The most OVERLOOKED walker? AT-RT "Frog Walker" COMPLETE Breakdown

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The AT-RT is the often overlooked walker used by the Republic during the Clone Wars. See why the frog walker was so vital to the Grand Army of the Republic and how it lived on long after the rise of the Empire, as well as comparisons to the AT-TE, AT-AT and other Star Wars walkers.
written by James Wollschlager
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[@tcuegonbear]

Cool factor aside (which I'm not discounting; they are cool), I just have a hard time seeing what role these fill that some sort of light speeder couldn't fill better.

[@MetaNerdzLore]

Great point I should have pointed that out, these could get through shields. The main reason for walkers in general

[@Nintendoggy]

Some speeder bikes have troubles with their repulsors and they can't really "jump". I imagine these walkers are more maneuverable than bikes, can flank enemies easier, and leap over obstacles swiftly.

[@tallonmetroids271]

Walkers have less issues with trees...

[@omega13whitelucario95]

​​@@Nintendoggyot to mention these can go into places speeders can't like narrow canons or maze like areas Edit: also just thought of this, calvary style charges would be easier as they can just leap over any fallen walkers With speeder bikes it's Liable to cause multiple crashes from one going down

[@Toon_Lucario]

They can walk through shields, go through thinner urban environments, and they seem to be more maneuverable as opposed to a speeder’s purely front based speed

[@Rumbletheimp2]

I’ve never in my life heard the At-rt referred to as a “Frog Walker” before now

[@paulsteinhauser434]

As I said this is why the Rebel Alliance is never done right. They were resourceful had good weapons and had republic and cis vehicles. So they did have powerful armored vehicles.

[@brockgundich]

Yeah, their strengths lies in their infantry and starfighters but their tanks were no push overs the T series tanks were amazing

[@paulsteinhauser434]

@@brockgundich that's what I'm saying. The Alliance had powerful ground vehicles so its not always a one sided fight.

[@Gencrossbones]

​@@paulsteinhauser434I'll be honest I prefer an AT RT than an AT ST

[@paulsteinhauser434]

@@Gencrossbones who wouldn't faster, lighter, and can work in tight corners. That's a good combination.

[@Gencrossbones]

@@paulsteinhauser434 yep compared to the AT-ST and AT-DP which is ridiculously easy to spot and destroy the AT-RT can easily run ring around those two medium sized walkers and destroy them all.

[@CJ-du3wm]

loved these in BF2. They would have been PERFECT if they could jump like in The Clone Wars

[@spirituskitsune]

They do jump if you come to a ledge or something, but they do feel way too sluggish

[@inductivegrunt94]

Really loved these nimble walkers. They were really cool, and the classic 2005 Battlefront AT-RT was a favorite version of the walker of mine. Even if they were incredibly vulnerable, especially to snipers, they are still really cool and really fun walkers.

[@igncom1]

I have no issues with a scout vehicle at all, but seeing them be used in combat makes me wince. They are there to give you intel and vision through the fog of war, not to act as attack units!

[@garettcastle2335]

Designed intent versus commanders' use of them always seem to modify its doctrine: M2 Bradley (Cav Scouts) AH-6, OH-58, 1/4 Ton Jeep, etc.... Commanders strapping machine guns and rockets to recon vehicles goes way back.

[@MetaNerdzLore]

Lol all things are possible with the force (and plot armor)

[@undraftedboomer5055]

Yeah, they look goofy everytime. They're great as pure scouting vehicles, but they are far from an effective frontline walker. With that in mind, you can see how it transitioned into the ATST. Keeping most of that scouting capability whilst dramatically increasing its value on the frontlines. Still has a full sensor sweet + variety of weaponry.

[@thomasallison3169]

I would agree with you if they were used like heavy tanks but they are still used as quick evasive

[@TazyBaby]

@@garettcastle2335 don’t forget about bazooka Charlie. Man got like 7 tank kills in World War II by duct taping bazookas to a Cessna

[@grum7140]

The AT-RT in battlefront 2 (2017) is extremely fun! While not as good as the tanks, they can maneuver down tight hallways and in urban landscape much better than larger vehicles. With their height advantage, they make excellent back line support that shoots over the front lines and can quickly get away when things get too hot. Absolutely love their design!

[@cybercat3113]

They were way more powerful in beta. I still miss them.

[@palpadur1112]

always enjoyed using the AT-RT in Battlefront 2 for the ps2, lots of firepower on a small frame. those are some dangerous frog legs.

