Star Wars: Unlimited is heading for the second Death Star. Ashes of the Empire, the eighth set for Fantasy Flight Games' hit trading card game, arrives in shops on 17 July 2026, with pre-release events running at local game stores the week before. If you have been meaning to give the game a go, a pre-release is the ideal on-ramp. Everyone cracks fresh packs and builds on the spot, so newcomers and veterans start on level footing.
Run game nights? Backseat Gamer handles RSVPs, waitlists, date polling, and game voting so you can focus on playing.
Start organising for freeThe set drops you into the Battle of Endor and the messy years that followed, as the Galactic Empire falls apart. It brings more than 260 new cards and two headline leaders: a scheming Emperor Palpatine for the villains and a healing-focused Luke Skywalker for the heroes. Two new mechanics shake things up as well. Advantage tokens hand a unit a temporary power boost that lasts until it next attacks or defends, while the new Support keyword lets one unit lend its abilities to another's attack.
Unlimited has come a long way since its Spark of Rebellion debut in March 2024. Fantasy Flight has kept up a brisk pace of a fresh set every few months, and eight sets in the game has a healthy tournament scene and a reputation as one of the more approachable big card games, thanks to its quick, head-to-head duels.
Got a regular group? Create a private community, poll for the best date, vote on games, and let your friends RSVP in one place.
Set up your group for freePre-release weekends are also a great excuse to gather a group. If you run a shop or a club, you can list your event free on Backseat Gamer, or if you just want to play, find one near you.
Sources: Star Wars: Unlimited | Asmodee | Wikipedia
