Best Star Wars Board Games

Love Star Wars and board games? Check out our reviews and top list of the best Star Wars board games to ever grace the table tops.

With new Star Wars movies being released recently, and more to come over 2017 and 2018, what better time to take a look at Star Wars board games. With both young and old fans of the franchise searching for branded merchandise, there has been a steady supply of new Star Wars board games arriving on the scene.

There has been a mixed reaction to the quality of the games; all of them capturing the feel of the Star Wars universe in different ways. Some more successfully than others. Now, due to licensing restrictions, new productions are limited to only certain publishers, but not to worry because there is still a great deal of good quality choices out there. Minnesota-based Fantasy Flight Games is doing a great job of bringing new ideas to your gaming table.

As ever, it’s difficult to find a game which will suit all demographics, but there’s something suitable for everybody if you look through the list. Maybe you’re a Star Wars super-fan, or just a board game fan in general, it doesn’t matter. With the games we’ve picked out for you, you’re only a click away from ordering a game which is guaranteed to give you many hours of fun. All the picks have a majority of positive reviews.

Best Star Wars Board Games: Our Picks

Star Wars Loopin’ Chewie

For Ages: 4+

Number of Players: 2-3

This is a re-hash of the popular game Loopin’ Louie in a new Star Wars theme. Obviously designed for the younger end of the children’s market, it became a best-seller in its previous guise. It might not be something to wheel out on a serious games night, but after a few beers with your friends you’ll be amazed at the ridiculous fun you can have.

The idea of the game is Chewie flying the Millennium Falcon in a circular motion trying to knock over Stormtroopers, represented by tokens. As the battery powered spaceship flies past each player the aim is to press your paddle which deflects Chewie. If you mis-time your action then one of your tokens will fall down. The winner is the last player to have tokens still standing.

Ridiculously simple, but it’s a good choice for young children who have recently discovered Star Wars and may not be mature enough for something more complicated.

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Star Wars: Empire vs Rebellion

For Ages: 10+

Number of Players: 2

Not one of the more well known Star Wars board games, but it’s a solid choice. A fast-paced card game, designed for only two players who take opposing sides in the war between the evil Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance. The gameplay is not complicated at all, and has a great blend of strategy and luck to ensure tons of replayability.

Each side has the same resources, the only difference being the eight character cards which are shuffled into your deck of 20 more cards. Event cards which are turned over on each turn have numbers which lead to a Blackjack style game with elements of bluffing and a little double guessing.

Each game lasts around 20 minutes, so can even be taken to work to liven up your lunch hour.

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Clash of the Lightsabers

For Ages: 8+

Number of Players: 2

This is a strategic card game designed to recreate a lightsaber duel between Qui-Gonn and Darth Maul. Very simplistic but also easy to enjoy. Designed in 1999, in time for the release of Phantom of the Menace, it was initially accused of being nothing more than a cheap idea to take advantage of the new craze. Once you look past the cheap components you can see it’s actually a lot of fun.

Each player has their own battle deck, which is identical apart from the artwork, and five Final Duel cards. The aim is to have a higher attack value than your opponent in each round. Dealing yourself seven cards for each battle you must choose only three to play; the strategy lies in how aggressive you want to be, because if you come out all guns blazing you might leave yourself open in the late game.

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Star Wars X-Wing Miniatures Game

For Ages: 10+

Number of Players: 2-3 (extra ships from expansion packs allow for more)

The problem with a lot of miniatures games is they tend to be either too simplistic or too complex; there’s very little choice in between. X-Wing is one of those rare types that sits perfectly in the middle.

If you dream of flying a spacecraft in a galactic battle, then this is the game for you. Take control of an advanced Starfighter in a game of tactical combat; with easy to learn rules you can be up and running in just a few minutes.

The miniatures feature stunning detail, and are painted extremely well. You can recreate space battles from only a couple of ships, to massive engagements with entire squadrons.

At around 60 minutes per game this is something you can really get your teeth into. Not only that but there is also an active tournament scene still ongoing.

