SWTOR Juggernaut

Star Wars: The Old Republic – what class will you be playing ? (a novel)

With SWTOR slated for Q1 2011 many of us are already within its “force grip”, so to speak. I have friends that ask me on a weekly basis what class and specialization I plan on playing, so I figured I may as well make a list for those that haven’t yet decided what to roll. Enjoy my insomnia.  Big thanks to SWTOR’S main site as well as Wookiepedia.com for helping me compile this information at the crack of dawn.

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Jedi Consular

Consular seems to favor light armor and can wield a “Darth Maul” style double bladed light saber.  They appear to be of the DPS or support/healing variety depending on how you spec later in your career.  That being said, I think all Consulars can heal regardless of specialization. “Concentrating on mental refinement through study and meditation, Consulars sought to perfect the art of diplomacy and mediation, hoping to calm a tense situation or mend hurt feelings through civil discourse, reasoning, and parley, rather than drawing their lightsabers and cutting down an attacker.”

  • Advanced Class – Shadow – These Jedi shadows specialized in stealth and dealing high amounts of damage to enemies in melee combat. They were known to primarily wielddouble-bladed lightsabers in combat, and were adept at concealing themselves with the Force. Working directly under the Council of First Knowledge, Shadows were sent to destroy everything and anything connected with the Sith and their followers.”
  • Advanced Class – Sage – These Jedi specialized in Force healing and Telekinesis. Jedi Sages were known to primarily wield one single-bladed lightsaber in combat, and were adept at ranged attacks with the Force.

Both the "Priest" and "Rogue" class.. neat

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Jedi Knight

The old standby.  What kid (or adult) has not wanted to be a Jedi Knight at least once in their lives?  Jedi Knights often wear the traditional Jedi robes, but can also wear heavy armor when going into battle (Think Kenobi with his trooper armor on during the Clone Wars) .  From what I gather Jedi Knights wield a single light saber, but can duel wield when they specialize. In terms of roles, they seem to be both TANK and DPS depeding on advanced class choice.

  • Advanced Class – Jedi Guardian – From what I’m reading the Guardian will most likely play like the paladin class.  You will have the ability to “buff” your party as well as take an absurd amount of damage. Perfect concentration and use of the Force allows smooth movement even in heavy armor–making the Guardian a hard target to take down. Leaders on and off the battlefield, Guardians are known for inspiring allies to amazing feats, making them invaluable for conflicts of any size.”
  • Advanced Class – Jedi Sentinel – Shifting from protection and party buffs to pure DPS is the Sentinel.  “Control and focus are the hallmarks of the Sentinel. Through years of training the Sentinel learns the art of using two Lightsabers simultaneously to create an intricate web of damage that is almost impossible to evade. Manipulating the Force, the Sentinel can
    see holes in the enemy defense, potential flaws in their own technique and how best to plan for both.While they possessed adequate combat skills and had somewhat extensive knowledge of the Force, Sentinels blended both schools of teaching and amplified them with a series of non-Force skills, such as in the fields of security, computers, stealth techniques, demolitions, repair or medicine.”


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Smuggler

The kids that didn’t want to be a Jedi Knight wanted to be Han Solo.  From what I understand SWTOR places you in control of one of the most respected smugglers in the galaxy.  A true rogue class for those that like quick and stealthy gameplay and probably living in the moral gray.  The part I find to be the most exciting is that Smugglers get their own cover mechanic.  So unlike many of the other classes that have to wade into battle, the smuggler can dip in and out of shadows behind cover… cool!  DPS and support roles.

  • Advanced Class – Gunslinger – “A gunslinger was a type of smuggler that appeared during the years of the Great Galactic War and the Cold War that followed it circa 3,653 BBY. Master of the trick shot, the first to dive for cover and willing to take advantage of every opportunity, the Gunslinger and his dual blasters are the perfect team. The Gunslinger can shoot out a man’s
    legs to keep him from charging, blind him so he can’t get to his weapons or inflict serious injuries for maximum distraction. There’s a right target for ending every disagreement and the Gunslinger knows them like the inside of his ship.”
  • Advanced Class – Scoundrel“In addition to his trusty blaster the Scoundrel packs a stealth belt, a scattergun and a med pack–everything he needs to get in, knock the enemy for a loop and get out alive. Being invisible works best, but even when Sith fly through the air waving Lightsabers all they get to do is look surprised as the Scoundrel’s scattergun sends them back the way they came. The Scoundrel always shoots first.”

Always shoot first

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Trooper

I don’t think that many people were excited about the Trooper class until that last trailer dropped.  Playing the story from the perspective of the best solider in the Republic may indeed be an amazing adventure (+ Jennifer Hale! ).  The trooper will be a hearty ranged DPS class that has the capacity to Tank if you choose the Vanguard class.  So your choices will be, dealing massive damage, or taking massive damage.