[@MetaNerdzLore]

Yeah I didn't remember how slow it was just the launcher

[@artel6225]

Informative, I'd seen the toys in my nephew's toy bin but didn't know that's what they were called. Thanks MN

[@robblincoln2152]

As much as I love the AT-RT, I have to say my overall favorite is the Clone Personal Walker. It was armored and more heavily armed, although admittedly not as fast or nimble. I would love to see a more advanced (prototype?) CPW with built in droid copilot/navigator/gunner and a fully turreted weapon system. In fact just such a device has been fully integrated into several of my own “head cannon” story arcs.

[@Obiwan7100]

The Prequels have the most interesting Star Wars ships/vehicles

[@MetaNerdzLore]

for sure

[@DarthSimonAnimations]

yup

[@DarthSimonAnimations]

It sucks how the sequals basically copied the original trilogy unlike the prequals that actually used new ideas

[@Bionickpunk]

@@DarthSimonAnimations I rather if the sequels made new designs that looked cool instead of aping both OT and Prequels. The bombers were quite stupid.

[@DarthSimonAnimations]

@@Bionickpunk Good point

[@tallonmetroids271]

I mean, it's basically the UNSC Warthog of the Clone Wars. It's fast, surprisingly nimble, can hit hard, and works best in packs. What's not to love?

[@the_grifinator1161]

The 2005 Lego AT-RT was my first lego star wars set. This is by far my favorite walker.

[@techticianlarsproductions6180]

And now my favorite walker as well!

[@BleachFan9891]

I love using the AT-RT In Battlefront 2 on my PS2, especially on the Mygeeto mission

[@nicholaswalsh4462]

As a reconnaissance platform, the AT-RT is rather like horse cavalry: not a good idea in the face of artillery and automatic weapons. Reconnaissance is more than just wandering about looking for the enemy. It involves observing the enemy as well as determining their capabilities by fighting for information. This is why IRL militaries tend to employ armored vehicles in scout units, often variations of IFVs or APCs.

[@joshk96]

Always loved them, I had like 3 of the original lego ones

[@undraftedboomer5055]

Always thought these things were kinda dumb. I get its great at reconnaissance, but fighting on the frontlines? No. I always thought the ATST was an actual improvement, adding protection, a sensor sweet, and a variety of powerful weapons while keeping its speed and relative agility.

[@northernseeker1822]

They can move through the shields and are small. They're for flanking defensive locations in a combined arms offensive. And yeah they're mainly for recon.

[@undraftedboomer5055]

@@northernseeker1822 okay yeah it could prob do that, but there are way better vehicles for that. The ATRT is poorly designed for combat. The BARC speeder bike is a better reconnaissance. The cannon on the ATRT is really only pratical against light vehicles but the driver is so exposed, and I don't buy this thing realistically juming over incoming laser fire and explsoions. Its only good for transportation is what I am saying The TX130 would do great at flanking enemy defenses. While not super durable, it can deal out damage and be in and out. Now the saber and BARC can't go through particle shields, but I don't think thats a super common issue. Could be wrong, but I'll take almost any other light vehicle over this thing, repulsorlift or walker.

[@captainseabass874]

Another excellent MetaNerdz breakdown?! He never fails

[@jenniferstewarts4851]

in truth in think the cannon should have been cyberslaved to the pilots helmet with a thumb controlled "lock" gyrostablization mode, meaning the pilot could look at the target and the cannon would point in that direction then when the point of aim is on target the pilot hits the thub button and the cannon locks there allowing for accurate concentrated repeat shots on 1 location dispite the units bouncing and weaving.

[@reddeaddude2187]

Imagine an entire division of AT-RTs piloted by Jedi... led by Yoda, Mace, Obi-Wan, Anakin, Plo Koon, Kit Fisto, etc

[@wickerbotterthewizard707]

While the comparison to speeders makes these walkers seem sluggish for what armor and weaponry they offer, there's another comparison that paints these mini-walkers in a better light, mechanical exo-suits. A traditional exo-suit or mechanically powered suit of armor takes a significant amount of time to either equip or remove whereas the AT-RT is incredibly easy and quick to mount and dismount. An exo-suit might offer more direct protection from incoming fire depending on its armor placement but an AT-RT give 3 meters of mechanical legs between its pilot and landmines any pilot would be unfortunate to encounter. Those 3 meter legs also come in real handy when crossing bodies of water when a person sized mechanical suit would just take a pilot to the bottom to drown. With the walker's powered legs it gives incredible maneuvering that mechanical suits would be clearly outmatched in speed with the AT-RT's huge strides. In summary an AT-RT isn't supposed to outmatch other walkers but it does outperform most droids or mechanically enhanced infantry really well.

[@DoctorBored357]

I like the AT-RT because it's essentially a robot emu with handlebars lmao

[@MetaNerdzLore]

Lol dammit I can't unsee that 😅

[@pyeitme508]

​@@MetaNerdzLoredxxx EMUs!

[@rosiehawtrey]

More like a Cassowary..

