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Star Wars: The Old Republic

An achievement as an RPG and an MMO, The Old Republic offers something bold and new for gamers. Dont miss out.
Star Wars: The Old Republic Game Cover
90%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
grinding, monetization
90% User Score Based on 49,698 reviews
Critic Score 89%Based on 5 reviews

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Star Wars: The Old Republic Game Cover

About

Star Wars: The Old Republic is a multiplayer role playing game with fantasy and science fiction themes. It was developed by Broadsword and was released on July 21, 2020. It received positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

"Star Wars: The Old Republic" is a free-to-play MMO that lets you play as various STAR WARS roles and explores the galaxy 3000 years before the classic films. The game features a personalized story-driven saga with cinematic dialogue, full voiceover, and the option to choose between the Light or Dark side of the Force. With ongoing content through regular updates and 8 unique stories, players can create their own legacy in this expansive STAR WARS world.

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Star Wars: The Old Republic screenshot
Star Wars: The Old Republic screenshot
Star Wars: The Old Republic screenshot
Star Wars: The Old Republic screenshot
Star Wars: The Old Republic screenshot
Star Wars: The Old Republic screenshot
Star Wars: The Old Republic screenshot
Star Wars: The Old Republic screenshot
Star Wars: The Old Republic screenshot
Star Wars: The Old Republic screenshot
Star Wars: The Old Republic screenshot
+5
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90%
Audience ScoreBased on 49,698 reviews
story7.2k positive mentions
grinding591 negative mentions
  • The story is a standout feature, offering eight unique, fully-voiced class narratives that provide depth and immersion in the Star Wars universe.
  • The game features a rich atmosphere and strong art direction that evoke nostalgia, enhanced by an iconic soundtrack that contributes to the overall experience.
  • Character development is engaging, with meaningful choices and dynamic interactions that allow players to shape their character's destiny within a richly-built world.
  • The gameplay mechanics are often criticized as outdated and repetitive, resembling older MMOs, which can detract from the overall experience.
  • The game suffers from significant performance issues, including bugs, glitches, and poor optimization, leading to frustration for many players.
  • The monetization model is heavily criticized for aggressive microtransactions and subscription requirements, which many feel overshadow the game's potential.
  • story
    16,959 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story in "Star Wars: The Old Republic" (SWTOR) is widely praised as one of its strongest features, offering eight unique, fully-voiced class narratives that provide depth and immersion in the Star Wars universe. Players appreciate the engaging storytelling, character development, and the impact of choices on the narrative, making each playthrough feel distinct. While the game has its share of gameplay issues and repetitive quests, the rich lore and compelling storylines keep players invested, often leading them to recommend it primarily for its narrative experience.

    • “Each class follows a unique storyline that reflects its role within the wider galactic conflict.”
    • “Overall, Star Wars: The Old Republic succeeds as a narrative-rich MMO that prioritizes story and world-building.”
    • “ this game has no story”
    • “The story is one of the game’s strongest features, with fully voiced class narratives that provide depth and individuality.”
    • “The storylines eventually felt repetitive, and the game lost its sense of freshness over time.”
  • gameplay
    2,660 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Star Wars: The Old Republic" (SWTOR) is characterized by a blend of traditional MMO mechanics and a strong narrative focus, appealing primarily to fans of the Star Wars universe. While many players appreciate the engaging storylines and character customization, the combat mechanics are often criticized as outdated and repetitive, resembling those of older MMOs like World of Warcraft. Despite its flaws, the game offers a substantial amount of content, with numerous class stories and expansions that provide hundreds of hours of gameplay, making it a worthwhile experience for those who prioritize story over cutting-edge gameplay mechanics.

