Three years after the destruction of the Death Star, the Rebel Alliance, led by Princess Leia, has set up a new base on the ice planet of Hoth. However, their location is compromised when an Imperial probe droid discovers their hiding place, leading to an inevitable attack by the Empire. In the wake of the onslaught, led by the menacing Darth Vader, the rebels are forced to evacuate. Han Solo, Chewbacca, Leia, and C-3PO narrowly escape on the Millennium Falcon, but they find themselves unable to jump to light speed due to technical difficulties. With the Empire in hot pursuit, they seek refuge in an asteroid field and devise a plan to evade their pursuers.

Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker travels to the swampy planet of Dagobah in search of the elusive Jedi Master, Yoda, in hopes of continuing his training to become a Jedi. Upon finding him, Luke is challenged by Yoda's unconventional training methods and struggles with his own impatience and doubts. As he learns more about the Force, Luke is confronted with visions and premonitions that greatly concern him. The story develops the characters' personal journeys as they face their own fears and the growing power of the Empire.