As we get closer to the start of Early-Access for Star Wars: The Old Republic, the days feel longer and the nights grow more and more restless. You step out into the cold winter mornings heading to work and images of the frigid, biting winds of Hoth are all that sweep through your mind. The boss informs you that he’ll need those TPS reports this afternoon and without skipping a beat you loudly proclaim, “That’s impossible! Even for a computer.” Well you aren’t alone, we’re all right there with you as the anticipation to finally start playing the release build reaches its apex. Redirect all that pent up Old Republic energy and use it to prepare yourself for your journey in a galaxy far far away. Here’s just a handful of ideas to get your creative juices flowing and some tips learned from the beta to help you start out.
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A few days back we published an article featuring a handful of our forum members and their opinions on their time spent testing The Old Republic. This time, myself, our Editor-in-Chief Jeff, and our Site Designer Lynk Former got together and recorded a conversation about our time testing the game. We started off with just a bit of background information on ourselves then dove straight into discussing various aspects of the game. You’ll hear us give examples of our best experiences and moments during testing, talking about our favorite classes, planets, companions and more. To round out the discussion we ended by talking about what we would like to see in the future from The Old Republic. So tune in, listen to our oft times nonsensical rantings and then chime in with your own comments.

With The Old Republic beta testing officially ending with this past weekend’s test, it is time to get some feedback from our forum members once again. Since the past few testing weekends were stress tests that flooded the servers with participants the majority of our members got to try the game first hand, so take a look at their impressions. After all, who better to judge the game than the fans that are anticipating it the most! Read more»

Fact Sheet

• Species: Human, Zabrak, Miraluka, Mirialan, Twi’lek
• Starting World: Tython
• Combat Type: Tanking, DPS
• Weaponry: Lightsabers
• Armor: Medium Armor, Heavy Armor
• Ship: Defender
• Famous Jedi Knights: Luke Skywalker, Ven Zallow, The Exile

Summary

The most iconic of all the classes, the Jedi Knight is for many what defines the Star Wars universe: a solitary warrior for peace in a galaxy filled with turmoil. Across all eras, the Jedi Order has served the Galactic Republic as the guardians of peace, with the Jedi Knights being the majority of the Order. Masters of melee combat and armed with a lightsaber, Jedi Knights strive for peace through the guidance of the Force. Defenders of the diplomacy of the Galactic Republic, the Jedi Knights represent the first line of defense against all threats, whether that is the Sith or any other foes. Unparalleled idols of tranquility, there is no challenge that a Jedi Knight cannot rise to face; as much leaders of men as followers of the Force, nothing can shift a true Knight’s focus and determination. Read more»

Fact Sheet

• Species: Human, Cyborg, Zabrak, Sith Pureblood
• Starting World: Korriban
• Combat Type: Tanking, DPS
• Weaponry: Lightsabers
• Armor: Medium Armor, Heavy Armor
• Ship: Fury
• Famous Sith Warriors: Darth Vader, Darth Malgus, Darth Krayt

Summary

The most recognizable of the Sith classes, the Sith Warrior strikes fear into the hearts of his enemies and dominates through strength, power and intimidation. Channeling their emotions of fear and hatred Sith Warriors feed their lust for power by using their affinity to the dark side of the Force to vanquish all who stand in their way. Nobody is safe from these menaces of the battlefield, not even their own masters or apprentices. The Sith Warrior is the strong arm of the Emperor representing the strength and reach of the Sith Empire solely with their presence. Able to take on countless foes in battle or quickly cut lines through the enemies’ defenses the truly skilled Sith Warrior is unparalleled in toe-to-toe combat. Read more»

Fact Sheet

• Species: Human, Twi’lek, Zabrak, Mirialan, Cyborg
• Starting World: Ord Mantell
• Combat Type: Ranged Damage, Healing
• Weaponry: Blasters
• Armor: Light Armor
• Ship: XS Freighter
• Famous Smugglers: Han Solo, Hylo Visz, Atton Rand

Summary

Armed only with their sharp wit, charisma and a handy blaster pistol or two,the Smuggler of the Old Republic makes his way in the galaxy through the trading of illegal goods. So even though siding with the Republic may be a bit counter-intuitive, when considering the other option, it isn’t much of a choice. Freedom is perhaps what a Smuggler values most and a tyrannic rule under the oppression of the Sith would offer much less freedom that the democracy of the Republic. By nature of their trade, Smugglers often require a wide array of skills. They are among the best pilots in the galaxy, handy with a blaster and some would say that luck is one of their many skills. Whether you need to transport containers of spice to the seedy streets of Nar Shadaa or weapons through enemy space to resupply troops, you can always count on a Smuggler to get the job done… for the right price. Read more»

