Star Wars: Imperial Assault is a strategy board game of tactical combat and missions for two to five players, offering two distinct games of battle and adventure in the Star Wars universe!
Imperial Assault puts you in the midst of the Galactic Civil War between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire after the destruction of the Death Star over Yavin 4. In this game, you and your friends can participate in two separate games. The campaign game pits the limitless troops and resources of the Galactic Empire against a crack team of elite Rebel operatives as they strive to break the Empire’s hold on the galaxy, while the skirmish game invites you and a friend to muster strike teams and battle head-to-head over conflicting objectives.
In the campaign game, Imperial Assault invites you to play through a cinematic tale set in the Star Wars universe. One player commands the seemingly limitless armies of the Galactic Empire, threatening to extinguish the flame of the Rebellion forever. Up to four other players become heroes of the Rebel Alliance, engaging in covert operations to undermine the Empire’s schemes. Over the course of the campaign, both the Imperial player and the Rebel heroes gain new experience and skills, allowing characters to evolve as the story unfolds.
Imperial Assault offers a different game experience in the skirmish game. In skirmish missions, you and a friend compete in head-to-head, tactical combat. You’ll gather your own strike force of Imperials, Rebels, and Mercenaries and build a deck of command cards to gain an unexpected advantage in the heat of battle. Whether you recover lost holocrons or battle to defeat a raiding party, you’ll find danger and tactical choices in every skirmish.
As an additional benefit, the Luke Skywalker Ally Pack and the Darth Vader Villain Pack are included within the Imperial Assault Core Set. These figure packs offer sculpted plastic figures alongside additional campaign and skirmish missions that highlight both Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader within Imperial Assault.
With these Imperial Assault and other Figure Packs, you'll find even more missions that allow your heroes to fight alongside iconic characters from the Star Wars saga. Boxed expansions add more heroes, imperial and mercenary groups, and totally new campaigns (see IA Community Wiki for a list), and the free Star Wars: Imperial Assault – Legends of the Alliance app provides you with additional content to play in solo or co-op mode.
- Great Star Wars theme integration
- Good for Star Wars Day tradition when possible
- Learning curve and rules video required for newbies
- Story-driven missions with campaign progression
- Star Wars universe; cooperative dungeon-crawl style
- Narrative-driven table-top experiences
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- campaign-based scenarios — A sequence of missions offering escalating challenges
- cooperative play — Players work together to complete objectives
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- "Loving it, absolutely loving it"
- "I think Jaws of the Lion is a better all-round put together package"
- "it's one of the most complicated games out there; the learning curve is huge"
- "I rate the game I think like a 9.5 out of 10"
- "we played Star Wars Imperial Assault all day"
References (from this video)
- engaging campaign arc
- nimble character choices add flavor
- older design shows signs of age in components
- Tactical squad combat and mission-based play
- Star Wars galaxy, galactic campaigns
- Campaign-driven with branching paths and upgrades
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Character upgrades — Earn gear and abilities to improve performance
- Cooperative campaign — Players work together through missions with evolving narrative
- Mission-based objectives — Each mission has specific win conditions and paths
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- the improvements or twists I guess that they make on the original Splendor formula are so much fun
- this game is going to be a keeper in the collection
- the overbuilding rules... room for creative strategic plays
- this mission was just tight and interesting
- Best in Class in terms of worker placement engine building
- three win conditions and deeds tokens make the game dynamic
References (from this video)
- strong Star Wars flavor
- varied campaigns and expansions
- excellent app support for solo/co-op
- table hog and setup can be lengthy
- story-driven adventure with Imperial vs Rebel dynamics
- Star Wars campaign and skirmish scenarios
- campaign progression with miniatures
- Star Wars: X-Wing
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- campaign-driven skirmish/adventure — campaigns with an app-assisted or manual campaign flow.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- this is the zombie game in my collection
- gaming Nirvana
- my first ever certified dopamin award
References (from this video)
- strong theme, varied missions
- great partners and replayability
- setup and components are large
- iconic IP, dungeon-crawler style missions
- Star Wars universe, galactic conflict
- campaign/cooperative with adversarial scenarios
- Gloomhaven
- Imperial Assault variants
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- campaign missions with app or manual tracking — tactical skirmishes and story-driven objectives
- cooperative with asymmetric roles — heroes vs Imperial forces, special abilities
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- easy one for me
- locking it in
- we're not big fans of the crew
- it's not close
- open-world sandboxy exploration
References (from this video)
- fond memories and strong Star Wars theme
- rich campaign experience with ongoing upgrades
- some sessions can be long
- requires a consistent group to stay engaged
- dudes on a map, campaign-driven progression, upgrading components
- Star Wars universe, heroes vs Emperor in a map-based campaign
- immersive, episodic skirmish + campaign mode
- Gloomhaven
- Star Wars: Rebellion
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- cooperative skirmish with campaign progression — players cooperate against a campaign against the Emperor with escalating challenges
- scenario-based missions — multiple missions with selectable heroes and upgrades
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- They're leaving. They're gone. They're dead to us.
