Star Wars is one of the most enduring and popular franchises of all time and has existed in pop culture for almost 50 years. There is hardly anyone in the world who hasn’t encountered Star Wars as its presence has penetrated almost every form of media and has a huge catalog of merchandise with its name on it. Suffice it to say, that board games have become as popular as they have in the last decade or so, there are plenty of Star Wars board games to consider. But which ones are worth playing?
As you’d expect there are quite a few decent board games based on Star Wars. Certainly, too many to list here, but we’ve whittled a list of ‘must plays’ down to five to get you started. Some you may have heard of, some you may not, but these games are widely regarded as some of the best and certainly most popular on the market today.
Our Top Picks
Star Wars: Imperial Assault
Published: 2014 Ages: 14+ Players: 2-5 Time: up to 2 hours
If you like minis, strategy games, tactical combat, and a ton of add-ons, then Star Wars: Imperial Assault from publisher Fantasy Flight Games should be right up your alley!
Players take on the role of either the rebel alliance or the galactic empire in one of two different game modes; campaign or skirmish. In the campaign, players work through a cinematic tale that consists of a series of core and side missions, set after the Death Star’s destruction over Yavin 4. In skirmish mode, players assemble and pit a team of strike forces against each other in order to complete conflicting objectives. Actual gameplay is very similar between the two different game modes but the main difference lies in the experience that players want. Skirmish mode offers a one-and-done experience; players select their forces, play out the objectives, experience some head-to-head tactical combat, and everything gets wrapped up in a neat little package in an hour or so. The campaign is where things truly get fleshed out and offers an engaging experience.
Each campaign in Imperial Assault acts like a dungeon crawl where players navigate their way through game boards representing different areas, trying their best to fulfill that mission’s particular objectives. Each character comes with a card that grants them special abilities and buffs that will improve as the player levels up further into the campaign. Combine this with boards that offer varying degrees of cover to affect the line of sight and weapons utilizing different game dice and each mission offers a unique experience.
One of the best things about Imperial Assault is the sheer volume of expansions available. I love a game with add-on and Imperial Assault offers possibly the most variety and choice I’ve seen with a board game. You can purchase dozens of characters that belong to the imperial forces, rebel, or mercenary factions, as well as full-on expansions providing both new characters and maps, as well as brand new missions. So even once you’ve finished the campaign in the main box, you’ve got a heap of content to keep you busy for years to come!
Imperial Assault is a great game that offers a short and long-term experience for players. With its greatly crafted miniatures and expansive world, the game provides dozens of hours of fun through strategic, tactical combat.
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Star Wars Outer Rim
Published: 2019 Ages: 14+ Players: 1-4 Time: 2-3 hours
Playing as iconic characters in a Star Wars game is a large part of the fun. If you fancy yourself playing the role of an outlaw like Han Solo rather than the traditionally heroic Luke Skywalker, then Outer Rim is for you! Prepare to explore all the scum and villainy the Star Wars franchise has to offer, with plenty of fun thematic elements.
Star Wars Outer Rim is a robust RPG-like game, that is essentially a Star Wars version of Firefly: the Game, where players step into the shoes of an interplanetary scoundrel and carve out their name across the galaxy to become the most (in)famous outlaw. Up to four players will take turns to move across the galaxy, embarking on various jobs and taking on various bounties as you grow your legacy whilst trying to avoid different factions’ patrols that are gunning for you. Players traverse different sectors of the game board, each offering unique encounters and opportunities with the first player to achieve 10 fame becoming the winner.
The game is based hugely on risk and reward. Depending on how players approach various situations will have an effect on their performance throughout the rest of the game. Completing jobs and capturing bounties will contribute towards a player’s fame and lead them closer to winning the game but this is a double-edged sword. As fame increases so does the risk of unwanted attention, but flying under the radar may result in going unnoticed by certain employers. Depending on how a player moves from sector to sector could also lead to potential dangers from various patrols of factions that have become upset by the player’s previous actions.
One of the best aspects of the game is the customization of your ship. You’ll start out with a very simple one but as you gain more and more credits, you’ll be able to carry out various mods and upgrades in order to transform it into more iconic ships like the Millenium Falcon. Choosing your upgrades wisely is important as this can provide advantages to encounters and battles, especially when paired with the player’s characters’ special abilities.
Depending on how players approach each situation, completing a playthrough can take several hours so it’s best not to make any plans if you want to break the game out. But, with so much versatility and variety each playthrough offers a truly unique and enjoyable experience. If you’re a fan of RPG-style games with a variety of upgrades and buffs, this is definitely worth putting the time aside for!
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Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Published: 2022 Ages: 14+ Players: 1-5 Time: 60 minutes
Do you like the Pandemic? Do you like Star Wars (silly question, I know)? Well if you want a game that plays like Pandemic but in the Star Wars universe, then you’ll love the Clone Wars board game.
