Excellent post OP! Easily one of the most helpful PvP threads I have seen. This should be made a sticky for those that want to get the companions and actually be useful to the team. Those who sit afk in a corner to get your matches done I will actively drag (if possible) the opposition team over to you so you can get involved in the fun (though sadly it's not EVE-level fun)! Last time I dabbled with PvP in SWTOR was back around launch, where I managed to get lucky a few times on pre-50 PvP and make a couple of kills before dying. I never understood what I was going on, and got /whispers from 'leet PvPers' telling me I suck then going quiet when I asked for advice on how to improve. Funnily enough, the first match I jump into in this KOTFE-era and exactly the same happens... So, well done OP for making something that's relatively easy for us noob-PvEers having to jump into max-level PvP without having set foot in, say, Voidstar or Pylons before then. Tim

Thirded! I'd love to get that armour for my Assassin, but not at the expense of her going bald (again)! Tim

Yeah I noticed this today, when I finally logged in and went off to Nar Shaddaa to get a set of blues (Plastoid Handguards and Plastoid Kneeboots) to complete the look for my BH. No armour vendors of any type, just mods vendors, which is cool, apart from not being able to get any weapons for my companions who have changed their weapon types... Can't even get a Level 7 techblade or techstaff from the vendor on fleet! Also, it kind of takes away from any diversity if you give us a customisation ability in the character window and then take away the random stuff that makes for cool customisation... I'm just glad I purchased the Underworld shells I wanted off the GTN before the actually token vendors got removed and I couldn't get the 'legit' version of the armour I wanted! Tim

To echo others, my question relates to non-standard gameplay in lower level planets. We have macrobinoculars, Seeds, and BCW that take place across worlds that are lower level. How are they going to be scaled? To take an example that happened to me recently; on DK there's one of the BCW beacons for a Henchman near the Revanite Camp. It's by a bridge that has a pair of droids on it and several either side (screenshot - taken after the event had finished). Now, the beacon spawns Zinda Kent, who's a sniper with melee adds and the usual 'knock you back 40m and stun you for 4 seconds' nonsense attacks. She spawns near where my assassin is standing (most of the time I've done it anyway) and takes up position behind portable cover. Let's say you don't get a perfect fight, you'll probably get flung back into the droids on the bridge, thus aggroing them. At level 60 it doesn't matter, because you can just do a basic attack to kill them straight away, or ignore them because you resist/deflect their attacks. Under the new system you'll be levelled down so that the droids become a problem, and you'll have to fight them as well as Zinda and her adds. So either you have to pull off a perfect rotation first time and kill her before the droids respawn, or you'll have to target swap a lot to ensure that she's not channelling her 'Terminate' ability, or some other ability. So, will she be scaled back to a level 18 boss during BCW, or will she scale appropriate to your actual level? Obviously if she spawns as a level 60 boss and you're scaled back to level 18, then it'll just be silly as a level 18 can't even hope to touch a level 60. This is a specific example, but it's a wider question; what happens with non-standard gameplay stuff on lower level planets? Tim

Time for my request for camouflage uniforms. Not anything too complicated, just something a bit different for my sniper and others to wear that isn't so monochrome and looks like something a covert operative would use. For example, this WW2 Italian uniform is the sort of camo pattern I'm looking at: Pic 1 Pic 2 Or, the more complex pattern as illustrated by this picture. I admit, the colours are a bit garish, but it's a basic tri-colour uniform with a pretty even spread between the colours. Just something other than heavy armour or duster jackets for my trooper/sniper that looks rather military. It's something that Star Wars has form for, given the following pictures: Rebel Strike Team (ROTJ) Commander Gree (ROTS) My second request is for Sergeant Tarsten's armour from SoR. Unfortunately I haven't got a good picture of it, but basically it's a version of the chest piece used in the Stalwart Protector armour, just without the spikey extra shoulder pad. Edit: Whilst I think of it, the *real* version of Malgus' armour, with the uique boots/kneepads as used in the Holostatue, and in 'The False Emperor' FP. They're just that bit more awesome than the ones with the other Sith armour. Tim

I suspect 'Outlander' will be the name the NPCs refer to you as, to save on MASSES of dialogue... I also suspect that the 'new 60' we can create is similar to the Lich King expansion from WoW: have at least one max level character, create a new character that starts at 60 and bypasses all of the current content. I suspect the character will come with a pack of starter gear (similar to HK-51), and will be dumped on whatever the first planet is for this expansion. But, obviously this is just my inference... Tim P.S. Quietly excited by this one; I just wish the gameplay matched the Blur trailers/cinematics!

