STAR WARS™: The Old Republic™ News

Players can now test and give initial feedback on the updated Mercenary, Powertech, Juggernaut, and Marauder Combat Styles on our Public Test Server (PTS). Note that the Jedi Guardian, Sentinel, Sniper, Operative, Assassin, and Sorcerer Combat Styles are still available for players to experience on PTS.



In the Sith Warrior and Bounty Hunter’s current state, there is quite a bit to learn and memorize--you need to understand active abilities, passive modifiers, selectable utilities, and how they all work together. Our goal is to make these relationships clearer and easier to understand, while also ensuring that the class retains its identity.

To achieve these goals, we are identifying key aspects of the Mercenary, Powertech, Juggernaut, and Marauder to understand how players both perceive and utilize the classes’ abilities. Our focus is to equip the player with knowledge and understanding of these abilities so they can make impactful choices when it comes to ability upgrades and customizations. To make these classes feel less encumbered and customization more concise, we are working to reduce the quantity of abilities but ensuring that these classes remain distinct and unique.

As this round is a high-level first look at the Mercenary, Powertech, Juggernaut, and Marauder, you will be limited on what will be available to play and customize. For more details on what is currently available on PTS, check out our Legacy of the Sith Status Update forum post.

For each class, the main questions we want players to focus on is “does this feel like a Mercenary, Powertech, Juggernaut, and Marauder?" and “what abilities make these classes unique?” We want to make sure that the foundation is strong and everything we build on top of that is in line with our goals for Combat Styles and giving players a sense of new but familiar.

For details on how to access PTS and to leave feedback, read here.

Other updates will also be available to test on the PTS in the following weeks, all leading up to the arrival of Legacy of the Sith. Stay tuned for more in-depth details on future PTS opportunities!

Please note that PTS is provided in English only.

Steam PTS
When PTS is available, there will be a new prompt on our storefront page. Clicking the link there will start the process to getting the PTS installed!

ATTENTION: Task Force Nova Command
SUBJECT: A recent discovery could provide information on Darth Malgus and his plans

MISSION BRIEF

Travel to the planet Elom and examine a connection between ancient Sith ruins and a relic stolen from the Jedi Enclave on Dantooine. Due to the historical nature of the discovery, my archaeological experience, and my work on Ossus, I was chosen to assemble a team and lead the investigation.

BACKGROUND

I’ve always said, to prepare for the future, we must look to the past. Little did I suspect how portentous this guiding principle would turn out to be.

As reported to Task Force Nova in recent months, Darth Malgus has emerged from hiding and stolen a curious selection of tomes, artifacts, and ancient documents from multiple sources. His recent theft from the Jedi Enclave on Dantooine was a relic so obscure that it was nearly forgotten by history and indeed, unremarked upon in our own records. What he took and the role it plays in his plans remains a mystery. Only through the diligence of Master Vinyor Tesh and Jedi Arn Peralun do we have a lead at all. They learned the relic belonged to a Sith known as “Darth Nul.”

Intrigued, we attempted to delve deeper into this mysterious figure and found little else in our review of the records. The absence of corroborating accounts of their life and works suggests a campaign of secrecy and manipulation of documents. Undeterred, we continued our search for more information on the missing relic.

We looked at the space the relic occupied within the storage archives (a common procedure in field work for estimating historical context) and made an additional discovery. By analyzing the dust and debris that remained we found an exact match to soil samples collected centuries ago on a routine scouting mission to the planet Elom in the Sertar Sector.

There can be no mistake; these humble fistfuls of dirt are a beacon to help us find where this “Darth Nul” spent time and where Malgus hopes to find the answers he seeks. Something lies buried in the cold soil of Elom that someone wanted the galaxy to forget. What can it be and what does Malgus hope to gain from learning its secrets? I won’t guess--I would know. Our exploration of Elom should begin at once.