Players work cooperatively as Jedi knights and undertake a variety of missions set during the eponymous Clone Wars. Playing across four different scenarios, players travel across the galaxy with their clone troopers to engage in battle against droid armies and clash with iconic villains like General Grievous and Count Dooku. Each scenario plays out slightly differently as each big bad from the Clone Wars era has their own strategy they’ll employ, but luckily each player character has their own special ability they can utilize to try and overcome the galactic Sith threat.
Whilst this is a pandemic-like game, it’s not so similar that it’s a clone (pardon the pun) of the original game, but a lot of the mechanics remain the same. One of the biggest changes is the squad cards, all of which offer various buffs and alternative ways to complete a mission and represent some of the well-known faces to appear throughout the Clone Wars. Additionally, each villain comes with a unique set of cards which can significantly hinder players, so they’ll need to make tactical decisions regularly throughout the game and decide the best ways in which to tackle oncoming threats. With a board continually populating with enemies and blockades, players must complete missions by moving to various planets in order to quell the separatist threat and bring peace to the galaxy. Only by working together will players avoid being overwhelmed by battle droids and win the game.
Whether you’re familiar with the original Pandemic or not, the Clone Wars board game offers something to experienced and novice players. It keeps to the traditional rules but deviates from them enough to create a unique experience along with several difficulty levels to offer players a varied challenge.
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Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game
Published: 2023 Ages: 12+ Players: 2 Time: 30 minutes
A fast-paced and easy-to-learn card game where two players choose between the Rebel Alliance and Galactic Empire and attempt to destroy three of their opponent’s bases in order to claim victory.
Players go head to head and duke it out as the Empire and the Alliance through an ever-evolving deck of cards. As play progresses, players will not only strengthen their deck but replace destroyed bases with more powerful ones to add a challenge for their opponent. Cards are purchased and added to decks from a central market and represent characters, abilities, and equipment to buff your deck. The currency used to buy additional cards is called ‘force points’ and these are generated by the cards in your deck. Various cards will complement each other and work in synergy so it’s important to plan ahead where possible as having the right cards all in one deck will add a big advantage.
During the game, players will have opportunities to attack either their opponent’s base or opposing card. Ultimately destroying three bases is the key to victory, but defeating other cards on the field will grant small wins too. When an opponent’s card is destroyed, the attacking player will be granted various rewards, including force points, which they can use to bolster their deck quickly. Choosing how you attack your opponents and what cards you purchase for your deck makes all the difference in how likely victory is.
Unlike some card games, this one is quick and simple to learn. It provides a good level of replay value with customizable decks and provides lots of familiar faces to fill your deck with.
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Star Wars: Rebellion
Published: 2016 Ages: 14+ Players: 2-4 Time: 3+ Hours!
A game of truly epic proportions, in Star Wars: Rebellion, players take on opposing sides with differing objectives in gameplay that spans 32 of the galaxy’s systems, across two gameboards, utilizing over 150 miniatures! This game features a scope so large that very few games come close to matching!
In this cinematic experience of a board game, players will direct spaceships, strategically move troops, and try to outdo their opponent by succeeding in meeting slightly different win conditions. The Empire must find the Rebel base and obliterate it, subjugating or destroying worlds along the way. The Rebels meanwhile must sway the galaxy’s inhabitants to rally behind them and survive long enough to muster enough strength to inspire a full-scale revolt against the Empire. This dynamic works as a balancing act: when the Rebels gain sympathy the Empire will try and counter this by suppressing any dissent they encounter. Any major shifts will grant a side considerably more power and impact the flow of the game.
Throughout the game, players will take turns assigning leader units to missions, gather resources, and deploy fleets of starships. Players secretly decide on a course of action and move around the board, take part in covert ops, or battle it out against each other’s forces. Adding an element of unpredictability to gameplay is the galactic event deck. When you play cards that are drawn from this they will trigger random events that can shape alliances, trigger crises, or introduce various other challenges. This means players will have to stay adaptable in their approach and always expect the unexpected.
Like Imperial Assault, Rebellion is not a game you can breeze through in an hour. There are many working cogs that make this game challenging but provide a truly epic experience. Tactics and strategy are the keywords here and rushing into any action can have negative consequences. Patience and perseverance as well as a plan B and maybe C are what will determine the winner. With so many different minis and ways to go about winning, playing Rebellion is something every Star Wars fan should experience.
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Other games from the Star Wars Universe:
Star Wars Villainous
Published: 2021 Ages: 10+ Players: 2-6 Time: 20-60 minutes
Star Wars Villainous, a spin on the well-received Villainous series of games, plunges players into the dark side of the Force, where they can assume the roles of some of the most infamous villains in the Star Wars universe. Whether choosing to manipulate the galaxy as Palpatine or to hunt down the Jedi as Darth Vader, each player has their own unique objectives character abilities, and strategies that they must fulfill to claim victory.