Fact Sheet

• Species: Human, Rattataki, Zabrak, Chiss, Cyborg
• Starting World: Hutta
• Combat Type: Ranged Damage Dealer, Ranged Tank
• Weaponry: Blaster, Flamethrower, Wrist Rockets
• Armor: Heavy Armor
• Ship: D5-Mantis
• Famous Bounty Hunters: Boba Fett, IG-88, Dengar, Bossk, Steve Blum

Summary

Armed with the best weaponry and armor available on the black market, as long as the price is right the Bounty Hunter will take on any mark. Freelancers by nature Bounty Hunters aren’t usually picky about where their next paycheck comes from, but the Empire seems to be paying the most for their services. Once a price is put on a mark’s head it isn’t a matter of if but when the Bounty Hunter will make an appearance. No mark is too difficult, Smuggler, Trooper or even Jedi; the Bounty Hunter has the skills and equipment to take them down. Although mostly independent Bounty Hunters belong to an ancient brotherhood and co-operation to take down a tough mark is not unheard of. Experts with blasters and always carrying a few tricks up their sleeves with the latest in gadgets and firepower, the Bounty Hunter is a fearsome foe in combat and a nightmare to those that find themselves wanted by the Empire. Read more»

Fact Sheet

• Species: Human, Mirialan, Miraluka, Twi’lek, Zabrak
• Starting World: Tython
• Combat Type: Utility, Healer, DPS
• Weaponry: Lightsaber
• Armor: Jedi Robes
• Ship: Defender
• Famous Consulars: Yoda, Kit Fisto, Nomi Sunrider, Satele Shan

Summary

Like the Sith Inquisitor the Jedi Consular is more well renowned for their knowledge and skills with the force than for their abilities in melee combat. Do not be fooled though, the Jedi Shadow can turn his knowledge of the force into a viciously effective weapon when needed. True to their stereotype however, they can also use the force to heal and strengthen their allies in combat and perhaps nothing is feared more than a legion of troops supported by a skilled Jedi Sage. Able to use his knowledge of the force, natural wisdom and charisma the Jedi Consular makes for an outstanding adviser to diplomats and friends of the Republic. Able to turn the tides of war equally through words as well as actions the Jedi Consular is an invaluable asset to a team looking to take on the might of the Sith Empire. Read more»

Fact Sheet

• Species: Human, Zabrak, Rattataki, Twi’lek, Sith Pureblood
• Starting Planet: Korriban
• Combat Type: Ranged Damage Dealing/Debuffs
• Weaponry: Lightsabers/Double-Bladed Lightsabers
• Armor: Sith Robes
• Ship: Fury
• Famous Inquisitors: Naga Sadow, Darth Maul, Darth Traya, Darth Sidious

Summary

The Sith Inquisitor is known more for their attunement with the Dark side of the Force than for their skill with a lightsaber. However, underestimating the Inquisitor’s hand-to-hand combat abilities would undoubtedly prove to be a fatal mistake. Manipulation of the force and their surrounding is the true trademark of the Sith Inquisitor. This trait lends itself well to the politics and dark secrets required to lead the Sith Empire from behind-the-scenes. A threat both in the heat of combat and in a supporting role with the power of their sorcery, the Sith Inquisitor is a force to be reckoned with. Read more»

Fact Sheet

• Species: Human, Zabrak, Mirialan, Cyborg
• Starting Planet: Ord Mantell
• Combat Type: Ranged Damage Dealing/Tank
• Weaponry: Blaster Rifles/Blaster Cannons
• Armor: Heavy
• Ship: BT-7 Thunderclap
• Famous Troopers: Commander Cody, Delta Squad

Summary

The Troopers are the core and strength of the Galactic Republic military. Battle-hardened, intimidating and fearless, the Trooper stands as the ideal soldier in the fight to maintain order in the galaxy. Whether the Republic needs someone to lead the charge into battle or hold the line against overwhelming numbers, the Trooper is always up for the task. Boasting unrivaled firepower and the best battle armor available, the Troopers of the Galactic Republic are a force not to be trifled with. When push comes to shove, the Trooper will be there to retaliate with a rifle butt to the face. Read more»