ELOM

It is not a welcoming place. The planet resides within the Sith Empire and old scouting reports have indicated extensive architectural remains of previous occupation. If developed, Elom could prove to be a fair mining resource and a modest hub for additional travel within the Outer Rim. For now, it remains galactically insignificant.

Much of the surface is covered in a sea of frozen, hard-packed sand and dark stone overshadowed by mountains spotted with tenacious patches of crimson-colored grass. Even the scattered indigenous people have traditionally avoided contact with outsiders and have not been particularly welcoming to those who do arrive. Fortunately, the area of our investigation is far from any significant population center and with luck, our work should remain entirely unknown to the local population.

Scouting droids have returned images of a long spine of rough, blunted mountains across much of the region where our investigation is centered. I’ve named this vast range the Charred Divide in reference to the arresting combination of black rock and red streaks of flora stretching down to the plains.

THE SITE OF INTEREST

The soil sample used in our testing comes from an area that is both remote and unremarkable in valuable natural resources. Despite these natural hardships, we will undoubtedly find remains of Sith occupation. The exact purpose of our site is unknown, but I will infer by the choice of location that privacy and isolation was a primary goal; perhaps a place of contemplation or the study of something more insidious, away from prying eyes? We shall find out.

Should a permanent research team be needed after our initial inspection, they would need to bring sufficient supplies and create a self-sustaining base due to a lack of convenient resources. With the added challenges of the planet’s location in Sith territory, only the most skilled survivalists, or those with generous backing, would find success here without regular off-world support.

Any field personnel should be aware of at least one local predator: the ranphyx, a large feline hunter, covered in thick fur and particularly well-suited to the cold, wind-swept plains at the foot of the mountains. I advise a sufficient combination of defensive measures and, as a last resort, weaponry to ensure camp security and safety.

Note: additional information is needed before a more complete list of natural hazards present on Elom can be catalogued.

RECOMMENDATION

The above cautions, combined with centuries of Sith occupation, have no doubt left many unknown dangers in place to punish the unwary. To ensure our best chances of securing the data we need, the forward team will include only those with the right combination of experience and skills. My padawan, Sa’har Kateen, is well-trained to assist me in overseeing the mission. The following are my key personnel who will submit their own staff recommendations as needed:

• Master Gan Enok - Site Security
  
• Dr. Mykon Ora - Materials Analysis
  
• Rolan Aun - Chief Engineer
  
• Specialist Tiriz Etto - Artifact Extraction/Transport
  

Find the secure holocom channel and datapad tracking enclosed for progress updates.


May the Force be with you.

--Denolm Orr, Jedi Master

Pirate Incursion Date: October 5 - 12, 2021 (BEGINS AND ENDS AT 5:00AM PST/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!
  

Feast of Prosperity Date: October 12 - November 2, 2021 (BEGINS AND ENDS AT 5:00AM PST/12:00PM GMT)
Requirement: Level 20+

Over the years, the Hutt Cartel’s reputation has taken a hit. The once powerful organization no longer instills respect and fear. To restore the Cartel’s influence, two up-and-coming Hutts, Gaboorga the Abundant and Duuba the Magnanimous, are throwing the most lavish “charitable banquet” in history for the galaxy’s underprivileged. And if the Cartel happens to advance their business interests during the Feast, everyone wins!

If Gaboorga and Duuba can cooperate, they could rocket the Cartel back into the upper echelons of the galactic underworld. But the Hutts’ conflicting priorities means they’re constantly undermining each other. Each week a new Story Mission will unlock to progress this storyline, leading to the climatic choice during the third and final week: Gaboorga or Duuba? Only one Hutt can win, and the fate of the Feast of Prosperity is at stake. Choose wisely!

For players that participated in the event when it previously ran, you'll be able to immediately jump into the Daily Missions and mini-games! If this will be your first time experiencing the event, each week a Story Mission will unlock - progressing the conflict between Gaboorga and Duuba.

