Hey guys, let's dive into the awesome world of Star Wars: Legion and talk about the Empire! If you're looking to dominate the tabletop with the forces of the Emperor, you've come to the right place. This guide is all about crafting some seriously powerful Empire lists for 2023. We're going to break down the key units, upgrades, and strategies that make an Imperial army sing. So, grab your dice, prepare your stormtroopers, and let's get ready to crush the Rebellion!

The Core of Imperial Might: Stormtroopers and Speeder Bikes

When you think Empire list for 2023, what comes to mind? For most of us, it's the iconic stormtroopers. These guys are the backbone of any Imperial force, and for good reason. They're relatively cheap, hit hard with their E-11 blaster rifles, and can be upgraded with a variety of specialists. In 2023, we're still seeing a strong emphasis on taking multiple units of stormtroopers. Why? Because they provide board presence, can deliver consistent firepower, and are flexible enough to adapt to different situations. You can kit them out with an upgraded heavy weapon like an RTX-6 ion trooper for anti-vehicle punch, or a DLT-19 for some extra suppression. The key here is quantity and quality. Don't be afraid to bring three or even four units of stormtroopers in your list. They can advance up the board, lay down suppressive fire, and absorb those pesky rebel shots. Alongside your troopers, you've got the swift and deadly 74-Z speeder bikes. These guys are essential for flanking maneuvers, harassing enemy units, and grabbing objectives quickly. Their speed and firepower can really put pressure on your opponent. Equip them with FF-107 ion cannons to chew through armor, or just rely on their standard DL-18 blasters for a quick burst of damage. In any Star Wars: Legion Empire list 2023, speeder bikes are almost a non-negotiable addition for mobility and hitting power. They add a crucial element of surprise and can quickly turn the tide of a battle by engaging key enemy units or securing vital points on the map. Their maneuverability is key, allowing them to zip around terrain and avoid being pinned down by slower, more heavily armed rebel units.

Commanders: Vader, Palpatine, and the Art of Leadership

No Empire list for 2023 is complete without a formidable commander. For the Empire, you've got some heavy hitters. Darth Vader is, of course, a perennial favorite. He's a force of nature on the battlefield, dishing out incredible melee damage and capable of shutting down enemy heroes. His Force Choke ability is legendary for a reason, and with the right upgrades like Tenacity and Jedi Robes, he becomes almost unstoppable. If you're going for a pure combat commander, Vader is your guy. Then there's Emperor Palpatine. Palpatine isn't about direct combat; he's about control. His Force abilities, especially Force Barrier and Force Lightning, can completely change the game. He buffs your units, debuffs the enemy, and can even pull off some devastating combos with his commander cards. He's the ultimate puppet master, making your entire army more effective. Think about pairing him with a strong core of stormtroopers and perhaps some Death Troopers for maximum effect. Finally, consider General Veers. Veers is a fantastic choice if you want to lean into a vehicle-heavy Empire list. He buffs Imperial armor units, making them hit harder and more reliably. If you plan on bringing multiple AT-STs or DTTs, Veers is the commander to lead them. His command cards often focus on enhancing the offensive capabilities of armored units, allowing them to unleash devastating volleys of fire. When building your Star Wars: Legion Empire list 2023, the commander you choose dictates a lot of your army's playstyle. Are you going for Vader's overwhelming melee presence, Palpatine's insidious control, or Veers' vehicular dominance? Each offers a unique path to victory, so choose wisely based on your preferred tactics and the synergies you want to create within your army. Remember, your commander is the linchpin of your strategy, so investing points wisely in their upgrades and command cards is crucial for success on the tabletop.

Elite Units: Death Troopers and Shoretroopers

While stormtroopers are your bread and butter, you'll want some elite units to really pack a punch in your Empire list for 2023. Death Troopers are the obvious choice. These guys are tough, hit like a truck with their E-11D blaster rifles, and have the Deadly keyword, meaning they get extra critical hits. Add an upgraded heavy weapon like the T-21B for anti-infantry or the DLT-19 for suppression and you have a unit that can carve through almost anything. They are expensive, so you'll likely only take one, maybe two units, but they are worth every point. They serve as your hard-hitting anvil, capable of holding key positions or spearheading assaults. Their durability allows them to weather enemy fire while dishing out significant damage in return. Shoretroopers are another fantastic option, especially if you're running a Veers list or just want some more mobile firepower. They are cheaper than Death Troopers but still pack a serious punch. Their unique ability to gain extra aims when stationary makes them excellent for holding objectives or providing supporting fire. The TX-9 heavy blaster cannon upgrade turns them into an anti-vehicle powerhouse, capable of shredding armor at range. Consider bringing a unit or two of shoretroopers to complement your stormtroopers, providing a more specialized punch where needed. They offer a good balance between cost and effectiveness, allowing you to build a more versatile and resilient Imperial force. When considering Star Wars: Legion Empire list 2023 options, these elite squads offer specialized roles that can significantly enhance your army's combat effectiveness. Whether it's the sheer stopping power of Death Troopers or the tactical flexibility of Shoretroopers, these units are crucial for overcoming challenging opponents and securing victory on the battlefield. Their inclusion often elevates a standard Imperial force into a truly formidable fighting machine, capable of adapting to various combat scenarios and enemy threats with precision and overwhelming force.

Armor and Vehicles: AT-ST and DTT

Who doesn't love some Imperial armor? For your Empire list 2023, you absolutely need to consider the AT-ST. This iconic walker is a beast on the battlefield. With its powerful twin heavy laser cannons, it can absolutely shred infantry and vehicles alike. The knee laser upgrade adds even more firepower, and the comms servicers upgrade can give your commander an extra action. The AT-ST is a huge threat that your opponent has to deal with, diverting their attention and resources. Just be careful of anti-vehicle units! The Dewback Patrol Unit (DTT) is another excellent choice, especially for its points. It's cheaper than the AT-ST but still brings a solid amount of firepower with its T-21 blaster rifle. The X-35 T-21B heavy blaster rifle upgrade makes it even more dangerous against vehicles. It's a great unit for grabbing objectives or providing mobile fire support. In any well-rounded Star Wars: Legion Empire list 2023, incorporating at least one of these armored units is highly recommended. They provide a significant threat that can dictate the flow of the game and give you a crucial advantage. Don't underestimate the psychological impact of a walking AT-ST; your opponent will be forced to react to its presence, opening up opportunities for your infantry to advance or flank. The Dewback, while less imposing, offers a more cost-effective way to bring mobile anti-armor or anti-infantry firepower to your army, making it a versatile addition that can adapt to various battlefield roles. Their presence on the board forces your opponent to make difficult decisions about target priority, often drawing fire away from your more vulnerable units and allowing them to achieve their objectives more safely. The synergy between armored units and supporting infantry can create a powerful combined arms approach, maximizing the effectiveness of your entire army and increasing your chances of achieving a decisive victory.

Building Your Winning Empire List: Synergies and Strategies

So, how do you put it all together? When building your Empire list for 2023, think about synergies. How do your units work together? A common strategy is to go heavy on stormtroopers supported by a commander like Palpatine who can buff them and control the board. Add Death Troopers for a hard-hitting elite unit, and maybe a Dewback or two for some mobile anti-armor. Another popular approach is a Veers-led list focusing on the AT-ST and Shoretroopers, with stormtroopers providing screen and objective holding. Don't forget command cards! These are crucial. Vader's **