Whether repairing a starfighter on the fly or translating the binary language of moisture vaporators, droids can perform tasks that other beings simply cannot. But sometimes droids transcend their programming, using their many skills to help their allies in wholly unexpected ways. Such is the case with R2-D2 and C-3PO.
Throughout both the Clone Wars and the Galactic Civil War, these two iconic droids often took on critical objectives that sent them into the heart of battle—much to C-3PO’s chagrin. With the Crashed Escape Pod Battlefield Expansion for Star Wars™: Legion, you can make this dynamic droid duo an integral part of your Star Wars infantry battles.
In addition to a beautifully sculpted hard plastic crashed escape pod miniature, this expansion also includes hard plastic R2-D2 and C-3PO miniatures that can be become central objectives in two thrilling scenario that play out with six new battle cards. But R2-D2 and C-3PO can contribute more to your battles than simply serving as objectives. Two R2-D2 unit cards and two C-3PO unit cards invite you to add these resilient droids to your Galactic Republic or Rebel Alliance armies, while two upgrade cards and R2-D2’s three signature command cards open up even more ways to use them in battle.
Join us today as we take a look at what R2-D2 and C-3PO can contribute to your armies!
An Unlikely Pair
While an astromech and a protocol droid may seem out of place on a battlefield, R2-D2 and C-3PO possess an array of skills and experience that make them invaluable to allies like Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa. With R2-D2’s immense loyalty and drive pushing them onward, these droids form one of the most memorable pairs in the entire Star Wars saga, and this incredible bond continues in Star Wars: Legion.
R2-D2 and C-3PO are so inseparable, in fact, that they are the first Star Wars: Legion unit to feature the Counterpart keyword. While R2-D2 can be deployed on his own as an Operative, he is almost never seen apart from C-3PO. As R2-D2’s Counterpart, C-3PO can only be added to your army as a part of R2’s unit, with both contributing their abilities to the single unit.
Once they enter a battle, the droids form a complementary pair, helping each other as well as the rest of their army. R2-D2 is an expert mechanic, of course, and can keep your vehicles in top shape, even in the thick of battle. But he also leaps at the chance to save the day and, if he can make his way to an enemy deployment zone, will complete a secret mission that could push his army one step closer to victory.
Such a task requires crossing dangerous ground and, while R2-D2 launches himself into it with gusto, C-3PO takes a more cautious approach. Despite his numerous complaints, 3PO will always be there to help out in a pinch by calculating their odds of success. While this can help the droids remain safely inconspicuous, he can also relay this information to a friendly trooper unit, helping them become even more effective.
Whatever secret mission the droids may be on should certainly be a major focus, but this doesn't mean they can’t aid your other troops. No matter how harmless he may appear, a large golden droid like C-3PO is sure to attract attention and you can also choose to use him as a diversion from your other troops.
Taking this approach will inevitably lead to damage, of course, and neither droid can generate much of a counterattack outside of a short-range electro-shock or a clumsy kick. But one of R2-D2’s greatest strengths is the innumerable devices he conceals within his casing. These devices allow him to overcome his limitations, and his signature command cards allow you to deploy three of these devices at strategic points throughout a battle.
With a sudden Smoke Screen, for example, R2 can cover a friendly unit’s retreat or buy it enough time to advance on an objective. Similarly, if he chooses to use his rocket boosters to Blast Off!, R2-D2 can make up for his limited mobility and the fact that he cannot climb or clamber.
Finally, R2 can even get creative with his many devices, using them in unexpected ways. Combining his rocket boosters with an oil slick can generate an Impromptu Immolation that greatly increases his offensive potential. Not only does this style of attack disregard cover, R2-D2 is free to scoot along on his secret mission once it’s over, most likely with C-3PO in tow.
Time For Heroics
R2-D2 and C-3PO may not be programmed for combat, but with a bit of pluck and determination—as well as some loud objections—these droids can change the course of your Star Wars: Legion battles!
