Hey there, Star Wars fans! Ready to explore the outer reaches of the galaxy? Fantasy Flight Games has just released the second set of their thrilling card game series, “Star Wars: Unlimited – Shadows of the Galaxy,” and it’s packed with exciting new features, beloved characters, and innovative mechanics. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, this set promises to take your gameplay to a whole new level.
Pre order here.
What is “Star Wars: Unlimited – Shadows of the Galaxy”?
“Star Wars: Unlimited – Shadows of the Galaxy” is the latest expansion in the “Star Wars: Unlimited” trading card game series by Fantasy Flight Games. This set shifts the focus from the classic battles between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance to the lawless and adventurous Outer Rim. Featuring characters from “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” “The Mandalorian,” and “The Book of Boba Fett,” this set introduces new mechanics and over 250 new cards to enhance your gameplay experience.
Why is this set so special?
Unlike the first set, “Spark of Rebellion,” which concentrated on the epic struggle between the Empire and the Rebellion, “Shadows of the Galaxy” dives into the gritty, unpredictable world of bounty hunters, smugglers, and outlaws. This set isn’t just about conflict—it’s about survival, cunning, and the chase for bounties. Are you excited yet?
New Mechanics: Bounty and Capture
One of the most thrilling aspects of “Shadows of the Galaxy” is the introduction of new gameplay mechanics that add depth and excitement to each match. Let’s break down these new mechanics:
Bounty
The Bounty mechanic allows players to place bounties on enemy units. When you defeat a unit with a bounty, you gain a reward, adding a strategic layer to your gameplay. This mechanic is perfect for those who love the thrill of the hunt. Imagine you’re The Mandalorian, tracking down your prey and earning your keep—exciting, right?
Capture
Capture introduces a new way to handle enemy units. When you capture an enemy unit, it is placed face down under the capturing unit and is out of play until the capturing unit leaves the field. This mechanic can disrupt your opponent’s strategy and give you a tactical advantage. It’s like taking hostages in a high-stakes battle—intense and game-changing.
Key Characters and Decks
Shadows of the Galaxy” features some of the most iconic characters from the Star Wars universe, each bringing their unique abilities and playstyles to the game. Let’s dive into the two main characters featured in the Two-Player Starter Kit.
Moff Gideon
Moff Gideon, the formidable antagonist from “The Mandalorian,” leads one of the pre-built decks in this set. His deck focuses on overwhelming opponents with powerful, low-cost units. Here’s a closer look at what Moff Gideon brings to the table:
- Deck Theme: Vigilance and Command
- Special Ability: Powers up units that cost 3 or less and grants them Overwhelm, making them even more formidable in battle.
- Key Cards: Phase-III Dark Trooper, Gideon’s Light Cruiser, Calculated Lethality.
With Moff Gideon, you can dominate the battlefield with sheer force and strategic attacks. His ability to boost low-cost units makes him a relentless force against any opponent.
The Mandalorian
On the other side, we have The Mandalorian, the legendary bounty hunter. His deck is all about precision, strategy, and exploiting the weaknesses of his enemies. Here’s what you can expect:
- Deck Theme: Cunning and Vigilance
- Special Ability: Exhausts enemy units when you play an upgrade, allowing you to control the battlefield.
- Key Cards: The Mandalorian’s Rifle, Razor Crest, Grogu.
Playing as The Mandalorian means outsmarting your opponents and striking when they least expect it. His ability to exhaust enemy units and collect bounties makes him a versatile and unpredictable foe.
Event Highlights
Shadows of the Galaxy” isn’t just about the cards—it’s about the community and the events that bring players together. Here are some exciting events to look forward to:
Prerelease Events
Prerelease events are your first chance to get your hands on “Shadows of the Galaxy” cards before the official release. These events are perfect for both competitive players and casual fans. Here’s what you can expect:
- Prerelease Box: Contains six booster packs and special promo versions of the Moff Gideon and The Mandalorian leader cards.
- Hyperspace Variants: New promo cards in Hyperspace variants, perfect for collectors.
Participating in a prerelease event is a fantastic way to kickstart your collection and get a sneak peek at the new set.
Store Showdowns
Store Showdowns are casual-tier Premier tournaments where you can earn exclusive promo cards just for participating. Here’s what makes these events special:
- Participation Promo: Earn an alternate-art version of the Lady Proxima unit card.
- Placement Prize: Win an alternate-art version of the Bounty upgrade Unrefusable Offer.
These events are not only fun but also a great way to connect with other players and showcase your skills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes “Shadows of the Galaxy” different from other sets? “Shadows of the Galaxy” shifts the focus from the central conflict of the Star Wars saga to the outer regions of the galaxy. This set introduces new mechanics like Bounty and Capture, adding fresh strategic layers to the game.
How can I get started with “Shadows of the Galaxy”? The best way to start is by participating in Prerelease events or picking up the Two-Player Starter Kit. This kit includes pre-built decks featuring Moff Gideon and The Mandalorian, perfect for new players.
Are there any exclusive cards in this set? Yes! “Shadows of the Galaxy” includes over 250 new cards, with exclusive promo cards available through Prerelease and Store Showdown events.
What are the new mechanics introduced in this set?
The set introduces Bounty, which allows you to place bounties on enemy units for rewards, and Capture, which lets you remove enemy units from play by capturing them.
Where can I pre-order “Shadows of the Galaxy”?
You can pre-order the set from July 2024 at hobby stores and online at store.asmodee.com.
Conclusion
“Star Wars: Unlimited – Shadows of the Galaxy” is an exciting new chapter in the Star Wars trading card game universe. With its innovative mechanics, iconic characters, and engaging events, this set promises to bring a new level of excitement to your gameplay. Whether you’re hunting bounties with The Mandalorian or commanding your forces with Moff Gideon, “Shadows of the Galaxy” offers something for every Star Wars fan. So gear up, gather your cards, and get ready to explore the outer reaches of the galaxy!
Ready to join the adventure? Head to your nearest hobby store, participate in the upcoming events, and may the Force be with you!