Star Wars: Legion 2026 Buyer's Guide: How to Start Rebels & Empire Armies

Ready to command the Rebel Alliance or lead Darth Vader's Galactic Empire into battle? Star Wars: Legion brings the ground battles of a galaxy far, far away to the tabletop, allowing players to assemble, paint and command armies of iconic Star Wars characters, infantry, vehicles and specialists.

Published by Atomic Mass Games, Star Wars: Legion is a miniatures wargame built around tactical movement, command decisions, battlefield objectives and cinematic combat. Whether you want Luke Skywalker leading Rebel Troopers against impossible odds or Darth Vader advancing behind ranks of Imperial Stormtroopers, the game offers an engaging combination of strategy and miniature collecting.

With refreshed starter sets, updated rules and new miniature releases, 2026 is an excellent time to begin Star Wars: Legion.

But which faction should you choose? Is the Rebel Alliance or Galactic Empire easier for beginners? What comes in the new starter sets, and which expansions should you buy first?

In this buyer's guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about starting Star Wars: Legion, with particular attention to the Rebel Alliance and Galactic Empire.

Explore the Star Wars: Legion collection at TistaMinis for starter sets, expansions, characters and accessories available to Canadian tabletop gamers.

What Is Star Wars: Legion?

Star Wars: Legion is a tabletop miniatures game in which players command ground forces from the Star Wars universe.

Rather than focusing on starfighters or capital ships, Legion recreates battles involving infantry squads, commanders, special forces, walkers and armoured vehicles.

Players build armies, select missions and manoeuvre their units across a battlefield filled with buildings, barricades, forests and other terrain.

The game includes iconic characters such as Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Leia Organa, Han Solo and many more.

What Makes Star Wars: Legion Different?

• Iconic Star Wars characters: lead armies with recognizable heroes and villains.
• Alternating activations: players take turns activating units rather than moving an entire army at once.
• Command cards: commanders influence initiative, orders and tactical opportunities.
• Objective-based battles: victory depends on completing missions, not simply eliminating enemies.
• Customizable armies: combine infantry, specialists, commanders and vehicles.
• Hobby miniatures: assemble and paint your own Star Wars collection.
• Multiple game sizes: learn with Recon games before progressing to larger standard battles.

The Four Major Star Wars: Legion Factions

Star Wars: Legion features four primary factions representing different eras of the Star Wars universe.

Additional mercenary units and specialized Battle Forces provide further army-building possibilities, subject to faction restrictions.

For beginners, the Rebel Alliance and Galactic Empire are particularly attractive because they recreate the classic conflict from the original Star Wars trilogy.

Star Wars: Legion Rules Explained Briefly

Although Legion offers considerable tactical depth, the basic structure is relatively straightforward.

1. Build Your Army

Players select a faction and build a force using commanders, infantry and supporting units.

Each unit has a points cost, and upgrades can modify its abilities or equipment.

The current starter sets provide approximately 600-point Recon forces, making them suitable for introductory games.

2. Select a Mission

Before the battle, players establish objectives, battlefield conditions and deployment arrangements using the game's mission system.

This ensures that games involve more than simply destroying the opposing army.

3. Play Command Cards

Command cards are an important part of Legion's tactical system.

They influence initiative and how orders are issued to units.

Characters such as Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader have thematic command options that can shape the course of a battle.

4. Activate Units

Players alternate activating units, moving troops and carrying out actions.

Positioning is especially important because cover, firing lanes and proximity to objectives can determine whether an attack succeeds.

5. Resolve Attacks and Suppression

Units attack using their weapon profiles and specialized attack and defence dice.

Incoming fire can also cause suppression, potentially limiting a unit's effectiveness.

Maintaining leadership and supporting nearby units can be just as important as inflicting casualties.

6. Complete Objectives

At the end of the battle, the player who best accomplishes the mission's victory conditions wins.

A smaller force that controls important objectives may defeat a more powerful army that focuses entirely on combat.

Rules reminder: Legion has undergone substantial updates. Use the latest official rules, unit cards and points rather than relying exclusively on older printed cards or outdated army lists.

Best Star Wars: Legion Starter Sets in 2026

Atomic Mass Games introduced dedicated faction starter sets that make it easier to begin collecting one army.

These newer boxes are our preferred starting point over searching for the original Rebel-versus-Empire Core Set.

1. Rebel Alliance Starter Set — Best for Rebel Players

The Rebel Alliance Starter Set (SWQ01) provides a force led by Luke Skywalker.

It contains 36 miniatures and the essential gaming components for introductory play.

