Star Wars: Dark Side Rising

Extended Play, Lucky Duck Games, The Op Games · Board game · 2019
2–4 · best 1 45 min Weight 2.1/5
10.0 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Buy
10.0 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Star Wars fans and cooperative groups will love this tactical fight against the Empire. Custom dice and 3D Vader boost immersion!

Highlights
  • Premium Star Wars components
  • Strategic dice mechanics
  • Well-implemented cooperation
  • Perfect playtime length
Keep in mind
  • Limited distribution (EMEA only)
  • May be too easy for experts
  • Dice luck plays big role
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

In Star Wars: Dark Side Rising, you and your friends live the Rebel resistance against the Galactic Empire in a dice-driven cooperative game full of cards and strategy. Each player commands a different Rebel cell - Intelligence, Leadership, Support or Tactics - with heroes like Leia, Luke and Hera Syndulla. The goal? Recruit iconic allies (from R2-D2 to Han Solo) and disrupt the Death Star's construction before it's too late. The game features stunning visuals with a 3D Darth Vader bust commanding Imperial forces and custom dice you can re-roll (but watch those locked results!). Tension builds as the Empire advances, so teamwork is crucial - you'll need to coordinate actions across planets like Tatooine, Alderaan and Scarif. With games lasting about 45 minutes, it's perfect for Star Wars fans wanting a tactical experience without too much complexity. Just remember: the Force will be with you... but so will the Empire.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

4 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST

Where to Buy

Prices monitored daily

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Miniatures Movies: Star Wars Series: ... Rising (The Op)
Publisher Extended Play, Lucky Duck Games, The Op Games
Designer Andrew Wolf, Patrick Marino

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,316owners
327wishlist
75want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Best player count?
Works well with 2-4. At 4 players, each commands a different Rebel cell, increasing cooperation.
Hard to learn?
BGG weight 2/5 - simple rules, great for cooperative beginners. Rulebook explains dice mechanics clearly.
Language dependent?
Almost none - just card names and some icons. Playable without English after one game.
Works for non-Star Wars fans?
Theme helps, but the cooperative dice gameplay stands on its own. Might lose some component charm.
How different from Rebellion?
Much simpler and faster (45min vs 3h+). Focuses on dice-driven tactical combat, not grand strategy.
Need expansions?
No expansions exist. Base game has enough variety with different leaders and ally cards.

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