How to Play Star Wars Unlimited – Beginner’s Guide
How to play Star Wars Unlimited is one of the first questions asked by trading card game fans discovering this new TCG from Fantasy Flight Games. Easy to learn but deep in strategy, this game offers both accessible mechanics and high-level competition.
This complete guide, prepared by your favorite trading card store L’Univers de la Carte, will help you understand the rules, prepare your first game, and build an efficient deck. Check the official rules here.
📝 This guide specifically explains how to play in the Premier format, which is the core competitive mode of Star Wars: Unlimited.
A competitive card game in the Star Wars universe
Star Wars: Unlimited is a two-player game where each player chooses a well-known Leader and a Base to defend.
The goal is to destroy your opponent’s Base before they destroy yours.
Each player builds a 50-card deck and takes turns performing actions in a dynamic and strategic system.
Managing resources, playing at the right time, and anticipating your opponent’s moves are key to success.
Setting up the game: components and preparation
Before starting, each player needs a face-down Leader card, a visible Base card, a 50-card minimum deck, various tokens for damage and resources, and an initiative marker.
Players shuffle their deck, draw six cards, and may mulligan once. Initiative is then randomly determined. More details here.
Understanding the turn structure – Learn how to play Star Wars Unlimited
Each round of Star Wars Unlimited includes two main phases: the action phase and the regroup phase.
Action phase
Players alternate turns, taking one action at a time. Possible actions include playing a card, attacking with a unit, using a special ability, or passing.
When both players pass consecutively, the phase ends. This creates a tactical rhythm where every move counts.
Regroup phase
During this phase, all exhausted cards are readied, players draw two cards, may place one card from hand as a resource, and initiative changes. It’s the calm before the next storm.
Star Wars Card types and their roles
The Leader is your central figure, deployed later to shift momentum.
The Base acts as your life total—if it hits zero, you lose.
Units fight and defend, upgrades empower your board, and events create impactful one-time effects.
Each type serves a clear strategic purpose.
Aspect system and deck construction
Each card belongs to one or more Aspects like Aggression, Cunning, Command, etc. Your Leader and Base define which Aspects you can use freely.
Playing off-aspect cards costs two extra resources per missing icon. This rewards strategic planning and thematic consistency.
Official play formats
Several formats suit different play styles.
- Premier format lets players bring a fully constructed 50-card deck.
- Sealed format uses six unopened boosters to build a 30-card deck, offering a level playing field.
- Draft format adds strategy with rotating card picks.
- Twin Suns introduces multiplayer with 3–4 players, 80-card singleton decks, and two Leaders per player, encouraging alliances and shifting dynamics.
Learning how to play Star Wars Unlimited is about more than knowing the rules—it’s about mastering the rhythm, building strong decks, and understanding format strategies.
With its deep mechanics and high replay value, it’s a must-try for TCG fans and Star Wars lovers alike. Start building your deck now at L’Univers de la Carte and join the adventure!
To get started, explore the available cards at L’Univers de la Carte and build your first deck today. You can also check out our blog for more helpful articles about TCGs or explore other types of collectible trading card game.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Play Star Wars Unlimited
Star Wars Unlimited is a two-player trading card game where each player selects a Leader and a Base. The goal is to reduce the opponent’s Base health to zero. Players take alternating actions during an action phase, followed by a regroup phase. The game is easy to learn yet rich in strategic depth. At L’Univers de la Carte, you can explore all the cards you need to begin.
Each player needs a face-down Leader card, a face-up Base card, a 50-card minimum deck, various tokens for damage and resources, and an initiative marker. Players draw six cards and may mulligan once. Initiative is decided randomly at the start of the game.
There are four main formats: Premier (constructed deck), Sealed (six booster packs to build a deck on the spot), Draft (cards picked in rotating pools), and Twin Suns (multiplayer mode with 3–4 players, 80-card decks, and two Leaders per player). Each format offers a fresh and exciting gameplay experience.
Decks must include one Leader, one Base, and at least 50 cards, with a maximum of 3 copies per card. Balancing the Aspects (like Aggression and Cunning) is key—using off-aspect cards costs extra resources. At L’Univers de la Carte, you’ll find a wide range of cards to build the perfect deck.
Absolutely. The core rules are simple, and official tutorials make the game easy to pick up. While it’s accessible to new players, the game also offers plenty of strategic depth. L’Univers de la Carte provides helpful resources to get you started on the right path.