FEATURED REWARDS:

• NEW Feast Trader's Armor Set
  
• NEW Roast Scyk Belly and Feast of Prosperity Poster decorations
  
• Feast Attire and Feast Preparation Hat
  
• Feast Ingredient Transport Mount
  
• Hairless Mudhorn and Earthen Thurrb Mini-pets
  
• Feel the Groove and Toast emotes
  
• Overstuffed Backpack and Food Launcher Toys
  
• ... and more!
  

Double XP Event Date: October 12 - November 2, 2021 (BEGINS AND ENDS AT 5:00AM PST/12:00PM GMT)
Requirement: None!

Starting October 12th and lasting until November 2nd, there will be a Double XP event! Enjoy multiple weeks of Double XP, Valor, Renown, and more.



Bounty Contract Week Date: October 19 - 26, 2021 (BEGINS AND ENDS AT 5:00AM PST/12:00PM GMT)
Requirement: Level 15+

For a limited time, the Bounty Brokers Association has opened its doors to anyone willing to take on their dangerous contracts, offering an opportunity for both seasoned and rookie hunters to prove their skills and bring crime syndicates and violent gangs to justice!

Each day, you can sign up for one standard Henchman contract and one high profile Kingpin Contract, and each may take you to a separate planet. Complete five standard contracts to unlock Kingpin missions with bigger loot! Head to the fleet now, invite your friends and visit representatives of the Association to get started on your contracts!

FEATURED REWARDS:

• Reputation with the Bounty Brokers Association
  
• Bounty Tracker’s Armor Set and Contract Hunter’s Armor Set
  
• Assassin’s Bowcaster and Elite Tracker’s Bowcaster weapons
  
• Lobelot, Swamp Kell Drake, and Drink Server Probe Mini-pets
  
• BH-7X Custom Hunter Mount
  
• … and more!
  

Our 10-year anniversary is only a few months away! For such a momentous occasion, we wanted to do something special to celebrate with our players.

Every year around the launch anniversary for Star Wars: The Old Republic, we have an in-game anniversary event to celebrate. To commemorate the occasion, we add new rewards to a vendor that only appears during the event. As this upcoming anniversary is our 10-year celebration, we want to do something memorable: this year, players can help choose some of the rewards we add to the celebration!

Starting today, players can submit screenshots taken anywhere on ten select SWTOR planets. Take a screenshot of a scenic vista, a vibrant forest, a peaceful stream… and we’ll choose the screenshot that we feel captures the essence of that planet. One winner will be chosen per planet for a total of ten winning submissions.

The winning submissions will then be turned into Stronghold decorations and distributed by the 10-year Anniversary event vendor in-game! The ten eligible planets for this contest are:

• Hutta
  
• Korriban
  
• Ord Mantell
  
• Tython
  
• Tatooine
  
• Makeb
  
• Yavin 4
  
• Zakuul
  
• Ossus
  
• Mek-Sha
  

Since this is an event celebrating ten years of SWTOR, the team wanted to include planets that represent every era of the game’s history.



How to Enter

If you’re interested in participating in this contest, you can enter by submitting your screenshots to [email protected]. You’re more than welcome to submit a screenshot for multiple planets, but please limit all submissions to only one planet per email, and please only submit one image per planet. All image submissions must follow certain guidelines:

• No Player Characters in screenshot (NPCs are allowed).
  
• The in-game UI needs to be turned off. The default command for this is Alt+Z. This includes having nameplates turned off.
  
• Screenshots of cinematics do NOT qualify.
  
• No additional editing done to screenshots. For example, no filters added or editing done by external tools.
  
• Camera settings must be within intended in-game parameters. This means not using external tools or editing game files to exceed in-game settings.
  
• Graphics settings at Very High or Ultra
  
• Image Size: 1920x1080. The team will crop the chosen screenshots to a 4:3 format.
  