    • “Gameplay combines traditional MMO mechanics with story-focused progression.”
    • “Strong writing, accessible gameplay, and a faithful Star Wars presentation combine to create lasting appeal.”
    • “The gameplay loop is satisfying, space combat is a fun side activity, and group content like flashpoints and operations are well-designed.”
    • “If you like gameplay, don't get this game. The combat is so boring and tedious; there's nothing cool about the combat. Don't let the trailers or cinematic stuff trick you; it's boring. The story is decent, but the combat alone ruins the experience.”
    • “The gameplay is old at this point; it was World of Warcraft at launch and has been dumbed down— I mean, streamlined—over time, much like current WoW.”
    • “The gameplay is very much a WoW clone with narrative choices. The gameplay is pretty average, but the story is great!”
  • graphics
    1,935 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Star Wars: The Old Republic" (SWTOR) are often described as dated, reflecting its 2011 release, with many users noting that while the visuals may not be cutting-edge, they still hold up reasonably well due to a stylized art direction. Some players appreciate the nostalgic charm of the graphics, likening them to the aesthetics of the "Clone Wars" series, while others express a desire for a significant graphical overhaul to modernize the experience. Overall, the game's strong storytelling and immersive gameplay tend to overshadow its visual shortcomings, making it enjoyable for fans of the Star Wars universe.

    • “The graphics are beautiful, the cutscenes are just great, so immersive, and especially the original content is just so well thought out and entertaining.”
    • “Graphically, the old republic shows its age but compensates with strong art direction and atmosphere.”
    • “The graphics have been updated and not bad at all for a game that came out more than 10 years ago.”
    • “The game engine is dated, graphics are stiff and clunky but there is a solid game here.”
    • “My only problem... the graphics, game looks extremely dated compared to games like WoW, GW2, etc.”
    • “The graphics are outdated and I wish they would release a second one or do a bigger graphic overhaul than what they have done.”
  • grinding
    646 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while it is a common feature in MMORPGs, it can become tedious and repetitive over time. Some players appreciate the grind for the sake of character progression and story immersion, while others find it overwhelming, especially for free-to-play users who face additional limitations. Overall, the game offers a blend of enjoyable content and frustrating grind, making it essential for players to be prepared for a significant time investment.

    • “It isn't grindy unless you want it to be; the multiplayer sections aren't required, the subscription only enhances instead of taking away basic things from free players, and the DLCs are yours permanently once you subscribe, even if your subscription lapses.”
    • “Main story progression is sped up, so no grinding is required to play through each of the 8 unique story campaigns.”
    • “There is a ton of great content here and almost no grinding anymore.”
    • “The combat is repetitive and lacks depth, quickly turning into a tedious cycle of spamming abilities.”
    • “The endgame is practically non-existent, just grinding gear to go on one of a few ops that you can do without that gear well enough anyway, and a single op that actually requires good gear.”
    • “The game is now insanely grindy for little to no payoff.”
  • music
    400 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is widely praised for its ability to evoke the iconic Star Wars atmosphere, featuring a mix of original compositions and classic scores by John Williams. Players appreciate the soundtrack's epic quality, which enhances the immersive experience, although some note that certain tracks are underutilized or repetitive. Overall, the music is considered a standout aspect, contributing significantly to the game's storytelling and emotional depth.

    • “The soundtrack, inspired by John Williams’ iconic scores, elevates every moment into something epic.”
    • “The iconic music you love from the movies is here, with thrilling battle themes and atmospheric tracks that make the experience even more immersive.”
    • “The music, inspired by the legendary Star Wars soundtracks, enhances the atmosphere and immerses you even deeper into the game world.”
    • “Now the worst scenario I had so far was buying a music band for 600 cartel money and guess what... you can't hear any music. To make sure it wasn't me being a dumb dumb, I googled it but yeah, they just don't play music... you would have to get your hands on a jukebox or buy a package/set that has a jukebox included.”
    • “The music, while thematically appropriate, pales in comparison to John Williams' legendary Star Wars scores.”
    • “The soundtrack could have been better; it's a bit choppy in places but does give you that Star Wars feel.”
  • monetization
    396 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization model of the game is heavily criticized for its aggressive microtransactions and subscription requirements, which many players feel detract from the overall experience. While some users appreciate the ability to enjoy the game without spending money, others argue that essential features and content are locked behind paywalls, making it feel like a cash grab. Overall, the monetization practices are seen as a significant downside, overshadowing the game's potential and rich storytelling.

