Star Wars: Imperial Assault
2014
Immerse yourself in the Star Wars universe with Imperial Assault - a strategic board game of combat, missions, and epic storytelling for 2-5 players.
120
minutes
2 - 5
player(s)
14+
Medium Heavy
About the game
Star Wars: Imperial Assault is an exciting, strategy-based board game that immerses you into the rich, expansive universe of Star Wars. This game is designed to plunge players into the heart of the Galactic Civil War, set between the events of Star Wars: A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back.
The game caters to the avid Star Wars fan, as well as the board game enthusiast. Here, the classic conflict between the Galactic Empire and Rebel Alliance takes a unique twist as players are given the power to dictate the course of the war, making crucial decisions that could potentially alter the fate of the galaxy.
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Setup and rules summary
Game components Unboxing the fun!
Star Wars: Imperial Assault is a board game that is packed with numerous components, each playing a key role to enhance the game-playing experience. Here’s a breakdown of all the components included in the game:
1. Rulebook
The Rulebook is the guide to how to play the game. It provides detailed information about the game rules, setup, and gameplay. It also provides a reference for any queries or clarifications during the game.
2. Scenario Guide
The Scenario Guide outlines the specific scenarios for each mission. It contains the objectives, special rules, and setup for each scenario, providing unique and varied gameplay each time.
3. Dice
The game comes with a set of Dice that are used to determine the outcomes of various actions in the game, such as attacks and defenses. Each color of dice represents different probabilities and results.
4. Map Tiles
The Map Tiles are used to construct the game board. They are double-sided and feature different locales from the Star Wars universe. The configuration of the map tiles can greatly affect the strategy and outcome of the game.
5. Deployment Cards
Deployment Cards represent the characters and units that players can control during the game. They display the stats and abilities of the units, and are used to keep track of damage and other status effects.
6. Hero Sheets
The Hero Sheets provide information about the player’s chosen hero, including their special abilities, health, speed, and defense. These sheets are used to track a hero’s progress and status throughout the game.
7. Plastic Figures
The Plastic Figures represent the heroes and villains in the game. They are used to move around the map and engage in combat.
8. Command Cards
Command Cards are used during the skirmish game mode. They provide special abilities or bonuses that can turn the tide of a skirmish. Each player has a deck of command cards that they can draw from.
9. Tokens
Various types of Tokens are used to represent different game elements, such as damage, stress, conditions, and objectives. They are placed on the game board or on cards to track various effects and statuses.
10. Side Mission Cards
Side Mission Cards are used in the campaign game mode to add additional objectives for the heroes. They provide extra challenges and rewards, and can alter the course of the campaign.
11. Agenda Cards
The Agenda Cards are used by the Imperial player in the campaign mode to try and thwart the heroes. They can be used to trigger special events or introduce additional challenges.
Game setup Lay it out, line it up, let’s go
Star Wars: Imperial Assault is a thrilling board game in which players are immersed in the Star Wars universe, taking on roles of Rebel heroes or the formidable Imperial forces. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to set up the game:
Step 1: Determine Player Roles
At the beginning of the game, all players need to decide on their roles. One player will take on the role of the Galactic Empire, while the rest of the players will each control a hero of the Rebel Alliance.
Step 2: Prepare the Game Board
Imperial Assault is played on a modular board that changes for each mission. Refer to the campaign guide for instructions on which map tiles to use and how to arrange them. Place doors, terminals, and crates as indicated in the mission’s setup diagram.
Step 3: Choose Heroes and Deploy Units
Rebel players choose their characters from the available hero sheets. Each Rebel player places their hero’s corresponding figure on the map in the space indicated by the mission’s setup diagram. The Imperial player then deploys their units on the map in the same manner.
Step 4: Gather Initial Resources
Each Rebel player begins the game with equipment and abilities listed on their hero sheet. The Imperial player receives threat points as indicated by the mission’s setup diagram, which they can spend to deploy additional units during the game.
Step 5: Prepare the Supply
Sort the damage, strain, and condition tokens into separate piles within easy reach of all players. Shuffle the supply deck and place it face down next to these piles.
Step 6: Shuffle and Place the Agenda, Side Mission, and Reward Decks
Shuffle each deck separately and place them face down near the game board. These decks will be drawn from at various points during the game.
Step 7: Introduce Random Elements
Imperial Assault includes a number of random elements to keep each game fresh. These include the supply deck, which provides random items to players, and the mission deck, which determines the specific objectives for each game.
Once all these steps are completed, you are ready to begin your adventure in a galaxy far, far away!
