R2-D3 served as one of the astromech droids stationed on the planet D'Qar. Due to a malfunction suffered by R6-D8 just prior to the Battle of Starkiller Base, R2-D3 stepped in to fulfill the role of Temmin Wexley's astromech companion during the engagement.
The initial appearance of R2-D3 occurred within the video game titled LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens. He was presented as one of three alternate build choices, together with Q7 and R4-P44, offered as replacements for R6-D8 in the position of Temmin Wexley's astromech droid.