The Star Wars™: Unlimited galaxy continues to expand with Ashes of the Empire, the game's eighth set. Taking players back to one of the most iconic periods in Star Wars history, this expansion explores the Battle of Endor and the turbulent years that followed the fall of the Galactic Empire.

Whether you're a competitive player looking for new mechanics, a collector chasing premium variants, or a Star Wars fan wanting to relive legendary moments, here's everything you need to know before release.

Star Wars: Unlimited – Ashes of the Empire Release Date

Official Release Date: July 17, 2026

Like previous Star Wars: Unlimited expansions, Organized Play stores will host Prerelease events one week before launch, giving players an early opportunity to experience the new cards and build sealed decks before the official release.

What Is Ashes of the Empire?

Ashes of the Empire focuses on the dramatic events surrounding the destruction of the second Death Star and everything that came afterward.

Players can expect cards featuring:

• Luke Skywalker
• Emperor Palpatine
• Leia Organa
• Han Solo
• Darth Vader
• Imperial Remnants
• The New Republic
• Mandalorians
• Ships and battles from the Battle of Endor

The expansion contains over 260 new cards, introducing new leaders, units, mechanics, and premium collectible treatments.

New Gameplay Features

Ashes of the Empire introduces several exciting mechanics designed to create new strategic possibilities.

Support

The new Support keyword allows your units to work together, granting bonuses during attacks and rewarding coordinated battlefield strategies.

Mandalorian Tokens

Certain cards can create resilient Mandalorian token units, giving players new ways to maintain board presence.

Advantage Tokens

Another new addition is the Advantage token, a temporary combat boost that rewards aggressive play and tactical timing.

These mechanics open the door to entirely new archetypes while expanding existing strategies.

Products Available in Ashes of the Empire

Booster Packs

The foundation of every Star Wars: Unlimited expansion.

Each booster pack contains:

• Common cards
• Uncommon cards
• Rare or Legendary card
• Leader card
• Base or Token card
• Hyperspace Foil card

Perfect for:

• Building new decks
• Draft events
• Expanding collections
• Chasing rare variants

Carbonite Edition Booster Packs

Collectors will want to keep an eye on the Carbonite Edition Boosters.

These premium packs include:

• Exclusive premium treatments
• Prestige variants
• Carbonite-exclusive foils
• Highly collectible cards

Fantasy Flight has confirmed these products are limited in quantity and will not be reprinted, making them some of the most desirable products in the set.

Prerelease Box

The Ashes of the Empire Prerelease Box is the ideal way to experience the expansion before release.

Contents include:

• 6 Booster Packs
• Exclusive promotional Leader cards
• Counters
• Deckbuilding guide
• Deluxe deck box
• Materials needed for sealed prerelease events

It's the perfect choice for players planning to participate in their local prerelease tournament.

Spotlight Deck: Luke Skywalker

For players who prefer to jump straight into the action, the Luke Skywalker Spotlight Deck offers a ready-to-play 50-card deck.

Luke focuses on:

• Healing friendly units
• Long-term board control
• Heroic strategies
• Strong defensive gameplay

This deck is an excellent entry point for newer players while still offering upgrade potential for experienced competitors.

Spotlight Deck: Emperor Palpatine

Representing the Villain side is Emperor Palpatine.

His Spotlight Deck emphasizes:

• Battlefield manipulation
• Advantage tokens
• Resource management
• Powerful late-game turns

Players who enjoy controlling the pace of the game will likely find Palpatine's playstyle especially rewarding.

Who Should Buy Ashes of the Empire?

New Players

The Spotlight Decks make it easy to start playing immediately, while Booster Packs provide an accessible way to begin building a personal collection.

Competitive Players

With more than 260 new cards and several fresh mechanics, Ashes of the Empire is expected to reshape the Star Wars: Unlimited competitive landscape.

If you plan to attend local tournaments or Organized Play events, this is an expansion you'll want to explore.

Collectors

Collectors will appreciate:

• Carbonite Edition Boosters
• Premium foil treatments
• Prestige variants
• Iconic Star Wars characters
• Beautiful alternate artwork

Limited-print Carbonite products are expected to be among the most sought-after collectibles in the game's history.

Final Thoughts

Ashes of the Empire captures one of the most beloved eras in Star Wars while introducing exciting new gameplay mechanics and collectible products for every type of fan.

Whether you're looking to upgrade your tournament deck, collect stunning premium cards, or simply relive the Battle of Endor through Star Wars: Unlimited, this expansion is shaping up to be one of 2026's biggest trading card game releases.

Be sure to check back with MetaGames.Toys as we continue covering previews, deck strategies, and product availability for Star Wars: Unlimited – Ashes of the Empire.

May the Force be with you!