What's in the Rebel Alliance Starter Set?

• 1 Commander Luke Skywalker.
• 2 Rebel Trooper units, with 11 miniatures per unit.
• 1 Rebel Commandos unit, with 7 miniatures.
• 1 Wookiee Warriors unit, with 6 miniatures.
• Unit, upgrade, command and battle cards.
• Attack and defence dice.
• Movement and range tools.
• Tokens and miniature bases.

This is a strong thematic selection because it includes standard infantry, specialist troops, aggressive Wookiees and an iconic Force-wielding commander.

Luke Skywalker provides a recognizable centrepiece while the Rebel Troopers give the army a foundation for controlling objectives.

Best for: players who enjoy the original trilogy, mobile infantry tactics and heroic characters.

2. Galactic Empire Starter Set — Best for Imperial Players

The Galactic Empire Starter Set (SWQ02) provides a force led by Darth Vader.

It contains 37 miniatures and the essential accessories for introductory games.

What's in the Galactic Empire Starter Set?

• 1 Commander Darth Vader.
• 2 Stormtrooper units, with 11 miniatures per unit.
• 2 Scout Trooper units, with 7 miniatures per unit.
• Unit, upgrade, command and battle cards.
• Attack and defence dice.
• Movement and range tools.
• Tokens and miniature bases.

The Empire starter provides a straightforward military theme: disciplined Stormtroopers supported by specialized Scouts and the intimidating presence of Darth Vader.

It is particularly appealing to players who want a cohesive-looking army with an instantly recognizable colour scheme.

Best for: players who enjoy Imperial armies, strong commanders and coordinated infantry formations.

Rebel Alliance vs Galactic Empire: Which Is Better for Beginners?

Our verdict: neither faction is automatically better. Choose the army whose characters and miniatures you most enjoy. Both starter sets are designed to introduce new players to the game.

Starting the Rebel Alliance: Best Units and Expansions

The Rebel Alliance is a diverse military organization built around resistance to Imperial rule.

Its armies combine ordinary soldiers, elite specialists, unconventional fighters and legendary heroes.

Rebel Troopers — Best Foundation

Rebel Troopers are the backbone of many Rebel armies.

They provide the infantry needed to contest objectives and support the rest of your force.

The starter already includes two units, so play several games before deciding whether you need more.

Rebel Commandos — Best Specialist Infantry

Rebel Commandos provide a different tactical role from ordinary Rebel Troopers.

They suit players who enjoy careful positioning, specialized attacks and scenario-focused gameplay.

Because the starter includes Commandos, you can experiment with them immediately.

Wookiee Warriors — Best Aggressive Infantry

Wookiee Warriors are an exciting choice for players who enjoy close-range combat and aggressive manoeuvres.

They bring a very different style of fighting to the Rebel army.

Use them in coordination with your other units rather than sending them unsupported into concentrated enemy fire.

Leia Organa — Best Leadership-Themed Expansion

Leia Organa is a natural character addition for collectors who want to build a Rebel army around the heroes of the original trilogy.

She provides an alternative command theme to Luke Skywalker.

For beginners, adding another commander can be more interesting than immediately buying a large vehicle because it changes how you approach army building and command cards.

Han Solo and Chewbacca — Best Character Collection

Han Solo and Chewbacca are excellent additions for players who want a character-driven Rebel collection.

They provide iconic models and additional list-building options, subject to the current unit rules and points.

AT-RT — Best Light Walker Theme

The Rebel AT-RT is a recognizable light walker that can add mobility and vehicle firepower.

It is a good expansion for players who want something different from infantry without immediately investing in a large heavy vehicle.

T-47 Airspeeder — Best Centrepiece Vehicle

The T-47 Airspeeder is one of the most recognizable Rebel vehicles, especially for fans of the Battle of Hoth.

It offers an appealing centrepiece model and a different tactical experience from infantry-heavy armies.

Buying advice: add vehicles after learning the basics of movement, objectives and infantry combat.

Recommended Rebel Alliance Buying Order

Browse Star Wars: Legion Rebels and expansions at TistaMinis to plan your collection.

Starting the Galactic Empire: Best Units and Expansions

The Galactic Empire is one of the most recognizable military factions in science fiction.

Its forces combine Stormtroopers, specialist infantry, elite troops, walkers and some of the most intimidating commanders in the Star Wars universe.

Stormtroopers — Best Core Infantry

Stormtroopers provide the foundation of a traditional Imperial army.

They offer a straightforward introduction to infantry positioning, ranged attacks and objective control.

