This guide is aimed at those desiring to get their character to max level as fast as possible. However, please note that by following this guide you will be missing out on the full game experience that truly makes this game feel special, and is therefore recommended to those levelling alts.

 

With that being said I will get straight to the guide, which is presented as a list of tips for different methods you can follow to level as quickly as possible...

 

 

1) MISSIONS

 

* The primary method of levelling is by doing missions.

 

* They give big experience payouts when done at level.

 

* It is also important to note that if you gain too much experience from doing other activities (Flashpoints, PvP, etc) that you may out-level a planet at which point missions will give very little experience, making them grant almost no payout for a lot of time and effort, therefore you almost always want to keep your levelling curve to match your current planet.

 

* Certain planet mission series are required to be completed in order to unlock level 50 dailies.

 

* Planets, for the regular mission series, can be started at any time as long as you meet the level requirements, they do not need to be done in order.

 

* However, you cannot progress your Class story without doing your Class mission series on the planets in order.

 

* Bonus missions (those that appear for doing something a little extra while on a mission) should always be completed BEFORE completing the main mission and should almost always be done. They grant a lot of "free" experience for doing something in the area that you're already in, but if you complete the main mission before fully completing the bonus one you will automatically cancel the bonus mission and lose out on its extra experience.

 

* Conversely, Bonus Series missions should *not* be done. These usually take you far out of the way on missions that most other people on the planet are not likely doing and cannot help you with. The only time you should consider doing these missions, when speed levelling, is if you don't quite meet the level requirements for the next planet yet, and still there are usually faster and better methods to get to that level instead.

 

* Don't waste time trying to get groups for Heroic missions. These missions are usually not essential for completing a planet or its story and can effectively be considered as "extra" missions. Grab the missions when you encounter them and hold on to them until you're done the planet. If you see another group forming for these then you can join that group and get it done, but keep in mind sometimes people in groups will take their time getting together and you will waste precious levelling time. Another thing to remember is that all Heroic missions are dailies, if you're on a planet over more than one day you can always run them again if you see another group forming. Also, Heroics can almost always be shared, so even if you haven't encountered one on the planet then you can always jump into a forming group and ask them to share (do it first thing in the group because sometimes they can't be shared and you will have wasted everyone's time if it can't be and you don't find out until later).

 

* Stay focused, don't get distracted by exploring, finding groups, recovering Datacrons, crafting, GTN trolling, etc.

 

* Note: If you skip doing Flashpoints you will need to do them all in normal mode in order to unlock the hard mode level 50 versions, if you plan on gearing for PvE. If you skip doing PvP then you will have to grind your Valor rank up to 60 if you plan on gearing for PvP.

 

Here is a list of the planets and their expected level requirements...

 

Republic:

01-10 Tython (Jedi Knight/Consular starting)

01-10 Ord Mantell (Trooper/Smuggler starting)

10-16 Coruscant

16-20 Taris

20-24 Nar Shaddaa

24-28 Tatooine

28-32 Alderaan

32-36 Balmorra

36-37 Quesh

37-41 Hoth

41-44 Belsavis

44-47 Voss

47-50 Corellia

50 Ilum

 

Empire:

01-10 Korriban (Sith Warrior/Inquisitor starting)

01-10 Hutta (Bounty Hunter/Imperial Agent starting)

10-16 Dromund Kaas

16-20 Balmorra

20-24 Nar Shaddaa

24-28 Tatooine

28-32 Alderaan

32-36 Taris

36-37 Quesh

37-41 Hoth

41-44 Belsavis

44-47 Voss

47-50 Corellia

50 Ilum

 

 

2) SPACE MISSIONS

 

* Space missions can be repeated as much as you want.

 

* If you blast everything in a level you can get a ton of experience over a relatively short amount of time.

 

* You must keep your ship up-to-date with the latest upgrades. Cybertech spaceship upgrades are practically required for making it through these levels effortlessly. Visit your GTN to buy the latest upgrades or make them yourself if you're a Cybertech (schematics must be discovered from Slicing missions or just purchased off the GTN).

 

* There is some "twitch" skills required to do these, so if you lack those then these missions likely aren't for you and will be a waste of time. There are a few guides out there on how to be a better pilot for these and it's out of context for this guide, but I suggest you check them out if you're having problems.

 

* Grab the Space Daily missions from the terminal on your ship. Only grab those that are green or above.

 

* Space missions always have Bonus missions in them which you should always try to complete.

 

* Over time these missions can become really repetitive and thus tedious, but for the ultimate solo option for levelling nothing can beat space missions: there's no travel time, no groups to find, the missions are always readily available, there's no repair costs, gearing is very straightforward, and there are tons of enemies to kill for lots of experience.

