The 2025 Star Wars Legion rules update is here with cleaner language, new cards, character reworks, and key removals—here’s what changed, and why.
Updated on April 17th, 2025, by Rob Baer with new information and links to relevant content.
Well, Legion players, it’s official—your rulebook just got a serious shake-up. The 2025 Star Wars: Legion update isn’t just a patch job. We’re talking streamlined language, reworked cards, new timing rules, and the quiet retirement of more than a few familiar faces (sorry, Palpatine).
Whether your table is lined with snowtroopers or rebel misfits, this update touches nearly every corner of the game, from how keywords function to how terrain affects line of sight. Some units got sharper. Some got shelved. And yes, Lando’s even sneakier now. Let’s break down what actually changed and why it matters.
April 2025 Update:
Alright, let’s not waste time.
You’ve heard the chatter, skimmed the posts, maybe even rage-scrolled through some Discord debates. The 2025 Star Wars: Legion Core Rulebook Update is here, and it’s a pretty big shakeup. It’s not just a new coat of paint. We’re talking restructured rules, renamed formats, retired units, and more formatting changes than a graphic designer on too much caf.
If you’re still trying to figure out why “at” is now a forbidden word and your poor Rebel Pathfinders got the boot, stick around. We’ll walk through it all—card updates, reworked characters, keywords, and those sweet new quality-of-life changes you didn’t know you needed.
The Core Rulebook Got a Major Style Pass
The biggest shift isn’t about power levels. It’s about how stuff’s written—and how that affects the actual gameplay.
The team behind Legion finally stopped pretending people naturally understand the difference between “at,” “within,” and “beyond.” Now it’s “within,” “completely within,” and “not within.” Words now mean what they actually mean. Imagine that.
Game terms have been bolded, capitalized, and templated. If you’ve ever stared at a command card wondering what its effect actually does, this update is your new best friend. And yes, the updated Core Rulebook is rolling out alongside all the snazzy new print-and-play cards.
Oh, and “Skirmish” mode? That’s gone. Say hello to Star Wars: Legion: Recon. It’s the same quick-play format you know, just with a sharper name and hopefully fewer arguments about whether it’s “real” Legion.
Card Overhaul: All the Cards. Every. Single. One.
Every card in the game has been rewritten to match the new visual and language standard. Don’t worry, your collection isn’t obsolete. You can print the new versions yourself or wait for the card packs. Either way, prepare for things to look a whole lot cleaner.
One major win? Icons now show up in the game text where they make sense—like range, courage, etc. It’s like the cards now speak the same language as the rules. Crazy concept, right?
Units and Characters Getting Some TLC
Alright, let’s get into the spicy part: character updates. There are five headliners here, and they’re all from the Rebel Alliance and Galactic Empire. These aren’t minor errata changes. They’ve been properly reworked, repointed, and in some cases, reassigned.
Jyn Erso: Now With 100% More Chaos
Jyn is no longer a commander. She’s now a rogue operative doing what she does best—causing absolute mayhem. With Infiltrate, Disengage, and Independent: Move, she’s slippery, unpredictable, and perfect for early-game disruption. Her command cards have been tweaked to reward bold plays and punish passive opponents.
Lando Calrissian: The Gambler Rises
Lando’s had a glow-up. He picked up a new keyword, One Step Ahead, which lets him mess with movement during the command phase if you outwit your opponent’s pip choice. His command cards lean into his high-risk, high-reward flavor, with “Ace Up His Sleeve” acting as a cheeky contingency-lite. Also, his three-pip card is literally called Idiot’s Array. Chef’s kiss.
Cassian Andor & Iden Versio: Streamlined, Not Reinvented
Cassian and Iden haven’t changed much—just enough to make things smoother. Loadout? Gone. Infiltrate? Baked into their cards. Their weapons are simplified, their roles clarified, and their design trimmed of weird mechanical fat.
Agent Kallus: Your Empire Middle Manager
Kallus is now the Empire’s frontline brawler-slash-leadership support piece. With Bounty, Interrogate, and Direct: Corps, he’s built to disrupt Jedi and support stormtroopers. His new card text is less fiddly and much more flavor-driven. Don’t sleep on this guy—he can hold off Force users long enough to swing a game.
