Hey there, Star Wars Legion commanders! Are you ready to crush the Rebellion with the might of the Empire? In this article, we're diving deep into the best Imperial army lists for 2023. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a fresh recruit, we've got something to help you dominate the tabletop.

Understanding the Imperial Faction in Star Wars Legion

The Galactic Empire in Star Wars Legion is all about overwhelming firepower, disciplined ranks, and iconic villains. Their strength lies in their ability to control the battlefield with superior technology and coordinated attacks. When building an Imperial list, consider these key aspects:

• Strong Core Units: Stormtroopers are your bread and butter. They may not be the flashiest, but they're reliable and can hold the line effectively.
• Powerful Support Options: AT-STs provide heavy fire support, while E-Web Heavy Blaster Teams can lock down key areas of the battlefield.
• Iconic Commanders: Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, and Director Krennic each bring unique abilities and command cards that can swing the tide of battle.
• Versatile Vehicles: From скоростные bikes to LAAT/le Patrol Transport, the Empire has a vehicle for almost every role.

To truly master the Imperial faction, understanding how these elements synergize is crucial. For example, combining the raw power of Darth Vader with the ranged support of E-Webs can create a formidable offensive force. Similarly, utilizing скоростные bikes for flanking maneuvers while your Stormtroopers advance can effectively disrupt enemy formations. The Empire's strength lies not just in individual units, but in their ability to work together seamlessly.

Moreover, the Imperial faction excels at attrition warfare. Their disciplined ranks and durable units allow them to weather enemy attacks and gradually grind down their opponents. Employing tactics such as suppression and area denial can further enhance this strategy, forcing the enemy into unfavorable positions and limiting their options. Commanders should also be mindful of unit cohesion and maintaining a strong command presence to ensure that orders are followed and morale remains high.

Finally, don't underestimate the psychological impact of fielding iconic characters and vehicles. The mere presence of Darth Vader or an AT-ST can instill fear in your opponent, potentially causing them to make mistakes or hesitate in their actions. Use this to your advantage by pressing your attacks and capitalizing on any openings that arise. By mastering these aspects of the Imperial faction, you'll be well on your way to achieving victory on the battlefields of Star Wars Legion.

Key Units and Upgrades for Imperial Lists in 2023

Let's break down some of the most valuable units and upgrades that can make your Imperial list a force to be reckoned with in 2023:

• Darth Vader: Still a powerhouse. His ability to deflect blaster fire and unleash devastating melee attacks makes him a must-have.
• Emperor Palpatine: A master manipulator who can control the flow of battle with his command cards and powerful abilities.
• Iden Versio: With her versatile Inferno Squad, Iden brings tactical flexibility and strong ranged damage.
• Stormtroopers: Reliable and cost-effective, especially when upgraded with a DLT-19 heavy weapon.
• Shoretroopers: Excellent ranged support with their T-21B targeting rifle.
• AT-ST: A heavy hitter that can dish out serious damage, especially with the right upgrades like the DW-3 Concussion Launcher.
• E-Web Heavy Blaster Team: Perfect for area denial and suppressing enemy units.

When selecting units and upgrades for your Imperial list, it's essential to consider how they complement each other and contribute to your overall game plan. For instance, equipping your Stormtroopers with the DLT-19 heavy weapon not only increases their firepower but also provides them with a longer effective range, allowing them to engage enemies from a safer distance. Similarly, upgrading your AT-ST with the DW-3 Concussion Launcher can significantly enhance its anti-infantry capabilities, making it more versatile in dealing with different types of threats.

Furthermore, it's crucial to assess the current meta and identify the prevalent threats that you're likely to encounter on the battlefield. If you anticipate facing a lot of armored vehicles, investing in anti-armor options such as the AT-ST with its various weapon upgrades or bringing along units with high-penetration weapons like the T-21B targeting rifle can be a wise decision. On the other hand, if you expect to face a horde of infantry units, focusing on area-of-effect weapons and suppression tactics can be more effective.

In addition to unit selection, command cards play a vital role in shaping your Imperial list and influencing the course of the battle. Darth Vader's command cards, for example, can provide him with additional actions, increase his offensive capabilities, or even allow him to manipulate enemy units. Similarly, Emperor Palpatine's command cards can disrupt enemy plans, grant your units powerful buffs, or even inflict damage directly on your opponents. By carefully selecting and utilizing your command cards, you can gain a significant advantage over your opponent and steer the battle in your favor. Therefore, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the various command cards available to your chosen commander and practice using them effectively in different scenarios.