- I'm rating Walk and Roll a five out of 10.
- I rate it a six out of 10.
- Aon's End is a great game and there are a lot of people I think that would really enjoy it.
- Gloomhaven will always stand as one that I have such fond memories of.
- Star Wars Imperial Assault... a nine out of 10.
- World Wonders is a is a really solid game. Planet Unknown ended up replacing World Wonders for me.
References (from this video)
- strong thematic feel
- dramatic campaign moments
- can be lengthy to complete campaigns
- heroic skirmishes, campaign narrative
- Star Wars galactic battles and campaigns
- campaign-driven with thematic progression
- Descent: Legends of the Dark
- Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- campaign mode — long-form, mission-based play with evolving storylines
- dice resolution — combat and actions resolved with dice
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- i love mansions of madness every time we talk about this game you make me feel like you think i don't like it
- i love this game it is a polyamino tile placement game where you are rescuing cats from this island
- i have such a good time playing this game very thematic you're upgrading your character you're uncovering new planets and new storylines
- my number seven brass birmingham
- my number six favorite game of all time is dune imperium
- vast crystal caverns is a purely asymmetrical game wherein you have one sole objective
- my number one game of all time is root
- my number one game is villainous this was my number one game last year as well
References (from this video)
- tight balance and challenging tactical play
- great synergy when the squad builds a cohesive plan
- strong upgrade system adds long-term progression
- rules overhead can be heavy for new players
- co-op fatigue if sessions run too long
- tactical combat with asymmetrical sides and a campaign progression
- Star Wars universe, Imperial vs Rebel scenarios across a campaign
- cinematic storytelling through scenario-driven missions
- Descent: Journeys in the Dark
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Asymmetric gameplay — different mechanics and goals for Imperial (boss-like) and Rebel sides
- campaign-based play — a linked series of scenarios with persistent upgrades and decisions
- upgrades / loot — collecting gear and improving the squad between missions
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- the logic puzzle is a lot of fun
- it's one of those games that I don't want to play all the time
- the balance in it is really fantastic
- this expansion was wonderful
- we recreated you know this show that he's into and got to play a game together
References (from this video)
- strong Star Wars theming
- app support adds accessibility and repeatability
- two distinct modes for variety
- setup can be heavy; requires grouped play
- overlord role can be challenging to fill
- one-vs-many with campaign and skirmish modes
- Star Wars universe; post-episode IV era
- story-driven missions in a galactic setting
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- app-assisted empire control — the app can run the Empire for solo play or managed sessions
- campaign and skirmish modes — two modes offering different scales of play
- one-vs-many overlord vs Rebels — Empire is run by a single player; Rebels cooperate to complete missions
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Dungeon Academy came out in 2019 can be played from 1 to six players
- let me show you how it plays
- the key just means you have to get the key before you can get out of your dungeon
- easy is 1 minute, moderate is 45 seconds and hard is 30 seconds
- our goal is to make this world a better place one board gamer at a time
- I love the original trilogy movies and that's what really drew me to this game
- this one's getting my table as soon as I download that app
- I would recommend this over the original zombicide
- the hordes are coming you need to complete your goals and get out
- it's actually my favorite of the Clank series now
- you never know what's around the corner
- Gloomhaven jaws of the lion what I love the most about this is it's taking the system of Gloom Haven and put it in a package that is super easy to get into
