Are you a newcomer or a returning player to Star Wars: The Old Republic? Struggling to choose an origin story or a Combat Style? I’m here to assist you! When selecting a story or combat style in SWTOR, there are several factors to take into account, which can be grouped into three main categories.
Would you prefer to select your class according to combat skills or expertise? Alternatively, are you inclined to pick a class rooted in the Star Wars narrative or its lore? Perhaps you are more interested in choosing a class based on its visual appeal? Or maybe you want to combine elements from all three aspects?
Before we explore the different inquiries, let’s take a moment to clarify the mechanics of Combat Styles and Origin Stories in The Old Republic.
Undergoing updates for Game Update 7.0 at the moment.
Sure! Please provide the text you would like me to rephrase.
Distinguishing Class from Narrative
Contents
- 1 Distinguishing Class from Narrative
- 2 What constitutes an Origin Story?
- 3 What does a Combat Style entail?
- 4 Selecting a Fighting Technique According to Combat Skills
- 4.1 Tables
- 4.2 Close-Combat and Distance Classes
- 4.3 Tank, Healer, or Damage Dealer?
- 4.4 Are you a user of the Force or a non-Force user?
- 4.5 Direct Damage or Damage Over Time
- 4.6 What type of endgame activities are you interested in pursuing?
- 4.7 Underdog and Overpowered Classes
- 4.8 Most Accessible and Challenging Courses to Master and Engage In
- 5 Selecting a Class Inspired by the Story and Lore of the Star Wars or Old Republic Era
- 6 Selecting a Class Based on Visual Appeal
- 7 Suggestions for My Classes
Prior to Game Update 7.0, the narrative and combat decisions were interconnected. When you created a character, you would select a class followed by an advanced class. However, with the release of Game Update 7.0, the developers made the decision to separate these elements.
What constitutes an Origin Story?
An Origin Story is the narrative you select for your character in The Old Republic. Upon creating a character, your initial decision is to determine your Allegiance, followed by the Story you wish to embark on.
There are eight Origin Stories in total, divided among the factions. Each faction features two classes for force users and two for non-force users, making four in total. Below is the compilation of Origin Stories categorized by faction.
Imperial
- Sith Combatant
- Sith Inquisitor
- Bounty Seeker
- Imperial Operative
Republic
- Jedi Guardian
- Jedi Diplomat
- Trooper
- Smuggler
What does a Combat Style entail?
Your fighting technique is determined by your selected combat profession or class. These combat techniques are categorized into two groups: Force users and Tech users (those who do not utilize Force abilities).
You can choose any Tech Combat Style without limitations. However, there are specific requirements for Force Combat Styles. To access opposing faction combat styles, you must achieve Light V or Dark V. For instance, if you select the Sith Warrior Origin Story and lack the Light V achievement, your options will be restricted to the Marauder, Juggernaut, Assassin, or Sorcerer Combat Styles.
Combat Styles of Force
- Marauder
- Juggernaut
- Sorcerer
- Assassin
- Sentinel
- Guardian
- Sage
- Shadow
Combat Techniques for Tech Users (Non-Force)
- Powertech
- Mercenary
- Sniper
- Operative
- Vanguard
- Commando
- Gunslinger
- Scoundrel
Every Combat Style offers a selection of three Disciplines to choose from. These Disciplines focus on either Tanking, Healing, or Dealing Damage. You will select your Discipline following the creation of your character.
- Marauder (Damage Per Second)
- Annihilation
- Carnage
- Fury
- Eternal Guardian (Tank)
- Revenge (Damage Per Second)
- Fury (Damage Per Second)
- Corruption (Cure)
- Lightning Damage Per Second (DPS)
- Insanity (Damage Per Second)
- Obsidian (Tank)
- Deceptive Practices (DPS)
- Hatred (Damage Per Second)
- Shield Technology (Tank)
- Pyrotech (Damage Per Second)
- Cutting-Edge Prototype (DPS)
- Protector (Restores Health)
- Arsenal (Damage Per Second)
- Cutting-edge Regulation (DPS)
- Healthcare (Restores)
- Stealth (Damage Per Second)
- Deadliness (Damage Per Second)
- Engineering
- Marksmanship
- Virulence
- Sentinel (Damage Per Second)
- Watchman
- Combat
- Concentration
- Armored Protection (Tank)
- Alertness (Damage Per Second)
- Concentration (Damage Per Second)
- Visionary (Restore)
- Telekinetic Powers (Damage Per Second)
- Equilibrium (Damage Per Second)
- Dynamic Warfare (Armored Unit)
- Infiltration (Damage Per Second)
- Tranquility (Damage Per Second)
- Shield Expert (Defender)
- Plasmatech (DPS)
- Strategies (Damage Per Second)
- Battlefield Medic (Restores Health)
- Artillery (Damage Per Second)
- Assault Expert (Damage Per Second)
- Sawbones (Healers)
- Scrapper (Damage Per Second)
- Ruffian (Damage Per Second)
- Saboteur
- Sharpshooter
- Unconventional Combat
With a detailed overview of the Class structure in SWTOR at your disposal, you might be asking yourself how to choose a Combat Style. I’m here to assist you in making that decision! If you’d rather, you can jump to the end to check out my suggestions.
