Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that is set in the popular Star Wars universe several centuries before the events of the original movie trilogy. Developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts, SWTOR has been around since 2011 and has evolved into one of the most beloved Star Wars games with a thriving community. If you are a Star Wars fan or enjoy story-driven MMORPGs, here are 7 Reasons Why You Should Play Star Wars The Old Republic.
1 Immersive Star Wars Storytelling and Worldbuilding
One of SWTOR’s biggest strengths is its focus on narrative and worldbuilding. The game features 8 unique class storylines, each with hours of fully-voiced cinematic dialogue and cutscenes. This allows you to experience a personal Star Wars heroic saga tailored to your chosen class and faction. Aside from your personal story, the game has over 300 hours of narrative content in the form of planetary arcs, expansions, and side quests. Whether you want to live out your fantasy as a Jedi Knight, Bounty Hunter, or Sith Inquisitor, SWTOR’s exceptional storytelling will make you feel immersed in the galaxy far far away.
2 Accessible Gameplay for MMORPG Beginners
SWTOR is one of the most accessible MMORPGs for newcomers to the genre while still offering depth for veterans. The combat utilizes a straightforward hotbar-based system rather than complex action mechanics which allows you to jump in easily. SWTOR also offers a wealth of tutorials, story difficulty options, and solo-friendly content so you can learn at your own pace. Uniquely for the genre, the entire main story is fully playable solo so you can progress through the epic narrative on your own if you wish before venturing into group activities like flashpoints and operations.
3 Choose Between 8 Iconic Classes
SWTOR gives you 8 iconic Star Wars classes spread across 2 factions to choose from. This allows you to play your fantasy as a stalwart Jedi Guardian, devious Sith Assassin, noble Republic Trooper Vanguard, tech-savvy Imperial Agent Operative or more. Each class has its own playstyle, abilities, and story campaign, providing replay value. You can be a lightsaber wielding Jedi Sentinel leaping into action or hang back providing ranged damage as a Sith Sorcerer. With advanced classes and discipline systems, there are many ways to customize your gameplay.
4 Engaging Multiplayer Content
Although SWTOR’s story can be played solo, the game offers substantial multiplayer content to adventure with others. You can team up in groups of 2-4 for action-packed tactical flashpoints featuring unique bosses and environments. Or join operations which support 8 or 16 players for large scale battles against iconic Star Wars adversaries like Rancors. Player vs Player fans can hop into warzones for thrilling 8v8 matches in arenas or battleground maps. There is also a player housing system, crafting skills to level and plenty of endgame gear progression at the level cap.
5 Frequent Content Updates
A major advantage SWTOR has over many older MMORPGs is that it is still receiving regular content updates 10+ years after launch. There have been 7 expansions released already, each one including a new storyline, planets to explore, gear progression and features. Onslaught, the latest expansion, raised the level cap and allowed you to join the battlefront between Republic and Empire forces for control of the resource-rich planet Onderon. Subscribers get most of the expansions for free and can expect a steady stream of meaty updates.
6 Deep Character Customization
SWTOR gives you the tools to craft your own unique hero or villain. Every face, hair style, body type and species has multiple customization sliders to tweak. With dyes, tattoos and scars, you can create exactly the look you want. Gear appearance customization also enables you to modify individual pieces while retaining optimal stats. With the outfit designer system, you can design your dream Star Wars outfit by pulling appearance options from various collected gear sets. Between cosmetics and combat abilities, you have all the options to make a character that is truly yours.
7 Free-to-Play Option
One of the best things about SWTOR is that a substantial portion of the game is playable for free. With a free account, you can play all 8 class stories to level 50 and experience hundreds of hours of narrative content. Free players earn experience at the same rate as subscribers and there are no gameplay advantages locked behind a paywall. Major restrictions like equipping purple gear are also unlocked through a single purchase. If you enjoy the core game, a $15 monthly subscription unlocks all current and past expansions, increases level cap and adds conveniences. But with so much free content, you have nothing to lose by trying SWTOR.
Conclusion
With its focus on interactive storytelling, accessible gameplay and wealth of content spanning 10 years, Star Wars: The Old Republic has something to offer almost every fan of Star Wars or narrative-driven MMORPGs. Whether you want to live your fantasy as an iconic hero or villain, play through epic new Star Wars stories solo or with friends or simply immerse yourself in one of gaming’s most fully-realized interpretations of the galaxy far far away, SWTOR delivers. And with a generous free-to-play option, now is the perfect time to jump in and may the Force be with you! I sincerely hope you find this “7 Reasons Why You Should Play Star Wars The Old Republic” article hlepful.