STAR WARS™: The Old Republic™ News

Relics of the Gree Date: April 4th - April 11th, 2023 (BEGINS AND ENDS AT 12:00PM GMT)
Requirement: Level 50+

Explore Ilum's contested area in the Western Ice Shelf to uncover the mysterious purpose of the Gray Secant, an enormous ancient Gree starship. Get ready to face a powerful opponent that awaits you at the center of this ancient vessel. Visit the in-game News Terminal located on Carrick Station in the Republic fleet or Vaiken Spacedock in the Imperial fleet to get started on your adventure!

FEATURED REWARDS:

• Reputation with the Gree Enclave
  
• Gree Digitization Cube
  
• White, Red, and Blue Scalene Armor
  
• Gray Helix Weapons
  
• L1-L Defender, L1-L Scout, and Miniature Gray Secant Mini-pets
  
• Cyan Sphere, Blue Sphere and Red Sphere Vehicles
  
• …and more!
  

Pirate Incursion Date: April 18th - April 25th, 2023 (BEGINS AND ENDS AT 12:00PM GMT)
Requirement: Level 20+

The remote planet Dantooine has been thrust into the center of escalating hostilities between the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire. Spurred on in secret by covert Imperial forces, the Nova Blade pirates have staged an all-out attack on the pastoral Republic world. As the Republic scrambles to defend this key territory at the edge of Imperial space, the Empire plans to capitalize on the chaos and deal a major blow to the longtime Republic bastion.

FEATURED REWARDS:

• Nova Blade and Dantooine Homesteader Armor Sets
  
• Ugnaught Companion
  
• Walker Mount
  
• Kath Hound Mount
  
• Kath Hound Mini-pet
  
• Dantooine-inspired Stronghold Decorations
  
• … and more!
  

Over the past few months, we launched a number of initiatives to update and improve the game and its supporting platforms. In our 11 year anniversary blog, it was mentioned that several iterations of our Public Test Server (PTS) had been hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS). From updating the game launcher to launching the game in 64-bit with Game Update 7.2.1, we are delighted to announce the next step in our tech upgrade initiative. We are now preparing to move live servers over to AWS!

We will be launching a test server that will be completely hosted on the cloud. The new test server, Shae Vizla, will be opening up in the APAC region April 3, 2023 and it will be available for all players to test until April 18, 2023.

Why is SWTOR migrating to cloud based servers?
This is a continuation of our effort to modernize and update the game with the focus to improve the player experience and optimize tech that is used by the team. Some of the benefits to this migration are:

• This technology allows us to improve the overall player experience such as connectivity, ping, faster start up, and better in-game performance
  
• Backend updates that are crucial to the continued health and stability of the game can be streamlined more efficiently
  
• The resources required to maintain our current systems can be reallocated to focusing on enhancing the game experience
  
• We will be able to leverage and integrate updated tech such as newer hardware, software, and graphics
  
• Once finalized, SWTOR may be capable to extend its servers capabilities to reach new players
  

There are functionality benefits for both the players and the development team.

What will be the player experience during the testing period?

While this is a test server, this will be conducted a little differently than how we run the PTS. All players regardless of account type will be able to log on. And unlike the PTS, there will not be a separate download.

In the list of live servers, Shae Vizla will be notated as [Test Server]. Simply click to log in as you would any live server.

Players will be able to start new characters or copy a previously existing character over to the Shae Vizla test server once it opens.

We will be opening the server on April 3rd at 12pm CT (April 4th at 4am AEST) and will be closing it on April 18th at 10am CT (April 19th at 2am AEST).

What do we want players to test out?
We want to see if there is anything that would keep a player from experiencing their regular routine and normal play. Examples of what we would like players to keep in mind:

• Compared to an existing server, how is the performance?
  
• Any specific areas or planets where you feel the performance has lessened?
  
• What region/country do you reside in?
  
• Provide a comparison of ping from existing servers to Shae Vizla.
  
• Is grouped content working properly?
  
• How quickly can you get into a match or Flashpoint you’ve accepted?
  
• Is travel to any location (planet, Stronghold, Fleet, etc…) hindered?
  
• Are there any issues with the UI such as missing assets or loss of functionality?
  
• Are there any issues with visuals or sounds with the cinematics?
  

It is imperative to note that Shae Vizla is still a test server. The Cartel Market will not be accessible and once the test is complete, the server will be wiped.

This is opening in the APAC region?
Yes! We would especially love to hear from players who reside in the APAC region so please let us know what your overall experience is when providing feedback!

When the test server goes live, we will have spaces available on the SWTOR and AHQ Forums for players to provide their thoughts, experiences, insights, and feedback.

We will be granting the Opal Vuptilla Mount to players who achieve the following:

• Log into the new server
  
• Complete an Arena or Warzone PvP match
  
• Complete a GSF match
  
• Complete a Flashpoint
  

This mount will be granted to all eligible players upon the next patch update following the closing of the test server.