Selecting a Fighting Technique According to Combat Skills
This part is intended for seasoned players. If you lack familiarity with gaming or are more focused on the story and visual elements, feel free to move on to those sections.
When contemplating which class to choose based on your past gaming experiences, there are numerous questions related to combat that you can explore.
- Which do you favor more: melee or ranged classes?
- Do you enjoy taking on the role of a Tank, a Healer, or a DPS (Damage Dealer)?
- Would you prefer your skills to be centered around Force (magic) or focused on weaponry?
- Would you rather inflict damage over time (DoT) or deliver direct damage?
- What type of end-game activities are you interested in pursuing?
- Would you prefer to play a less powerful class or a highly overpowered one?
- Would you rather begin with a simpler class that is easier to learn and play, or would you choose a more challenging one?
Tables
Close-Combat and Distance Classes
Below are the classifications of all classes and advanced classes, organized by their combat style, either melee or ranged. Melee classes typically require you to be within 4 to 10 meters of the enemy to engage them. In contrast, ranged classes usually need to be within 30 to 35 meters to have an effect. While there are a few exceptions for certain abilities within the Disciplines, this is the general framework for class categorization.
Melee
- Marauder – encompasses all fields of expertise.
- Juggernaut – encompassing all fields of study.
- Assassin – every specialization
- Powertech – every field of expertise
- Operative – all fields of study.
- Sentinel – encompassing all fields.
- Guardian – every field of study
- Shadow – encompasses all fields of study.
- Vanguard – every field of study
- Smuggler – encompasses all fields of expertise.
Ranged
- Mage – all schools of magic
- Mercenary – all fields of expertise.
- Sniper – every category
- Sage – encompassing all fields of study.
- Commando – every discipline
- Gunslinger – every specialization
Tank, Healer, or Damage Dealer?
Below is a compilation of all Combat Styles and Disciplines categorized by their roles as Tank, Healer, or DPS.
- TANK
- Juggernaut – Eternal
- Assassin – Shadows
- Powertech – Armor Technology
- Guardian – Protection
- Shadow – Dynamic Warfare
- Vanguard – Expert in Shield Defense
- Mage – Degradation
- Contracted Protector – Security Specialist
- Operational – Healthcare
- Sage – Oracle
- Commando – Tactical Medic
- Rogue – Medical Practitioner
- DPS
- Sentinel – Every Field
- Guardian
- Vigilance
- Focus
- Telekinetics
- Balance
- Infiltration
- Serenity
- Gunnery
- Assault Expert
- Plasmatech
- Tactics
- Scrapper
- Ruffian
- DPS
- Marauder – Every Discipline
- Juggernaut
- Vengeance
- Rage
- Lightning
- Madness
- Deception
- Hatred
- Arsenal
- Cutting-edge Regulation
- Pyrotech
- Sophisticated Model
- Concealment
- Lethality
Are you a user of the Force or a non-Force user?
Below is a compilation of all the base classes for both force and non-force users. Each class is associated with a specific type of resource to oversee, depending on whether the users are classified as force users or non-force users.
Individuals who wield the Force
- Sith Combatant/Jedi Guardian
- Sith Inquisitor/Jedi Scholar
Individuals without Force abilities
- Bounty Seeker/Soldier
- Imperial Operative/Contraband Trader
Direct Damage or Damage Over Time
Below is a compilation of all Disciplines categorized by their focus on either Damage Over Time (DOT) or direct damage skills. It’s important to note that there is some overlap in the abilities of these classes.
