We’ve all made jokes about stormtroopers missing their shots—it’s practically a Star Wars tradition at this point.
But have you noticed how the First Order Stormtroopers in the sequel trilogy seem to be a lot more accurate?
They’re not perfect, but compared to the blaster-happy Imperial stormtroopers of the original trilogy, they’re practically sharpshooters.
What’s behind this noticeable improvement? Is it advanced training, better equipment, or something more fundamental? Here’s what I found.
Limited Visibility in Original Stormtrooper Helmets
One of the most memorable moments in Star Wars: A New Hope is when Luke Skywalker, disguised as a stormtrooper, complains, “I can’t see a thing in this helmet.”
This small comment reveals a major flaw in the Empire’s stormtrooper design—limited visibility and poorly optimized helmets.
This flaw wasn’t just a quip from Luke. In Star Wars Rebels, Captain Rex, a seasoned clone trooper, reinforces this idea.
When he dons a stormtrooper helmet, he immediately comments on how impractical it is, saying, “This helmet, I can’t see” The visibility issues meant that stormtroopers were often at a disadvantage in combat situations, unable to properly assess their surroundings or aim effectively.
The First Order, however, addressed this problem. Their trooper helmets were equipped with enhanced optics and heads-up displays, significantly improving situational awareness and targeting accuracy.
This technological upgrade alone put the First Order stormtroopers leaps ahead of their Imperial predecessors, allowing them to operate with precision and efficiency on the battlefield.
The Reason First Order Troopers Outperform Stormtroopers
The First Order troopers stand apart because of their intensive and relentless training regimen. From the moment they’re taken—often as children—they’re thrown into a system designed to shape them into the ultimate soldiers.
Unlike the Empire’s stormtroopers, who were often conscripted later in life, First Order recruits grew up immersed in a world of discipline and combat.
First Order troopers underwent live-fire simulations, sparring sessions, and battle scenarios that pushed them to the edge.
They were taught to adapt and improvise, a skill that Imperial stormtroopers often lacked.
The focus wasn’t just on following orders—it was on figuring out how to accomplish the mission, no matter the obstacles.
Besides combat training, First Order stormtroopers were also trained in basic medical skills, primarily to treat minor injuries like non-fatal blaster wounds.
During their training, it was common for stormtrooper cadets to encourage each other by playfully patting each other on the back.