Quick answer: Advantage is a shared squad resource used for powerful Special Actions. StarWars.com's combat guide says Operators gain Advantage when they inflict damage, while EA's Specialization guide shows classes such as Scout actively generating or spending it through abilities.
Advantage is separate from AP
Every Operator normally has three Action Points, but selected powerful abilities use Advantage instead of ordinary AP. That gives combat two economies: personal AP for movement/attacks/abilities and a shared resource the squad can build and spend.
Because the pool is shared, the Operator who earns Advantage does not have to be the one who receives the biggest benefit. A reliable early attack can fund another character's stronger Special Action later in the turn.
Generate before you spend
The simplest way to gain Advantage is to damage enemies. Scout expands the idea: Combat Recon gains Advantage for detected enemies, and Tactical Timing can add Advantage after defeating a target. That makes turn order important. Do the dependable generation actions before deciding whether to commit the resource to a high-impact play.
Scout and Advantage
Scout is the most visibly Advantage-oriented standard class. Ambush deals more damage as more Advantage is spent, while Combat Recon can generate the same resource. This creates a natural build loop where information and reconnaissance feed offense.
Why Advantage changes squad design
A squad with several expensive Special Actions wants a reliable way to fill the resource pool. A squad that rarely spends Advantage gains less from dedicated generation. Evaluate Advantage as a team budget: count both generators and meaningful spenders.
Practical rules
- Start with high-confidence damage when you need resource generation.
- Do not empty the pool on a low-value target if a boss or objective phase is about to begin.
- Use Scouts when the roster benefits from a stronger Advantage engine.
- Remember that a low-damage setup attack can be valuable if it enables a decisive Special Action.
- Sequence Vulnerable, Spotted and assists around the Advantage plan instead of treating each system independently.