  • Advanced Class – Commando – Able to withstand a beating and able to carry the biggest weapons in the game, this class is a no-brainer for those that like a more gritty story and high explosives. Trained in advanced assault tactics and weaponry, Commandos charge battlefields with massive blaster cannons, overwhelming their enemies with brute firepower.
  • Advanced Class – Vanguard – Oddly enough, a ranged “tanking” class for the Republic – “A vanguard was a type of trooper that appeared during the years of theGreat Galactic War and the Cold War that followed it circa 3,653 BBY. These steadfast soldiers ignore personal risk, deliberately stepping into the line of fire to divert danger from allies and innocents.
    Though their tactical role is inherently dangerous, Vanguards have an uncanny survivability due to their expert defensive tactics and the advanced technology at their disposal.”

For the Republic?

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And now for the “bad” guys..

SITH EMPIRE

Bounty Hunter

No doubt destined to be a mega popular class the term “bounty hunter” was made cool by Star Wars and Star Wars alone.  Iconic characters such as IG-88, Aura Sing, and Boba Fett radiate cool and badassery.  Who doesn’t want to fly around the galaxy working for the highest bidder and have no moral code?  In terms of game play Bounty Hunters appear to slide into the ranged DPS and Tanking archtypes.  That being said, they also appear to have a variety of support roles on the battlefield…oh, and they can fly.

  • Advanced Class – Power Tech – This advanced class specializes in defense, utilizing their custom-made armor, and absorbing damage in battle.  From what little information has been released about the PowerTech class, we do know that this will be the Sith’s “ranged tanking” class and will utilize a heavy personal shield to absorb damage while drawing aggro.
  • Advanced Class – Mercenary – Think Jango Fett.  Personal jet pack, body armor, wrist mounted flame thrower, duel high power laser pistols… yep. “During the years of the Great Galactic War and the Cold War that followed it circa 3,653 BBY, the term “mercenary” was used to refer to a specific breed of armored bounty hunter. These mercenaries served the resurgent Sith Empire and were known for their use of dual-wielded guns, missile launchers, and dealing high amounts of damage in battle.”


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Imperial Agent

Imperial agent is the “rogue” class for Sith Empire.  Utilizing sneak attacks, stealth and gadgetry, Imperial agents will fill the roll DPS and support while grouping.  Depending on which path you choose an Imperial Agent can rain down orbital strikes, or use a stealth generator to get in close and break necks personally.  Imperial Agents can also generate cover and utilize a similar cover mechanic to the smuggler.  Something tells me this class will just be a lot of fun.

  • Advanced Class – Sniper – Need I say more? The class is called “sniper” meaning that you’ll probably be doing a lot of shooting people in the face from far away.  “After extensive training, the Sniper’s long range blaster rifle becomes a weapon of exacting precision, allowing him to target enemies’ vulnerabilities and strike at the perfect moment to turn the tide of battle.
  • Advanced Class – Operative – This advanced class is sort of the “wild card” of the bunch because nobody really knows exactly what they’ll be doing at any given time.  They can heal their party, they can go stealth and eliminate targets, they have access to combat droids and have orbital strike technology (kitchen sink anyone?).  My brain is telling me that they will play a lot like a “pet” class in other MMOs’, meaning they let their minions do their dirty work for them.

Not a Dark Elf... I promise

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Sith Inquisitor

More Darth Sidious than Darth Vader, the Sith Inquisitor will be a lightly armored DPS machine that can use both ranged force powers and light saber combat.  However, my money is on them not being able to take a ton of damage on the battlefield.  This class should probably be chosen by those who like to inflict as much pain as possible.  Sith Inquistors will also have access to duel bladed lightsabers and according to wookiepedia “Sith Inquisitors were able to drain life from their opponents and use Force Lightning, but were also skilled with the lightsaber. They were known for their ability to spread fear and terrorize their opponents simply with their presence”

  • Advanced Class – Sith Sorcerer – Ranged DPS machines. These Sith specialized in ranged attack abilities with the Force, such as Force lightning and Force drain. Sith Sorcerers were known to primarily wield one lightsaber in combat, and were adept at variant applications of Force lightning in combat.
  • Advanced Class – Sith Assassin –  That just sounds bad right?  I mean Sith alone denotes that you’re an evil killer, but saying you’re a Sith assassin is like saying you’re a cannibalistic child eating evil killer.  From what I gather Sith Assassins will be a stealth melee class, making them most like the “rogue” class that we’re used to.  They will utilize stealth, mind control and a duel bladed light saber to kill enemies before they’re ever seen.

The Wizard and Rogue class mushed into one.

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Sith Warrior

Darth Vader, Darth Bane, Darth Maul, Darth Tyrannus…  You too can be a Darth.  The Sith warrior will be a heavy armor wearing melee machine that can either be melee DPS or a Tank.  If you have fantasies of force throwing and force choking your enemies into submission, than this will probably be your class.  While at first glance they don’t appear to have much in terms of “bells and whistles”, what they do excel at is light saber combat and being tough as nails.

