The clash on Rugosa, alternatively referred to as the Rugosa Ambush, unfolded during the Clone Wars on the moon of Rugosa. The Galactic Republic's objective was the establishment of a strategic foothold to oppose the Confederacy of Independent Systems within the Outer Rim Territories. This endeavor bore fruit, as the Jedi's valiant efforts deeply impressed Katuunko, the Toydarian king, leading him to pledge allegiance.
Prior to the Rugosa mission, Katuunko had previously engaged with the Republic, secretly aiding in the delivery of aid to the Twi'leks of Ryloth amidst the Battle of Ryloth. He arrived on the neutral moon aboard his yacht, the Thief's Eye, accompanied by two Toydarian Guard members. While awaiting the delayed arrival of the Jedi, they were taken aback by the arrival of Separatist commander Asajj Ventress, dispatched by her master, Count Dooku, to sway the king towards the Separatist cause. Dooku orchestrated an ambush of the Republic cruiser carrying the Republic envoy, Jedi Master Yoda and several clones of the Coruscant Guard, with two frigates to demonstrate the Jedi's weakness. However, Yoda reached the moon's surface via escape pod, prompting the Separatists to propose a trial by combat. Ventress would deploy her elite forces to capture the Jedi, with the outcome determining Katuunko's allegiance. Despite Katuunko's reservations, Yoda accepted the challenge, and the king insisted on a fair contest. Ventress agreed, concealing her intention to deploy a full battalion of droids and tanks to capture Yoda. Under the command of 224, the droid forces located the Republic delegation, but the moon's extensive coral hindered tank movement. Droid patrols advanced on foot, easily falling to the clones and Jedi, though a squad of B2-series super battle droids forced a retreat, with one injuring Lieutenant Thire before Yoda swiftly eliminated them. Throughout this, King Katuunko maintained communication with Yoda, until Ventress, in anger, destroyed his communicator, vowing to prevent the Jedi's escape.
Yoda then confronted the main force, single-handedly dismantling droids and tanks using only his lightsaber, including 224 himself. Upon learning of 224's destruction and Katuunko's faith in the Jedi, Ventress violated the challenge's terms by deploying droidekas. The clones, amused by Yoda's display, noticed the incoming droidekas and devised a plan as Yoda destroyed the last tank. Utilizing their remaining rocket, they collapsed a cliff face onto the droidekas, securing victory.
Katuunko, having decided, contacted Dooku, declaring his intention to align with the Republic, citing his refusal to associate with those who broke their word, as Ventress had done. Dooku, deciding that negotiations would be more fruitful with Katuunko's successor, spitefully ordered Ventress to assassinate the king. Katuunko's guards attempted to defend him, but Ventress deflected their shots, Force-pushed them aside, and moved to strike with her lightsabers. However, Yoda halted the blades inches from Katuunko's head, and the clones swiftly dealt with Ventress' droids. Despite Ventress' proclaimed fearlessness, Yoda disarmed her with the Force, advising surrender. Instead, Ventress detonated pre-planted explosives, destroying the king's yacht and escaping as Yoda protected himself and his allies from the debris. With Ventress gone, Katuunko declared negotiations unnecessary, presenting Yoda with his ceremonial sword, marking Toydaria's entry into the Republic as a Republic cruiser arrived to extract them.
The Rugosa Ambush debuted in "Ambush," the inaugural episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars' first season, broadcasted on October 3, 2008. The ambush was later identified as the thirty-eighth issue of the Star Wars Helmet Collection magazine series, published by De Agostini in 2017.