The Galactic Empire Starter Set includes two Stormtrooper units, giving beginners a useful foundation.

Scout Troopers — Best Specialist Infantry

Scout Troopers provide tactical variety through specialized deployment and battlefield roles.

They are an excellent complement to Stormtroopers, especially for players who enjoy using terrain and manoeuvring around enemy positions.

Because the starter includes two Scout Trooper units, new players can begin experimenting with these tactics immediately.

Imperial Death Troopers — Best Elite Infantry Theme

Imperial Death Troopers are among the Empire's most intimidating specialist soldiers.

Recognizable from Rogue One, they provide a striking alternative to traditional Stormtrooper formations.

They are an appealing expansion for players interested in elite infantry and an army inspired by Imperial special operations.

Director Krennic — Best Rogue One Commander Theme

Director Orson Krennic is a natural thematic addition for collectors who enjoy Rogue One.

He pairs particularly well with a collection built around Death Troopers and Imperial special forces.

Use the current unit and command cards to evaluate how he fits into your chosen army.

General Veers — Best Military Commander Theme

General Veers offers an alternative to the Empire's Force-wielding commanders.

He is particularly attractive for players interested in an Imperial military force supported by walkers and conventional infantry.

74-Z Speeder Bikes — Best Fast Support

Imperial Speeder Bikes offer mobility and a recognizable Star Wars battlefield appearance.

They are an excellent choice for players who want to explore faster units after learning the fundamentals of infantry combat.

AT-ST — Best Imperial Centrepiece

The AT-ST is one of the most impressive vehicles available to the Galactic Empire.

Its towering silhouette and heavy weapons make it a memorable addition to any Imperial collection.

However, large vehicles require careful army planning, so we recommend adding an AT-ST after building a reliable infantry foundation.

Recommended Galactic Empire Buying Order

How to Build Your First Star Wars: Legion Army

The best way to begin is to build a balanced collection rather than purchasing every available character and vehicle.

Step 1: Choose Your Faction

Start with Rebels or Empire based on your favourite characters, models and preferred style of play.

Step 2: Buy the Current Faction Starter Set

The newer Rebel Alliance and Galactic Empire starter sets include the necessary components for introductory Recon games.

This is a more convenient route for most beginners than buying individual miniatures and accessories separately.

Step 3: Assemble and Paint Your Miniatures

Legion miniatures require assembly and are supplied unpainted.

Begin with your commander and one infantry unit, then complete the remaining models in manageable batches.

Step 4: Learn Recon Games

Use the starter force to learn command cards, alternating activations, movement, attacks, suppression and objectives.

Recon games are specifically designed to provide a smaller-scale Legion experience.

Step 5: Play Several Games Before Expanding

After a few battles, identify what your army needs.

Are you struggling to reach objectives? Do you need more ranged firepower? Would an additional commander change your strategy?

Let your experience guide your next purchase.

Step 6: Expand Toward Standard Games

Once you're comfortable with Recon, begin adding units for larger standard games.

Check the latest army-building requirements and points from Atomic Mass Games before planning a final list.

Example Beginner Army Collection Plans

These are suggested purchase paths, not points-validated tournament lists.

Rebel Alliance Collection

• Rebel Alliance Starter Set.
• Leia Organa.
• Additional Rebel infantry or specialists.
• AT-RT.
• Optional T-47 Airspeeder.

This creates a collection with multiple commanders, infantry options and vehicle support.

Galactic Empire Collection

• Galactic Empire Starter Set.
• General Veers or Director Krennic.
• Imperial Death Troopers.
• 74-Z Speeder Bikes.
• Optional AT-ST.

This creates an Imperial collection that can develop into a disciplined infantry army or a force supported by powerful military vehicles.

Star Wars: Legion Starter Sets vs Battle Forces

New players may also encounter larger Battle Force boxes and themed army collections.

These are not necessarily the same as the newer faction starter sets.

A Battle Force usually focuses on a particular military formation or recognizable group from the Star Wars universe.

Examples include Rebel forces inspired by Echo Base and Imperial formations associated with Hoth.

Such boxes can be attractive for experienced players or collectors with a specific army theme.

However, they may not contain all the dice, tools and other accessories included in a dedicated starter set.

Our recommendation: buy the current faction starter first unless you already own the necessary gaming components and know exactly which Battle Force you want to build.

Essential Star Wars: Legion Accessories

The newer starter sets include the essential components for introductory games, but several additional accessories become useful as your collection grows.

Extra Attack and Defence Dice

Additional dice can make larger games more convenient, especially when resolving attacks involving many weapons.

