Atomic Mass Games Unveils Highly Anticipated Star Wars: Legion and Marvel: Crisis Protocol Expansions

Minneapolis, MN – June 2026 – Atomic Mass Games (AMG), a leading developer of tabletop miniatures games, has ignited excitement across the wargaming community with the announcement of two major expansion sets now available for pre-order. Players of Star Wars: Legion will soon be able to marshal the wisdom and power of the Jedi Council, while Marvel: Crisis Protocol enthusiasts can look forward to deploying the formidable Winter Guard. Both sets are slated for a simultaneous release on August 21st, 2026, promising to introduce iconic characters and fresh strategic depth to their respective universes.

The dual announcement underscores AMG’s commitment to expanding the rich narratives and gameplay possibilities within their flagship titles. The Jedi Council set, priced at $59.99, brings a quartet of legendary Jedi Masters to the battlefields of the Clone Wars, offering Republic players unparalleled tactical flexibility. Concurrently, the Winter Guard set, retailing at $64.99, introduces a powerful and unique affiliation of Russian super-heroes to the dynamic skirmishes of Marvel: Crisis Protocol, appealing to players seeking to diversify their rosters with deeper cuts from the Marvel comic canon. This strategic release not only caters to long-standing player desires but also solidifies AMG’s position at the forefront of licensed miniatures gaming.

Main Facts: A Dual Deployment of Iconic Forces

Atomic Mass Games has officially opened pre-orders for two highly anticipated expansions, poised to significantly impact the meta of both Star Wars: Legion and Marvel: Crisis Protocol. These releases represent a substantial injection of new characters and tactical options for dedicated players and collectors alike.

For Star Wars: Legion, the Jedi Council expansion brings four revered Jedi Masters to the Republic’s fight against the Separatist Alliance. This set includes intricately sculpted miniatures for Mace Windu, the formidable Master of Vaapad; Ki-Adi Mundi, the wise Cerean Jedi; Plo Koon, the compassionate Kel Dor Master; and Shaak Ti, the tenacious Togruta General. Each character is a cornerstone of the Jedi Order during the Clone Wars, and their inclusion promises to fundamentally alter how Republic armies are constructed and commanded. The set is priced at $59.99 USD and includes all necessary game components: two Commander cards, two Operative cards, four upgrade cards to customize their abilities, six command cards to dictate battlefield maneuvers, and a punch sheet of game tokens. This comprehensive package ensures players can immediately integrate these powerful force-users into their existing forces.

Simultaneously, Marvel: Crisis Protocol welcomes the Winter Guard, a formidable team of Russian super-heroes. This expansion introduces four distinct characters: Crimson Dynamo, wielding powerful armored technology; Red Guardian, the Soviet counterpart to Captain America; Dark Star, who commands darkforce energy; and Ursa Major, a mutant capable of transforming into a massive bear. This collection of elite heroes offers Marvel: Crisis Protocol players a fresh affiliation and a host of new tactical synergies. Priced at $64.99 USD, the Winter Guard set comes complete with four highly detailed miniatures, four individual stat cards for each hero, and six Team Tactic cards that unlock unique cooperative abilities and strategic plays. Both the Jedi Council and Winter Guard sets are scheduled for release on August 21st, 2026, making it a landmark day for fans of both game systems.

Chronology: From Legacy to New Frontiers

The journey of Star Wars: Legion and Marvel: Crisis Protocol to this point is a testament to the dynamic nature of the tabletop gaming industry and Atomic Mass Games’ strategic evolution.

The Genesis of Star Wars: Legion

Star Wars: Legion initially launched in 2018 under the stewardship of Fantasy Flight Games (FFG), quickly establishing itself as a premier ground-combat miniatures game set in the iconic Star Wars universe. FFG, known for its narrative-driven games and high-quality components, built a robust foundation for Legion, releasing numerous expansions that covered the Galactic Civil War era. The game’s success was predicated on its accessible ruleset, cinematic gameplay, and the enduring appeal of the Star Wars IP.

New Heroes for Star Wars Legion & Marvel Crisis Protocol On The Way

In 2020, a significant restructuring within the Asmodee Group, FFG’s parent company, saw the transfer of Star Wars: Legion, Star Wars: X-Wing, and Star Wars: Armada to the newly formed Atomic Mass Games. This move was designed to consolidate Asmodee’s miniatures games under a dedicated studio, allowing for more focused development and growth. AMG, which had already impressed the community with the launch of Marvel: Crisis Protocol in late 2019, quickly embraced its new Star Wars portfolio. Since the transition, AMG has continued to expand Legion, most notably by introducing the Clone Wars era, which has been met with widespread enthusiasm. The Jedi Council set represents a significant deepening of this era, fulfilling a long-standing desire among players to field more of the iconic Jedi Masters seen in the Prequel Trilogy and The Clone Wars animated series. This particular expansion has been teased and hinted at for some time, with fans eagerly speculating on which Jedi would be included and how their unique abilities would translate to the tabletop.