As noted above, we will open the Shae Vizla server on April 3rd and will close on April 18th. From there, we will analyze all the data and feedback received from the testing period to determine if another test phase is needed or if we will move forward with moving all of our current live servers over to AWS. We will communicate next steps after our analysis is complete.

We want to thank all of our players for joining us in our tech journey to further improve The Old Republic!

Get your hands on some Cartel Coins and check out new items live in the Cartel Market this week!

Wasteland Tech Armor Set
Available Now!

(Weapon not included.)

Mandalorian Nomad Armor Set
Available Now!

(Weapon not included.)

Elite Raider's Gaffi Stick
Available Now!


Jundland Cycle Rifle
Available Now!


Jundland Cycle Sniper Rifle
Available Now!


B3-K2 Blaster Pistol
Available Now!


B3-K2 Blaster Rifle
Available Now!


B3-K2 Blaster Sniper Rifle
Available Now!


Commemmorative Statue of Wen Gallo
Available Now!


Security Offices Decoration Bundle
Available Now!


Neutral Ship Decoration Bundle
Available Now!


Imperial Console Decoration Bundle
Available Now!

With Game Update 7.2.1, players may begin earning rewards from the Galactic Season 4 and PvP Season 2 Reward tracks! We’re also introducing a new 64-bit Game Client and a few changes to combat inflation. Details on what players can expect from this new update are below!

Galactic Seasons: Season 4, “A Passage of Peace”
This update marks the beginning of Galactic Season 4 “A Passage of Peace.” In this season, players are joined by Amity, a Force user on a pilgrimage, as they progress through the Messengers of the Cold Moon reputation track and earn new rewards, including the brand new Mek-Sha Hideout Stronghold! More details on this new companion, rewards, and objectives here.



PvP Seasons: Season 2, “Piercing the Veil”
The new PvP Season, “Piercing the Veil,” also starts with the launch of Game Update 7.2.1.

To improve players’ experiences, we’ve made a few changes to how Attacker and Defender medals are earned in a match. More details can be found in this forum post (only available in English). Similar to the previous season, players can earn new rewards by earning PvP points and progressing through the PvP Rewards track. More details in the PvP Seasons 2 article.

From left to right: Shadowfiend Armor Set, Shadeveil Assassin’s Armor Set.

Credit Economy Initiative
With Game Update 7.2.1, we’re also introducing changes to correct some of our economic inflation. More details about these changes can be found in this forum post. These changes are the first of multiple updates we’ll make in future releases throughout the year. Keep an eye on our social platforms and our website for more updates regarding this topic.

64-bit Game Client
Following the Public Test Server sessions, we’re now deploying the 64-bit Game Client to all players! With this migration, players can use more memory and are no longer limited to 4 GB per process. This update also helps the team streamline the process of building compelling content for the coming years. More details here.

Here are the new system requirements (also known as “min specs”):

• OS: Windows 10 or later
  
• Processor AMD: Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core 4000+ or better
  
• Processor Intel: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz or better
  
• Memory: 6 GB RAM
  
• Graphics: Star Wars: The Old Republic requires a video card that has a minimum of 1 GB of on-board RAM as well as support for Shader 3.0 or better.
  
  • Examples include:Intel HD 3000 or better/AMD Radeon HD 7450/Nvidia GeForce 610
    
• Storage: 75 GB available space
  
• Internet connection Required to play
  

Alongside the 64-bit client, players should expect to see graphics setting changes coming to this update. With 7.2.1, the game will now be able to detect the best graphics setting on your machine. If a player’s machine contains more than one card, the game will choose the card that will provide the most optimized visuals. In short, on the first run after downloading 7.2.1, the game will re-select the graphics quality level based on the player’s GPU specs.

Other changes include:

• The game will automatically boot up in full screen windowed mode. This can be changed to the player’s preference in settings.
  
• The “Very Low” Graphic Quality Preset will be removed from the game entirely as it has now become obsolete with our new tech updates.
  
• For players who use laptops, the game will now default to using your dedicated GPU.
  
• The frame rate limiter has been fixed so players can request the max FPS through the graphics settings.
  

The full list of patch notes for this update is available here.

The new season of Galactic Seasons begins in a few days with the launch of Game Update 7.2.1. Like previous seasons, players can progress through the Free Reward track or the Subscriber Reward track (both tracks are available to Subscribers!) and earn new rewards, including the new Mek-Sha Safehouse Stronghold! Let’s jump into the details of what players can expect from this new season!

For this new season, players will team up with Amity, a Force-sensitive human who was raised by Selonians, to progress through the different Reward tracks. After a tumultuous career as a soldier in the Republic Army, Amity left his old life behind when he discovered his connection to the Force. Now, Amity has embarked on a journey to share his philosophy of peace and cooperation across the galaxy.



Reputation track: Messengers of the Cold Moon
Players will progress through this new reputation track by gathering Notes of Reflection. Notes of Reflection can be earned by completing Season Objectives, group content, by and defeating enemies around the galaxy.