Players must navigate a personal board that represents locations from their character’s storyline, implementing strategy and using special abilities to interfere with opponents and advance their own nefarious plans. Each villain comes with a unique deck of cards, encapsulating force powers, secret missions, allies, and manipulative tactics, all designed to create a gameplay experience that is as thematic as it is strategic.
Star Wars Villainous offers a dynamic gameplay experience that differs vastly from session to session, depending on the characters in play. Balancing your focus between thwarting your rivals and achieving your own goals is key to dominating the galaxy. As players progress, they’ll find the game is easy to learn but challenging to master, which makes for an excellent replayable experience for novices and seasoned gamers alike.
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Star Wars: Legion
Published: 2018 Ages: 14+ Players: 2 Time: 2-3 hours
Star Wars: Legion is a thrilling tabletop miniature war game that caters to fans who dream of commanding their own Star Wars battles. With a focus on troop deployment, tactical movement, and unit command, Legion offers a deep and rewarding strategy experience. Players choose to lead either the forces of the Empire or the Rebel Alliance and dive into the detailed world of Star Wars with beautifully sculpted miniatures and engaging scenarios.
Every match in Star Wars: Legion is an intense battlefield skirmish where every maneuver and decision can turn the tide of war. The game opens up a world of possibilities, allowing players to recreate famous conflicts from the film series or invent their own battles. As players accumulate victories, they can expand their armies with additional units, heroes, and vehicles, each providing various tactical options and personalization to their forces. The power of the Force can be felt as well-known characters like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader take to the field, capable of swinging outcomes with their iconic abilities.
Whether you’re maneuvering AT-STs for strategic positioning or charging in with a Rebel Trooper squad, Star Wars: Legion is a must-play for those longing to immerse themselves into the quintessential Star Wars universe with an amazing depth of strategy.
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Love Letter: Jabba’s Palace
Published: 2020 Ages: 10+ Players: 2-6 Time: 20 minutes
In the heart of Tatooine lies the domain of one of the galaxy’s most notorious gangsters, Jabba the Hutt. Love Letter: Jabba’s Palace is a unique twist on the classic Love Letter game, set in the intriguing underworld of Star Wars. Players vie for influence in Jabba’s court by delivering secret messages to key characters within the palace. Each round is a gamble of wits and cunning as players strategically use the abilities of familiar characters like Bib Fortuna, Boba Fett, and even Jabba himself, to outmaneuver their opponents and gain the upper hand.
This quick-to-play card game is renowned for its simple mechanics yet deep strategy and strategic gameplay. Players are dealt one card per turn and must decide which character’s ability to utilize to disrupt the opposition or advance their own position. Being caught with the wrong card could spell defeat, while successfully predicting your opponent’s moves could lead to ultimate control of the palace.
Crafted with the thematic flair characteristic of the Star Wars universe, Love Letter: Jabba’s Palace provides a micro-game experience that is not only a tribute to the beloved film saga but also stands as an outstanding game in its own right. The compact design makes it perfect for a quick game night or as a portable companion for travels across your own galaxy, ensuring that fun is always within reach.
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X-Wing Miniatures Game
Published: 2012 Ages: 14+ Players: 2 Time: 30-45 minutes
For fans looking to recreate the high-stakes dogfights of the Star Wars saga, the X-Wing Miniatures Game offers an unparalleled opportunity. This tactical ship-to-ship combat miniatures game allows players to take control of powerful starfighters and battle it out in the vastness of space. Featuring detailed miniatures that are pre-painted and ready for flight, X-Wing thrusts players into the roles of Rebel and Imperial pilots, commanding a fleet of iconic Star Wars ships, such as the agile X-wing and the swift TIE fighter.
Gameplay involves shrewd maneuvering and strategic planning as you outwit your opponent in fast-paced space battles. Pilots use a unique dial system to secretly select their ship’s movement each turn, which adds an exhilarating element of surprise to each encounter. As players engage in combat, they must also manage their ship’s systems, weapons, and pilots to maximize their strengths while exploiting their enemy’s vulnerabilities.
With numerous expansion packs that introduce additional starfighters, pilots, and missions, the X-Wing Miniatures Game ensures that each battle is a fresh, exciting experience. Whether you’re engaging in head-to-head combat, participating in a large-scale battle with multiple squadrons, or playing through narrative-driven scenarios, this game fosters a deep, dynamic play environment. It’s a must-play for those who dream of piloting their own X-wing or TIE fighter and living out their best Star Wars and space battle fantasies.