The Rise of Marvel: Crisis Protocol

Marvel: Crisis Protocol launched in November 2019, immediately garnering critical acclaim for its innovative core mechanics, dynamic gameplay, and stunning miniatures. Developed from the ground up by Atomic Mass Games, MCP offered a fresh take on superhero skirmish games, emphasizing character interactions, terrain destruction, and objective-based play. The game’s rapid expansion schedule has introduced a vast array of Marvel characters, from Avengers and X-Men to villains and niche teams, consistently broadening the tactical landscape.

AMG’s commitment to exploring the breadth of the Marvel Universe has been a hallmark of MCP. While many early releases focused on mainstream and highly recognizable characters, the studio has consistently demonstrated a willingness to delve into deeper comic lore. The introduction of teams like the Brotherhood of Mutants, the Cabal, and various Avenger iterations paved the way for more specialized affiliations. The Winter Guard, while not as globally recognized as the Avengers, holds a significant place in Marvel history, particularly for fans of international super-teams and Cold War-era narratives. Their inclusion follows a pattern of AMG seeking to add distinct flavors and playstyles to the game, moving beyond mere power-level additions to introduce thematic and strategic diversity. This release can be seen as a natural progression, offering a fully-fledged affiliation that provides a coherent and unique play experience, much like other specialized teams introduced previously.

The simultaneous release of both the Jedi Council and Winter Guard sets on August 21st, 2026, highlights AMG’s operational efficiency and their strategy to deliver compelling content across their major franchises in a coordinated manner. It reflects a matured development cycle and a keen understanding of their player base’s diverse interests.

Supporting Data: Deep Dive into Galactic and Marvel Might

The impending release of the Jedi Council and Winter Guard sets is poised to significantly enrich the gameplay and strategic depth of Star Wars: Legion and Marvel: Crisis Protocol, respectively. A closer examination of their components and potential impact reveals the careful design philosophy behind these expansions.

The Jedi Council: Pillars of the Republic

The Star Wars: Legion Jedi Council expansion is more than just four new miniatures; it’s a strategic shift for the Republic faction. The inclusion of four distinct Jedi Masters — Mace Windu, Ki-Adi Mundi, Plo Koon, and Shaak Ti — offers an unprecedented level of Force-user diversity within a single expansion.

Mace Windu: A master of Vaapad, his presence on the battlefield is expected to be truly impactful. His character card likely reflects his aggressive yet disciplined fighting style, perhaps granting bonuses for engaging multiple enemies or reflecting damage back at attackers. As a Commander, he could offer powerful leadership abilities that bolster nearby clone troopers, embodying his role as a respected general.
Ki-Adi Mundi: Known for his strategic acumen and unique physiology, Mundi might bring a more cerebral approach to Republic tactics. His abilities could focus on controlling objectives, manipulating enemy movements, or providing consistent buffs to units under his command. His wisdom could translate into potent command card effects that offer strategic foresight or defensive advantages.
Plo Koon: A compassionate leader and skilled pilot, Plo Koon’s abilities could emphasize area control or defensive maneuvers, perhaps shielding allies or creating hazardous zones for enemies. His connection to the Clone Troopers, particularly the Wolfpack, might be reflected in specific synergies with certain unit types or keywords.
Shaak Ti: A resilient and agile combatant, Shaak Ti’s presence could offer a highly mobile and adaptable Force user. Her skills in lightsaber combat and Force powers might be geared towards rapid engagements, flanking maneuvers, or disrupting enemy lines. Her Togruta heritage, known for heightened senses, could translate into abilities that counter stealth or improve targeting.

The set’s inclusion of two Commander cards and two Operative cards allows for flexible list building. Players can choose to field these Jedi as primary leaders (Commanders) who dictate the flow of battle with their command cards, or as powerful support pieces (Operatives) who can execute specific objectives or eliminate key enemy threats independently. The four upgrade cards will further customize their loadouts, allowing players to tailor their Force powers, equipment, or training to specific battlefield roles. The six command cards, unique to this set, will introduce new tactical options, enabling Republic players to unleash powerful Force abilities or coordinate devastating attacks that leverage the combined might of multiple Jedi. This expanded roster of Force users will significantly enhance the Republic’s ability to counter heavy Separatist armor, elite droids, and even enemy Force users, introducing a dynamic layer to a faction often reliant on disciplined ranged fire.

The Winter Guard: Soviet Might Unleashed

For Marvel: Crisis Protocol, the Winter Guard expansion introduces a thematic and tactically coherent new affiliation, providing a fresh challenge and opportunity for players. This team, rooted in Cold War-era Marvel lore, offers a blend of power, resilience, and unique abilities.