    • “Microtransactions are present, but you can mostly enjoy the base game without spending a fortune.”
    • “Amazing story, fun combat, pretty good monetization system/value.”
    • “The game is free to play and it does have microtransactions, but you don't need to spend a single cent in it. In my opinion, this game has the best monetization for this type of game; everything is free, you can play the entire game without spending a single penny.”
    • “The most updates this game has received since 2019 have been shop updates, absurd bundles, and further monetization with very little offered content.”
    • “Overall, the game has amazing storylines and potential, but the aggressive monetization and subscription model ruin the experience.”
    • “This game is a very niche title that only someone who is a Star Wars fan and an MMORPG fan simultaneously could look past the awful amount of microtransactions.”
  • stability
    275 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game is a significant concern among users, with many reporting frequent bugs, glitches, and crashes that hinder gameplay. While some players find the game enjoyable despite these issues, others express frustration over persistent problems such as freezing during startup, quest glitches, and poor performance on various systems. Overall, the game is described as a "buggy mess," with many players recommending caution, especially when subscribing or making purchases through Steam due to additional complications.

    • “Super fun game runs great on my old machine.”
    • “Amazing and bug free! ”
    • “Even though it came out in 2011, it still is not buggy from all that I have seen.”
    • “Game starts up and freezes.”
    • “I have spent upwards of 6 hours troubleshooting and searching for a solution online and nothing works but I see many comments of people having similar issues and just giving up.”
    • “This game has so many glitches, falling through the map, getting stuck randomly, mid-mission the game logs out, etc.”
  • humor
    250 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is widely praised, with players highlighting its witty dialogue, quirky characters, and the ability to create hilariously unexpected scenarios through dialogue choices. Many reviews note that the game balances comedic moments with serious storytelling, often leading to memorable and laugh-out-loud experiences, especially when playing as different character classes. Overall, the humor adds a significant layer of enjoyment, making it a standout feature for fans of the Star Wars universe.

    • “The story content is legit really fun, at times it's corny and hilarious, and then sometimes it's really mature and serious.”
    • “In the end, Star Wars: The Old Republic is a hilarious romp through the Star Wars universe, filled with quirky characters, over-the-top dialogue, and enough lightsaber action to make even a Sith Lord crack a smile.”
    • “The game is packed with funny lines and memorable moments, as well as characters that you'll love.”
    • “Pay to win game, so far from the actual books it's not funny.”
    • “Very fun MMO, but is plagued with so many issues it's not funny.”
    • “Difficulty modes are a not funny joke.”
  • replayability
    236 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The replayability of "Star Wars: The Old Republic" (SWTOR) is widely praised, with many players highlighting the game's eight distinct class storylines, each offering unique narratives and choices that significantly impact gameplay. The combination of branching story paths, moral decisions, and the ability to explore different character classes and alignments contributes to an almost infinite replay value, making it a compelling experience for both solo and group play. While some expansions may feel less cohesive, the core game remains engaging enough to encourage multiple playthroughs.

    • “The story is absolutely amazing, and the replayability is insane — it's one of those games you can keep coming back to, as there's so many stories and worlds to explore.”
    • “With multiple character classes, storylines, and choices to explore, SWTOR offers endless replayability.”
    • “The variety of classes and their corresponding stories offer great replayability, and the ability to choose between the light and dark sides adds another layer of depth to your decisions.”
    • “While the class-specific arcs shine, the shared narratives between the two sides quickly feel repetitive, reducing replay value after a couple of playthroughs.”
    • “The game's replay value is locked behind a paywall.”
    • “Anyone wanting an MMO should keep on moving; Bioware has ignored that aspect of the game for at least the last six years in favor of single-player content with little to no replayability and barely a fraction of the depth you'd find in KOTOR.”
  • optimization
    162 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players citing significant performance issues, including stuttering and frame rate drops, particularly in high-player scenarios like PvP and raids. While some users report stable performance on lower-end systems, the outdated engine and lack of modern optimizations lead to frustration for many, especially on high-end PCs. Overall, the game's optimization is considered poor, with calls for improvements to enhance the experience.

