This Star Wars board game was one of the most anticipated releases of last year, and it's currently got a great discount

One of last year's most anticipated Star Wars board games, Battle of Hoth, has come down to what is very nearly a record low price… and just in time for May 4, AKA Star Wars Day. Unlike C-3PO, I don't have a bad feeling about this.

There was a lot of buzz for the game when it dropped a few months ago, and as noted in our Star Wars: Battle of Hoth review, it's an "excellent introduction to a whole galaxy of gaming." That means today's price cut of 20% (bringing the Star Wars board game down to a few cents off its lowest ever price) is well worth paying attention to. Want an easy-to-learn wargame or more competitive strategy? This should scratch that itch, yet won't overwhelm you. Indeed, it'll also serve as an introduction to the best board games if you're trying to tempt fans to the Dark Side of tabletop gaming; it's much more accessible than you'd think.

Save $12

Asmodee Star Wars: Battle of Hoth Board Game: was $59.99 now $47.99 at Amazon

This wargame has only ever been a few cents less than it is now (21 cents, to be exact), so the current discount is well worth taking advantage of. It's a lot better than the batting average for Battle of Hoth, too; its average cost for the past 180 days has been more like $55.

UK price: £49.99 £39.99 at Wayland Games

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The name doesn't lie; this Star Wars board game is all about reliving the Battle of Hoth, only with you and a pal commanding the Rebels or Empire. You'll vie for dominance across 18 scenarios, each one underpinned by the excellent 'Commands & Colors' system. There's a reason this has spawned an entire series – it's something you can quickly get your head around, but offers enough tactical depth to keep you invested.

While existing fans of Commands & Colors may find Battle of Hoth a little light, that makes it the perfect choice if you want to play wargames but find them too overwhelming or time-consuming. Like our review notes, "If you’re new to the game system as a whole this is an easy recommendation, an accessible and thematic introduction that will let you experience what’s made it so popular and perhaps give you a taste for the bigger, more complex versions like the outstanding Commands & Colors: Ancients."

Sure, it may not have the longevity its siblings do. But the appeal of commanding vast Star Wars armies outweighs any of that, in my experience. It's a great on-ramp for more complex wargames such as Star Wars Legion (which we've made a guide to starting, by the way) or Star Wars: Shatterpoint, too.

Have you got any Star Wars board games on your wishlist, or any you'd recommend? Let me know in the comments!

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For more suggestions on what to play next, why not check out the best tabletop RPGs or the best card games?