To experience the different class stories? Sure people will power level characters to just reach endgame and grind the ops and FPs, but some people like the class story stuff. That's why I'll still level my agent, bounty hunter, and knight, because I enjoy the class story stuff. Tim

I've not played Agent yet, but given the overall praise for it, I'm hoping I'll like it (particularly as I have a fondness for spy fiction). Also, it's voiced by FemHawke, so bonus points already. Here's what I've played so far (their level in brackets), and what I reckon: 1. Consular (60): It's fairly dull for Act 1 (shielding masters), but does pick up when you have to forge the alliance in Act 3. Other than that, I don't really remember too much about it, but I did play it at launch, so it's been a while! Some interestingly eclectic companions, especially when compared to other classes, and the class quest on Rishi with the holocron felt like it was definitely 'Consular'. 2. Warrior (45): Act 1 was good, and so far it's not let me down as a good story overall. Even playing LS, it feels very Sithy, and what you'd expect for a Lord of the Sith (power plays and the acquisition of power). Plus, playing LS tends to give some funny dialogue. Not got her to 60 yet as ploughing through the planets is getting really dull (but it's nice to see them from the 'opposite' point of view to my Pub characters). Plus, I think I'm one of the few who actually enjoyed Vette, having her along as my 'conscience' for most of the early story. Jaesa can get irritating, but is better than Quinn, who is a bit too snivelling... 3. Trooper (60): Fairly bland story, but bonus points for being voiced by FemShep! Companions are fairly amusing at times and M1 in particular is a good caricature of idealised soldiering, and it helps that they mostly take the same gear as the trooper, so giving them 'hand me downs' makes gearing them a lot easier. 4. Knight (31): Feels somewhat more 'epic' than the Consular, but I'd kind of expect it (the knight is all about action and taking down the enemies of the Republic, the consular is all about the mysteries of the Force). A lot more Samurai-esque than I expected, particularly if you take LS options with the Sith on Tatooine. Some dialogue choices I've had so far seem very bland though. Kira's a good companion for combat, though her action dialogue can get naff in a hurry ("Feel my Force!"). 5. Inquisitor (35): Similar to the Consular, insofar as it's more about mysteries of the Force than out and out action. The Inq is more about the acquisition of personal power, but in a different way to the Warrior. Trying to get the companion on Taris at the moment, which is the only interesting thing about the planet. Playing her as a sarcastic LS Assassin, and it makes dialogue much better. 6. Bounty Hunter (12): Just started her, and so far what I'd expect, given the first 'twist' on Hutta. Definitely intriguing, even if the villain is somewhat overwrought. Fun to play though, mainly because the Hunter can be very sarcastic. Plus, I can use the "it's all about the money" dialogue choices without feeling like it's against the 'spirit' of the class. Mako's a good companion, but it's a bit annoying to start with a healer when my A/C choice was Bodyguard merc... Not played the smuggler either, but less interested in it, given what I've been told about it. In many ways, I think BW missed a trick in not having a 3rd faction (sort of), with the smuggler and the Bounty Hunter. Neither of them are obviously intrinsic to the Empire or the Republic, and it would've been nice to have them capable of working for either. Tim

I'll be honest, there's too many 'nit-picky' versions of armour I'd like to see in this game! However, the top of the list are: - Hood down (not hoodless) version of the Elder Exemplar/Voss/Traditional Brocart robes (my Consular wore it since she got it, but I'd like to see what hairstyle I made her with way back at launch...) - Hood down (again, not hoodless) version of the Field Medic/Agile Reconnaissance chest (similar story with my agent) - The male (i.e. not stripperific) version of the Aspiring Knight/Ambitious Warrior set for my female Sentinel. I love it as a set (hood down, looks a bit armoured, fairly close fitting and nice colours) just wish I could use a more demure version... - A version of the Verpine/Underworld/Conqueror/Shadowed/Firebrand/Kell Dragon trooper set. I'd like to use it with my (upcoming) Bounty Hunter. - Also, Shae Vizla's real armour (i.e. the one she wears in Shadow of Revan)... - And finally, a pair of lightly armoured boots with kneepads, e.g. Death's Claw boots with Lana Beniko-style knee pads. Most of the last 3 requests come from the fact that I'm trying to recreate the IMC Titanfall pilots (ironically, given that the helmet was inspired by Boba Fett's) and it's proving difficult to get close to it... Tim

Kathylen, currently still stuck in her early 20s... I will finish levelling her! Pic 1 Pic 2 (Obligitary 'show us your saber' pic ^^) The pieces: Obviously, used a Red-Black dye module in the chestpiece and unified the colours. I think she looks awesome, and is probably about as close as I'm ever going to get to my ideal look for the Assassin... Tim

Wonderful. Thanks for the responses guys. I shall do some investigation on Dulfy, as suggested, and see what's what, as well as hunt down videos for the new Ops and stuff. Many thanks again, Tim

