Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game is a two-player game where each player chooses a side to play as, either the Empire or the Rebels. The goal is to destroy three of the opponent's bases before they destroy yours. Players start with a starter deck of ten cards and use resources to buy cards from the galaxy deck and row to strengthen their deck. Players can attack the opponent's base or attack their faction cards in the galaxy row. Capital ships offer protection for your base and special abilities. The Force mechanic is represented by a Balance of the Force track, and some cards have abilities that are only available when the Force Marker is on their side of the track. The first move goes to the Empire and the Force begins on the Rebel side.