Discover if Star Wars Legion is the Miniatures Game for You
- Alex Critchell
- Apr 30
- 8 min read
This week, we dive into the thrilling world of Star Wars Legion Second Edition, brought to life by the creative minds at Atomic Mass Games. Imagine commanding your favorite characters from the iconic Star Wars universe as they engage in epic battles right on your tabletop!
This miniature game is, without a doubt, one of my all-time favorites on the market! Over the past four years, I've immersed myself in its captivating world, enjoying every moment whether in casual play or competitive matches to terrain building and painting the models.
Before discovering Star Wars Legion, I explored various games like Warhammer 40,000, Infinity, and Malifaux. While I appreciated the intricate modeling aspects of these games, I always felt something was missing during gameplay. That all changed when I ventured into the galaxy far, far away with Star Wars Legion. Star Wars Legion offers a unique combination of engaging gameplay and satisfying modeling. The thrill of assembling and painting my miniatures is matched only by the excitement of commanding them on the battlefield.
As a massive fan of the Star Wars Universe, the idea of playing a game where I can control characters wielding lightsabers is exhilarating! One of the highlights for me is getting to play as Obi-Wan Kenobi, one of my all-time favorite characters. The ability to bring such iconic figures to life on the tabletop adds an extra layer of excitement to every match. This has resulted in Star Wars Legion truly capturing my heart, combining my love for the Star Wars franchise with an engaging gaming experience.
The Allure of the Star Wars Legion
The main appeal of this game lies in its captivating setting—an expansive universe that has brought joy to countless fans. Whether you fondly remember the epic battles of the original trilogy, where Luke Skywalker bravely faced off against Darth Vader, or if you grew up immersed in the prequels, witnessing Anakin Skywalker clash with Count Dooku, this game encompasses all of that and so much more!
Imagine stepping into the shoes of your favorite characters and recreating iconic battles from the movie universe. The thrill of playing out "what if" scenarios adds an exciting twist to the gameplay. Will you lead the Rebel Alliance to victory, or will the Sith reign supreme? The possibilities are endless, and the nostalgia is palpable!
One of the standout features of this game is its accessibility. You don’t need an overwhelming number of models to dive into the action. With only thirty to forty models per side, you can create a playable force that allows for strategic depth without the clutter. This makes it perfect for both newcomers and seasoned veterans alike!
The game also offers two fantastic formats to suit your schedule and gameplay preferences. Choose the Standard 1000-point game, set on a six-foot by three-foot battlefield, for a classic experience. Alternatively, opt for the Recon 600-point game, played on a three-foot by three-foot battlefield, for a quicker yet equally engaging match. This flexibility ensures you can enjoy a similar gameplay experience, whether you have a full afternoon or just a short window to play.
Gameplay Overview
The game offers an exhilarating blend of mechanics that is exciting to see in the world of miniature gaming. This unique combination ensures that every game is not just memorable, but thrilling, making each game an exciting adventure.
At the game's onset, players dive into the strategic process of assembling their forces. You’ll meet specific list-building requirements and choose command cards tailored to your faction and characters. Choose to align with iconic groups such as the Rebel Alliance, Galactic Empire, Galactic Republic, Separatist Alliance, or the ominous Shadow Collective. Once your list is ready, if you're engaging in a Standard 1000-point game, you’ll select three Primary Objective cards, three Secondary Objective cards, and three Advantage cards. In a Recon game, the selection is streamlined to three of each. The pre-game phase allows you to manipulate the mission, giving you insight into your opponent's strategy based on their choices. This element adds a layer of depth and anticipation, setting the stage for an engaging showdown.
In a fascinating twist, most models do not start on the board, unless they possess a keyword called Prepared Positions. This allows you to place them in your deployment zone, granting them a dodge token right from the start. This creates an intriguing fog of war, heightening the suspense as players strategize their moves from even bringing the models onto the board.
Gameplay kicks off with players selecting command cards, which serve as special orders for their troops. Each card features pips that determine the bidding for the round, with the lowest bid taking the first turn. However, lower bids mean fewer face-up orders on your units, resulting in a stack of hidden order tokens—adding an element of surprise and strategy as you navigate your turns. During each round, players alternate activating units, either using a face-up order token or drawing blindly from the stack. Each unit can perform two actions, which can include move, aim, dodge, standby, recover, or attack, along with any free actions specified on their unit cards.
Move: Navigate around the board to achieve objectives.
Aim: Gain an aim token to enhance your attack.
Dodge: Prepare for defense with a dodge token.
Standby: Set up an attack against an enemy that gets too close during your opponent's turn.
Recover: Remove suppression tokens and ready exhausted upgrades.
Attack: Engage enemy units in combat.
