thanks for the info guys, making more sense now. And after HM 55 content with getting gear with lvl 156, is that when I start running OPS?

ok, so I should just skip the SM on flashpoints and jump right to HM? Cause the gear I have is just what I have got from quest rewards mostly, just replacing as I go. I have no gear from flashpoints or dailies, PVP... basically under geared IMO for any lvl50 content. I am basically a high lvl noob through and through, lol. Just enjoying the game but wanting to get more involved

Ok, so here is my stupid little question(questions) i guess. I am a new level 50 and its my first toon, without really doing to many Flashpoints under my belt. I was wondering how and where to actually get the gear needed to do the end game content. I do knw its through the SM, HM, OPS, Ect... Do I start with level 50 flashpoints and work my way up to 55 or do i try to swindle my way through Makeb with no gear til high enough to do end game content. Just really not having a lot of time to sit and play to fully understand the steps it involves for gear I guess. And not having a guild does hinder me I think. Any help would be truly appreciated

i figured it out with looking at the planets and locations and reading that you can disassemble the cubes to get the shards back for the next teir lvl of cube... now my last question is can i go to Republic starting areas to grab shards to complete (Ord Mantell) to be exact to make a cube? ( I am an Empire player) And two planets for the lvl 32 cube dont have shards if I am correct... (Alderaan and Taris) Taris does have one for the Republic (green) but not for the Empire...Not listed anyway. Thats why I ask if its possible to go to Ord Mantell... can you help? Thanx again

Ok, I must not fully get it still. Each planet has a shard, each planet is a different level and while i go to each planet as i level I am usually there for about 4-5 levels. Now with that being said from level 15-23, i should be able to get all 3 shard pieces... and when I do I have to Start all over again at level 24 for the new pieces for those pieces. Does that sound right? the reason i say that is because looking at the above thread and the guide listed I can get only one on Balmorra and the next one is on Nar... but now im alrdy level 25... I dont get it

My question is on the shards. does every level 15,24,32 and so have just one color of shard? or do they have each color to make the relic? I mean dou you have to go to several different planets/cities over several levels to get each piece?