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Star Wars: The Card Game

For Ages: 10+

Number of Players: 1-4

This head-to-head duel sees the two sides of light and darkness square up to decide the fate of the galaxy. Star Wars: The Card Game is a living card game which comes with everything you need to play with in the core set. Expansions are released periodically which constantly adds a new feel to your sessions.

Dark side players take control of the Sith, Imperial Navy, and the Scum and Villainy. Light side players take control of the Jedi, Rebel Alliance, and the Smugglers and Spies. The aim is to destroy your opponent’s objectives; the Light side needing three successes, while the Dark side aims to advance the Death Star counter to 12; whoever achieves their goal first is the winner.

40-60 minutes per game is normal. To get the best out of the game the expansions are necessary, but of course that is the whole purpose of living cards games.

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Star Wars: Rebellion

For Ages: 12+

Number of Players: 2-4

The latest release from Fantasy Flight Games, Star Wars: Rebellion is based on the original trilogy of movies. Probably the most popular Star Wars board game on the market right now.

This is the most complex game listed so far, using rules which cover 32 star systems and 150 miniatures. Civil war is spreading through the galaxy and the players control the usual sides of heroes and villains to decide what the ending will be.

During gameplay you may recognise events from the films, such as Luke Skywalker receiving Jedi training, or Han Solo being frozen in carbonite.

What kind of strategy appeals most to you? Diplomacy or the military option; it’s completely up to you. How will you collect resources to expand your power?

With some games lasting more than four hours, this is not for the faint hearted, and will suit the more hardcore gamer who is a fan of the original movies.

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Star Wars: Imperial Assault

For Ages: 12+

Number of Players: 2-5

One of the most popular Star Wars games ever seen. Offering two modes of gameplay, Campaign and Skirmish, players have the option of a cinematic journey through the Star Wars universe or a faster paced head-to-head tactical battle.

In Campaign mode one player takes the role of the Galactic Empire while up to four players play as the Rebel Alliance and constantly attempt to undermine the Emperor’s grand schemes. Experience and new skills play a role in character development, which ultimately decides how the story will unfold.

The Skirmish mode is a shorter game type for two players to muster strike teams which battle over conflicting objectives.

Multiple expansion packs are available to improve the gameplay possibilities. Also, included in the Core Set are both the Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader packs which feature plastic miniatures and additional missions.

This is a fantastic game, and great value for money for being really two games in one.

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Star Wars Edge of The Empire RPG Core Rulebook

For Ages: 12+

Number of Players: 3-5

Edge of Empire is the original Star Wars role playing game. Perfect for losing yourself within the Star Wars universe, this richly textured game is a perfect introduction to role playing. Everything you need to begin your adventure is included within this 448-page rulebook.

All the rules for character creation and advancement are explained clearly so your GM can be leading you on in no time at all. All the background information needed to set the scene is here, and a complete adventure is included to help you on your way.

The Star Wars RPG system has now grown to include Age of Rebellion, Force and Destiny, and now The Force Awakens. Each one is available as a beginner box with modified rules which suit younger children and newbies. Each title is also a standalone product as well as an addition to any other which you already own.

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Star Wars: Armada

For Ages: 12+

Number of Players: 2

This two-player miniature game is a modern classic. Unlike X-Wing, this is a slower paced strategy game rather than fast paced tactical battles, but a similar idea. In Armada you control the Star destroyers which direct the smaller spacecraft. Entire squadrons is the name of the game, not single ships.

This is a game where you need to be planning out your actions two to three turns in advance, which for many people makes for a much more satisfying gaming experience. While this planning is going on you will still be under serious tactical pressure.

The miniatures are produced to a high standard making it visually appealing as well. There are few table top games which look as good. Overall this is one of the best buys out there.

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Risk: Star Wars Edition

For Ages: 9+

Number of Players: 2 or 4

This classic board game has been revamped into an action packed replay of the final moments of Return of the Jedi. Recreate the three simultaneous battles where the Rebels attack the new Death Star, the shield generator is de-activated, and of course the showdown between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader.

Players choose between the Light Side or the Dark Side, and control a wide array of machinery and troops. For victory the Rebel Alliance must destroy the shield generator and then the Death Star, and the Galactic Empire must destroy all the Rebel ships before the Death Star is destroyed. Whoever wins the battle between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader will tip the balance in their side’s favor.

