Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ (SWTOR) is a towering monument in the MMO landscape, rich with stories, battles, and characters drawn from the vast expanse of the Star Wars universe. Since its launch, the game has continued to evolve, with expansions acting as the primary catalysts for change, introducing new narratives, planets, mechanics, and much more. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of SWTOR or a newcomer eager to dive into the galaxy far, far away, understanding the suite of expansions can enhance your journey. This comprehensive guide will escort you through the labyrinth of SWTOR expansions, discussing their content, pinpointing the crème de la crème, elucidating how to acquire them, delving into their release chronology, and even prognosticating on the unseen horizons of future content.
SWTOR Expansion List
Rise of the Hutt Cartel (April 2013): The maiden voyage into SWTOR expansions takes players to the vibrant planet of Makeb, embroiled in conflict courtesy of the nefarious Hutt Cartel. This expansion elevated the level cap to 55 and brought forth the Macrobinocular and Seeker Droid missions.
Galactic Starfighter (December 2013): Departing from traditional ground combat, Galactic Starfighter launched players into the cosmos with 12v12 space PvP dogfights. Access was staggered based on subscription status, but it eventually became free for all players.
Galactic Strongholds (August 2014): Focused on player housing, Galactic Strongholds allowed players to purchase and customize their own abodes across the galaxy. It also introduced Guild Flagships.
Shadow of Revan (December 2014): A direct throwback to Knights of the Old Republic, this expansion saw the return of Revan, expanding the level cap to 60 and introducing two new planets, Rishi and Yavin 4, along with multiple Flashpoints and Operations.
Knights of the Fallen Empire (October 2015): This story-rich expansion revamped the leveling experience with a focus on cinematic storytelling, raising the cap to 65. It introduced the Outlander, a central character in a saga against the Eternal Empire.
Knights of the Eternal Throne (December 2016): Continuing the epic narrative, the level cap was pushed to 70. Players faced Valorian and his Eternal Empire, culminating in significant choices that impacted the galaxy’s balance of power.
Onslaught (October 2019): Returning to the classic conflict between the Sith Empire and Galactic Republic, Onslaught increased the level cap to 75 and brought players to new and revisited locations, including Onderon, Dxun, Mek-Sha, and Corellia Flashpoint.
Legacy of the Sith (February 2022): Marking a significant milestone, this expansion celebrated the game’s 10th anniversary, elevating the level cap to 80, and embarking players on a mission to investigate Sith Emperor Vitiate’s dark legacy. New Flashpoints and Operations were among the highlights.
Best Expansions
While each expansion has its unique charm and contributes vitally to the game’s ecosystem, a couple stand out for their impact and narrative quality.
Knights of the Fallen Empire: Often lauded for its cinematic storytelling and deep narrative immersion, Knights of the Fallen Empire represents a pinnacle of SWTOR’s storytelling prowess. The expansion offers a fresh perspective by placing the player at the heart of an intergalactic saga, filled with memorable characters, moral dilemmas, and a galaxy’s fate hanging in the balance.
Knights of the Eternal Throne: A worthy successor to Fallen Empire, this expansion elevates the storytelling, incorporating decision-making elements that have tangible effects on the game’s universe. The engaging combat scenarios, intertwined with a rich storyline, offer a cohesive and immersive gaming experience.
How to Obtain the Expansions
Acquiring the SWTOR expansions is a straightforward affair. The most direct method is through purchasing a subscription to the game. Subscribing to SWTOR grants access to all existing expansions up to and including the most recent one, ensuring that players have the fullest and most up-to-date experience available. It’s worth noting that once an expansion is unlocked via subscription, it remains accessible even if the subscription lapses which really nice when you want to stop and come back again after a bit.
Expansion Release History
Delving into the history of SWTOR’s expansions reveals a pattern of evolution and adaptation by BioWare, the game’s developers. The journey began with Rise of the Hutt Cartel, setting a precedent for future expansions to build upon. The subsequent releases—Galactic Starfighter and Galactic Strongholds—explored new facets of gameplay, emphasizing PvP combat and player personalization, respectively. The duo of Knights expansions marked a storytelling zenith, while Onslaught and Legacy of the Sith have refocused on the core conflict that defines the Star Wars saga. This chronology showcases BioWare’s commitment to expanding and enriching the SWTOR universe, responding to community feedback, and venturing into uncharted territories with each new expansion.
Speculating on Future Expansions
As the SWTOR odyssey continues, speculation abounds regarding the direction of future expansions. Given BioWare’s history of listening to player feedback and their talent for narrative craftsmanship, future expansions may dive deeper into the unresolved mysteries of the galaxy, introduce new factions, or even reopen the wounds of ancient conflicts.
There’s also potential for more expansions that enhance player agency, allowing decisions to further influence the galaxy’s fate. Moreover, leveraging advances in gaming technology could offer richer, more immersive experiences, possibly even virtual reality integration, or deeper customization options for characters and strongholds.
In conclusion, SWTOR’s galaxy is ever-expanding, with each expansion building on the last to provide a richer, more engaging experience. From the Hutt Cartel’s greed to the Eternal Throne’s dark allure, the journey through these expansions is a testament to the enduring allure of the Star Wars universe. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned player, the future of SWTOR looks bright, filled with untold stories waiting to be discovered and legendary battles to be fought. So grab your lightsaber or blaster, join forces with allies across the galaxy, and dive into the epic saga that is Star Wars: The Old Republic.