[@angerfistzalig]

Man literally called Yoda a wise muppet LOL

[@stars9084]

Excellent breakdown as always

[@AdamTehranchiYT]

Something I just noticed in your video is that from some angles the body of the vehicle looks like a Mandalorian helmet makes me wonder if it's intentional or if there is a way to use that for something. Perhaps a RPG where the computer (which honestly should be pretty advanced) is upgraded to full droid status and goes bounty hunting or some such.

[@xxechoesxx420]

Love your content dude. Amazing stuff homie!!

[@stijnVDA1994]

It's also seen in the battlefront 2 campaign in a usable version

[@jesseventura3576]

Great video! Very informative!

[@kajn3206]

I quite liked using it in star wars legion with a flamethrower

[@jeffreycarman2185]

Great video!

[@Mrbillythegrim]

Love the videos. 10/10 channel find

[@HankyInTheTanky]

The All Terrain walkers of Star Wars are always neat, well any used by the GAR or GE. Not a fan of the FOs myself, would love to see a video done on the AT-AC from the bad batch if there’s enough info on it.

[@demian_csomic_winters9484]

I just realized that Anakin lightsaber looks to have cut up a probably still armed mine of some form which would have risked it going off from the light sabers heat? And if they are just going to cut it up, why remove it's interface plate you cut three other parts of the same material, so just cut it if it's safe to do so?

[@shanenolan5625]

Thanks

[@macwelch8599]

Oh, now I recognize those things. I never knew their name

[@DanBen07]

4:44 BEA Could be to do with the original holiday special which stars actress Bea Arthur. She did die 25 April 2009. They could have put it there as a tribute. But it might not add up with dates and when it was made. There are two Legends characters with this name: Bea, the wife of Madel Wharen./ Bea, a Human female living on Cloud City. Maybe it's initials for something or its another personal reason that the people who make the show put it there for.

[@justicetaylor3050]

Oo! I had that green Lego set of this vehicle. With the top slop piece with the outward spike shape.

[@janwitts2688]

Would have expected at least a personal shield installed for the rider..

[@FuzDoesStuff]

No armor = best armor

[@midgetydeath]

I'm pretty sure those guys riding the AT-RT are not ARCs. ARCs wear very distinctive gear and the helmet is totally different from any other ARC we've ever seen. Those are Scout Troopers. At best they are what the Empire called "Storm Commandos", which are a type of elite Scout Trooper, but still not ARCs, who were used to instigate uprisings on enemy worlds, suppress dissent on Imperial worlds, and come behind the main forces to hold ground and destroy enemy holdouts.

[@Ed.Arthur]

Meyeeahhh! Fantastic value for size and effectiveness

[@ShiftersMidnightsun]

B E A Breakthrough Encircle Assault At least, that's my best guess anyway

[@mathieugervais501]

at-rt is 1 of my favorit vehicul

[@yokaiou5848]

My guess its a callback to the Holiday Special. With Bea Arthur

[@theromanorder]

Please do some new republic ships like the nebula...

[@Shmeegsify]

Is there a video about that 3 legged walker?

[@midgetydeath]

What you said about the wookies being enslaved is inaccurate if I remember correctly. They rebelled as a species all together, which is why they were punished as a species. Don't know if that's a fair punishment or not, but at the same time I do understand that if you, as a community, stick your necks out then you don't really have a place to complain if it gets chopped off.

[@Ed.Arthur]

Moar like forward assault walkers. Spearheading battles

[@seanahmed9079]

How was it overlooked. It is ALL OVER the Clone Wars

[@skeletonman142]

I’m not trying to be rude but could you make a species video on the nagai I think that would be cool

[@GroundGame.]

BEA it's time to Recon. 😉

[@catbert2412]

So why did they use walkers instead of hover vehicles? Was there some advantage or were they just cheaper to produce?

[@MetaNerdzLore]

I think I mention at the end, I go into a bunch of detail in the at-te vid, but yeah hover repels against shields

[@zelot113]

Another GR75 video!!!!

[@MetaNerdzLore]

Yeah I should so that soon

[@user-yq9im9dk9z]

4:33 bro already sounding like Vader

[@deeznustincorporated332]

BEA might stand for Best Engaging Armor

[@royboley5510]

Don't shame those troopers, they have a thing for Bea Auther❤😂

[@three56]

Was Up Guys

[@MetaNerdzLore]

Wazzzzup

[@isaackim7675]

Imagine a Star Wars version of John Wick riding that bad boy of a walker?

[@user-jj5ni5sw5b]

I want one for my daily commute. Why can't I have one?!

[@DanBen07]

I had a toy one around the time of episode 3 Revenge of the Sith. You press this button on it and it walks around.

