Star Wars: The Old Republic
News, coverage and analysis tracking Star Wars: The Old Republic across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Star Wars The Old Republic kicks off Galactic Season 11 with companions and a shallow bowl for your head
Star Wars: The Old Republic has launched its 11th Galactic Season, reintroducing Fen Zeil and Amity as earnable companions. The season also features a unique meta-achievement reward: a shallow bowl worn as a hat with a chin strap, alongside other cosmetic items, weapons, mounts, and minipets available on both free and subscriber tracks.
Massively OP Podcast Episode 576: Peering into the future of MMOs
The Massively OP Podcast episode 576 features hosts Justin and Bree discussing the future of MMORPGs, including Star Wars: The Old Republic's update plans, World of Warcraft's latest patch, and delays for Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty due to Amazon's exit from publishing. They also cover Q2 MMO financials and introduce a new 'spotlight of the week' segment.
MMO Week in Review: Lost Ark and Throne & Liberty are going home
Amazon has announced it will cease publishing duties for the MMORPGs Lost Ark and Throne & Liberty, returning them to their respective studios, Smilegate and NCsoft. The article also touches on updates and developments for other MMOs including EverQuest Legends, World of Warcraft, Ashes of Creation, and Star Wars The Old Republic.
Star Wars: The Old Republic hopes to recapture the 'classic' experience with difficulty options and a new way…
Star Wars: The Old Republic is introducing update 8.0, which includes a raised level cap, new zones on Ryloth, and two new difficulty systems. The update aims to recapture a 'classic' experience with a difficulty slider and new 'venture' characters offering classic and expert modes with special rewards.
Star Wars The Old Republic formally reveals GU 8.0 and its new era, Masters of the Force
Broadsword has officially revealed Game Update 8.0 for Star Wars: The Old Republic, titled Masters of the Force. This update introduces a new era with the Galaxy in Chaos storyline, the world of Ryloth, new difficulty modes, Ventures, a 3-boss operation, an increased level cap, new abilities, and gearing updates. While a specific launch date is not yet set, the update will follow an extensive Public Test Server cycle.
The MOP Up: Elder Scrolls Online’s Whitestrake’s Mayhem PvP event rages
The Whitestrake's Mayhem in-game event has returned to Elder Scrolls Online, offering bonus rewards for player-versus-player activities until August 12th. The article also rounds up other recent MMO news, including Palworld's player count, SMITE 2's upcoming god releases, and cross-promotions between Helldivers 2 and Warhammer 40,000.
Evening Gatherings and Events
Star Wars: The Old Republic will feature in-game events throughout August 2026. Specific details on the events are not provided in this announcement.
Star Wars The Old Republic rolls out GU 7.9.1 today with Galactic Season 11 coming August 18
Broadsword has released Game Update 7.9.1 for Star Wars The Old Republic, titled Light and Shadow. While the update is live, Galactic Season 11, which includes returning rewards from Seasons 2 and 4 along with new customizations and items, will begin on August 18th. The patch also introduces a new accessories tab in the cash shop and prepares the game for the upcoming Feast of Prosperity event.
Morning Patches
Several games have received new updates, including Aether & Iron with version 1.2.105, Battlefield 6 with update 1.4.1.5, The Legend of Khiimori with The Corruption Update, and Star Wars: The Old Republic with Game Update 7.9.1.
MMO Week in Review: I want to believe
This week's MMO news roundup covers updates and announcements for numerous titles including Stars Reach, EverQuest Legends, Elder Scrolls Online, and Final Fantasy XIV. Key stories include Stars Reach's official early access date, Elder Scrolls Online's post-layoff roadmap, and Guild Wars 3 revealing its composers. The article also touches on game development, business practices, and player sentiment across various MMORPGs.
SWTOR’s GU 8.0 has hit the PTS as Broadsword talks overworld difficulty toggles and the new operation
Broadsword has released Game Update 8.0 for Star Wars: The Old Republic to the Public Test Server, featuring the new Children of Nul operation, class balance passes, and quality-of-life improvements. A significant addition is the overworld difficulty toggle, allowing players to adjust combat challenge in non-multiplayer areas across Story, Veteran, and Master difficulties. The update also includes persistent stronghold decorations and new ventures.
Evening Patches
Official patch notes have been released for Path of Exile's Curse of the Allflame expansion, version 3.29.1. Additionally, the PIGFACE Crafting Update is now live, and version 8.0 content for Star Wars: The Old Republic is available on the Public Test Server.
Vague Patch Notes: In praise of the loneliness of MMORPGs
This opinion piece discusses the concept of loneliness in MMORPGs, arguing that games like Final Fantasy XI and World of Warcraft leverage the feeling of emptiness in their vast worlds to encourage player interaction. In contrast, games like Star Wars: The Old Republic actively try to eliminate loneliness, which the author believes diminishes the sense of a living world and the impetus for social connection.
MMO Week in Review: Lament for Elder Scrolls Online
Microsoft's decision to lay off a significant portion of The Elder Scrolls Online team has led to further management turnover and a restructuring of the studio. This week's MMO news also covers the early access launch of SpiritVale, the cancellation of Final Fantasy XIV Mobile, and discussions on lessons for Guild Wars 3.
Vague Patch Notes: Long-term content vs. short-term content in MMORPGs
This analysis explores the distinction between short-term and long-term content in MMORPGs, using examples from Final Fantasy XIV, Star Wars: The Old Republic, and Warframe. It argues that both types of content are crucial for player engagement and game longevity, with short-term content providing immediate experiences and long-term content offering sustained engagement.
Best Crew Skills in SWTOR: 2026 Endgame Crafting Guide
This guide details the best crew skills in Star Wars: The Old Republic for the 2026 endgame meta. It focuses on crafting augments, reusable stims, and strategies for dominating the Galactic Trade Network.
Morning Gatherings and Events
Develop-Brighton 2026 is scheduled to take place in one week, with MCV/DEVELOP covering the event. Additionally, Star Wars: The Old Republic's Galactic Seasons objectives will be active from July 7 to July 27.
MMO Week in Review: EverQuest rising
This week's MMO news roundup highlights the resurgence of the EverQuest franchise with EverQuest Legends entering paid beta and expansions teased for EverQuest and EverQuest II. Other major stories include the implosion of DreamWorld, potential layoffs at Blizzard and Bethesda, and Sony's shutdown of PS3 and PS Vita storefronts. The article also covers updates and news from various other MMOs like Elder Scrolls Online, Conan Exiles, and Valheim.
‘We are now fully focused on developing content for 8.0,’ says SWTOR boss
Broadsword's Keith Kanneg announced that Star Wars The Old Republic is now fully focused on developing content for update 8.0, with the first Public Test Server phase planned for the coming weeks. This phase will include the first boss of a new Operation and level 85 for select classes. Galactic Season 10 will conclude at the end of July.
Morning Gatherings and Events
Star Wars: The Old Republic will feature in-game events throughout July 2026. Specific details on the events are not provided in this announcement.