Crimson Dynamo: Typically depicted in advanced powered armor, Crimson Dynamo will likely be a formidable, durable character with ranged energy attacks and potentially defensive or movement-restricting abilities. His presence could anchor a section of the board, drawing fire and delivering consistent damage.
Red Guardian: As the Soviet counterpart to Captain America, Red Guardian is expected to be a highly mobile, melee-focused character with abilities that enhance his resilience or allow him to support allies in close combat. He could act as a front-line bruiser, capable of engaging multiple threats.
Dark Star: With her control over Darkforce energy, Dark Star will likely be a versatile character capable of both offensive energy blasts and defensive maneuvers, perhaps creating obstacles or teleporting. Her abilities could offer significant board control and disruption.
Ursa Major: The mutant capable of transforming into a bear, Ursa Major will undoubtedly be a high-stamina, high-threat character in his transformed state. His abilities could focus on powerful physical attacks, area-of-effect damage, or crowd control, making him a terrifying presence in close quarters.

The four stat cards provide all the necessary game information for each hero, detailing their movement, attacks, defenses, and unique superpowers. Crucially, the six Team Tactic cards are where the Winter Guard’s true potential as an affiliation will shine. These cards will likely offer powerful synergies, allowing the team to activate unique abilities when certain members are present, or to perform coordinated actions that enhance their collective strength. For instance, a Team Tactic card might allow Red Guardian to gain a bonus when engaging an enemy previously damaged by Crimson Dynamo, or permit Dark Star to enhance Ursa Major’s attacks. This focus on team-specific tactics encourages players to field the Winter Guard as a cohesive unit, unlocking their full strategic potential and offering a distinct playstyle compared to more disparate rosters. The Winter Guard will appeal to players who enjoy thematic teams, characters with a unique visual flair, and those looking to explore less mainstream but equally potent Marvel affiliations.

Market Context and Player Anticipation

Both releases arrive in a robust and competitive miniatures wargaming market. Atomic Mass Games has carved out a significant niche by focusing on highly detailed miniatures and engaging gameplay mechanics for licensed properties. The sustained popularity of both Star Wars and Marvel IPs ensures a broad appeal for these expansions. The Jedi Council, in particular, has been a source of fervent anticipation among Star Wars: Legion players. The opportunity to field beloved characters like Mace Windu, who has been missing from the game’s roster, represents a significant draw. Similarly, for Marvel: Crisis Protocol, the Winter Guard taps into the desire for thematic affiliations and offers a fresh alternative to the more commonly seen superhero teams, appealing to collectors who appreciate the deeper lore of the Marvel Universe. These releases are not just about adding new figures; they are about enriching the narrative, strategic, and collecting aspects of their respective games, ensuring continued engagement from their dedicated player bases.

Official Responses: Design Philosophy and Community Engagement

While specific direct quotes from Atomic Mass Games developers regarding these precise sets are typically released closer to the product launch, the studio’s overarching design philosophy and communication patterns provide significant insight into their approach. Atomic Mass Games has consistently demonstrated a commitment to delivering high-quality miniatures, balanced gameplay, and thematic integrity across all their titles.

Drawing from previous announcements and designer diaries, AMG’s strategy for Star Wars: Legion revolves around expanding key eras of the Star Wars saga, particularly the Clone Wars, and introducing iconic characters that fans have long desired. The inclusion of the Jedi Council directly aligns with this objective. Developers have often spoken about the challenge and excitement of translating well-known cinematic and literary characters into compelling tabletop mechanics. For the Jedi Masters, this involves carefully balancing their immense power and unique Force abilities with the tactical realities of the game, ensuring they feel heroic without being overwhelmingly dominant. The decision to include four Jedi in one box suggests a desire to provide a comprehensive Republic Force-user package, allowing players multiple options for commanders and operatives, and encouraging diverse list builds beyond just Anakin Skywalker or Obi-Wan Kenobi. The design team likely focused on capturing the distinct combat styles and personalities of Mace Windu (aggressive, powerful), Ki-Adi Mundi (strategic, resilient), Plo Koon (supportive, protective), and Shaak Ti (agile, tenacious) within their stat lines and command cards. This approach aims to make each Jedi feel unique and impactful on the battlefield.

For Marvel: Crisis Protocol, AMG’s design philosophy emphasizes the "comic book come to life" experience, allowing players to recreate epic superhero clashes. The studio has a stated goal of continuously expanding the roster to include a wide array of Marvel characters, from the globally famous to fan-favorite deep cuts. The Winter Guard fits perfectly into the latter category. AMG designers have often expressed their enjoyment in bringing lesser-known but thematically rich characters to the tabletop, believing that these additions contribute significantly to the game’s overall flavor and strategic diversity. The Winter Guard represents a cohesive team with a distinct identity and set of powers, providing a unique affiliation that encourages players to explore new tactical synergies. The focus on Team Tactic cards for affiliations like the Winter Guard is a deliberate design choice by AMG to ensure that these groups feel like more than just a collection of individual heroes; they are designed to operate as a unified force, leveraging their collective strengths. This approach deepens the strategic layer of MCP, rewarding players who understand and utilize the specific dynamics of their chosen affiliations.