DOT INJURY
- Marauder – Obliteration
- Juggernaut – Retribution
- Sorcerer – Insanity
- Assassin – A Deep-Seated Avarice
- Powertech – Pyrotech
- Mercenary – Cutting-Edge Weaponry
- Agent – Deadliness
- Sniper – Toxicity
- Sentinel – Guardian
- Guardian – Concentrate
- Sage – Equilibrium
- Shadow – Tranquility
- Vanguard – Plasma Technology
- Commando – Expert in Assault Operations
- Contrabandist – Scoundrel
- Gunslinger – Unconventional Combat
IMMEDIATE IMPACT
- Marauder – Devastation
- Marauder – Wrath
- Juggernaut – Fury
- Mage – Thunderbolt
- Assassin – Betrayal
- Powertech – Cutting-Edge Prototype
- Mercenary – Armory
- Operation – Secrecy
- Sharpshooter – Precision Shooting
- Marksman – Technical Design
- Sentinel – Warfare
- Sentinel – Focus
- Guardian – Watchfulness
- Sage – Psychokinesis
- Shadow – Stealth Operations
- Vanguard – Strategies
- Commando – Artillery
- Contrabandist – Salvager
- Gunslinger – Precision Marksmanship
- Gunslinger – Disruptor
What type of endgame activities are you interested in pursuing?
The role or class you select can significantly influence your experience and success in accessing various endgame content, making it either more manageable or more favorable for you.
If you’re aiming to participate in endgame raids, it’s clear that Tank and Healer roles will be more sought after compared to DPS. The availability of Tanks and Healers is dwindling, making it more challenging to assemble raid teams. For DPS, it’s essential to have a deep understanding of your class and to achieve impressive damage output.
In Player versus Player scenarios, the dynamics shift somewhat. While DPS and Healers play crucial roles, Tanks are less impactful. Instead, the preference leans towards skank tanks, who can effectively taunt and protect while also inflicting significant damage.
In the present version of the game, players can access endgame content with nearly any class. By investing time to learn and master your chosen class, you can achieve success. Nevertheless, for those aiming to tackle the most challenging content, only a select few classes are truly effective.
Underdog and Overpowered Classes
This topic is somewhat more subjective compared to the previous inquiries. However, it can provide insight into which classes are viewed as more or less appealing in various types of content. It’s important to note that even if a class is labeled as an underdog, it can still excel when wielded by a skilled player.
In the realm of PvP, the experience can vary significantly. In unranked PvP, virtually any Discipline can perform admirably. However, in Ranked PvP, where damage output and utility play crucial roles, some Disciplines may find it challenging to compete effectively. Ultimately, achieving success in PvP requires a deep understanding of your class, which can only be gained through dedicated practice.
PvE Overpowered Classes
- DPS
- Juggernaut Fury / Sentinel Concentration
- Marauder and Sentinel are both damage-per-second (DPS) specializations.
- Powertech Shield / Vanguard Shield Expert
- Surgical Practice/Devious Surgeon
Overpowered Classes in PvP
- DPS
- Marauder Rage / Sentinel Attention
- Juggernaut Fury / Sentinel Concentration
- Powertech Cutting-Edge Model / Vanguard Strategies
PvE Underdog Roles
- DPS
- Marauder Mayhem / Sentinel Warfare
- Mercenary and Commando are two distinct damage-per-second (DPS) specializations.
- Wizard Decay / Wise Oracle
PvP Underdog Specializations
- Mercenary and Commando are two distinct damage-per-second (DPS) specializations.
Most Accessible and Challenging Courses to Master and Engage In
Certain classes are simpler to grasp and master compared to others. If you seek a more straightforward experience in combat while navigating the game, these options are the most suitable.
Simplest Courses
- Mercenary – Armory / Commando – Marksmanship
- Mage – Electricity / Wise One – Psychokinesis
- Powertech – Cutting-Edge Prototype / Vanguard – Strategy
Most Challenging Course
Certain classes, on the other hand, can be more intricate, challenging, or require more time to fully understand and excel at compared to others. Below is the most challenging class to learn and engage with.
- Mercenary – Cutting-Edge Weaponry / Commando – Tactical Assault Expert
Why choose the Innovative Ordnance/Assault Specialist? This specialization features the most intricate optimal rotation within the game and presents the toughest resource management challenges compared to any other class.
Selecting a Class Inspired by the Story and Lore of the Star Wars or Old Republic Era
Here are several lore-related inquiries to think about when choosing a class to play.
- Are you interested in portraying a character that embodies a legendary role from the Star Wars films or television series?
- Are you interested in imitating a specific character from Star Wars?
- Are you interested in portraying a character from the Republic or the Empire?
- Sith or Jedi?
- Which class narratives in SWTOR are the most compelling?