Movement and Range Tools

These are essential for playing Legion. The current starter sets include them, so beginners should not need to purchase another set immediately.

Terrain and Barricades

Terrain is particularly important in Legion because it provides cover, affects movement and creates interesting objective-based missions.

Useful terrain includes:

• Imperial bunkers and military installations.
• Desert buildings inspired by Tatooine.
• Forests and woodland terrain inspired by Endor.
• Industrial platforms and supply depots.
• Barricades, cargo containers and defensive positions.

Paints and Hobby Supplies

Rebel and Imperial armies provide very different painting experiences.

Stormtroopers benefit from clean white armour, dark undersuits and careful shading.

Rebel miniatures offer greater variety, with earth-toned uniforms, camouflage, leather equipment and characterful faces.

Useful supplies include primer, acrylic miniature paints, brushes, plastic cement where appropriate and basing materials.

Painting Your First Rebel Alliance Army

Rebel armies are ideal for hobbyists who enjoy varied colours and individual character.

Rebel Troopers

Use combinations of tan, brown, olive green and muted military colours.

A wash helps define clothing folds and equipment, while simple highlights make the models stand out on the battlefield.

Luke Skywalker

Choose a colour scheme appropriate to the version of Luke represented by your miniature.

Give extra attention to his face, clothing and lightsaber, as he will naturally attract attention as the army's commander.

Wookiee Warriors

Brown basecoats followed by washes and drybrushing are effective for creating textured fur.

Different shades of brown can make individual Wookiees look distinct.

Painting Your First Galactic Empire Army

Imperial armies offer a cohesive and instantly recognizable visual style.

Stormtroopers

Begin with a light primer or off-white basecoat.

Apply dark shading carefully into armour recesses, then highlight the raised armour panels.

Paint the undersuit, visor and weapon details in black or dark grey.

Darth Vader

Use a combination of black and dark grey to distinguish the different surfaces of Vader's armour, cape and clothing.

Gloss finishes on selected armour panels can create contrast against the matte fabric.

A bright red lightsaber provides an effective focal point.

Scout Troopers

Scout Troopers can use a similar palette to Stormtroopers, with additional weathering on boots, equipment and armour.

For an Endor-themed army, woodland bases are particularly effective.

Common Beginner Mistakes in Star Wars: Legion

1. Buying Too Many Characters

Luke, Leia, Han, Vader and other famous characters are appealing, but your army also needs infantry and units capable of contesting objectives.

2. Ignoring Mission Objectives

Legion is not simply a game of eliminating the opposing force.

Learn how to score objectives and use your units to control important parts of the battlefield.

3. Purchasing Expansions Before Learning the Rules

Begin with your starter set and play several games before adding specialized units.

4. Using Outdated Unit Cards

Because Legion has received major rules and card updates, older printed components may not reflect current rules.

Consult the latest official documents.

5. Neglecting Terrain

A battlefield with too little terrain can create unbalanced engagements and reduce tactical variety.

Use enough cover and line-of-sight-blocking features to create interesting movement decisions.

Where to Find the Latest Star Wars: Legion Rules

Atomic Mass Games provides official downloadable rules, updated cards, errata and additional game-mode documents.

Visit the official Star Wars: Legion Rules & Organized Play page for the latest resources.

Players should consult the current documents when preparing army lists, particularly if they own miniatures or printed cards from older editions.

Shop Star Wars: Legion at TistaMinis Canada

Frequently Asked Questions About Star Wars: Legion

Final Verdict: Should You Start Rebels or Empire?

Star Wars: Legion is a rewarding tabletop wargame for players who want to recreate iconic battles and build their own Star Wars armies.

The current Rebel Alliance and Galactic Empire starter sets make getting started much easier by providing substantial miniature collections alongside the essential gaming components.

Choose the Rebel Alliance if you enjoy Luke Skywalker, Wookiees, flexible infantry tactics and the heroic struggle against Imperial rule.

Choose the Galactic Empire if you prefer Darth Vader, disciplined Stormtroopers, elite military formations and imposing Imperial vehicles.

For either faction, our advice is simple: start with one faction starter, learn the Recon rules, paint your miniatures and play several games before purchasing expansions.

Then add a second commander, specialist infantry or a vehicle that complements your preferred strategy.

With ongoing support and a growing miniature range, there's plenty of room to develop your collection over time.

Ready to fight for the galaxy? Explore Star Wars: Legion miniatures at TistaMinis and start building your Rebel Alliance or Galactic Empire army today.