Cool new preview today, looks like it could be a fun change of pace.

The biggest question I have is, how many copies are needed? Will 1 box do for all 4 players, or 1 each?

1 box will be enough for 3 players to play the 4th player running the challenge deck.

So the new Palpy lets you have 4 objectives in play..maybe even 5...craziness!

Thanks for the reply.

Doesn't the box contain some "normal" 2 player cards? Are there 2 of each Objective set for those?

So the new Palpy lets you have 4 objectives in play..maybe even 5...craziness!

Potentially way more than that: you have your three starting objectives, then 7 copies of Jerjerrod's Task (these start out in your command deck, and you put them into play from your hand for 1 resource). So if you can somehow manage to never lose one, you could have as many as 10 objectives out at once. 0_0

Thanks for the reply.

Doesn't the box contain some "normal" 2 player cards? Are there 2 of each Objective set for those?

Yeah, each affiliation gets a new "limit one per deck" pod for use in all formats. So far we know the Sith pod features Mara Jade, the S&S one brings Dash Rendar, and the Jedi pod gives us a new Obi-Wan (technically it's still not confirmed that he's from the pod and not the LS challenge deck, but he's Jedi affiliated and everything we've seen about challenge decks so far indicates that they only have one affiliation).

So 1 copy per player who wants to play competitively (assuming those pods are worth playing ), or 1 for the group. Sounds good.

Yes, one copy seems to be what you'll need to get "playsets" of the traditional OSs.

So 1 copy per player who wants to play competitively (assuming those pods are worth playing ), or 1 for the group. Sounds good.

I think one per group will be enough regardless. The previews have mentioned multiplayer-specific deckbuilding rules; I strongly suspect this means the whole side is treated as one deck for the purpose of objective set inclusion limits. So, for example, you can run two Fall of the Jedi's, your partner can run two, or you can each run one, and only one of you can run only one of Mara Jade's pod.

So 1 copy per player who wants to play competitively (assuming those pods are worth playing ), or 1 for the group. Sounds good.

And we're not sure if they'll be worth playing in 1v1 scenarios. While still being legal, the spoiled cards so far seem to be geared to benefit the 2v2 matches. The Emperor's Hand and Mara Jade for sure are built for 2v2, as well as the Supporting Fire fate card

I have a feeling that there will be some amazing "Limit 1 per objective deck" sets that fit into multiple decks, and will make me want to buy two copies of BotF, just so I don't have to keep tearing things apart when deck testing.

Mara Jade and Supporting Fire do in fact have multiplayer uses, but both her and Supporting Fire are quite easily and effectively used in 1vs1 mode. These cards will be playable in both versions. There has already been a lot of discussion about that.

I am guessing FFG will be packaging some VERY good 1 of pods with Balance of the Force in order to get people who aren't really even that interested in multiplayer to bite.

Mara Jade alone already does that (justifying buying BotF even if you are only into 1v1)

LS challenge deck preview is up.

I am getting very excited about the multiplayer options.

I am getting very excited about the multiplayer options.

As am I, but I'm a little worried about it, too--will we still be able to run the original ruleset in a 3- or 4-player game, or do we have to use the challenge decks?

I am getting very excited about the multiplayer options.

As am I, but I'm a little worried about it, too--will we still be able to run the original ruleset in a 3- or 4-player game, or do we have to use the challenge decks?

The Deluxe expansion will have options for:

• Traditional 1v1 (the 6 limit 1 objective sets - while designed for multiplayer they are usable in single player).
• 2v2 - This is traditional deckbuilding where you play in teams of two. We don't know the exact rules but they implied that they are the traditional rules with some small changes and additions (like increasing the win conditions for both sides and adding a common reserve).
• 1v2/1v3 - This is where the challenge decks come into play.

The specific answer to your question is the second bullet point. There will be team play (specifically 2 separate players with their own decks on each side) that functions very similar to 1v1.

So...wait, does Balance of the Force introduce a new keyword? I'm pretty sure I've never seen the "Influence" keyword on The Mines anywhere in the LCG before.

Yup, it's new. Curious as to what it does...