- it's an easier way to learn I think at least for me
- Arcadia Quest is a wonderful game and it was the first dungeon crawler I played
- Star Wars Imperial Assault is getting my table as soon as I download that app
References (from this video)
- Core set provides substantial content: six missions, two difficulties, multiple characters
- Strong Star Wars theming with tactile miniatures
- Solid solo play options via official Legends of the Alliance app and credible fan systems
- Long-tail value: base content plus expansions add meaningful variety
- Skirmish mode has no solo support, limiting some optional play styles
- Expansions and printing components can be expensive and burdensome to assemble
- Complexity and volume can be intimidating for newcomers
- campaign-driven tactical adventure with heroes vs. Imperial forces
- Star Wars universe; galactic conflict across multiple missions and planets
- episodic, mission-by-mission campaign with evolving storylines
- Imperial Commander 2 app
- Legends of the Alliance official app
- Rave fan-made system
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Asymmetric play — one player controls Imperial forces while others play as heroes, with distinct objectives
- Campaign progression — heroes and Imperial forces gain upgrades and alter campaigns across missions
- cooperative vs. adversarial blend — heroes cooperate to complete objectives while Imperial side pursues its own goals
- miniature-based components — game uses detailed miniatures to represent units and threats on the board
- modular mission design — each mission uses layouts and components that yield varied experiences
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Skirmish mode has no solo support.
- Missions at the very least on average last like two hours each.
- I love how this game provides me with a miniature, like a war game miniature at home.
- There’s a ton of content just from the base set.
- I wanted to consolidate everything here because I literally spent hours figuring all of this stuff out.
- The core set is very content rich; you don’t need to buy more right away.
- Printing 300 cards for the Rave system is pricey if you go professional.
References (from this video)
- Epic, cinematic feel with Vader appearing in key missions
- Strong theme and campaign variety
- High-impact moments that feel grand and satisfying
- Can be lengthy and heavy for newer players
- Scales with player count and can feel pacey or slower depending on group
- Heroes versus Empire with modular, story-driven campaigns
- Star Wars universe, tactical map-based missions
- Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Campaign-style play — Narrative-driven missions with evolving objectives and side content.
- grid-based movement and combat — Tactical positioning on modular maps with dice and cards resolving outcomes.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- this is the dream of what I've wanted from a racing game
- not feeling out of control lucky at all
- Earth was pretty much everything I was hoping that game would be
- KeyForge is the perfect game for casual dueling
- it's just such a great session of laughing together around this game
References (from this video)
- Iconic theme; satisfying campaign progression; varied missions
- Campaign complexity and setup time can be heavy
- Tactical squad-based combat; campaign progression
- Star Wars universe
- Story-driven, campaign-based with upgrades
- Descent: Journeys in the Dark
- Gloomhaven
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Experience upgrades — Characters gain abilities and items across missions
- Tactical map-based combat — Mission-based scenarios with squad tactics and positioning
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- This goes to Times Up Title Recall. Ryan's now calibrating how many more plays.
- Carcassonne is a classic. I would totally be down to still play Carcassonne.
- The OG of Quacks of Quedlinburg. We have the OG of it.
- This is Summoner Wars being a fantastic game.
- The decks have their own identities. Day-long KeyForge experiences are special.
- The 3D Santorini with god powers is just incredible.