 

* Note: If you level exclusively on Space missions you will miss out on gear for your actual character, but that can be countered by buying the gear from the GTN when you reach max level, as long as your server has a healthy population. You will also need to do some max-level planet missions to unlock level 50 dailies. Finally, you will need to do all Flashpoints in normal mode in order to unlock the hard mode level 50 versions, if you plan on gearing for PvE.

 

 

3) FLASHPOINTS

 

* Flashpoints offer great experience and excellent gear. However, they are usually hard to find a group for.

 

* Normally you should only try to do these if you see a group forming, otherwise you can waste a lot of time looking for a group. You can also bring up the "Who" window and type "lfg" in the search box, which will bring up a list of everyone in your faction on any planet that has their looking for a group flag turned on, and then form up your own group if there are enough people looking.

 

* If you have a group of 3 friends though, that fill all the roles needed, you can get in and through Flashpoints incredibly fast making them the number one way to level quickly.

 

* The main mission for Flashpoints can always be grabbed in front of the entrance to the Flashpoint. These can be shared as well. They are repeatable as much as you want.

 

* There are usually Bonus missions within Flashpoints that you should always try to complete if using this method.

 

* There are Flashpoint Daily missions available on your Fleet for level relevant Flashpoints. Always grab these as well (they can be shared).

 

* In summary, with a steady group Flashpoints are the best levelling option for PvE.

 

* Note: If you level exclusively on Flashpoints you will need to do some max-level planet missions to unlock level 50 dailies.

 

Here is a list of the Flashpoints and their expected level requirements...

 

08-11 The Esseles (REP)

08-11 The Black Talon (EMP)

17-21 Hammer Station

21-24 Athiss

24-27 Mandalorian Raiders

25-29 Cademimu

27-33 Taral V (REP)

27-33 Boarding Party (EMP)

27-34 Maelstrom Prison (REP)

27-34 The Foundry (EMP)

37-41 The Colicoid War Game

41-45 The Red Reaper

45-49 Directive 7

45-50 The Battle of Ilum

45-50 The False Emperor

50 Kaon Under Siege

 

 

4) WARZONES

 

* PvP is also a great way to level up, but can be very frustrating for those that do not enjoy it or on servers where one faction is vastly "superior".

 

* Queue times can be long sometimes, such as if you're not playing during peak hours, there is a faction imbalance on your server and your faction greatly outnumbers the other faction, your server has a low population, and so on.

 

* Warzones on their own offer lots of experience for doing things in them, such as killing opponents and achieving objectives.

 

* There is a Warzone Daily mission available on your Fleet ship, make sure you grab this every day if using this method.

 

* A nice bonus to levelling this way is that you will likely be Valor rank 60 by the time you reach max level, which is required for end-game PvP gear.

 

* Note: If you level exclusively on PvP you will need to do some max-level planet missions to unlock level 50 dailies. Finally, you will need to do all Flashpoints in normal mode in order to unlock the hard mode level 50 versions, if you plan on gearing for PvE as well.

 

 

5) GENERAL TIPS

 

* Whichever method you choose to level make sure you stay focused on that method, especially if you plan on levelling on planet missions. There is a danger when trying to do all methods that you will out-level content and thus greatly reduce your experience rewards. If this is your first character I would highly suggest dipping a little into each to experience the game, but when speed levelling an alt just focus on one.

 

* If doing planet/class missions then you should go full DPS spec, regardless of what role you want in the end-game (Tank, Heals, or DPS). Missions will go much faster and thus you will level faster. Use your DPS companion if doing easier stuff to kill even faster, or pull out your healer if doing harder stuff.

 

* An advanced method to levelling is to do a mix of planet/class missions and PvP. This will allow you to do missions to advance your story, and gain Valor rank along with Warzone/Mercenary commendations (convert when you get to the cap). However, you must be very careful not to out-level the planets or you will end up needing to do missions that reward very little experience. (credit: Temeluchus)

 

* Speaking of companions, make sure you have them configured properly. Press the "`/~" key on your keyboard to bring up a companion's quickbar and make sure their proper stance is selected (e.g. DPS instead of Tank) and also make sure the abilities for the other role are turned off (e.g. don't have your DPS companion waste time throwing out taunts and dying constantly).

 

* Note: If you're skipping your Class missions you will miss out on additional companions. This isn't that big of a deal though if you don't care about Crew Missions while you're levelling. You will always have at least the one companion from your starting planet that can help you while levelling. It's up to you if having them matters to you or not while levelling.

 

* Map a keyboard button to a quickslot with your "reload" ability (regens health and ammo/force outside of combat), for example I mapped it to the <V> key. Hit it the second you get out of combat; it can be cancelled any time and doesn't have a cooldown. Getting in the habit of always hitting it will keep you fresh for each new fight and keep your missions moving at a brisk pace.

