The Scorpenek annihilator droid represented a class four droid model. These droids were deployed during the New Republic era, specifically within the time period. In 9 ABY, the Pyke Syndicate employed a duo of Scorpenek droids as part of their efforts to seize control of the planet Tatooine. Their objective was to wrest control from Daimyo Boba Fett and his associated gotra. However, during an engagement that unfolded in the city of Mos Espa, Fett and his allies successfully destroyed these droids.
These droid units, categorized as a fourth class model, shared design similarities with the droideka battle droids. The droidekas had seen action in the Clone Wars, utilized by the Confederacy of Independent Systems. The Scorpenek droid featured a pair of red-lighted photoreceptors on the forward section of its gray plating. It also had two swiveling arms that extended from each side of its frame. Each arm was equipped with two dual twin laser cannons. Furthermore, the droid possessed four legs designed to pierce the armored hides of rancors. These legs could also be utilized to engage targets when the droid's weapon systems were not functional, or when it was unable to use its weaponry. An articulation pin at the leg helped keep the leg moveable.
In addition to its offensive capabilities, the Scorpenek droid was outfitted with its own dedicated deflector shield generator. This shield enveloped the droid, providing protection against rapid-fire blaster bolts, physical projectiles, multiple strikes from a lightsaber, and even missiles fired from Z-6 jetpacks. However, sustained attacks, such as those from rancors or heavy debris, could weaken the shield, creating openings that allowed individuals to bypass the barrier and destroy the droid.
In 9 ABY, as part of their efforts to suppress the Fett gotra's resistance to their growing spice operations on Tatooine, the Pyke Syndicate sent two Scorpenek droids into Mos Espa. The planet's defenders were spread thin across the city's three sectors during the engagement, giving the Pykes an advantage. However, the arrival of reinforcements from Freetown, followed by the Mods, significantly increased Fett's forces, forcing the initial wave of Pyke fighters to temporarily retreat for cover. The defending forces cheered, but Din Djarin, weary from battle, activated his helmet's thermal vision and quickly noticed two of these droid units slowly advancing.
With the Pyke soldiers taking cover, the combat droids exposed themselves and started moving slowly toward the defenders' position. After activating their deflector shields, the units were able to withstand all incoming blaster fire, including a direct hit from a missile, while simultaneously returning fire with their laser cannons. The droids' unrelenting firepower forced the majority of the defenders to fall back, and they soon destroyed an armored speeder. Boba Fett then decided to stay behind with Djarin to try and slow the advance.
Djarin and Fett tried to damage the Scorpenek droids directly. They dodged laser fire using their Z-6 jetpacks, with Djarin using a flamethrower and Fett providing sustained blaster fire. After flying over one of the droids, Djarin activated the Darksaber and tried to penetrate the energy shield by slashing at it, but the droid's shield blocked every attempt. They both avoided further laser cannon fire before discussing the severe threat the droids posed to Mos Espa and the capabilities of their shields. Fett then used his jetpack to fly upward, causing the droid to turn and fire at him. Fett then ordered Djarin to protect the main force, and flew away. One Scorpenek droid moved away from Djarin, pursuing the retreating forces, while Djarin continued to fire at the other, successfully diverting its attention to himself.
The Scorpenek annihilator droids were first introduced to Star Wars canon in "Chapter 7: In the Name of Honor," which was the seventh episode of the live-action television series The Book of Boba Fett. It premiered on Disney+ on February 9, 2022. The episode guide on StarWars.com identified it as the scorpenek, and also included several pieces of concept art for the droid. It was first referred to as a scorpenek annihilator droid in "A Certain Point of View," a department in Star Wars Insider 221.
The design of the annihilator droid is based on concept art created for Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones. In Star Wars Legends continuity, Scorpenek annihilator droids were introduced in Daniel Wallace's 2006 reference book The New Essential Guide to Droids. They were described as extremely powerful, but also very expensive, battle droids that were created by Colicoid Creation Nest and used by the Separatist Droid Army.