Game flow Round and round we go
Star Wars: Imperial Assault is a strategy board game that pits players against each other in intense battles between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance. The game is played over a series of rounds, each of which is divided into distinct phases. These phases include Status Phase, Activation Phase, and Refresh Phase.
Status Phase: This is the first phase of each round. During the Status Phase, players perform three steps: Increase Threat, Ready Deployment Cards, and Deploy and Reinforce. In the Increase Threat step, the Imperial player increases their threat by the threat level. During the Ready Deployment Cards step, all players ready their exhausted Deployment Cards. Lastly, in the Deploy and Reinforce step, the Imperial player can spend threat to deploy or reinforce units.
- Increase Threat: The Imperial player increases their threat level by the number indicated on the campaign’s current mission.
- Ready Deployment Cards: All players flip their exhausted Deployment Cards back to their ready position.
- Deploy and Reinforce: The Imperial player can spend threat points to deploy new units to the battlefield or reinforce existing units.
Activation Phase: This phase is the main part of the game, where most of the action takes place. During the Activation Phase, players alternate turns activating one of their units and performing up to two actions with that unit. Actions can include moving, attacking, interacting with the environment, and using special abilities. This phase continues until all units have been activated.
- Move: The player can move their unit up to its speed value.
- Attack: The player can attack an enemy unit within range and line of sight.
- Interact: The player can interact with the environment, such as opening doors or activating switches.
- Special Ability: The player can use one of their unit’s special abilities, if available.
Refresh Phase: The final phase of each round is the Refresh Phase. During this phase, players perform two steps: Ready Heroes and Draw Command Cards. In the Ready Heroes step, all Heroes ready their exhausted Class and Item cards. In the Draw Command Cards step, each player draws one Command Card.
- Ready Heroes: All Heroes flip their exhausted Class and Item cards back to their ready position.
- Draw Command Cards: Each player draws one Command Card from their deck.
The game continues in this way, round after round, until one side accomplishes their mission objective, thereby winning the game.
Players'turn One turn to rule them all
Star Wars: Imperial Assault is a board game that allows players to immerse themselves in the Star Wars universe. During a player’s turn in this game, they can take a variety of actions and make strategic choices that affect gameplay. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Each player’s turn is divided into two parts: Activation Phase and Status Phase.
Activation Phase: During this phase, a player can activate one of their figures. Each figure gets two actions per activation. The possible actions are:
- Move: The figure can move a number of spaces up to its Speed.
- Attack: The figure can perform an attack targeting an enemy figure within its line of sight.
- Interact: The figure can interact with an object on the battlefield, such as a door or a terminal.
- Rest: The figure can recover Strain up to its Endurance, and if it has no Strain, it can recover damage.
- Special Action: The figure may have a special action depicted by a symbol on its card.
Figures cannot perform the same action twice during one activation, with the exception of the Move action.
Status Phase: After all figures have been activated, the Status phase begins with the following steps:
- Ready: All exhausted cards are refreshed and can be used again in the next round.
- Increase Threat: The Imperial player increases their Threat by the Threat Level, which can then be used to deploy additional forces.
- Deploy and Reinforce: The Imperial player can spend Threat to deploy new forces or reinforce existing ones.
- End of Round Effects: Any end of round effects are resolved.
- Pass the Initiative: The Rebel player with the initiative token gives it to the player to their left.
These strategic choices and actions shape gameplay, as players must balance between progressing towards their objectives, managing their resources, and combating enemy forces. The player’s decisions during their turn can significantly affect the game’s outcome, making each turn a crucial part of the game’s overall strategy.
End of the game All good games must come to an end
Star Wars: Imperial Assault is a thrilling board game that combines strategic planning, careful team management, and exciting dice-based combat. The game ends when either the Rebel Alliance or the Imperial forces meet their respective victory conditions. These conditions vary depending on the scenario being played, as outlined in the campaign guide or skirmish guide.
For the Rebel Alliance, victory is usually achieved by completing the mission objectives before the round limit is reached. This often involves reaching specific locations on the map, defeating certain enemies, or protecting vital assets.
On the other hand, the Imperial forces generally win by preventing the Rebels from achieving their objectives within the round limit, or by defeating all Rebel heroes.
Before final scoring, players must complete certain actions:
- Calculate Victory Points: Victory Points (VPs) are earned by both factions throughout the game for achieving certain goals – for instance, defeating enemies or accomplishing objectives. Each player should tally their VPs.
- Check Objective Status: The status of all objectives should be checked and any resulting VPs awarded to the respective factions.
