Getting Started: Star Wars Role Playing Game

“For over a thousand generations the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic. Before the dark times. Before the Empire.”
- Obi-Wan Kenobi, Star Wars Ep. IV: A New Hope

The Star Wars universe has always been a fun place to tell stories and play immersive games that let you feel like you are living in a galaxy far, far, away. Miniature games like Legion, X-Wing and Armada let you take the role of general, commander, and admiral, respectively; but the Star Wars Roleplaying Game (RPG) lets you play the role of anyone you like, to tell your own stories, and to forge your own legend along side your friends. In this beginner guide to the Star Wars RPG, we will talk about the essentials to purchase, to getting started down the path of bounty hunter, Jedi knight, or roguish mechanic, among others. So, climb into the cockpit and get ready to hit lightspeed!

There are really only two things you need to start playing the Star Wars RPG; a rule book and a set of the unique dice that the Star Wars RPG system uses. What makes things a little less straightforward is that there are three different rulebooks, and each is slightly different. The reason for this is that each covers a different flavor of game that you might run/play in. If you are interested in running a game where players take the role of heroic rebels to fight against the tyranny of the Empire then you want a copy of Star Wars: Age of Rebellion. If your group prefers to play with the more mystic side of Star Wars, manipulating the Force to great deeds, then you want a copy of Star Wars: Force and Destiny. Lastly, if you prefer to leave the heroics to the heroes, then maybe you prefer to play a gang of criminals or ruthless bounty hunters, then you will want a copy of Star Wars: Edge of the Empire. Once you have chosen your setting and got your dice and your book, you may want to print off a character sheet to make characters. You will also need something to use as Force points, such as glass beads or poker chips. Once you have an understanding of the game, there are a variety of source books to deepen your options for play; adding extra races, classes, vehicles, and equipment.

Finally, if you prefer to take your game out of the theater of the mind and play on the tabletop with some miniatures and terrain, check out our collection of Star Wars: Legion miniatures. They make great characters and enemies for games of the Star Wars RPG! Happy gaming.