• Image Format: JPG
  

In addition to those image requirements, we ask that your email include the following information:

• Subject line clearly states the name of the contest and the specific planet where your screenshot submission was taken. Example: "The Best View In SWTOR Contest - Tatooine Submission".
  
• Account Name.
  
• Name of an existing character on the listed account.
  
• Server the listed character resides on.
  

Rules and Regulations

Players have from now until 11:59pm CDT on October 5th, 2021 to submit their screenshots! In addition to the above mentioned criteria and required information, there are a few additional rules players must follow in order for their submission to qualify:

• Qualifying accounts must have been created by August 31st, 2021.
  
• Accounts need to have a clean standing, both in-game and on the forum. No record of in-game suspension since September 1st, 2020 and no forum suspensions since June 1st, 2021.
  
• Character names must abide by our ToS rules.
  
• Screenshot submissions without the required information (Account name, Character name, and Server name) provided in the same email as the screenshot will be rejected.
  
• Each account is limited to one submission per planet. If you want to submit a screenshot for each eligible planet, please send a separate submission per planet.
  
• Submission emails that have more than one image attached will be disqualified.
  
• Email subject lines must follow the “The Best View In SWTOR Contest - [insert planet name] Submission” format.
  

Failure to adhere to the above guidelines will result in your submission being rejected. In the event that several people submit the same, or very similar, screenshots, the screenshot submitted first will be selected as the winner, so don’t wait to email us!

Results Announcement

After the SWTOR team selects the winning submissions, we’ll publish an article announcing the winners before our upcoming ‘Legacy of the Sith’ expansion launches. In this announcement, we’ll reveal the winning screenshots, and credit each player (Character Name / Server) who submitted a winning screenshot.

While the winners are credited outside of the game, they will receive something special in SWTOR; a gilded version of the screenshot they submitted! While the normal versions will be available to everyone via the 10-year Anniversary event vendor as soon as the event starts in December, the gilded versions will be distributed shortly after the event starts.

We look forward to seeing what screenshots the community comes up with!


A full breakdown of the official contest rules can be found in this article on our main website.

Following the Jedi Guardian, Jedi Sentinel, Sniper, and Operative, we are now in our fourth round of Combat Styles updates. Players can now test and give initial feedback on the updated Sorcerer and Assassin Combat Styles on our Public Test Server (PTS). Before we get into the details of how players can access this content, we wanted to share some of the philosophy behind our changes to the Sith Inquisitor.



In the Sith Inquisitor’s current state, there is quite a bit to learn and memorize--you need to understand active abilities, passive modifiers, selectable utilities, and how they all work together. Our goal is to make these relationships clearer and easier to understand, while also ensuring that the class retains its identity.

To achieve these goals, we are identifying key aspects of the Sorcerer and Assassin, and understanding how players both perceive and utilize the classes’ abilities. Our focus is to equip the player with knowledge and understanding of these abilities so they can make impactful choices when it comes to ability upgrades and customizations. To make the Sorcerer and Assassin feel less encumbered and customization more concise, we are working to reduce the quantity of abilities but ensuring that these classes remain distinct and unique.

As this round is a high-level first look at the Sorcerer and Assassin, you will be limited on what will be available to play and customize. For more details on what is currently available on PTS, check out our Legacy of the Sith Status Update forum post.

For each class, the main questions we want players to focus on is “does this feel like a Sorcerer and Assassin?" and “what abilities make this class unique?” We want to make sure that the foundation is strong and everything we build on top of that is in line with our goals for Combat Styles and giving players a sense of new but familiar.

For details on how to access PTS and to leave feedback, read here.

Other updates will also be available to test on the PTS in the following weeks, all leading up to the arrival of Legacy of the Sith. Stay tuned for more in-depth details on future PTS opportunities!

Please note that PTS is provided in English only.

Steam PTS
When PTS is available, there will be a new prompt on our storefront page. Clicking the link there will start the process to getting the PTS installed!