Furthermore, Atomic Mass Games maintains an active presence in the community through social media, online forums, and regular livestreams. While official statements on these specific pre-orders will likely precede the August release, the studio consistently engages with player feedback and hints at future content. The enthusiasm surrounding these announcements, particularly for the Jedi Council, suggests that AMG is successfully tapping into the desires of its player base, demonstrating a responsive and player-centric development model. Their communication often highlights the detailed sculpts and painting opportunities, appealing to the hobbyist aspect of the community, which is particularly evident in the highly detailed miniatures showcased for both sets.

Implications: Reshaping the Battlefield and the Hobby

The release of the Jedi Council and Winter Guard expansions carries significant implications for both the individual games and the broader tabletop wargaming hobby.

For Star Wars: Legion Players

The Jedi Council set will fundamentally alter Republic list-building strategies. Prior to this, Republic Force users were limited to a handful of iconic characters, often leading to similar army compositions. With four new Jedi, players will have unprecedented flexibility in constructing their armies. This means:

Enhanced Tactical Diversity: Players can now field multiple Jedi simultaneously as Operatives or mix and match different Commander/Operative combinations. This allows for specialized Force-user builds, such as a high-offense Jedi strike force or a more defensively oriented group focused on objective control.
Meta Shift: The introduction of new Force powers, upgrade cards, and command cards will undoubtedly shake up the competitive meta. Republic players will gain new tools to counter common Separatist strategies, while Separatist players will need to adapt their tactics to contend with a more varied and potent Jedi threat.
Narrative Richness: The ability to field a more diverse array of Jedi Masters significantly enhances the narrative immersion of Star Wars: Legion. Players can recreate more authentic Clone Wars scenarios, featuring the Council’s direct involvement in key battles.
Painting and Collecting Appeal: For hobbyists and collectors, these four iconic Jedi miniatures are a major draw. Their unique designs and lore significance will inspire countless painting projects, further engaging the creative side of the community.

For Marvel: Crisis Protocol Players

The Winter Guard set introduces a complete and thematic new affiliation, providing fresh strategic options and encouraging exploration of new playstyles.

New Affiliation Dynamics: The Winter Guard offers a cohesive team with unique Team Tactic cards, promoting a distinct playstyle that rewards synergy and coordinated actions. This expands the roster of viable affiliations, adding another dimension to list-building.
Expanded Roster Variety: For players who have extensively explored the more mainstream Marvel affiliations, the Winter Guard provides a welcome injection of fresh characters and powers. This caters to those who enjoy delving into the deeper lore of the Marvel Universe.
Strategic Depth: The diverse powers of Crimson Dynamo (tech), Red Guardian (melee), Dark Star (energy/control), and Ursa Major (brute force) offer a well-rounded team that can adapt to various scenarios and opponent strategies. This encourages players to think about how these powers interact within the context of their affiliation.
Lore Immersion: The inclusion of the Winter Guard enhances the narrative scope of Marvel: Crisis Protocol, allowing players to explore conflicts and team-ups beyond the traditional Avengers vs. Villains dynamic.

For Atomic Mass Games and the Industry

These dual releases reinforce Atomic Mass Games’ strong position in the licensed miniatures market.

Brand Strengthening: By consistently delivering high-quality, highly anticipated expansions for their flagship titles, AMG solidifies its reputation as a premier developer. This builds trust and loyalty within their player base.
Market Share Growth: The appeal of iconic Star Wars characters and unique Marvel teams helps AMG attract new players to their games and retain existing ones, contributing to overall market share growth in a competitive hobby.
Demonstration of Commitment: Releasing significant expansions for both games simultaneously demonstrates AMG’s ongoing commitment to supporting and evolving both Star Wars: Legion and Marvel: Crisis Protocol, assuring players of continued content.
Setting Precedents: The success of these releases could encourage AMG to continue exploring deeper lore cuts for both franchises, potentially leading to more specialized teams in MCP or further expanding the roster of niche Star Wars characters in Legion. This could inspire other developers in the licensed gaming space to take similar creative risks.

In conclusion, the Jedi Council and Winter Guard expansions are not merely additions to existing game lines; they are carefully crafted strategic enhancements designed to invigorate gameplay, inspire hobbyists, and reaffirm Atomic Mass Games’ dedication to its vibrant communities. As August 21st, 2026, approaches, the anticipation among players for these powerful new forces to take command of their respective battlefields continues to build, promising a new era of tactical possibilities and cinematic clashes.