- Compare Victory Points: The faction with the most Victory Points is declared the winner of the game. In the event of a tie, the Imperial forces are declared the winner.
It’s important to note that these are the general rules for ending a game of Star Wars: Imperial Assault. Specific campaign or skirmish missions may have unique victory conditions or scoring rules, so always refer to your game guide to ensure you’re playing correctly.
Scoring Did you outsmart your rivals?
Star Wars: Imperial Assault is a strategic board game where players take on the roles of the Galactic Empire or Rebel Alliance. The ultimate goal is to gain the most victory points by completing objectives and defeating opponents.
Victory Points are the primary scoring mechanism in the game. They are awarded in the following ways:
- Mission Objectives: Players earn victory points by completing mission objectives. The number of points varies depending on the objective.
- Defeating Opponents: Victory points are awarded for each opponent’s figure a player defeats. The number of points is equal to the figure’s deployment cost.
- Special Abilities: Certain character abilities and card effects can also award victory points.
In the event of a tie at the end of the game, the following tie-breaking rules are applied:
- The player with the most remaining health on their figures wins.
- If there’s still a tie, the player with the highest total deployment cost of surviving figures wins.
- If a tie persists, players add up the deployment cost of all figures they have defeated. The player with the highest total wins.
- In the unlikely event that there’s still a tie, the winner is determined randomly.
Remember, the key to victory in Star Wars: Imperial Assault is not just about combat, but also smart decision-making and strategic use of resources. May the Force be with you!
Particular Cases and Exceptions Wait… is that legal?
Star Wars: Imperial Assault is a complex and immersive game that might require some rule clarifications and understanding of exceptions. Here are some of the most important points to note:
1. Movement rules:
- Massive Figures: These are larger figures, which can move through spaces containing other figures and terrain, but they cannot end their movement in a space occupied by another figure or blocking terrain.
- Difficult Terrain: Figures must spend one additional movement point to enter a space containing difficult terrain. However, figures with the Mobile ability are not affected by difficult terrain.
2. Attack rules:
- Line of Sight: To perform an attack, a figure must have line of sight to the target. Line of sight is drawn from one corner of the attacker’s space to two corners of the target’s space.
- Range: If an attack has a range, the attacker must count the minimum number of spaces to the target, which should not exceed the attack’s range.
3. Campaign-specific rules:
- Experience Points: Players earn experience points (XP) throughout the campaign, which they can spend to purchase new abilities for their characters.
- Threat Level: In campaign mode, the Imperial player has a threat level, which increases after each round and can be spent to deploy new units.
4. Other special rules:
- For abilities that trigger “after an attack,” they can only be used once per attack, even if multiple conditions are met.
- Figures with the Stealth ability cannot be targeted by non-adjacent attacks unless they have suffered damage.
- Figures can only perform one rest action per activation. Even if they have additional actions, they cannot rest multiple times in the same activation.
Tips and tricks Play smarter, not harder!
Advanced Strategies:
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Plan Ahead: Like a game of chess, Star Wars: Imperial Assault rewards players who think several turns ahead. Keep track of your opponents’ potential moves and plan your tactics accordingly.
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Control the Map: Objectives often require controlling specific areas on the map. Use your units strategically to hold these areas and deny your opponents access.
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Manage Resources: Your resources are limited, so it’s important to manage them wisely. Spend your points on upgrades and characters that will give you an advantage in the game.
Beginner Tips:
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Learn the Rules: Star Wars: Imperial Assault has a complex rule set. Take the time to thoroughly read the rulebook and understand how the game works before you start playing.
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Start Small: Don’t try to take on too much at once. Start with a small campaign or skirmish to get a feel for the game before diving into larger, more complex scenarios.
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Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different strategies and tactics. You’ll learn more from your mistakes than your successes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
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Forgetting Abilities: Each character in Star Wars: Imperial Assault has unique abilities. Forgetting to use these abilities can cost you the game.
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Neglecting Objectives: It’s easy to get caught up in the combat and forget about the objectives. However, completing objectives is often the key to victory.
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Underestimating Opponents: Every player in the game is a potential threat. Underestimating your opponents can lead to a swift defeat.
Ways to Optimize Gameplay:
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Use the Right Characters: Each character in the game has strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right characters for your team can give you a significant advantage.
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Study the Map: Understanding the layout of the map can help you strategize and plan your moves more effectively.
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Play to Your Strengths: If you’re good at strategizing, focus on controlling the map and outmaneuvering your opponents. If you’re good at combat, focus on taking down your opponents’ characters.