 

* Map a keyboard button to a quickslot with your fastest speeder on it, for example I use <SHIFT>+<~>. Mount your speeder everywhere you can!

 

* Save your credits and always buy the fastest speeder training and speeder as soon as they're available.

 

* Gear can easily be acquired from planet vendors for credits and commendations, when arriving on a planet search for armor, weapon, and commendations vendors. Always take commendations from mission rewards, never gear your companion from immediate rewards or commendations, they will get your gear as you hand it down. Once you've purchased all available upgrades for YOU from commendations on a planet save them up and buy the artifact level container (24 commendations usually), it will either contain a piece of gear you can use or something you can sell.

 

* Custom (orange) gear is awesome for low maintenance gearing while levelling. All you have to do is buy (or make) new gear mods every few levels to keep the gear relevant and powerful. It also has the added bonus of allowing you to select a coordinated look for yourself, instead of looking like some sort of demented space clown from random gear.

 

* Don't forget about the Light/Dark Side vendors on Fleet. As you level up you will likely acquire Light/Dark side rank and these vendors sell some nice gear.

 

* Learn how to use the Galactic Trade Network (GTN) and quickly search for upgrades whenever you're back on Fleet.

 

* If you're levelling a cross-faction alt you can use the Hutt Trade Network (HTN) on Nar Shaddaa to transfer items/credits.

 

* Ignore Datacrons while you're levelling, unless they're not too far out of the way or difficult to get, which doesn't apply to almost any of them. They're a time trap when you're trying to level quickly. Go back and get the relevant ones to your class after hitting max level.

 

* Always log out in a cantina, your ship, or on Fleet so you can gain rested experience for when you come back.

 

* Use Quick Travel as often as possible when you need to go back to a mission hub. Don't be afraid to use it! Often you could save precious time by using it, and almost always it will be available again by the next time you want to use it.

 

* Also use your Fleet Pass... Need to get back to Fleet? Need to do a Flashpoint? Need to go to a new planet? Tired and want to log out (remember rested XP)? At the far end of the planet and want to get back to the spaceport? Use your Fleet Pass!

 

* A well known tip but worth mentioning anyway: When you first get to Fleet and you're told to look into Crew Skills, make sure you talk to ALL the Crew Skill trainers before learning any. You get a ton of experience for discovering each one, but not after learning a Skill.

 

* Finally, if this is indeed an alt character then you can greatly speed the levelling process by skipping through conversations. This is accomplished by pressing the <SPACEBAR>. I highly recommend *not* doing this on your Class story missions though. Personally I do it on all non-Galactic Basic speaking rolls though, since you're not gaining anything by listening to them "talk" (unless you enjoy the immersion). Also, if you start a conversation by mistake you can just press <ESC> to exit out of the conversation.

 

 

Well, that's it. If you have any other speed levelling tricks please share them here!

Edited February 15, 2012 by SinGouki

* Stay focused, don't get distracted by exploring, finding groups, recovering Datacrons, crafting, GTN trolling, etc.

 

I don't imagine your guide would be valuable to any new players. Perhaps I'd take your advice if I was on my 2nd or 3rd alt and just wanted to rush to end game.. but isn't the point of an mmo to group, craft, explore, contribute to the economy, etc..?

 

Again, I don't think there's anything wrong with your guide. I just think you posted it in the wrong place.

I don't imagine your guide would be valuable to any new players. Perhaps I'd take your advice if I was on my 2nd or 3rd alt and just wanted to rush to end game.. but isn't the point of an mmo to group, craft, explore, contribute to the economy, etc..?

 

Again, I don't think there's anything wrong with your guide. I just think you posted it in the wrong place.

 

Yeah, I considered that, but there really isn't any other forum to really post it in so I figured this one fit it best.

I have 3 level 50s(more if you count beta) and my favorite quick way to level without spacebarring through dialogue,not crafting and skipping through the story content is:

 

-mix some warzones into your PVE planetary/class quest grind(remember to queue as you are questing on a planet), shoot for being 2 levels above the minimum level requirements for the planet you are heading to. Not only will it alleviate any monotony but it has 2 benefits,

 

1. you are a few levels above the mobs and will remain so,making it easier to kill,decrease the likelihood of you being killed and decreases downtime.

 

2. you accumulate Valor rank and Warzone commendations as you level. Turn your Warzone comms into Mercenary comms at a 3:1 ratio until you are capped in both(1000 is the cap),use any excess for medpacs or level 20/40 pvp armor. Do the PvP dailies for items and exp and when you hit 50 you will have enough comms saved up for 5-6 Champion bags,thus giving you a leg up on gear.