The gameplay is actually not as close to the original Risk game as you might think, so investigate further to avoid any disappointment. Popular opinion seems to be that this is a great version though.

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Star Wars: Epic Duels

For Ages: 8+

Number of Players: 2-6

This game allows you to pit Star Wars characters against each other in a fight to the death. Battling in one of four venues to choose from players can pick any of more than 30 painted miniatures as their role.

Each character comes with their own deck of cards dictating attack, defence, and special abilities. Special powers are individual to that character only. The four battlefields are Geonosis, the Emperor’s throne room, the carbonite freezing room, and a landing platform.

Gameplay is designed for a two player head-to-head match-up, three teams of two, or a six player free for all where the last man standing is the winner.

This game is so good you don’t even need to be a Star Wars fan to consider buying it. Seriously addictive.

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Star Wars Premiere Customizable Card Game

For Ages: 8+

Number of Players: 2

First appearing on the market in 1995, Star Wars CCG is an addictive strategy based card game. Players can choose from over 3000 different cards to make a deck of 60 to play with.

This introductory package includes enough to get started with, and also comes with unique Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader cards not found anywhere else. The game went out of print in 2001 but it kept alive by a fan based organisation releasing frequent updates to allow players to tweak their decks.

Players place their 60 cards on the table, and then lay out location cards. Characters and ships are placed at different locations while additional weapons and devices can be added. The aim of the game is to deplete your opponent’s life force.

Gameplay is complex for a CCG, but the mechanics are extremely innovative and elegant. You can have endless hours of fun, and the replayability factor is great due to the high number of expansion packs available.

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Operation: Star Wars Edition

For Ages: 6+

Number of Players: 2-4

This 80’s classic is a perfect gift for a young Star Wars fan who loves board games. In 2017 a lot of parents will remember the original version from almost 40 years ago.

The game now centers on getting BB-8 up and rolling again. But is your hand steady enough? BB-8 has been rescued from Jakku but is completely on the blink. Can you remove his defective parts without setting off the buzzer? When all 12 parts have been removed the player who collected the most without setting off the buzzer is the winner.

Hours of fun for families with young children who love Star Wars. Even older gamers who love retro fun would enjoy it.

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Battleship: Star Wars Edition

For Ages: 6+

Number of Players: 2

Another timeless classic, which can even be played on a piece of paper if you’re that desperate. Now re-themed with Star Wars ships on a 9 x 9 grid, players can take opposing sides in the battle between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance, as they search for enemy ships. As an interesting twist players can now choose whether or not to play with multiple shots in a single turn.

The game is small enough to be considered ideal for playing on your travels. Everything fits neatly into a small case.

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Monopoly Game: Star Wars Edition

For Ages: 10+

Number of Players: 2-4

Probably the most popular board game of all time. Now in a Star Wars theme players are on a quest to build and expand their very own galactic empire.

As you might expect there are a few wrinkles which make this different from ordinary Monopoly. Players can use the force to their advantage, allowing them to perform actions such as swap, steal, or even collect extra money.

All the locations are familiar from the Star Wars movies, such as Hoth and Tatooine.

Maybe ideal for families who want something more mature to play while still appealing to children.

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Best Star Wars Board Games: Final Thoughts

This is a great selection of Star Wars board games, with a lot of choice on what kind of gameplay you’re looking for. It’s difficult to pick one that will be the best buy for the majority of fans out there, but in our opinion Armada tops the list for sheer quality, but it is closely followed home by Imperial Assault. Both titles will leave you feeling glad you gave them a try – if you’re searching for the true best Star Wars board game… it might just be more than one game to fulfill your needs!

Honorable Mention: Star Wars Chess Game

In any list of quality games, if there’s anything chess related it simply cannot be left unmentioned. Star Wars fans who play chess will love this themed chess set. What better game to be able to contest the fight between light and dark sides?

All of the pieces are modeled on Star Wars characters from the original movies up to The Force Awakens. Beautifully crafted, this is a real work of art that will look great in any living room.