Similar to the previous seasons, players can increase their chance of receiving Notes of Reflection by turning in Jawa Junk to the Informative Jawa, who can be found in the Cartel Bazaar of both faction Fleets.

Seasonal Rewards
A new season means new seasonal rewards inspired by this season's theme, including new weapons, decorations, and vehicle and creature mounts! The following rewards will be available for both rewards tracks:



(From left to right: Amity and Amity’s Moontear Customization.)

(Aratech Advanced Weapon Set (from left to right and top to bottom): Aratech Advanced Blaster, Aratech Advanced Blaster Rifle, Aratech Advanced Blaster Assault, Aratech Advanced Sniper Rifle, Aratech Advanced Lightsaber, and Aratech Advanced Dualsaber.)

The following rewards will only be available through the Subscriber Rewards track:



(Amity and Pummeled Peace weapon.)

(From left to right: Moon Pilgrim’s Armor Set and Armored Messenger’s Armor Set.)

(Seasonal Weapon Set (from left to right and top to bottom): Collateral Damage, Incarcerator, Interrogator, Judgement, Prosecutor, and Verdict.)

(Korrealis Retainer Mount.)

(Korrealis Alpenglow Mount.)

(Mudland Odux Mount.)

(Firebrand Odux Mount.)

(From left to right and top to bottom: Pilgrim’s Popup Tent, Gormak Electrical Turret,
Cold Moon Meditation Shrine, and Containment Chamber: Blue (Style 1) Decorations.)

(Life Support Terminal Decoration.)

(From left to right: Pale Gray and Dark Brown, Pale Brown and Dark Gray ,and Pale Orange and Dark Orange Dyes.)

Galactic Seasons vendors
While there are no changes to the Galactic Seasons vendors, players can visit Jaleit Nall, the classic and non-seasonal rewards vendor, to purchase previously available Subscriber and limited-time rewards. Ki’at Thavo, the seasonal rewards vendor, will sell rewards from this new season.

New Jaleit Nall rewards

As mentioned above, a brand new apartment Stronghold on the planet of Mek-Sha has been added to Jaleit Nall’s inventory! Players will be able to purchase the Mek-Sha Safehouse Stronghold for 14 Galactic Seasons Tokens!







Jaleit Nall’s inventory will still rotate every week at 12:00 PM GMT. After one week, the group is cycling out for 3 weeks and replaced by the following group. For example, Group A will remain active for 1 week, and then cycle out for 3 weeks and be replaced by Group B. More information about the rotation in this forum post.

To allow players to get the rewards they want, Jaleit Nall will always be available regardless of whether or not the season is active.

Group A will consist of the following rewards:


Group B will begin a week after Group A, remain for 1 week, and then cycle out for 3 weeks.


Group C will begin a week after Group B, remain for 1 week, and then cycle out for 3 weeks.


Group D will begin a week after Group C, remain for 1 week, and then cycle out for 3 weeks.


In addition to the rotating group rewards, the following rewards will always be available in Jaleit’s inventory:


New Ki’at Thavo rewards
Ki’at Thavo’s inventory has been updated with new rewards from Galactic Season 4. These are available for Free-to-Play and Preferred players immediately.


(Resplendent Odux Mount.)

(Snowblind Odux Mount.)

(From left to right: Amity’s Darkside Customization, Amity’s Shining Moontear Customization, and Amity’s Shining Darkside Customization.)

Season Objectives
Players will see new Season Objectives themed around this new season. Here’s what to expect during the first weeks! Similar to the previous seasons, the following weeks will be published a few days prior to the end of the last week.

Week 1 (March 28th - April 4th)



Week 2 (April 4th - April 11th)



Week 3 (April 11th - April 18th)



Week 4 (April 18th - April 25th)



Week 5 (April 25th - May 2nd)



FAQ
How much can I level up Amity?
With all of the Companion gifts available in the two reward tracks, Subscribers who reach level 100 on the reward track will be guaranteed to have Amity at Rank 50 Influence by the end of the Season.

I got Amity to Rank 50 Influence on my main character, but what about leveling him on other characters?
If you are a Subscriber, you will be eligible to earn 2 Cold Moon Compendium through the Subscriber Reward Track! Just like a Commander’s Compendium, this item can be used to instantly raise Amity’s Influence to Rank 50. Additionally, once you have reached Rank 50 Influence with Amity, you will unlock a new Legacy Unlock that allows you to purchase Amity’s companion gifts with Credits. Visit Jaleit Nall, located in the Galactic Seasons alcove on the Fleet, to purchase the gifts.

How can I level Amity outside of Galactic Seasons?
Just as with other Companions, sending Amity on Crew Skill missions will increase his Influence. Additionally, the Commander’s Compendium will also increase his influence to Rank 50.

The new season starts in a few days with the launch of Game Update 7.2.1. Keep an eye on our social media and website for additional information about this new update!