Hi all, So, i just returned to the game after a long absence (I'm not sure how long - my memory's going), and it's all very confusing. - In the first instance, when I left, the Black Hole stuff on Corellia had just started up as a succession of Dailies to go hand in hand with the few at Ilum and Belsavis. By the looks of things there's more to do, as I'm seeing Mods/clothing pieces in vendors that are 60+. Am I right in thinking there's more Operations and Flashpoints? Are the drops as annoying to get as the others used to be (I got a Vanguard Trooper helm as a reward for my Infiltration Shadow)? - Why were all my skillpoints reset? And how come Level 3 speeder riding is now a Legacy unlock (or am I getting confused)? - Have the multi-tiered mission bonus/optionals gone? I started a brand new Sith Inquisitor, and I remember that the 'kill the rebels' on the way to 'The Hate Machine' had 3 tiers until you fought the rebel boss. That wasn't there this time. - I assume I was moved to a new server due to dwindling populations? Anyone know any fairly social/casual-welcome Guilds as my Guild seems to be very quiet these days (I was the only one on when I logged in and stayed knocking around Carrick for a few hours at what used to be peak hours for our members), and I'm intrigued by the new Operations and stuff? - Can I finally get decent trousers for my Shadow/Assassin? And, had there been any forward progress on the hood toggle that was rumoured to be 'soon' last time I was on? - I see I'm getting Cartel coins for my subscription time; can I pick and choose things I buy with them, or is it as random as an STO lockbox? - Lastly, any good threads/articles I should read to catch up in a way that's not coated in marketing and tells me the info straight? Thanks for reading, Tim

Personally I'm all for anything not overly black. Whilst I agree, black does suit some things, such as the RotJ Luke, it's not quite what I think of when I think 'Jedi'. I always think more earth tones, and blues/greys, than straight up black. This is my current get-up for running around: Front Back Side(ish) Most of my stuff has changed internally since I became a 50. I think it looks appropriately Consularish, and goes well with Rocky's stuff as a sort of complimentary set. There's another couple of ye olde pics that I can pull out, here, here, and here (scroll down to see an array of pics). And, of course, there's our supposed class archetype, the grand master herself. Here, here and here are a trio of pics that show her off, and are what got me interested in becoming a Shadow. Interestingly, the third pic now seems to be the look for the Jedi Sentinel. I will try and do a mock up of what I think of when I think 'Jedi Consular', but that won't be for a wee while (work gets in the way of life). Tim Edit: Anyone recognise this set? It's a picture I got when searching for 'Jedi Shadow' in Google... Also, what would a Sage like to look like? I hope a load of Sages come on and tell us, as it seems most of us are Shadows...

Hmmm... Well I agree some builds may have this harder than others, but I wouldn't call it broken/requiring patch. This is my first MMO, and I would admit I'm fairly casual about things, but I had limited problems with this place. I admit I was surprised when I stealthed into the room to discover that every enemy was at least a silver! I checked my quest log and map to make sure I was in the right place and hadn't accidentally stumbled into a Heroic area. But I managed on my first attempt (barely with some of the groups), using Mind Maze and interrupting everything I could (Infiltration specced Shadow using Theran as my companion - kept all gear up to date). I would call it a significant ramp up in difficulty compared to most of the other quests I'd faced up until that point (and if you think we've got it bad the smuggler story has you try and kill two lvl 45 guys on Balmorra when you're supposed to be in your 30s). But, provided you've got your rotation worked out and Mind Maze (or equivalent) on standby for the first gold, you should be able to get through it. At the end of one group I had barely 10% health left, so had a lot of standing around using Meditation doing this one. And don't be afraid to pop a medpack during each one. Also, I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't know what those stations along the walls did, so didn't hit them until after the encounter was over (as I believed that hitting them would spawn more enemies - but maybe that's my paranoia in action). Tim

I know it's not the answer, but I rolled a female Consular in part because I noticed that quite a lot of the light armour stuff we use looks better on a female character. Here's a quick image I put together showing all of the endgame PvE stuff on my character (note these are the Stalker sets): Shadow Stalker PvE Sets Also, note that the image of Tionese set is slightly wrong; she's still wearing the belt I've currently got, not the Tionese belt. Also, notice the nasty clipping between the upper and lower robes on each of them. On the whole, I'd say the kit is passable, apart from the pads (part of the gloves and main robe). Which is a real shame as it will stop me from using it if I can get away with it. Currently, I run around doing my dailies with this get up: Standing at the end of the story (so potential spoilers if you've not completed the storyline yet) The only thing that's visually changed is my saber (picked up Dantooine's Last Hope on the last HM FP I did). And personally, I prefer the trousers and tabard look, as it makes me think 'Jedi' a lot more, in keeping with the film-style Jedi. The only thing I hope for come this 'hood up/down' toggle we're touted to get is that the hood doesn't just vanish, like it does at the moment, but is replaced by an actual folded back hood. Personally, I would've liked the endgame detailing (the iconographs, etc) on this sort of get up for endgame: Pic 1 (She's actually holding a saber similar to Dantooine's Last Hope) Pic 2 Pic 3 (Male version) Tim