Keywords: Some Got Better, Some Got Axed
Let’s pour one out for Loadout, Contingencies, and Flawed. They’re gone. That design space is being retooled into something more flexible (see: Lando’s new tricks).
New arrivals? One Step Ahead adds command phase mind games, and Shenmastery finally shows up officially after lurking in speculation for months. Other tweaks include:
- Self-Destruct is now just a dice roll, not an attack.
- Cashed tokens still trigger, even if the mini holding them is gone.
- Vehicles’ arms and legs don’t block line of sight anymore. Looking at you, Aquadroids.
Terrain, Movement, and LOS: All About That Clarity
Terrain rules finally make sense. Area terrain now blocks line of sight through it, but you can still see into and out of it. Much easier to apply, and it encourages better, more immersive tables. As for movement, standard moves now include reverse and strafe—which helps clean up how things like notch bases work.
Also: you can nudge your unit’s minis around to make room for your leader. It’s a small fix, but a huge relief for players tired of playing Tetris during a move.
Farewell, Old Friends: What’s Leaving the Game
This part’s tough for collectors and players: some units and upgrades didn’t make it into the new era.
Gone:
- DC-15 Phase I Heavy Trooper
- Rebel Pathfinders
- Generic Commander Units (Imperial Officer, Rebel Officer, Super Tactical Droid)
- Emperor Palpatine & Royal Guard
And a few upgrades joined them in retirement:
- Aggressive Tactics
- Battle Meditation
- Comms Relay
- Esteemed Leader
- JT-12 Jetpacks
- Refurbished “Gonk” Droid
Most of these were removed to clean up clunky interactions, open up design space, or tone down power creep. In a few cases, it also had to pass the Star Wars IP sniff test (they mention speaking with Lucasfilm about the updates).
What’s Next?
There aren’t any new points changes yet. The dev team is watching the current meta, tracking data, and looking into what adjustments make sense long-term. They’re especially watching:
- Aquadroids (strong out of the gate)
- Riot Troopers (possibly too weak)
- Rebel Sleeper Cells (jury’s still out)
- And… the entire Empire faction
The message is clear: changes will come, but only when there’s enough solid play data to back it up. Knee-jerk fixes aren’t the vibe anymore.
So, What Should You Actually Do?
- Download the print-and-play cards if you haven’t already.
- Check which units and upgrades are retired and adjust your lists.
- Try out the reworked characters—Lando and Jyn are spicy now.
- Keep your terrain game sharp. Those area terrain changes reward thoughtful tables.
- Watch how the meta evolves, but don’t panic. The devs are keeping an eye on the power balance.
Whether you’re building your first army or updating your tournament staples, this Star Wars Legion Rules refresh gives Legion a much-needed polish—and opens the door to some genuinely cool new design space. Now grab your tokens, pack those printed cards, and get ready to put boots (or treads or claws) on the ground.
2024 Star Wars Legion Rules Changes & Updates
Ministravaganza 2024 dropped some serious rules changes and updates for Star Wars: Legion, and it’s time to break down all the juicy details. Whether you’re a Rebel commander or an Imperial tactician, these changes are set to shake things up in a major way.
First things first, you can grab all the new rules and cards right now, so get ready to bring some fresh strategies to the table.
Key Goals of the Update
The team at Atomic Mass Games has clear goals with these updates: reduce complexity, refine unit roles, and make scenarios and missions more engaging. Sounds simple enough, right? But the devil is in the details, and these changes aim to streamline gameplay while keeping the strategic depth that fans love. From revamping the mission dashboard to introducing new cards and mechanics, this update is all about making your battles more intense and your strategies more rewarding.
Here is everything that’s new and why it matters for your next game!
Star Wars Legion Core Gameplay Rules Changes
Mission Dashboard and VP System
The mission dashboard in Star Wars: Legion has seen a facelift, and it’s not just cosmetic. The new features are designed to streamline the gameplay experience and make every battle more engaging. One of the standout changes is the reduction of the round counter from six to five, which means you’ll need to think on your feet and make every move count.
