INTRODUCTION
Have you ever wanted to wield a lightsaber, explore undiscovered planets across the galaxy, or choose between the path of Jedi and Sith? Well, you’re in luck! Star Wars: The Old Republic is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that lets you do just that. This beginner-friendly guide will take you on a journey across the Star Wars universe and beyond!
WHAT IS STAR WARS: THE OLD REPUBLIC?
Star Wars: The Old Republic is an MMORPG developed and published by BioWare, a subsidiary of Electronic Arts. First launched in 2011, the game is set in the Star Wars universe and takes you back roughly 3,600 years before the events of the original Star Wars films – an era relatively unexplored by other Star Wars media.
Players can choose to align with the Galactic Republic or Sith Empire, each offering a unique perspective on the larger narrative. You also select from a variety of classes, each with distinct abilities and storylines. Whether you choose to be a Jedi, Sith, Trooper, or anything in between, your choices throughout your adventure will shape your character’s path and destiny.
WHAT YOU NEED TO START
To begin your Star Wars: The Old Republic journey, you need a PC and a stable internet connection, as the game is only available for Windows. You can download it free from the official website or Steam. Creating an account is easy and free. However, they offer a premium subscription service that grants access to additional content and benefits.
HOW IT WORKS
Once you’ve installed the game and set up your account, it’s time to create your character. First, you’ll select your allegiance – Galactic Republic or Sith Empire. This decision will dictate the overarching narrative you follow, but doesn’t pigeonhole you into a moral alignment; even Sith can choose to make ‘righteous’ decisions!
Next, you’ll choose a species. Some species have unique abilities, but aesthetics is the main difference. Then, you’ll opt for a class that will define your combat style.
After creating your character, you’re thrust into a galaxy far, far away. Your character’s story and experience will be shaped by the decisions you make during quests and dialogues.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
1. Spend time on your character background: While gameplay matters, Star Wars: The Old Republic is a story-driven game. Spend time considering the backstory of your character. It’ll make the role-playing aspect more engaging.
2. Don’t worry too much about picking a wrong class or species: Unlike many MMORPGs, there’s no ‘wrong’ pick. All the available classes and species can complete the game.
3. Group up: Teaming with other players not only makes combat easier but also offers unique story paths and dialogue options.
4. Turn on ‘exploration missions’: These missions are turned off by default but offer a wealth of story content that’ll enrich your game experience.
5. Explore: Don’t just rush through the main story. The Old Republic universe is teeming with lore, side quests, and unique characters. Take your time to immerse in it.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
For beginners looking for advice and community support, the official forums and game’s Reddit page are invaluable resources. They provide guides, tips, and a platform for you to ask your own questions. Additionally, ‘Dulfy’ is an excellent site that offers comprehensive guides on everything in the game.
GLOSSARY
1. XP: Short for Experience Points, this is what you earn for completing quests and defeating enemies. Accumulating XP allows your character to level up.
2. MMO: Stands for Massively Multiplayer Online. It means the game is played with thousands of other players from around the world.
3. NPC: Non-Player Characters. These characters are controlled by the game and provide quests and dialogue.
4. PvE: Player versus Environment. This refers to battling the game’s AI-controlled enemies.
5. PvP: Player versus Player. This refers to battling other players.
NEXT STEPS
Now that you have a basic understanding of Star Wars: The Old Republic, your next step is to download the game and start your galactic adventure. Don’t fret about making the ‘right’ choices. This game is about enjoying your Star Wars journey and shaping it the way you want. So go out there and may the Force be with you!