References (from this video)
- Strong thematic integration with IP
- Can be heavy and long to play
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Board Game
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- asymmetric player powers — Different sides (allied vs. Imperial) have distinct abilities and win conditions.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Dice are not the answer in a first-time design.
- They are toxic. They destroy your first designs.
- Meaningful interesting decisions… the decisions have to mean something.
- Even if you have all sorts of other unique stuff going on in your game that roll for combat just overwhelms it.
- Monopoly has a bit of both, chaotic, entertaining momentarily but ultimately frustrating.
- Event decks can be devastating to your design if they wipe out progress or resources.
References (from this video)
- Excellent Star Wars theme integration
- Rich world exploration
- Multiple branching paths with app
- Iconic character integration
- Incredible miniatures
- Unique scenario-based puzzles
- Great production quality
- Complex ruleset
- Difficult to table regularly
- Campaign hasn't been completed
- Rebellion vs Empire, Tactical combat, Campaign
- Star Wars universe
- Scenario-based campaign progression
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- app integration — App-driven scenario progression and discovery
- Campaign gameplay — Linked scenarios with progression
- Character recruitment — Recruit iconic characters like Luke Skywalker
- Equipment upgrades — Find and equip new weapons and items
- Tactical combat — Tactical miniature-based combat
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Lord of the Rings a confrontation is an amazing two-player only game and it's essentially like Stratego
- Dominant species is a area control game where you are playing as different classes of animals
- Mansions of Madness second edition this I think Will Always Forever ever be one of my favorite games
- an acrony is a worker placement game with a unique twist
- Obsession is like Downton Abbey Bridgerton the board game
- I love polyaminos I love polyamino towels I think they're amazing and they're cats
- Shores of Tripoli is a two-player card event based war game
- root everybody plays a different faction of some type of Woodland creature
- dwellings of Elder Veil is a hand management worker placement game
- kanban ev is a car building game you are working in a car factory
- we just like love this game it comes with us when we travel
- Rise of Fenris is still one of the best board gaming experiences I've ever had
- Unmatched is a head-to-head battle game where you are playing as a character
- the Simplicity of it it gives so much depth but it's so easy to play
- Twilight's struggle is a game I'm still continuing to explore
- I don't drink wine but I love viticulture
- Wonderland's War gives me everything that I enjoy in board games
- Scout is a small box card game I love it
- Star Wars Imperial assault this is the highest campaign game currently on my list
References (from this video)
- engaging campaign feel
- accessible entry point for Star Wars fans
- miniatures quality not top-tier
- scenario balance can vary
- campaign-based, dungeon-crawl style skirmishes
- Star Wars universe
- campaign-driven with narrative progression
- Descent: Journeys in the Dark
- Mansions of Madness
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- asymmetric_factions — distinct Rebel and Imperial capabilities and goals
- campaign_gameplay — scenario-based missions with narrative progression
- cooperative_play — players cooperate to achieve mission objectives against the game system
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- I think Twilight Imperium is bananas
- I will sit and play it for 10 hours and be delighted by it
- Blood Bowl is one of the only games where Jamie usually beats me
- Star Wars Legion is going to be similar quality miniatures but if Rune Wars is any indication the miniatures weren't that much better
References (from this video)
- The Star Wars IP is strong and accessible
- Flexible play styles: solo, co-op, and app-enabled campaigns
- App reliance can be a barrier for some
- Expansions can be pricey
- Cooperative dungeon-crawl with coordinated missions
- Star Wars universe with iconic factions and quests
- Campaign-driven with app-assisted DM duties
- Descent: Journeys in the Dark
- Gloomhaven
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- App-assisted campaign management — The app handles the DM and enemy waves.
- Multi-class campaigns and loot progression — Character progression through loot and abilities.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- This game is amazing at creating an emerging narrative.
- I voted this number one adventuring game this year.
- Emerging narratives are just fantastic in Explor It.
- The lore, the art, the setting—the Gothic vibe here is unmatched.
- You can play solo without a DM and still have a deep experience.