- What is the most suitable class storyline to choose if you have experienced KOTOR 1 and 2?
Legendary Roles and Characters from the Star Wars Universe
Many of these are quite simple, and there’s a degree of subjectivity involved, as certain characters may belong to multiple class roles. However, this should provide you with some inspiration. While this isn’t a comprehensive list, I’ve tried to choose a diverse range of characters from films and television that can be easily categorized into different SWTOR class roles.
Individuals who wield the Force
- Obi-Wan – Protector of the Jedi Order
- Anakin Skywalker – Protector of the Jedi Order
- Ahsoka Tano – Sentinel of the Jedi Order.
- Yoda – the Wise Jedi Master
- Luke Skywalker – Protector of the Jedi
- Kanaan Jarus – a protector of the Jedi Order.
- Darth Maul – Dark Side Assassin
- Asajj Ventress – Dark Side Assassin
- Count Dooku – Sith Powerhouse
- Kylo Ren – a formidable Sith powerhouse.
Individuals without Force abilities
- Han Solo – Rogue Trader
- Lando Calrissian – Rogue Trader
- Sabine Wren – Bounty Hunter
- Hera Syndulla – a skilled smuggler.
- Agent Callus – Field Operative
- Commander Cody – Frontline
- Din Djarin – Tech Warrior
- Cara Dune – Elite Soldier
- Captain Rex – Bounty Hunter
Republic or Empire? Sith or Jedi?
The narratives of both factions reflect themes and concepts found in the more popular Star Wars franchises. Nevertheless, the key distinction between the Old Republic period and the Skywalker saga lies in the opportunity to witness a more balanced confrontation between the Sith and Jedi. This dynamic creates the central conflict of the game’s overarching storyline.
The Sith Empire reflects many of the values and characteristics found in the Galactic Empire from the original trilogy. The key distinction, however, lies in the Old Republic, where the Empire is showcased at the height of its power, during an era of abundant Sith. This allows for a deeper exploration of the Star Wars universe, revealing aspects that are often overlooked in the primary Star Wars narratives, and providing a richer experience of various supporting and minor characters.
Similarly, the Republic reflects many of the familiar ‘stereotypes’ and themes from the prequel trilogy, while also incorporating aspects of the Rebellion from the original trilogy. This allows for a journey through both the idealism and the corruption, the hope and the despair. Additionally, the portrayal of the Jedi reveals that, in certain respects, they are not vastly different from their representations in the Prequels and the Clone Wars.
In conclusion, if you’re interested in exploring the political landscape of the Republic, consider playing a Republic character. Conversely, if you’re curious about the galaxy through the lens of the Empire, and wish to experience the narrative from a different viewpoint rather than the traditional ‘heroes’, opt for the Imperial side.
Which Class Stories in SWTOR are considered the finest?
While opinions may vary, certain narratives tend to be frequently ranked either highly or lowly by players in the class story assessments. Below is an overall ranking of the Class Stories in SWTOR.
- Imperial Operative
- Sith Combatant/Jedi Guardian
- Sith Spellcaster
- Bounty Hunter, Soldier, Smuggler
- Jedi Diplomat
When considering the game’s overarching lore and narrative, certain Class Stories stand out as being more significant and coherent, particularly as you delve into the different expansion narratives. For a comprehensive lore experience, I strongly suggest exploring these two class stories.
- Sith Combatant
- Jedi Guardian
Engaging with both narratives is essential for the game’s overarching lore. Each class features characters and pivotal moments within their respective stories that greatly influence the gameplay. Additionally, these classes align more seamlessly with the expansion storylines compared to the others.
Which class should you choose if you’ve experienced Knights of the Old Republic 1 and 2?
The narrative of the Jedi Knight is often seen as the continuation of the KOTOR 3 saga. It aligns closely with the journey of Revan, particularly after the first chapter, making it a seamless extension of the stories from KOTOR 1 and 2.
Selecting a Class Based on Visual Appeal
- Which weapons are you interested in using?
- How do ability animations differ among the various factions?
- Which species are available for me to choose?
Weapons
Your class determines the weapons available to you, and this selection does not necessarily align with the options available to the opposing faction, particularly for those who do not utilize the Force.
Individuals who wield the Force
- Sith Marauder/Jedi Sentinel – wielding a pair of lightsabers or dual Vibroswords.
- Sith Juggernaut/Jedi Guardian – equipped with either a single Lightsaber or a single Vibrosword.
