Droideka/Legends

"We have them on the run, sir&hellip; they're no match for droidekas."

- Rune Haako

Droidekas ("droideka" being a compound word combining the Basic word "droid" with the Colicoid suffix eka, meaning "hireling" or "drone"), also called destroyer droids, were a type of battle droid used by the Trade Federation and the Confederacy of Independent Systems.

Description


They were more formidable than the Federation's more numerous B1 battle droids for several reasons. They were able to transform into a wheel-like configuration, allowing rapid movement and compact storage. When they encountered their targets, the bronzium-armored droids would unfold into a tripodal weapons platform, equipped with powerful, built-in twin blasters and often personal shield generators. These shield generators were somewhat powerful, capable of deflecting or absorbing any manner of blaster weaponry up to a light artillery bolt, as well as lightsaber blades. Additionally, the effectiveness of these droids was bolstered by the lack of true photoreceptors; instead, droidekas utilized non-visual composite radiation sensors, less likely to be distracted by mere light-based trickery.

The original design was made by the insectoid Colicoids of Colla IV, who were displeased by the limitations of Baktoid Combat Automata's basic B1s, and chiefly manufactured there. The Trade Federation used trading in rare meats as a way to ease bargaining with the ravenously carnivorous Colicoids, and were able to get special rates on these normally very costly droids. Before the Federation's defeat at the Battle of Naboo, these droids were usually slaved to a central computer. This technique fell out of favor in the aftermath of said battle.



After the Trade Federation joined the Confederacy of Independent Systems, droidekas became mass-produced in Separatist droid foundries and were a common element of Confederacy armies.

At the end of the Clone Wars, the droidekas were de-activated after Darth Vader's execution of the Separatist Council under Emperor Palpatine's orders.

The remaining droidekas were purchased by the Corporate Sector and other organizations. By the time of the Yuuzhan Vong War, a few system security forces still utilized droidekas. Droidekas were also used by colonies on undeveloped worlds in Wild Space as perimeter guards at night to guard against native predators.



Due to the strength of their blasters and their built-in shields, droidekas proved to be a serious threat to Jedi, especially when in groups. A few years before the Yuuzhan Vong War, Luke and Mara Jade Skywalker encountered a droideka onboard the remains of the Outbound Flight Dreadnaughts. Even though it was decades old and not operating at its best, the two still had a difficult time defeating it. However, this version had some interesting additions, one of which was the ability to fire its blasters while in rolling configuration.

At least one derived design would see action on the battlefields of the Galactic Civil War. This model had four, stubby legs and more guns than the Separatist models.

Design flaws


Despite being a formidable droid, the droideka had one major design flaw. Its shield was designed to enclose the droideka in a standing position, but if the droid was to be knocked on its side or against a wall, the shield would have no way of distinguishing the wall or floor from a blaster rifle or lightsaber. This meant that the shield generator had to continue supplying energy to the shield, resulting in an overload. The shorted-out shield generator would leave the droideka defenseless.

Droidekas also had a hard time climbing up stairs. In their rolling configuration, they would have to go back quite a bit and then speed up, launching themselves up the stairs. They could also try to transverse stairs in walking configuration, although it was extremely hard for them to coordinate their three legs on stairs.

Additionally, there were limits when a droideka could fire at a target. If the target got very close to it, the droideka would miss its shots because its blaster arms were spread out.

Droideka series
There were three known series of droidekas. They were outwardly similar; the differences were most likely internal.
 * The P-series droideka was used in the Blockade of Naboo in 32 BBY.
 * The W-series droideka was used in the Battle of Geonosis in 22 BBY.
 * The Q-series droideka was used aboard Invisible Hand in 19 BBY.

Movie crictism
Many fans have observed how Droidekas were exeucuted in the movies from Episodes 1 to 3. In Episode 1, many concluded droidekas appeared in correct number because this was LucasFilm's attempt in creating a complex model. When Obi-Wan and Qui-Jon first batttled, then they quickly escaped from them. This part leaves in question if droidekas are meant to quickly let the story continue faster.

In Episode II, many were surprised that the droidekas did not fight along side with the other droids when they marched directly towards Dooku. One evidence points out when Nute Gunray said "We must send all avaiable droids into battle". Also, a droideka instantly damage Obi-Wan which seems awkward but correct because of how movies are supposed to run. Also, when Anakin is defenseless and is surrounded by droidekas, he does nothing but surrender. Many quesiton what Anakin would've really done since he is known to keep on fighting until all else fails. Some speculate he would've used the Force but because George Lucas wants his movies to move on to next the important scene, the concept may have been cut out.

In Episode III, critics noticed only 3 droidekas appeared near General Kenobi in Utapau when 4 Magnaguards were there as well. Critics also believe the main reason for the few appearances of droidekas are they are difficult to animate since they're completely different from other droids seen from the Star Wars movies. Another reason may be George Lucas simply did not want them in numerous or he didn't have time since his main concentration was the Anakin/Padme story.

Behind the scenes
The name "droideka" may be derived from the French phrase "Droïd de casse", meaning "breaking droid".

Appearances



 * Cloak of Deception
 * Marked
 * Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
 * Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds
 * Star Wars: Battlefront
 * Star Wars: Obi-Wan
 * Star Wars Republic: Twilight
 * Star Wars Republic: The Hunt for Aurra Sing
 * Jedi Power Battles
 * Outbound Flight
 * Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
 * Star Wars: Battlefront II
 * Galactic Battlegrounds: Clone Campaigns
 * Star Wars Republic 50: The Battle of Kamino
 * Star Wars: Republic Commando
 * The Cestus Deception
 * Star Wars: Clone Wars
 * "Chapter 9"
 * "Chapter 23"
 * Honor Bound
 * Bailed Out
 * Reversal of Fortune
 * Brothers in Arms
 * Labyrinth of Evil
 * Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
 * LEGO Star Wars: Revenge of the Brick
 * LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game
 * Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader
 * The Last of the Jedi: A Tangled Web
 * Evasive Action: Prey
 * Star Wars: Empire at War: Forces of Corruption
 * Survivor's Quest