New Mission Dashboard Features
The updated mission dashboard isn’t just about fewer rounds. It’s packed with new elements that keep players on their toes. For example, there are now 12 Victory Points (VPs) up for grabs, and the game ends if a player reaches 12 VPs and has more than their opponent. This shift emphasizes early and aggressive gameplay, encouraging players to take risks and seize opportunities immediately.
Changes to Victory Points and Round Counter
Gone are the days of slow starts and late-game rushes. The new VP system incentivizes you to engage from the first round. This change makes the game feel more dynamic and keeps both players in the thick of the action. The updated round counter also means games will be shorter and more intense, perfect for those who want fast-paced, high-stakes battles.
Detailed Faction Updates
Rebel Alliance
The Rebel Alliance is getting some love in this update, with new units and key changes that will make them even more formidable on the battlefield. The updates focus on making units more versatile and impactful, ensuring that the Rebellion remains a force to be reckoned with.
Key Changes and New Units
Rebel Troopers are seeing some significant upgrades, with streamlined unit cards and new abilities that make them more effective in various combat scenarios. Luke Skywalker, Hero of the Rebellion, and Leia Organa, Fearless and Inventive, also get updates that enhance their leadership and combat roles. Plus, introducing new units like the Rebel Veterans and the 1.4 FD Laser Cannon Team adds fresh strategic options for Rebel commanders.
Galactic Empire
The Galactic Empire isn’t sitting idly by, either. With updates to key units and the introduction of new tactical options, the Empire is ready to crush the Rebellion with renewed vigor.
Key Changes and New Units
Stormtroopers are getting a revamp with new cards that streamline their abilities and make them more effective in combat. General Veers, Master Tactician, and Director Orson Krennic, Architect of Terror, receive updates that enhance their strategic roles on the battlefield. New units like the Imperial Dark Troopers and the TX-225 GAVw Occupier Tank provided the Empire with powerful tools to dominate their foes. These changes ensure that the Empire remains a versatile and deadly opponent.
New Mechanics & Rules
Cover System Overhaul
Hold onto your helmets, folks, because the cover system in Star Wars: Legion just got a major overhaul. The days of flat two-hit reductions are gone, replaced with a dynamic dice-based system that scales with the number of incoming hits. It’s like moving from black-and-white TV to 4K Ultra HD – everything is sharper, more detailed, and way more exciting.
Explanation of the New Cover Mechanics
So, how does this new cover system work? In simple terms, instead of automatically subtracting hits, units now roll defense dice to cancel them. This means your troopers have a fighting chance to shrug off those pesky blaster bolts, making cover more strategic and engaging. Think of it as the Force working in mysterious ways – sometimes you dodge, sometimes you don’t, and every roll keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Impact on Gameplay
This change is a game-changer (pun totally intended). Smaller units with fewer dice rolls now stand a better chance against entrenched enemies, while larger dice pools will need to be a bit more cautious. The new system encourages more dynamic and tactical play, where positioning and cover become crucial to your strategy. It’s no longer just about stacking hits – it’s about smart play and making the most of every shot.
Unit and Upgrade Card Refreshes
The update to the unit and upgrade cards isn’t just a fresh coat of paint; it’s a complete renovation. Say goodbye to walls of text and hello to streamlined keywords and stunning new artwork. These changes aren’t just cosmetic – they’re designed to make gameplay smoother and more intuitive.
Streamlined Text and New Artwork
Gone are the days of squinting at tiny text to decipher complex rules. The new cards are all about clarity, with keywords that are easy to understand and reference. And let’s not forget the artwork – it’s like having a mini art gallery in your game box. Each card is a visual treat, vividly bringing the Star Wars universe to life.
Changes to Unit Sizes and Roles
One of the most exciting updates is the change to unit sizes and roles. Many units can now be roughly doubled in size, giving you more bang for your buck. This isn’t just about bigger armies; it’s about tactical flexibility. Larger units can control the battlefield more effectively, and the new roles ensure that every unit has a purpose. Whether you’re leading a charge with a beefed-up squad of Rebel Troopers or holding the line with a reinforced Stormtrooper platoon, these changes add depth and strategy to your battles.
