The highly anticipated Order 66 Raid has officially been unveiled in Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes (SWGOH), launching on June 25, 2025. After months of rumors—where fans speculated names like “Operation Knightfall Raid” or “Revenge of the Sith Raid”—the event has been confirmed as the Order 66 Raid, with a key twist: Grand Moff Tarkin, not Lord Vader, leads the Dark Side Clone Troopers in this pivotal moment from Star Wars history.
A New Leader for the Dark Side: Tarkin Takes the Helm
Contrary to early speculation, Lord Vader is not a playable or required character in the Order 66 Raid. Instead, Grand Moff Tarkin steps into the spotlight, commanding the Dark Side Clone Troopers as they storm the Jedi Temple. This design choice reflects Tarkin’s significant role in the Empire’s early military operations and gives players a powerful, accessible alternative to Galactic Legends.
Tarkin has received a substantial rework to synergize with the new Dark Side Clone Troopers, making him a formidable raid leader and a valuable asset for players who may not have Lord Vader unlocked.
Raid Structure and Objectives
Main Goal: Rescue as many Jedi as possible by disrupting the Dark Side Clone Troopers’ assault, led by Grand Moff Tarkin. Players must navigate waves of elite troopers, using strategic timing and faction synergies to maximize Jedi escapes.
Key Mechanics:
- Tarkin and Dark Side Clone Troopers gain significant bonuses when inflicting the Order 66 debuff, including 100% Turn Meter and increased Offense.
- Tarkin is immune to Stun and receives stacking buffs as the battle progresses, reflecting his new synergy-driven kit.
- Bad Batch, Jedi Vanguard, and Pirate units (to be fully integrated in a future update) are also eligible for the raid.
Allowed Characters and Factions
The Order 66 Raid introduces a dedicated faction tag, making eligible units easy to identify:
- Dark Side Clone Troopers: CC-1119 “Appo”, CX-2, RC-1262 “Scorch”, Disguised Clone Trooper
- Grand Moff Tarkin: Now a central leader for the Dark Side team, with a refreshed kit and enhanced raid viability.
- Bad Batch: Hunter, Wrecker, Crosshair, Omega (including “Mercenary” and “Fugitive” versions)
- Jedi Vanguard: Aayla Secura, Kit Fisto, Jocasta Nu, Depa Billaba, Jedi Temple Guard, and others
- Pirates: All Pirate units (to be released in the upcoming Pirate Era)
- For the Best Teams for the Order 66 Raid, be sure to check out our article that is updated daily!
Tarkin’s Rework: New Synergies and Abilities
Tarkin’s overhaul brings new mechanics specifically designed for the Order 66 Raid:
- All abilities now deal Special damage and feature enhanced interactions with Dark Side Clone Troopers.
- His leadership and unique abilities grant additional Turn Meter, stacking Offense, and Protection Up, making the Dark Side Clone Trooper team more resilient and dangerous.
- Tarkin’s new Omicron ability allows for powerful synergies in both raids and Grand Arena, providing flexibility for roster building.
Raid Rewards and Progression
The Order 66 Raid features a 12x score multiplier and requires Relic 9 characters for top-level participation. Milestone rewards have been adjusted for smoother progression and better accessibility, ensuring that both veteran and newer players can engage meaningfully with the event.
Community Impact and Strategy
The shift from Lord Vader to Grand Moff Tarkin as the Dark Side leader has been well received, particularly by players who lack Galactic Legends but want to compete at the highest level. Tarkin’s new kit and the synergy with Dark Side Clone Troopers offer fresh strategic options and make the raid approachable for a wider audience.
A New Era for SWGOH Raids
The Order 66 Raid marks a dramatic new chapter in Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes, blending iconic Star Wars storytelling with innovative gameplay. By putting Grand Moff Tarkin at the center of the action, Capital Games has created a raid that is both accessible and challenging, honoring the lore while expanding the tactical possibilities for players.
Prepare your squads, master the new synergies, and face the might of Tarkin’s forces—the fate of the Jedi is in your hands