STAR WARS™: The Old Republic™ (SWTOR) is a sprawling MMORPG set in the legendary Star Wars universe. For newcomers or players returning after some time away, the game’s complexity can feel overwhelming. From choosing your faction and class to mastering combat and endgame content, SWTOR offers a wealth of systems to explore.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know to start strong, level quickly, and enjoy your adventure across the galaxy. We’ll cover the most important steps, from character creation to PvP and joining a guild.
- CHOOSING YOUR FACTION AND CLASS: THE FIRST STEP
Your journey begins with choosing your faction: the Republic or the Sith Empire. This decision shapes your story, companions, and playstyle.
Faction Differences
- Republic: Embodies the classic Jedi and Republic military forces. Classes include Jedi Knight, Jedi Consular, Trooper, and Smuggler.
- Empire: Focused on Sith Lords, Imperial Agents, Sith Warriors, and Bounty Hunters.
Picking the Right Class for You
Each faction offers four classes with distinct abilities and advanced specializations available at level 10. Whether you prefer melee combat, ranged DPS, stealth, tanking, or healing, pick a class that fits your style. Jedi Knights and Sith Warriors are beginner-friendly and straightforward, while classes like the Imperial Agent or Smuggler offer more tactical gameplay.
- UNDERSTANDING CHARACTER CREATION AND CUSTOMIZATION
After selecting your class, you’ll customize your character’s appearance — species, gender, voice, and facial features.
Choosing Your Species
Species provide slight attribute bonuses and enrich your roleplaying experience. For example, Twi’leks get bonuses to Aim or Cunning, helping certain advanced classes.
Character Roles and Advanced Classes
At level 10, you specialize into your advanced class. This choice defines your combat role: Guardian or Sentinel for Jedi Knights, for example. Your role affects abilities, playstyle, and group utility.
- LEVELING THROUGH THE STORY: PLAYING EFFICIENTLY
SWTOR is famous for its story-driven content. Prioritize class story missions for maximum XP and narrative enjoyment.
Following the Class Story
Stick to main story quests unique to your class. These missions provide the best experience and gear rewards, alongside rich story arcs.
Side Missions and Planetary Quests
Side quests supplement your XP gain and provide credits and crafting materials. Don’t overdo grinding mobs; focus on quests with clear objectives and rewards.
Tips for Efficient Leveling
- Complete Flashpoints (4-player dungeons) with groups for bonus XP.
- Use rested XP by logging out in cantinas or your ship.
- Equip XP boosts from the Cartel Market or seasonal events.
- COMBAT BASICS AND TIPS FOR NEW PLAYERS
Combat in SWTOR combines traditional MMO targeting with active cooldown management.
Understanding Your Rotation
Learn the sequence of your main damaging abilities to maintain consistent damage output. Early levels focus on simple combos, while advanced classes require more intricate rotations.
Using Interrupts and Defensive Cooldowns
Interrupt enemy spells and abilities to reduce damage. Use your defensive skills strategically to survive difficult fights.
Combat Tips
- Use crowd control abilities to disable dangerous enemies.
- Position yourself well — ranged classes should keep distance; melee should close gaps swiftly.
- Manage your companion’s abilities alongside your own.
- COMPANIONS: YOUR ALLIES IN BATTLE AND STORY
Companions fight alongside you and contribute to your story and gameplay.
Managing Companion Roles
Assign companions to tank, heal, or DPS based on their skills to maximize efficiency in solo play.
Building Influence and Gear
Increase companion influence through gifting and dialogue choices to unlock perks and stories. Gear companions with mods and enhancements to improve their combat performance.
- GEAR PROGRESSION AND CUSTOMIZATION
Good gear significantly boosts your power and survivability.
Understanding Gear Tiers and Stats
Gear is categorized by quality from common (green) to set (purple) and beyond. Choose gear with stats aligned to your advanced class role, such as Strength for tanks or Cunning for DPS.
Modifications and Augments
Equip mods, enhancements, and augment kits to boost stats. Keep your gear updated as you level.
Gear Tips
- Aim for gear set bonuses for additional stats.
- Use high-quality mods on your best armor.
- Use the Galactic Trade Network to buy or sell gear efficiently.
- CRAFTING AND ECONOMY: HOW TO MAKE CREDITS
Crafting is a solid alternative way to earn credits and gear.
Choosing a Crafting Profession
Pick from Armormech (armor), Artifice (staves and mods), Cybertech (guns and gadgets), and others based on what suits your interests.
Gathering Materials and Selling
Farm materials from gathering nodes, missions, and vendors. Sell your crafted items or raw materials on the Galactic Trade Network for profit.
- PLAYER VS. PLAYER (PVP): GETTING STARTED
PvP offers a different challenge through Warzones, Arenas, and space combat.
Choosing Your PvP Path
Begin with Warzones to familiarize yourself with objectives and team play. Ranked Arenas offer more competitive experiences.
Tips for PvP Success
- Communicate with your team via chat or voice.
- Learn each map’s unique objectives and strategies.
- Gear up with PvP-specific equipment to stay competitive.
- ENDGAME CONTENT: WHAT TO DO AFTER LEVEL 80
Once you reach level cap, SWTOR opens up dungeons, raids, and daily missions.
Flashpoints and Operations
Flashpoints are 4-player instanced dungeons with bosses and storylines. Operations are larger raids requiring teamwork and coordination.
Daily Missions and Galactic Starfighter
Complete daily missions for rewards and crafting materials. Galactic Starfighter is space combat PvP with unique ships and mechanics.
- JOINING A GUILD AND THE SWTOR COMMUNITY
Social connections enrich your gameplay experience.
Finding the Right Guild
Look for guilds that match your playstyle and goals — whether PvE, PvP, roleplay, or casual.
Community Resources
Use SWTOR forums, fan websites, and Discord servers to find groups, ask questions, and stay updated.
CONCLUSION
Getting started in STAR WARS™: The Old Republic™ can be daunting, but with the right approach, it becomes a rewarding adventure. From picking your faction and class to mastering combat, companions, and gearing, each step builds towards a rich experience in the Star Wars galaxy. Engage with the community, explore the stories, and dive into endgame content to truly enjoy what SWTOR offers.