Mission & Deployment Updates
New Mission-Building Process
Building missions in Star Wars: Legion just got a whole lot more interactive and exciting. The new mission-building process combines Objective, Secondary Objective, and Advantage Cards, making each game a unique challenge that keeps you and your opponent guessing.
Combining Objective, Secondary Objective, and Advantage Cards
Here’s how it works: Each player brings a deck of three types of Battle Cards. The blue player (determined by a priority roll) reveals a card from either their Objective or Secondary Objective deck, while the red player reveals a card from the other type. Then, both players reveal an Advantage Card. This process adds a layer of strategy before the game even starts, as you’ll need to plan your moves based on the cards drawn.
How the New System Enhances Strategy
This new system makes mission-building a collaborative and strategic part of the game. Instead of one player having an advantage by controlling the mission deck, both players contribute to the scenario, making the game more balanced and engaging. The strategic depth this adds means every game feels fresh, with new challenges and opportunities arising from the unique combination of cards.
Updated Deployment Mechanics
Deployment in Star Wars: Legion has also seen significant changes, making the start of each game more flexible and strategic. The new deployment mechanics focus on territories and board edge deployment, shaking up how you position your forces from the get-go.
Changes to Territories and Board Edge Deployment
Instead of traditional deployment zones, players now use territories marked on the map. Units deploy from the board edge within these territories, adding a layer of strategy right from the start. This change encourages more dynamic and varied setups, preventing the predictable deployment patterns of old. It’s like starting a chess game where the pieces can appear anywhere – endless possibilities.
Impact on Early Game Strategy
This update means the early game is more about maneuvering and positioning than ever before. With units entering the battlefield from the board edge, you’ll need to think carefully about your initial moves. Early game strategies now involve clever positioning and anticipating your opponent’s deployment, making those first few turns crucial to setting the tone for the entire game.
Enhancing the Player Experience
Streamlining Complexity
Let’s face it: nobody likes slogging through a rulebook thicker than a Wookiee’s fur coat. The 2024 Star Wars: Legion updates are all about cutting the clutter and making the game as smooth as a Hoth ice slide.
Consolidation of Rules and Mechanics
Gone are the days of flipping through multiple pages to find that one elusive rule about creature troopers. The new streamlined mechanics consolidate all those fiddly bits into a more cohesive whole. Everything is more intuitive, so you can spend less time rule-lawyering and more time blasting Stormtroopers.
Benefits for New and Returning Players
New players, rejoice! You no longer need a PhD in Star Wars lore to jump into the game. The simplified rules mean you can get your miniatures on the table faster than the Millennium Falcon on a Kessel Run.
Balancing Speed and Movement
Speed kills – or at least it used to. The new updates have carefully examined how fast units move and interact on the battlefield, ensuring a balanced experience.
Adjustments to Fast Units and Movement Mechanics
Fast units were running circles around slower ones, creating a game that felt more like tag than tactical warfare. Now, with adjustments to movement mechanics, even the fastest units need to think twice before darting across the board. Speedy units got a slight NERF ensuring that they can’t just zip in, cause chaos, and zip out without consequence. It’s all about strategic positioning and smart movement now, so those fast movers need to earn their keep.
Addressing Congestion Around Objectives
Ever had a game where everyone just piles up around the objectives like it’s the galaxy’s most awkward family reunion? No more! The updates include changes to prevent unit congestion around key points. Units can now move over others more freely, and special bases allow for smoother transitions. It’s like traffic control for your battlefield, ensuring everyone can get to where they need to be without tripping over each other’s blaster boots.
Conclusion
The 2024 updates to Star Wars: Legion look to bring a fresh, dynamic feel to a beloved game. From revamped mission-building and deployment mechanics to new unit roles and streamlined rules, these changes are designed to enhance your gaming experience.
Get ready to engage in epic battles with more depth, strategy, and excitement than ever before. May the Force be with you!
Click Here to Get All the New Cards & Rules!
What do you think about all the updates and rules changes for Star Wars Legion?
