posed a potential threat.[65]
  • Executioner Troopers,introduced inThe Last Jedi(2017), are a branch ofmilitary policespecialists specifically founded to dispense final justice toward stormtroopers who are found guilty of treason. They are outfitted with BL-155 Laser axes used for execution and are distinguished by the black markings on their armor.[66]InThe Last Jedi,a pair of executioner troopers attempt to execute Finn andRose Tico.[67]
  • Jet Troopersare first seen onPasaanainThe Rise of Skywalker(2019). They are equipped with agile rocket packs that they use to soar into battle.[68]Jet troopers specialize in aerial and space operations.
  • Treadspeeder driversare seen on Pasaana inThe Rise of Skywalker.Reminiscent of the Imperial scout troopers, they are outfitted with lighter armor and specialize in riding speeder bikes; in this case, the 125-Z treadspeeder bike, from which they take their name.[69]
  • Electropod troopersare featured inThe Rise of Skywalker.They are outfitted with electrical staffs called "electropods", but are otherwise identical to the standard First Order stormtroopers. They are primarily used to guard prisoners.
  • Raiders,featured inStar Wars Resistance,are an elite variant of First Order stormtroopers that specialize in hunting, especially relic hunting. They are mainly used by Supreme LeaderKylo Renin his search for Sith relics.[70]
  • SCUBA troopers,featured inStar Wars Resistance,specialize in underwater operations. They are outfitted with underwater blasters,flippers,and a breathing apparatus.[71]
  • Tech stormtroopers,featured inStar Wars Resistance,specialize in extracting, decrypting, and analyzing data fromdroidmemory cores or other sources.[72]
  • Walker Driversare stormtroopers trained to operate the First Order's walker vehicles, including the All-Terrain Armoured Transport, All-Terrain MegaCaliber Six, and All-Terrain Heavy Hauler. They wear armour akin to that of the regular First Order stormtrooper or snowtrooper, with a grey jumpsuit and grey marking on their helmets.

Sith Eternal variants

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  • Sith Troopersare introduced inThe Rise of Skywalker.Loyal only to the Sith Eternal, the resurrected Emperor Palpatine's secretSithcult, these elite stormtroopers make up most of the Sith Eternal's military. As the next evolution of stormtroopers, Sith Troopers were raised by the Sith Eternal onExegolto be the perfect soldiers, and outfitted with highly impact-resistant armor and better equipment than the First Order stormtroopers. They are distinguished by their bright red armor, which feature a slightly more textured pattern, although the overall design is reminiscent of pastclone troopers.[73]Sith Troopers draw their power and inspiration from the ancient Sith Order, with their armor's color meant to be reminiscent of the Sith's red lightsaber and strike fear into the hearts of their enemies.
  • Sith Trooper Officersare trained to command squads of Sith Troopers. Their armor is outfitted with advanced sensor technology.
  • Sith Jet Troopersare outfitted with jet packs. They closely resemble the First Order jet troopers, but are outfitted with red armor like the standard Sith Troopers.
  • Sovereign Protectorsserve as the resurrected Emperor Palpatine's elite bodyguards on Exegol. Outfitted with red armor and full-body capes, they are reminiscent of the oldEmperor's Royal Guard,but carry two-pronged blaster rifles instead offorce pikes.WithinStar Wars Legendsmaterial, Sovereign Protectors are the most elite variant of Imperial Guards.

Cultural impact

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See also:Cultural impact of Star Wars

Stormtroopers have becomecultural icons,and a widely recognized element of theStar Warsfranchise.[74]In 2015, an Imperial stormtrooper helmet fromThe Empire Strikes Backthat was expected to sell at auction for $92,000[75]sold for $120,000.[76]In 2019, a team of biologists named a new genus of Colombian spiders,Stormtropis,after the stormtroopers,[77]noting the spiders, like the fictional soldiers, are "very similar to each other, with some capacity for camouflage but with unskillful movements".[78]Stormtroopers also appear as cosmetic outfits inFortnite.[79]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^Later titledStar Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope

References

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