How to Play Star Wars Legion? Basic Guide for Beginners

If you’re a Star Wars fan and enjoy miniature games, Star Wars: Legion is the perfect game for you. With easy-to-learn mechanics and a high level of replayability, it guarantees hours of fun.

Want to know the basics of the game? Don’t miss this guide we’ve prepared for newcomers!

What is Star Wars Legion?

Star Wars: Legion is a tabletop miniature game for two players that lets you command the most iconic forces from the cinematic saga created by George Lucas across a variety of exciting scenarios.

In other words, it’s a strategic game where you build your own army and engage in epic ground battles with troops, vehicles, and iconic characters.

Is it only for two players?

While the game is designed primarily for two players, the official rules can be adapted for more players in the following ways:

- Team Battles: Larger, more tactical battles with teams of players.

- Narrative Matches: Create story-driven scenarios where each player controls a specific faction or unit.

- Alternative Modes: Expand beyond two players for massive battles with additional rules.

What do you need to play Star Wars Legion?

The basic set is essential—it includes miniatures for two factions, dice, movement templates, and more.

However, you’re not limited to the core set. You can expand your collection with:

- Additional units, vehicles, and commanders.

- Terrain packs to enrich your battles.

- Scenery and miniatures designed by artists, which you can paint and customize to your liking.

How to Start Playing Star Wars Legion?

Let’s cover the basics you need to know:

What are points, and how are they used?

To ensure a fair and balanced match, players agree on a point limit before starting.

These points represent the total value of your troops. For example, a standard match on a 90x180 cm board usually involves 800 points.

Each unit has a point cost reflecting its combat strength, durability, or special abilities. For instance, Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker cost 200 points each.

Upgrades, such as specialized soldiers or additional effects, also consume points—so keep that in mind when building your army.

How are troops categorized?

Troops are divided into the following categories, each represented by an icon:

- Commander: 1 or 2 units.

- Corps: 3 to 6 basic troop units.

- Special Forces: Up to 3 units (not included in the base set, sold separately).

- Support: Up to 3 units.

- Heavy: Up to 2 units.

Which troops should you use for your first match?

Start with a basic army list. Prebuilt lists are readily available and ensure balanced gameplay. As you grow familiar with the game, experiment with different combinations to suit your playstyle.

How to Decide the Mission?

First, select the mission, environment, and weather conditions. While you can agree on these, it’s more engaging to take turns eliminating cards until only one remains for each category.

What Are Command Cards?

Each faction has 7 command cards that determine initiative and activate effects or abilities for your troops.

How do they work?

1.      At the start of each round, both players select a command card.

2.      The cards are revealed simultaneously.

3.      The player with the lowest card value gains initiative and decides who activates their troops first.

The activation phase begins, triggering the card’s specific effects, such as extra movement, additional attacks, or unit buffs.

What types of effects do command cards have?

- Temporarily boost unit attributes like movement, aim, or defense.

- Enable unique actions such as flanking, surprise attacks, or charges.

- Influence enemy behavior, forcing retreats or suppressing actions.

- Support specific units or commanders with extra bonuses.

How to choose the best command card?

The player with the lowest card value gets the initiative, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the best card to play.

Plan ahead and choose the card that aligns with your strategy for the round. For example, if your card has a value of 5 and your opponent’s is 2, they’ll act first, and you won’t activate your units until they finish.

The key is not to play the lowest value but the most strategic card for your objectives.

How Do Attacks Work in Star Wars Legion?

Here’s a step-by-step summary of the attack process:

1.      Activate a unit and declare an attack against one or more enemy units within weapon range.

2.      Choose the target units.

3.      Apply attack modifiers such as aim, cover, or command card effects, which adjust hit probabilities.

4.      Roll dice:

- The attacker rolls attack dice to determine hits, misses, or criticals.

- The defender rolls defense dice to block or evade damage.

5.      If a unit takes more damage than its wound value, it is eliminated.

Factors Influencing Attacks:

- Accuracy: Each unit has an aim stat determining its hit probability.

- Weapon Range: Attacks beyond weapon range reduce hit chances.

- Cover: Obstacles, elevated positions, or terrain provide defensive bonuses.

- Special Abilities: Some units or command cards modify attack outcomes.

- Damage Types: Certain units are more resistant to specific damage types (e.g., energy or bullets).

Factors Influencing Defense:

- Saves: Units roll defense dice; results equal to or higher than the defense stat negate damage.

- Cover: Terrain like rocks or buildings adds defense bonuses.

- Special Abilities: Skills like armor or fire dispersion reduce or nullify damage.

- Command Cards: Defensive bonuses may prioritize survival over attack.

Learn and Master the Game

Like any strategy game, you’ll improve with practice. For beginners, follow the army-building suggestions in the instructions or use prebuilt lists. Gradually adjust your troops to fit your playstyle.

Over time, you’ll not only enjoy the gameplay but also find joy in collecting and painting miniatures, creating a personalized army for unforgettable battles.