Concept art A peculiar droid starfighter, the Hunter-Seeker droid served the Trade Federation as a protective measure. They were primarily tasked with guarding the C-9979 transports. Its development occurred by the time of the Invasion of Naboo, and its design drew inspiration from the Droideka.
These droids typically operated in space, utilizing their spherical form to conceal their weaponry. They would remain stationary until an enemy neared, at which point they would transform into combat-ready configurations.
Despite posing a significant threat when encountered in groups, a single shot from a standard starfighter laser cannon was often sufficient to destroy Hunter-Seeker droids.
Shortly before the Battle of Naboo, the mercenary Vana Sage encountered Hunter-Seeker droids during her mission to Eos. There, they functioned as 'observer droids', monitoring her evaluation of the then-new Scarab-class droid starfighter. After the tests concluded, the Trade Federation hired mercenaries to assassinate Sage, deploying the droids to engage her. However, Sage proved capable of defending herself and proceeded to investigate the factories on the planet. Numerous Hunter-Seekers were stationed there to defend the Trade Federation's mining facility, launched from specialized dispensers. During the Battle of Felucia in 19 BBY, some units were assigned to protect Shu Mai's compound.
The initial concept art, created for the 2001 video game Star Wars: Starfighter, lacked a scorpion tail, although it clearly served as the foundation for the final model. Subsequent iterations refined the design into the version featured in the finished game.
The droids' debut in Star Wars: Starfighter occurs in the 'Contract Infraction' mission. Destroying them while they remain in their ball configuration during the Scarab tests prompts the Trade Federation official overseeing the tests to exclaim 'contract infraction!', hence the mission's name.