When it comes to attacking, players roll dice to determine success or failure. The attacking unit rolls their attack dice while the defender rolls for cover and armor saves. The game shines with its dynamic dice manipulation through surge abilities, allowing players to increase their odds of hitting or defending against attacks. Some units have built-in surge capabilities, while others can spend surge tokens to enhance their effectiveness. Aim tokens can also be utilized to re-roll two dice during attacks or you can mitigate incoming damage with dodge tokens.
Once all units have been activated, players check for scoring at the end of the round, where you check the objectives set out at the beginning and adding earned points to your total. Each unit removes one suppression token, and all green tokens (aims, dodges, standby, and surges) are cleared, along with face-down order tokens. The game continues over a series of rounds until one of two victory conditions is met: reaching the end of round five or one player achieving twelve victory points. If a player hits twelve victory points by the end of a round, they claim the victory of the battle. Should the game extend through all five rounds, the player with the highest score is declared the winner. In the event of a tie, the victor is determined by the points destroyed from each army, with the player who eliminated the most points emerging triumphant. This game not only challenges players strategically but also immerses them in a captivating narrative filled with tactical choices and unexpected twists.
What Distinguishes Star Wars Legion from Other Miniature Games
Out of all the fantastic elements in this game, there are three standout aspects that truly elevate it above many others, contributing to its immense popularity.
Brilliant Learning Curve
Firstly, the learning curve is nothing short of remarkable. Having run nearly a hundred demos, I've seen firsthand how quickly new players grasp the core mechanics. By turn two or three, most players have a solid understanding of what they’re doing. While there are numerous keywords to remember as you dive deeper, beginners can ease into the game without feeling overwhelmed. My advice? Focus on mastering your starting units before introducing a plethora of new models. The choices you make with your core units will be pivotal in every game, so understanding their strengths and weaknesses is crucial.
Strategic Manipulation of Orders
Another feature that sets this game apart is the strategic manipulation of orders assigned to units. The choice of command cards is just as critical as the orders given. This dynamic not only shapes your hidden pool of tokens but also allows you to strategize around the randomness of the draw. Personally, I find the hidden pool of order tokens adds a thrilling “fog of war” element, enhancing the overall gaming experience. The tension and unpredictability keep players on their toes, making each decision feel impactful.
Thematic Depth and Character Integration
Lastly, the game’s rules harmoniously reflect the universe it inhabits, and the character cards are designed with incredible attention to detail. Each character brings unique command cards to the table, offering a plethora of options and combos that feel true to their cinematic personas. Whether it's Cassian Andor sneaking through enemy lines, Anakin Skywalker charging in with reckless abandon, or Asajj Ventress on the hunt for Jedi, each character exudes thematic richness. This variability not only enhances gameplay but also provides countless hours of joy in both list building and actual play.
Getting Involved in Star Wars Legion
There are countless ways to dive into the thrilling universe of Star Wars Legion, especially in the UK! From friendly local gaming stores to vibrant community clubs, there’s a place for every aspiring player to find their footing.
Local Gaming Stores
Your first stop should be your nearby gaming store. These hubs often host a community of players ready to share their knowledge and passion for the game. Don't hesitate to ask the staff about game nights and inquire if they have a chat group for organizing games.
These interactions can lead to exciting matches and friendships!
Join a Club
Across the UK, numerous clubs foster a thriving community of Star Wars Legion enthusiasts. To find one near you, consider:
Asking in Facebook groups.
Or exploring Discord channels dedicated to the game.
For example, I run The Parkstone Padawans Club on the south coast in Poole, Dorset, at Retrocave every Tuesday evening. Clubs like these often provide:
Tables and terrain for gameplay.
Experienced players who are happy to demo the game.
Opportunities to borrow models as you get started.
Play at Home
If you can't find a local club or group, don't worry! You can still enjoy the game with a friend or partner at home. The flexibility of the game allows you to:
Set up a battlefield on your dining table.
Use household items like books and cups for terrain to create an engaging environment.
This DIY approach can be a fun way to learn the game before investing in more thematic terrain.
Whichever way you choose to get involved, I'm confident that your journey into the game will bring you hours of excitement and joy.
Conclusion
Overall, this game delivers an exceptional gaming experience that any fan of miniature games—or the Star Wars universe—should not miss!
The intriguing gameplay mechanics and the opportunity to embody your favorite iconic characters truly elevate this game to epic proportions. Imagine strategizing your moves while commanding legendary heroes and villains from the Star Wars saga!
One of the standout features of this game is its brilliant community. Whether you're a casual player or a competitive strategist, you'll find a welcoming and supportive environment filled with friendly faces. The camaraderie among players enhances the experience, making it not just about the game, but about the connections you build along the way.
With its rich lore, engaging gameplay, and the ability to customize your battles, this game invites you to immerse yourself in the Star Wars universe like never before. So why not find a local group near you and give the game a try!
The cards for the new edition are currently available as print and play online with new starter sets and re-printed character and unit packs with the updated cards coming later this year.
You can pre-order some of the new items below:
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