Star Wars: The Old Republic "FAQ" Guide For Republic Newbies

Odds are, if you've just joined the Galaxy, you're going to be a bit lost. If you haven't started yet, or you're stuck on something, you're not alone. In this guide, we will cover some of the most basic frequently asked questions among the Galactic Republic. [Not designed for Sith/Empire use.]

1. What classes are there, and what's the difference?

Every faction in the Galaxy breaks down into 4 classes, each with 2 sub-classes, and 3 specializations in each sub-class. Allowing for a maximum potential of 48 different character types, we will cover the basics of the primary 8 here.

Trooper - Separated into both "Vanguard" and "Commando" a trooper can be a healing, tanking, and damage class - though they will primarily focus on tanking and healing as the DPS class is overpopulated as an option to any primary class choice.

Tanking as a Vanguard will essentially be your only option, as the Vanguard focuses on Area of Effect attacks and Taunts to keep the enemy under control.

Commando allows for options, depending on which specification you choose, to either become a high speed, low power healer or deal purely damage while taking less aggression. Both can be done effectively and simultaneously with the proper companion and specification.

Smuggler - Broken down into the "Gunslinger" and "Scoundrel" classes, Smugglers rely on their wits to take out the enemy, often leaning back and hiding behind cover while dealing fast damage. It is possible to heal effectively and deal great amounts of damage with this class, though it is typical to see a Smuggler go purely DPS.

Gunslinger Smugglers are dual-wielding ranged damage dealers. Focused primarily on Damage Over Time skills, and Explosive or Bleeding effects, Gunslingers are expected to lead the fight from behind the tank, targeting straggling enemies while avoiding attention. Damage with a Gunslinger is nearly unmatched.

Scoundrel class Smugglers may both heal and are primarily known for their assassination skills. While dealing less damage than a Gunslinger, Scoundrels may be especially effective in PVP events, as their ability to stealth into an objective point and capture it unnoticed is nearly unmatched. As a burst healer, Scoundrels may play a key support role in silencing enemies in major PVE instances, as well as staying to the back of the fight - should they pull aggression away from the tank - using stealth to get away.

Jedi Knight - Specialized as a Sentinel and Guardian, Jedi Knights can enjoy the use of a Lightsaber, as well as the possibility to lead a PVE instance as it's tank. Known for their use of the force, Jedi Knights are expected to uphold all that is good in the galaxy.

Sentinel Jedi have been given the option to wield dual-lightsabers. Known as a primary damage dealer, Sentinels may suppress enemies as their Guardian counterparts, but will draw less attention, and deal more damage. While being stronger in physical damage, Sentinel will take more damage as well as they may not wear heavy class armors.

Guardian Jedi are the optimal choice for any user looking to wield a lightsaber while leading a team against The Empire. Mastering use of the force to suppress enemies, Sentinel may wield heavy class armors, while dealing AOE effect damage and slashing through the competition while it writhes in pain.

Jedi Consular - As the head of the Jedi Order, Consular are expected to shine as the true guardian of the light. As an exemplar of all that is good, Consular may specialize as both Sage and Shadow Consular. Healing and Damage while stealth and out of the main line of fire are key elements of the Consular.

Sage, known for their healing prowess should in nearly every case be found as primarily that specialization. Given both bursting and healing over time skills, Sage may wield one lightsaber and provide "Bubbles" of protection to any desperate Tank in need.

Stealth is essential in the build of the Shadow. Known exclusively for the assassinations of many evil targets, a Shadow Consular is a master of the force, and will very seldom rely on the use of their dual-bladed single lightsaber to initiate a fight. Given the ability to move the earth itself, a Shadow may choose to keep distance in their bread-and-butter skills, while sneaking in to any PVP fight after the dust has settled. For the user more concerned with end-game contents, a Shadow may also choose to increase their threat and protections to become a tank, using their crowd control skills to attract attention, while seldom using stealth.

General Questions

Where do I specialize my character?

As you complete your first 8-12 levels, your extensive tutorial will come to a close. As you take your first shuttle from Ord Mantell or Tython to Coruscant, you will want to have reached level 10, so that you may immediately have the ability to specialize, and begin spending your first point in your talent tree. It is possible to be a level or two above 10 as you leave your tutorial world, should you have completed every available quest - this is OK as well, and you'll notice that you have a fancy new title to boot!

Step off of the shuttle, walk into the customs bay [before accessing the first elevator] and use one of the eight faintly glowing customs stations. This completes your check-in on the Republic Fleet - My personal favorite location in all of SW:TOR, for it's easy access to anything a player needs. After taking the elevator to the main level, you will find two quests straight in front of you. One is available from a terminal, but you will want the quest from the humanoid. Referencing you to go to your advanced class trainer, this quest will mark on your mini-map directly where you need to go to train that advanced class. If for any reason you cannot find the trainer, they are accessible from the combat training district.

[More to Come!]

Have a question or comment about the Republic or this thread? Ask in the Comments below!

 

This game is sorta cool, but seems really weird lol

 

Extremely helpful guide, thanks bro

 

Another helpful guide on starwars