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Star Wars Armada
Published: 2015 Ages: 14+ Players: 2 Time: 2 hours
For those who dream of epic space battles and strategizing grand fleet movements, Star Wars Armada presents an awe-inspiring tableau of interstellar warfare. Players assume the role of fleet admirals, commanding a full armada of ships from either the Imperial Navy or Rebel Alliance. Each game unfolds as a tactical ballet of starfighters, frigates, and mighty capital ships, each meticulously detailed and to scale, clashing amidst the backdrop of deep space.
The core of Armada is its robust and intricate gameplay that balances raw firepower with cunning tactics and foresight. Unlike games that focus solely on skirmish-level encounters, here the emphasis is on pre-battle planning and the strategic positioning of fleets, simulating the scope and scale of space combat within the Star Wars universe. Players must think several moves ahead, as the decisions made can have lasting effects well into the latter stages of the game.
With compelling ship customization options and the ability to upgrade flagship vessels with iconic commanders, supporting characters, and unique weaponry, each game of Armada is a fresh experience. The detailed models not only bring the cinematic battles to life but also make this game a collector’s dream. Whether it’s maneuvering a Star Destroyer into a devastating broadside or launching a surprise attack with a squadron of X-wings, Armada gives players the chance to rewrite the fate of a galaxy far, far away.
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Risk: Star Wars Edition
Published: 2015 Ages: 10+ Players: 2-4 Time: 30-45 minutes
For fans looking to recreate the epic confrontations of “Star Wars,” Risk: Star Wars Edition offers an intense strategic battle experience. This edition of Risk allows players to take control of the Rebel Alliance or the Galactic Empire as they vie for dominance. The game board represents a galaxy far, far away and is uniquely shaped to resemble a TIE Fighter, providing a distinctive play area that immerses players into the “Star Wars” universe.
The gameplay is asymmetrical, with the forces of the Empire typically outnumbering those of the Rebels, creating an underdog dynamic that reflects the galactic civil war from the films. Players on the dark side will engage in fleet battles, vie for control over key planets, and attempt daring missions. One of the standout aspects of this edition is the inclusion of the Death Star, a game piece that can do massive damage if the Empire leverages it effectively.
Risk: Star Wars Edition incorporates iconic ships and characters, bringing to the table a streamlined variation of classic Risk gameplay fused with the drama and plot of the “Star Wars” Original Trilogy, especially the climax of “Return of the Jedi.” Engagements are fast-paced and tailored to conclude within a single, suspenseful gaming session. It’s a must-play for those who enjoy rapid-fire tactical decision-making and have a soft spot for “Star Wars” theme-driven games.
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Star Wars Shatterpoint
Published: 2023 Ages: 12+ Players: 1-4 Time: 90-120 minutes
Embark on a high-stakes adventure in the Star Wars game Shatterpoint, a cooperative board game that challenges players to harness their skills and the power of the Force to overcome pivotal moments in the Star Wars saga. Encapsulating the theme of critical turning points, this game invites players to assume the roles of famous Jedi and other heroes, navigating treacherous paths and making tough decisions that could alter the course of the galaxy.
Each game session is built around a ‘Shatterpoint’, a narrative scenario where players must weigh their choices against the unfolding storyline and unpredictable events. As the game progresses, decision-making reaches a crescendo, reflecting the intensity and moral dilemmas that define the Star Wars narrative. Players will find that teamwork and strategy are indispensable as they face off against powerful foes and compelling challenges that are unique to each Shatterpoint scenario.
With dynamically generated missions and a variety of characters, each with specialized abilities and story arcs, Star Wars Shatterpoint emphasizes replayability and depth. It is designed to cater both to fans who seek to immerse themselves deeply in the universe and to those who love complex, involving gameplay that rewards strategic thinking and cooperative tactics.
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Conclusion: Play a Star Wars Board Game
Those are our picks for the best Star Wars board games, but with so many out there, it’s hard to go wrong. We’d love to hear about your experiences and what games would make your list, especially if we’ve missed any of ours!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Which of these Star Wars board games is suitable for beginners?
A: Star Wars: The Deck Building Game is an excellent starting point for anyone new to Star Wars board games. With its simple ruleset and quick pacing, it provides a perfect introduction without being overly complex.
Q: How long does an average game of Star Wars: Rebellion typically last?
A: An average game can last over 3 hours due to its complexity and strategic depth. It is recommended for those looking for a longer, more immersive gaming experience.
Q: Are these games enjoyable for people who are not fans of Star Wars?
A: Absolutely! While these games are themed around the Star Wars universe, the engaging gameplay mechanics make them fun for anyone who enjoys board games. The Star Wars theme adds to the experience but does not limit the enjoyment to fans of the franchise only.
Q: Can you play these games solo?
A: Most of these games are designed for multiple players, but games like Star Wars: Imperial Assault offer solo-play options through various game modes and expansions.
Q: Where can I purchase these Star Wars board games?
A: These games can be found at most game and hobby shops, as well as online retailers. Prices and availability may vary, so it’s worth shopping around for the best deal.