- Sith Sorcerer or Jedi Sage – equipped with either a Lightsaber or a Vibrosword.
- Sith Assassin/Jedi Shadow – equipped with either a double-bladed lightsaber or a single Electrostaff.
Individuals who do not utilize force
- Imperial
- Powertech – Energy Blaster Pistol
- Mercenary – Dual Blaster Sidearms
- Operative – Energy Blaster
- Marksman – Precision Firearm
- Republic
- Vanguard – Battle Rifle
- Commando – Attack Cannon
- Contrabandist – Energy Sidearm
- Gunslinger – Dual Blaster Sidearms
Skill Animations
In The Old Republic, most abilities appear distinctly different based on the faction you choose. Including every single ability animation in this guide would be unfeasible. Therefore, I have chosen 8 abilities, 4 from each faction, to showcase alongside their corresponding mirror abilities from the opposing faction.
Species
Initially, your choice of species is restricted based on the class you select. When you reach level 50 with a character of a specific species, such as a Twi’lek Jedi Knight, you will unlock that species for use with all other classes.
Below is a compilation of fundamental classes along with the species available for gameplay. There are a few important points to consider.
- The availability of species differs for Free to Play and Preferred accounts. Those species that can be accessed by preferred and subscribed players will be marked with (Pref).
- The appearance of the Zabrak species differs based on their faction. For instance, if you develop a Zabrak aligned with the ‘dark side,’ you can then play as a dark-side Zabrak within a Republic Class.
- Sith Combatant
- Human
- Cyborg
- Zabrak
- Sith Pureblood (Preferred)
- Human
- Cyborg
- Zabrak
- Rattataki (Preferred)
- Sith Pureblood (Preferred)
- Twi’lek (Preferred)
- Human
- Cyborg
- Zabrak
- Chiss (Preferred)
- Rattataki (Preferred)
- Human
- Cyborg
- Zabrak
- Chiss (Preferred)
- Rattataki (Preferred)
- Jedi Warrior
- Human
- Cyborg
- Zabrak
- Miraluka (Preferred)
- Mirialan (Preferred)
- Twi’lek (Preferred)
- Human
- Cyborg
- Zabrak
- Miraluka (Preferred)
- Mirialan (Preferred)
- Twi’lek (Preferred)
- Human
- Cyborg
- Zabrak
- Mirialan (Preferred)
- Human
- Cyborg
- Zabrak
- Mirialan (Preferred)
- Twi’lek (Preferred)
Since the launch, three more species have been introduced, but they can only be accessed through the Cartel Market.
Certain species accessible to various classes will feature character customization options that are exclusive to specific classes. For instance, a Human Trooper will have a distinct set of tattoos compared to a Human Sith Warrior.
Suggestions for My Classes
Having discussed various factors to think about when choosing a class, here are a few recommendations for you!
When it comes to damage per second (DPS), my initial choice was a Jedi Sentinel specializing in the Combat discipline. It remains one of my preferred DPS classes, alongside the Carnage Marauder, despite its current lack of competitiveness. I also have a fondness for other DPS classes.
- Powertech – Pyrotech
- Mage – Thunder/Seer – Psychokinesis
- Marksman – Technical Design
At the moment, my preferred DPS class for PvP is Lightning/Telekinetics.
What I am primarily recognized for is my role as a Mercenary/Commando Healer. This class has been my favorite since version 1.0 and remains my preferred choice for all types of content, particularly in PvP. While I have explored other healing classes, I consistently return to my Mercenary.
When it comes to the narratives of the different classes, I generally find them to be quite enjoyable for a variety of reasons. Each story has its strengths and weaknesses, but the Sith Warrior stands out as my favorite. The only class story that I don’t find particularly engaging is that of the Jedi Consular. Below is my ranking of the class narratives.
- Sith Combatant
- Imperial Operative
- Jedi Guardian
- Bounty Seeker
- Sith Inquisitor
- Smuggler
- Trooper
- Jedi Diplomat
What would I suggest?
For restoration, choose Mercenary/Commando.
For damage per second (DPS), I suggest considering Lightning/Telekinetics, Pyrotech, Engineering, and Carnage/Combat. Each of these classes offers diverse gameplay options and features engaging class narratives.
Final Suggestion – if you’re not fond of the ability animations for your current class, consider exploring the corresponding class on the opposing faction to see if their animations appeal to you more.
Ultimately, the decision on which class to choose is entirely up to you, and you can base it on any motivation you prefer! I created my first character as a Jedi Sentinel simply because I was eager to wield two lightsabers.