  • Advanced Class – Juggernaut – Seemingly unstoppable the Sith Juggernaught will be your damage absorbing melee Tank.  What SWTOR promises is that tanking will now be fun, and even tanks will deal damage. The Juggernaut will wear heavy armor (think Vader) and will wield a single light saber (again think Vader).  “Through diligence and clarity, the Juggernaut shapes the Force to his will to become nearly invulnerable. Damage that would destroy others is shrugged off, and futility fills the Juggernaut’s foes with doubt and despair. Protecting their allies and punishing their adversaries, they charge into the thick of any fray, and take the brunt of the assault and are even able to drain the energy of their enemies to further strengthen their resolve”
  • Advanced Class – Marauder – The Marauder will be for melee DPS lovers and people that like to get up close and dirty when they fight.  Seemingly wearing lighter armor than the Juggernaut and wielding two light-sabers, the Marauder seems to channel the essence of Darth Maul… only not as cut in half.

DPS and Tank

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Wrap Up – So there you have it.  The basic classes of SWTOR.  There are many other factors to include when picking your class.  Things such as race, cross faction communication, companion usage, skill trees, and more.   So who are you going to play?  We’re dying to find out.

This Post Has 15 Comments

  1. helloscientist

    This is a tough one, after reading through all the classes three stand out for me. Smuggle: gunslinger, Bounty hunter: mercenary and Imperial agent: operative. The operative is probably in the lead because of the orbital strike. Q1!? I though I was going to have some time to prepare for this one….

  2. Ash

    Sith Empire

    Sith Warrior – Juggernaut – While not originally my first choice I decided to roll up a Sith Warrior when the game finally drops.

    Why? – Well I always wanted to force choke people, and this gives me the chance. Also, I hate having “armor envy” in these games. I don’t want to be traveling the galaxy in a bathrobe forever, I want a robot suit damn it!

    While I chose Juggernaut as my specialization, I don’t plan on tanking a lot. I’ll probably spec my character out to be DPS with high survivability.

  3. haleyxvader

    I don’t think you have to guess what I’ll be – Sith Warrior all the way.

  4. Beast_Mode

    This is pretty tough. I love being melee.

    Sith Warrior- Marauder
    Bounty Hunter-Merc
    Sith inquisitor sounds fun too.

  5. Scott

    There are spies everywhere… if we go “bad” it’s gotta be Imperial Agent. I played Spy in Galaxies, even after the NGE, and it was fun as hell.

    Otherwise, I’m deadly serious about ship combat, so if that varies by class, my alt will be whatever best falls in line with that.

    1. Ash

      Scott – I think most of the ship combat will be heavily story driven and more in the vain of Rebel Assault than X-Wing. Whatever the hell it plays like it sure LOOKS like a lot of fun.

  6. Pilx

    Bounty Hunter – Power Tech
    or
    Sith Inquisitor – Assassin

    My only problem with either one of these is I tend to pick the hardest classes to start with and I have a feeling these could be right up there….maybe I’ll surprise myself and pick a Sith Warrior at the last second.

    1. Ash

      HaHa Pilx, now in retrospect you do pick “off” classes in all of these MMOs.

      We had
      EverQuest – Torpenilius Pilx – A Gnome Rogue ?
      City of Heroes – Quantum Theory – A Gravity Controller
      World of Warcraft – Bracket – An shadow priest
      Mass Effect – Engineer Shepard right?

      Why I recall every character class you’ve ever played is beyond me.

  7. Micah G

    Great post man, I wish I had commented sooner. I always go melee, and I always froth with rage when I learn how much more fun ranged attacks can be. So I am going game changer on this one and going with some sort of low armor/high DPS class.

    I need to see skill trees really, but its looking like Agent – Sniper. Oh, and I thought I would mention, that Trooper video actually made me less interested in the class, and actually less interested in the game.

    1. Ash

      I’m curious what you didn’t like about the Trooper video? It is a bit “gung ho” so to speak, but I thought it was well done. Do tell.

      1. Micah G

        0:22- It “feels epic” (which I like), but it opens with what it seems like this trooper giving a speech to three shlubs in an unimpressive environment.

        00:29 – My pet peeve, WHY, WHY, when characters in any game run down a ramp, they “bounce” up right before decent. This reminds me of City of Heroes graphics, and I shutter.

        00:38 – I like the repelling, but would it really kill the processing power of the game to keep the rope graphic in place for at least the duration on the animation

        1:08 – I’m not a fan of these setup scenes to demonstrate a power that doesn’t really fit the class, and then show the unimpressed unflinching face of the character model upon completion, really showing there is no “soul” to the character, and I don’t mean that in a good trooper way.

        Besides those specifics it was all just clunky and unimpressive. I know it’s an MMO and we must take that into account. But if this was a single player game I would say, “Yeah, I would play it… in 2002.”

        I am harsh and critical, I know. You know thats my style… they have trained it into me. I am still excited for the game haha.

        1. Ash

          WOW. You put some work into your hatred of the trailer! haha.. There is however a reason why the game doesn’t look up to par with more recent games. They need to build a game that can hold thousands of people on a server without crashing or lagging, as well as on an engine that can run on older PCs’,

          Most people don’t buy a whole new PC in order to play the next big PC game. Normal consumers have the same PC for a number of years and just cross their fingers that they’ll be able to play something when a new game comes out.

          Blizzard is also the only company who has had massive financial success in the PC realm for a LONG time. So they need something everyone can play.

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