[@TazyBaby]

How the hell is in ATTE twice the price of an ATAT?

[@openfly4u]

4:43 No one gonna tell him that it`s because walkers are bae (bea) however the kids say it.

[@CloneScavengerVulpin8389]

The empire probably wished they had some of these at the battle of endor. And maybe grand admiral thrawn will get his hands on some AT-RTs in the ahsoka show, maybe.

[@tk-6967]

Why? They would have been even easier targets for the Ewoks to ambush and commandeer their tanks.

[@CloneScavengerVulpin8389]

@@tk-6967 unless the pilots are quick enough to dodge them.

[@tk-6967]

@@CloneScavengerVulpin8389 They were ambushed, and with the added height the Ewoks would have easily targeted them first.

[@CloneScavengerVulpin8389]

@@tk-6967 but at least at-rt's have the benefit of being able to jump over some of the traps.

[@tk-6967]

@@CloneScavengerVulpin8389 The traps wouldn't have even been needed, they would have just been picked off by the archers or spear throwers.

[@colinmiller-radest658]

"...Zygerrian scum..." Any Clone Wars fan hates the Zygerrians, for obvious reasons. I do find it interesting, though, that Star Wars in general has the moral lesson that all species are great in their own way and deserve to be treated as equals. At the same time, a lot of Star Wars media portrays many species as single minded. The Zygerrians as slavers, Neimoidians as cowardly/greedy, the Ewoks as noble and innocent, Jawas as thieves. I've noticed this before, but I am finally curious enough to ask, does anyone have an IN UNIVERSE reason for this? How heroes can call for equal rights while, in universe, certain species are portrayed as inherently and undeniably evil? (This is not true in the real world, but the Star Wars universe does seem to say some people are born inherently bad)

[@tk-6967]

I think that the ATRT is honestly overrated rather than underrated. The scene which it is arguably most famous for is where the republic destroys a large number of AATs with 0 casualties. This is just Dave Filoni as usual omitting the AATs missiles from Episode 1, which are clearly homing and were able to lock onto Gungan cavalry in the Battle of Naboo. Had the CIS used these missiles, Mace and Lightning Squadron would have been killed. The only context in which I see ATRTs being of any use is in combat against the Galactic Empire due to the Tarkin doctrine, and even then on more backwater worlds the Empire still had decent vehicles which could potentially take out ATRT drivers with their anti infantry turrets.

[@Chisszaru]

Ah yes, the walker that literally saved jedi and clones when they needed a fast escape. I still go for the bigger walkers. It's too small for me, and besides, i'm probably too heavy, at my 120 kg weight

[@omega13whitelucario95]

Tbh it probably has a decent enough weight limit The main issue would probably be depending on ones build if they would fit in it Such as bulk and height Like a Wookiee or Dexs species would probably not be able to ride one of these things comfortably Though I'm with ya, I'd rather have something like an ATTE to be in

[@Chisszaru]

@@omega13whitelucario95 I'm quite a tall, wide and heavy guy, so i personally wouldn't fit, and because i'm 6'1" tall, and built like a WWE wrestler or like a sumo wrestler, i'm that wide between my shoulders, and i have the weight to be in the heavy weight class, because my weight is 263 ibs, or 120 kg in the metric system, so yeah, i would have a hard time to fit an AT-RT. It's generally why i go towards heavier and bigger vehicles like the AT-TE

[@omega13whitelucario95]

@Chisszaru yeah that vehicle is not for you, it would be an uncomfortable ride I would imagine And that makes sense

[@BansheeNT-D]

Ahh the Snipers dream.

[@pyeitme508]

Plus dream for Marksmen & Sharpshooters.

[@derrickstorm6976]

The Chick walker??

[@jedimaster197]

AT-RT is like a atv/quad of star wars.. Its small and gets were you need to go off road..

[@tallonmetroids271]

I'd say more like a Humvee or the Warthog from Halo. It's fast, but can also deal out some damage, and has enough armor to take a surprising amount of damage on the way.

[@jedimaster197]

Fair point, though a humvee, etc is way bigger then a quad. Specially the cockpit of the at-rt reminds me of a quad for the size.

[@esotericbingus5902]

CHICKEN WALKER

[@wanderlegion]

The most OVERLOOKED walker? more like most dumb of them, no armour no shield all balls

[@garettcastle2335]

When you have balls the size of boulders, who needs armor?

[@wanderlegion]

@@garettcastle2335 tell that to EVERY clone boy dyed on this droideka wannabe

[@EmmettShaw-yo9sw]

war rob

[@Juan_Sanchez-Vililobos_Ramirez]

Honestly, one of the coolest AT variants.

[@ajm2872]

I get why they're cool, but there's nothing they can do that a speeder can't do better.