- This is one of the best dungeon crawlers you can buy today.
References (from this video)
- strong narrative drive with scenario-based play
- adventure, exploration, and narrative-driven missions
- Star Wars universe, imperial base under siege
- campaign/story-driven with scripted outcomes
- Star Wars Imperial Assault (base title)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- app or scenario-driven narrative — Pre-written scenarios guide events and decisions
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- I talk to the game and the game talks back.
- the feedback tells the user you've done it right do that more or perhaps you've done it wrong don't do that again.
- you're going to feel like you're achieving something when you play, you want a game to reassure you, guide you and challenge you, you want it to react to my decisions and you want to know that the game is listening.
- the most common feedback in tabletop games is the allocation of rewards for certain actions.
- the continuous accumulation of victory points gives a sense of growth or momentum to a tabletop game.
- the game talks back, and that is a core part of what makes feedback powerful.
References (from this video)
- tight, dramatic finales with meaningful choices
- strong character customization (e.g., Gideon) and synergy
- immersive Star Wars flavor
- learning curve and setup can be lengthy
- long campaigns can be time-intensive
- Cooperative tactical combat with campaign progression
- A galaxy-wide conflict between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire
- Story-driven missions with character upgrades and boss encounters
- Star Wars: X-Wing
- Star Wars: Armada
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- asymmetric_roles — Rebel and Imperial sides have distinct objectives and powers
- campaign_progression — players upgrade heroes between missions with new abilities and powers
- Dice_based_combat — combat outcomes rely on dice and tactic rather than pure stats
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- the theme is just so strong with this game, the story elements pair with the campaign progression to create an intense mood
- it's a campaign game, and failing forward actually feels satisfying as it changes the path and keeps the story interesting
- this game is on my mind, it's on my heart and my pocket or my wallet is open and ready to spend
- Gideon has to be the best character in Imperial Assault, upgraded he is insane
- the flow of that card row through the game and all these cards, the different orders, creates a satisfying puzzle
- it's a toss-up who knows who's going to win it down the stretch; the campaign stays tight and engaging
- Through the Ages, oh I was so lost, but the depth is incredibly rewarding
- it's a long, long game but the progression feels earned and satisfying as you grow your civilization
References (from this video)
- official solo mode
- integrated app support for solo play
- immersive Star Wars theming
- complexity of rules
- setup and component cost
- campaign-driven tactical battles with a narrative arc
- Star Wars universe; Galactic Empire vs Rebel Alliance
- episodic, mission-based progression
- Mansions of Madness
- Wingspan
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Campaign progression — linked missions that upgrade factions and characters over time
- Dice-based combat — combat resolves with custom dice and character abilities
- modular on-board map — board sections come together per scenario
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- I really enjoy the solo mode of it with the integrated app
- it's also great in the app for solo
- Mansion of Madness Edition it's a game that needs to be in the top 100 of everything
- Baseball Highlights 2045 which I think it's a fantastic solo mode
- Pathfinder the Card Game... still on the top 200
- Brass Birmingham... dropped 62 spots to 174
References (from this video)
- well-regarded Star Wars license, strong production
- dungeon crawl / tactical combat
- Star Wars universe
- narrative-driven campaign with skirmish overlay
- HeroQuest
- Super Dungeon Explore
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- campaign/story mode and skirmish mode — multi-mission campaigns with evolving scenarios
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- I love the thirsty meatballs gaming library is wonderful to be able to go there and play all sorts of different games
- UK Games Expo I always think about the newcomer to the hobby what are they going to find when they go there
- the Kickstarter's up there people are pledging and now he starts to test and starts to design that game
- Evolution has really become my favorite game at this point
- Roll for the Galaxy is a fantastic euro game
- it's a speed game if you think of Jungle Speed
References (from this video)
- long-form campaigns with meaningful progression
- variety from base game to multiple campaigns and mini-expansions