    • “Optimization has been mastered in this game.”
    • “Fun gameplay, immense lore and exploration, story/dialogue choices that actually matter and 1 and 1/2 decades of development from people who know how to keep aesthetics and optimization at the maximum.”
    • “Stable and well-optimized, even on modest systems.”
    • “The reason why I cannot recommend it is simple: the performance of the game is so horrendous that I can't bring myself to drag other people into it.”
    • “Performance issues, no matter the rig you have, you will have stutter and lag issues, this is due to it being poorly optimized.”
    • “Look, I'm sure the game has some content which is fun and all, but honestly it's not worth downloading. There is no optimization and you are forced to play on low FPS with constant stuttering.”
  • atmosphere
    131 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its authentic Star Wars feel, enhanced by iconic music, diverse environments, and immersive storytelling. Players appreciate the rich world-building and the unique atmospheres of each planet, which evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection to the franchise. Despite some dated graphics, the game's strong art direction and atmospheric sound design create an engaging experience that keeps players returning year after year.

    • “The atmosphere of this game is unrivaled.”
    • “The atmosphere of the game gives me at times a feeling of child-like wonder, just like when I first watched the Star Wars movies many years ago as a kid.”
    • “The music, inspired by the legendary Star Wars soundtracks, enhances the atmosphere and immerses you even deeper into the game world.”
    • “Graphically, the Old Republic shows its age but compensates with strong art direction and atmosphere.”
    • “While it has its flaws, the game’s strengths—especially in narrative and atmosphere—make it worth your time.”
    • “The atmosphere of this game gives me at times a feeling of child-like wonder, just like when I first watched the Star Wars movies many years ago as a kid.”
  • emotional
    91 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of "Star Wars: The Old Republic" (SWTOR) is highlighted by players' deep connections to the game's rich narratives, character-driven stories, and meaningful choices that evoke a range of feelings, from joy to heartbreak. Many users appreciate the well-crafted dialogue and the ability to shape their character's destiny, leading to significant emotional investment in both the story arcs and companions. However, some critiques point to inconsistencies in storytelling and character development, suggesting that while the game can deliver powerful emotional experiences, it may also fall short in certain areas, leaving players with mixed feelings.

    • “SWTOR isn’t just an MMO—it’s a Star Wars experience that delivers emotional resonance, thrilling gameplay, and a galaxy that feels alive.”
    • “These aren’t just throwaway missions—they’re cinematic, emotionally driven tales where you can shape your character’s destiny.”
    • “The game’s narrative stands out with dynamic companions who interact authentically—bickering, disagreeing, and occasionally betraying—adding emotional depth and meaningful player choice.”
    • “I play Old Republic thinking it would be Star Wars, but it's just a boring story and NPCs talk too much.”
    • “Boring storytelling.”
    • “The cutscenes just keep coming! Boring story and boring combat.”
  • character development
    81 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is widely praised for its depth and engagement, with players noting the rich storytelling and moral choices that allow for a personalized experience within the Star Wars universe. While some critiques mention limitations in player autonomy and character design aesthetics, the overall consensus highlights the game's ability to deliver compelling narratives and character arcs, making it a standout in the MMO genre. The combination of immersive lore, dynamic character interactions, and the freedom to shape one's own story contributes to a highly regarded character development experience.

    • “There's just so many different stories to play through, such a richly-built world full of lore, and genuinely compelling character development and pacing.”
    • “The storytelling is a highlight, with rich narratives and character development that really pull you into the lore.”
    • “The game has an awesome amount of story and character development, not only in your character but the companions that you make along the way.”
    • “Character design looks bad because they tried to copy an old, poor art style from World of Warcraft, so just like World of Warcraft, the characters look like potato people.”
    • “Very little player autonomy in character development.”
    • “As a result, character development isn't much of a thing outside of whatever you get from a new character within a story update.”
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89%Critics’ scoreBased on 5 critic reviews
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56h Median play time
313h Average play time
12-314h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 264 analyzed playthroughs
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Skip FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Star Wars: The Old Republic is a role playing game with fantasy and science fiction themes.

Star Wars: The Old Republic is available on PC, Mac OS and Windows.

On average players spend around 313 hours playing Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Star Wars: The Old Republic was released on July 21, 2020.

Star Wars: The Old Republic was developed by Broadsword.

Star Wars: The Old Republic has received positive reviews from players and positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

Star Wars: The Old Republic is a multiplayer game with local co-op support.

Similar games include The Elder Scrolls Online, FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, DC Universe Online, EverQuest II, RIFT and others.