Example Imperial Army Lists for 2023

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are a couple of example Imperial lists that you can try out in your games:

List 1: Vader's Fist

• Commander: Darth Vader
• Corps: 3x Stormtroopers (DLT-19)
• Special Forces: 2x Death Troopers (DT-F16)
• Support: 1x E-Web Heavy Blaster Team
• Heavy: 1x AT-ST (DW-3 Concussion Launcher, General Weiss)

Vader's Fist focuses on overwhelming the enemy with a combination of Vader's raw power, the resilience of Death Troopers, and the long-range fire support of the E-Web and AT-ST. Weiss in the AT-ST ensures maximum damage output. This list excels at both offense and defense, making it a versatile choice for various scenarios.

List 2: Palpatine's Puppets

• Commander: Emperor Palpatine
• Corps: 4x Stormtroopers (1x DLT-19)
• Special Forces: 1x Inferno Squad (Iden Versio)
• Support: 2x Shoretroopers (T-21B Targeting Rifle)

Palpatine's Puppets leverages the Emperor's ability to manipulate the battlefield. The Shoretroopers provide accurate long-range fire, while Inferno Squad offers tactical flexibility. This list is all about control and outmaneuvering your opponent. The Stormtroopers act as a solid core, holding objectives and providing a screen for the more specialized units.

When building your own Imperial army list, it's essential to consider your play style and the types of opponents you're likely to face. Do you prefer a more aggressive, all-out assault, or a more cautious, defensive approach? Are you more comfortable with close-quarters combat or long-range engagements? Answering these questions will help you narrow down your unit choices and select the upgrades that best suit your needs.

Furthermore, it's crucial to test your list in practice games and make adjustments based on your experiences. No matter how well-designed your list may be on paper, it's only through actual gameplay that you can truly assess its strengths and weaknesses. Pay attention to how your units perform in different situations, identify any gaps in your strategy, and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations and tactics. Remember, the key to success in Star Wars Legion is not just having a powerful army list, but also knowing how to use it effectively.

Finally, stay up-to-date with the latest rules changes and meta developments. Atomic Mass Games, the developers of Star Wars Legion, regularly release updates and errata that can significantly impact the game. Be sure to read the official forums and community discussions to stay informed about these changes and adapt your list accordingly. By keeping your finger on the pulse of the game, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions and maintain a competitive edge.

Tips and Strategies for Playing Imperial Lists

Okay, you've got your list, now how do you actually win with it? Here are some key strategies for playing Imperial lists effectively:

• Maintain Discipline: The Empire thrives on order. Keep your units coordinated and follow your battle plan.
• Utilize Fire Support: Don't be afraid to unleash the firepower of your AT-STs and E-Webs. Suppress the enemy and create openings for your troops.
• Control the Battlefield: Use your units to deny key areas and objectives to your opponent.
• Exploit Weaknesses: Identify your opponent's vulnerabilities and focus your attacks there.
• Know Your Command Cards: Master your commander's command cards to gain an edge in key moments.

In addition to these general strategies, there are also some specific tactics that can be particularly effective when playing Imperial lists. For example, using suppression to pin down enemy units and prevent them from taking actions can be a powerful way to control the battlefield. Similarly, utilizing flanking maneuvers to attack the enemy from unexpected angles can disrupt their formations and create opportunities for your troops to exploit.

Moreover, it's important to be adaptable and adjust your strategy based on the specific scenario and the composition of your opponent's army. If you're facing a horde of infantry units, focusing on area-of-effect weapons and suppression tactics can be more effective than trying to engage them in close combat. On the other hand, if you're up against a heavily armored opponent, you'll need to prioritize anti-armor options and focus your attacks on their vulnerable points.

Furthermore, communication and coordination are key to success in Star Wars Legion, especially when playing with a team. Make sure to communicate your plans clearly to your teammates and coordinate your actions to maximize your effectiveness. By working together, you can overcome even the most challenging opponents and achieve victory on the battlefield. Therefore, effective communication is an essential skill for any aspiring Star Wars Legion commander.

Finally, remember that practice makes perfect. The more you play with your Imperial list, the better you'll become at understanding its strengths and weaknesses, and the more confident you'll be in your ability to execute your battle plan. So, don't be afraid to experiment, try new things, and learn from your mistakes. With enough practice and dedication, you'll be well on your way to becoming a master of the Imperial faction in Star Wars Legion.

Conclusion: Rule the Galaxy!

So there you have it, guys! The ultimate guide to Star Wars Legion Empire lists in 2023. With these tips, lists, and strategies, you'll be well on your way to crushing the Rebellion and establishing Imperial dominance on the tabletop. Now get out there and show those Rebels the true power of the dark side! May the Force be with you (but mostly with the Emperor).