 

I have found this way can get you to 50 in 3-4 days time /played as opposed to the 2-2.5 days /played marathon,ignore the job/wife/kids/hygiene and spacebar through the content method and the even longer times if you do nothing but quest grind,flashpoints etc.

Edited February 15, 2012 by Temeluchus

Not bad, I'm rating it up. Always nice to see someone taking the time out to help others.

Turn your Warzone comms into Mercenary comms at a 3:1 ratio until you are capped in both(1000 is the cap.

 

I heard there was a way to do this, how do you convert the comms? I asked on my server and no one knew how or if it was possible. I'd liek to convert some of the planets I've already left to buy things on the planet I'm on. Thanks.

 

Good guide, but i prefer to take things as they come and having fun discovering them.

I have 3 level 50s(more if you count beta) and my favorite quick way to level without spacebarring through dialogue,not crafting and skipping through the story content is:

 

-mix some warzones into your PVE planetary/class quest grind(remember to queue as you are questing on a planet), shoot for being 2 levels above the minimum level requirements for the planet you are heading to. Not only will it alleviate any monotony but it has 2 benefits,

 

1. you are a few levels above the mobs and will remain so,making it easier to kill,decrease the likelihood of you being killed and decreases downtime.

 

2. you accumulate Valor rank and Warzone commendations as you level. Turn your Warzone comms into Mercenary comms at a 3:1 ratio until you are capped in both(1000 is the cap),use any excess for medpacs or level 20/40 pvp armor. Do the PvP dailies for items and exp and when you hit 50 you will have enough comms saved up for 5-6 Champion bags,thus giving you a leg up on gear.

 

I have found this way can get you to 50 in 3-4 days time /played as opposed to the 2-2.5 days /played marathon,ignore the job/wife/kids/hygiene and spacebar through the content method and the even longer times if you do nothing but quest grind,flashpoints etc.

 

That's an excellent way to level, but like I mention in the guide you have to be very careful not to out-level the planets or you'll end up doing missions for almost no reward: 10,000+ experience per mission versus just 5 experience per mission when grey.

I heard there was a way to do this, how do you convert the comms? I asked on my server and no one knew how or if it was possible. I'd liek to convert some of the planets I've already left to buy things on the planet I'm on. Thanks.

 

Good guide, but i prefer to take things as they come and having fun discovering them.

 

You could convert commendations in Beta. They removed that functionality when the game went Live though, unfortunately.

Not bad, I'm rating it up. Always nice to see someone taking the time out to help others.

 

Thanks

I heard there was a way to do this, how do you convert the comms? I asked on my server and no one knew how or if it was possible. I'd liek to convert some of the planets I've already left to buy things on the planet I'm on. Thanks.

 

Good guide, but i prefer to take things as they come and having fun discovering them.

 

You can't convert comms from planets into comms for new planets,that was exclusive to beta and they took it out. I was refering to WZ comms being turned into Merc comms which are strictly pvp.

 

 

Go to the pvp vendor standing next to the daily terminal in the pvp area on your respective faction's Fleet(the one that sells medpacs etc) scroll down and you will see an option to convert WZ comms to merc Comms or Merc Comms to WZ Comms at a 30 to 10 rate. Clicky clicky until you run out of comms to convert,rinse and repeat.

Edited February 15, 2012 by Temeluchus

Great source of information!

This is very helpful info! thank you for writing it up!

 

I'm mostly playing the game for the story, so guess I'll stick with missions.

* Gear can easily be acquired from planet vendors for credits and commendations, when arriving on a planet search for armor, weapon, and commendations vendors. Always take commendations from mission rewards, never gear your companion from immediate rewards or commendations, they will get your gear as you hand it down. Once you've purchased all available upgrades for YOU from commendations on a planet save them up and buy the artifact level container (24 commendations usually), it will either contain a piece of gear you can use or something you can sell.

 

Easy to see which class you are. Most classes' companions don't use the same stats, so you can't hand down gear and are forced to buy them or take them from mission rewards. Consulars, for example, only get a single companion at 45+ who uses their stat (willpower).

What I do is PvP a LOT. About to halfway through a planet. Then I go and knock out te class quests there. Also don't forget to get gifts. What I do us get Rank 5 gifts from my main (just use your mission skill). It speeds up the affection gain significantly and then you have companion convos that give a small amount of xp. Still at 35 on my 2nd char lol. Stupid pull of 50 PvP.

I just used this programme called swtor saviour, heres the link http://737f2zs7p54cdwarzitj691r21.hop.clickbank.net/ it helped i guess, only because I've only ever followed its steps to level up I've need not used it so I'm not sure how it compares with playing without help