- cost and accumulation of many small expansions
- campaigns can feel daunting to complete
- epic narrative campaigns, cooperative play against a system
- Star Wars galaxy with campaign-style missions
- campaign-driven with both imperial and rebel perspectives
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- campaign-driven missions — a sequence of linked scenarios with evolving challenges
- cooperative play with a GM-like system — one player acts as the opposing forces in some modes, others are fully cooperative
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a variability machine
- it's an incredible experience and one I absolutely do not regret having
- it's packed full with incredible stuff
- it's one of fantasy flight's living card games
- Marvel United tops of the list for both of us
- start the addiction
References (from this video)
- Card-driven activation provides depth and flexibility
- Variety of unit types with thematic abilities
- Terrain and line-of-sight rules create meaningful tactical choices
- Recon/force mechanics add interesting decision points
- High tension and dramatic swings due to dice
- Dice luck can dominate outcomes and create unpredictable swings
- Rule intricacies and frequent rule-checks can slow play
- Dice-heavy sessions can feel grindy or frustrating during stalemates
- Epic sci-fi warfare with tactical squad combat and hero/villain twists
- Star Wars battle between Rebel Alliance and Galactic Empire on a modular board with trenches, walkers, and urban terrain
- card-driven, scenario-based skirmish with emphasis on dice outcomes and unit activations
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Activation sequencing — cards that order unit groups to move or attack, often with contingencies
- Affiliates and events — cards like Imperial Assault and Vader effects that modify the game state
- Combat dice and blast icons — dice pools with symbols (hit, wound, crit, blast) and terrain modifiers
- Movement and line of sight — hex-based movement with terrain affecting line of sight and dice modifiers
- Recon and force draws — cards that grant extra actions or redraws; scout mechanics provide bonus dice
- Rulebook interactions — in-game rule interactions such as rule references, rule book searches, and HQ effects
- Terrain effects — trenches and rocks provide cover or modify dice and retreats
- Unit types with special rules — infantry, vehicles, turrets, and walkers with unique combat profiles
- Victory points and tokens — tokens earned for objectives; reinforcements and VP thresholds influence play
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- You're a piece of crap.
- Damn it.
- Oh jeez. All right. Just these cards with this map. It's like, oh my gosh.
- Wow. Oh. Oh my.
- Those scouts really kind of screwed me up over there.
References (from this video)
- refined descent system mechanics
- strong character synergy and strategies
- beautiful presentation and immersive theme
- complex and lengthy for some groups
- app-assisted variants may skew experience
- dungeon-crawl style cooperative adventures
- Star Wars universe; galactic conflict with familiar factions
- campaign-driven, app-assisted scenario play
- Descent: Journeys in the Dark
- Descent Legends of the Dark
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- app_assisted_optional — digital tools enhance storytelling and automation
- cooperative_campaign — players work together against scenarios with evolving goals
- dungeon_crawl — scenario-based exploration and combat against enemies
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- "the greatest tabletop simulation of city building that i've played today"
- "the comfort food of board games"
- "the primo area control game"
- "it's one of the best euro games"
- "my favorite donald x game and one of my favorite abstract games of all time"
- "Five Tribes is easily one of the most played games in my collection"
- "it's 7 wonders duel it's so much better than 7 wonders itself"
- "this is the best of the best when it comes to the descent system"
- "it is the best space opera game out there"
- "it is my number one favorite game that is at least five years old"
References (from this video)
- Clear avatars as rebels with guns or jedi
- Darth Vader shows peril
- Beautiful colors and composition
- Stunning artwork
- Evocative Star Wars art
- Tells exactly what player will do
- Rebel vs Empire
- Star Wars
- Epic
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Tactical combat — Star Wars skirmish game
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- The box cover makes a promise to the customer
- Every box cover tells me what I'm going to be doing and how I'm going to be feeling
- This artist is one of the best board game artists working in the industry right now
- This is how you do it
- This cover is a mess
- Striking iconic design
- The box cover is not selling the game