SWTOR Free to Play This Fall!

With this surprising announcement this morning from EA, the biggest questions are, how will it effect the current subscribers, and why is SWTOR going free to play?

Obviously many people will come to the conclusion that the game must have failed. As an active subscriber, with multiple toons, I can tell you that the population is healthy. Although it's not booming, it's greater than a lot of other MMOs out there. So why go free to play?

The free to play system is what we in sales and marketing refer to as a "puppy dog close". This type of close, as in the end pitch of a sale, is designed for products that a sales rep is confident that the consumer will love once they experience it. And once they have invested time into the game, they'll be more than happy to pull out their credit card and finalize their commitment. Now the free to play system that BioWare are launching for SWTOR gives you full access to the character story line, but only gives you limited access to flashpoints, races, auction houses and other crucial game elements. It also gives you no access to end game operation (raid) content. After you have invested hours with your beloved character, if you want to participate in end game content you will have to subscribe.


After experiencing more than 50% of the class story lines, I can tell you that this is a very strong sales pitch. There is no risk up front for any Star Wars fan to pick up this game. Free to play is going to increase server population and it has the potential to increase profit margins for BioWare. Higher populations means more PvP action and even more people in queues for flashpoints. This provides a greater experience for subscribers. Obviously subscribers will have certain advantages due to access to end game content that the freebies won't, giving them lots of easy kills in PvP - and who doesn't like feeling like a legend?

Rather than trying to cram everything into this one post I will explore the changes that Free to Play will bring to SWTOR over the coming weeks. Here is the official Press Release from EA:

EA Expands Award-Winning MMO Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ with Free-to-Play Option This Fall

New Free-to-Play Option Will Open Up the Critically-Acclaimed MMO from BioWare and LucasArts to Millions of Additional Star Wars™ Fans and Gamers Worldwide

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

BioWare™, a Label of Electronic Arts (EA), announced today that it will be expanding the story-driven, massively multiplayer online game Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ by adding a new Free-to-Play option this fall. This option will give players access to each of the eight iconic Star Wars character class storylines, all the way up to level 50, with certain restrictions*. Unlimited game access, including new higher-level game content and new features, will be made available through individual purchases or through a subscription option.

“Players want flexibility and choice. The subscription-only model presented a major barrier for a lot of people who wanted to become part of The Old Republic™ universe,” said Matthew Bromberg, GM of BioWare Austin.

Jeff Hickman, Executive Producer of Star Wars: The Old Republic added, “Since launch, we’ve been listening to feedback from our fans and adding new content and refining The Old Republic at a breakneck pace. We believe we are in a position to help improve the service even more, not only by continuing to add new content, but also by expanding the game to many more Star Wars fans, increasing the populations on worlds and the vibrancy of the community.”

Starting this fall, there will be two different ways to play Star Wars: The Old Republic:

Subscription – A service designed for players who want unrestricted access to all the game features via ongoing subscription or by redeeming a Game Time Card. In addition to gaining access to all game content as our current subscribers do now, subscribers will receive ongoing monthly grants of Cartel Coins, the new virtual currency that will be introduced later this fall. Cartel Coins can be used to purchase valuable in-game items including customizable gear and convenience features that will enhance the game play experience.

Free-To-Play – 

The first 50 levels will be Free-to-Play, with restrictions on access to new content and advanced player features. Some restrictions can be “unlocked” with Cartel Coins.

As the first step towards adding the new Free-to-Play option this fall, Star Wars: The Old Republic will go on sale in August for $14.99 USD, including one-month of free subscription.

Current and former players will also find additional benefits as part of this program. BioWare will be increasing the frequency of game content updates, with the first of many new releases coming in August. In addition, current subscribers will receive Cartel Coin grants and qualify for access to special in-game items. Even former players who re-activate now will qualify for special benefits. To learn more about these rewards, please visit www.StarWarstheOldRepublic.com/FREE.

Star Wars: The Old Republic is one of the most critically acclaimed MMOs of all time, having won MSNBC’s “Game of the Year” award in 2011, “Editor’s Choice” awards from IGN, PC Gamer and “Best MMO of 2011” awards from Game Informer, GameSpy, AOL Massively, Ten Ton Hammer and more. The game is set thousands of years before the classic Star Wars movies, with the Galactic Republic and Sith Empire locked in the middle of an epic, galactic war. Players choose one of eight iconic Star Wars character classes, including the Jedi Knight, Jedi Consular, Smuggler, Trooper, Sith Warrior, Sith Inquisitor, Bounty Hunter and Imperial Agent, becoming the hero or villain of their own personal Star Wars saga.

C2-N2 and 2V-R8 Companion Guide

2V-R8 or C2-N2 join you when you first get your ship at around level 16. Imperial players get joined by the extremely obedient and loyal 2V-R8 and Republic players get joined by the pompous, pain in the ass C2-N2. Although both of them can be annoying at times, C2-N2 makes C3-P0 seem like an ideal companion. Bioware need to include an off switch on these droids because now that I've been playing with them for 6 months, it's getting to the stage where if C2-N2 implies that I am fat one more time, I'm going to feed him my lightsaber!

>With the introduction of legacy perks, Bioware have given you the ability to purchase equipment for your ship droid that increases their crafting or gathering abilities. To purchase the equipment you'll need to have the legacy perk that gives you a repair/vendor droid on your ship. For 100K each you can purchase the following abilities for your ship droid:




Engineering Droid Sensor: +5 Scavenging Efficiency, +5 Cybertech Critical
Exploration Droid Sensor: +5 Archaeology Efficiency, +5 Synthweaving Critical
Hunter Droid Sensor: +10 Investigation Efficiency, +2 Armstech Critical
Medical Droid Sensor: +10 Biochem Efficiency, +2 Diplomacy Critical
Scout Droid Sensor: +10 Artifice Efficiency, +2 Treasure Hunting Critical
Security Droid Sensor: +10 Armormech Efficiency, +2 Underworld Trading Critical

These abilities come attached on an head slot pieces of armor, allowing you to equip several bonuses on any one droid but not at the same time.



These bonuses are not as valuable if your droid affection level is too low. Below you will find a table listing all their favorite gifts. Using these gifts are the only way to increase affection with your droid.

Gift Preferences for 2V-R8

Love	Cultural Artefact
Favorite	Technology
Like	Imperial Memorabilia Luxury
Indifferent	Weapon Military Gear Courting Republic Memorabilia Trophy Underworld Goods

Gift Preferences for C2-N2

Love	Cultural Artefact
Favorite	Technology
Like	Republic Memorabilia Luxury
Indifferent	Weapon Military Gear Courting Imperial Memorabilia Trophy Underworld Goods

Turning to the Dark Side brings new interest

You may have noticed that things have been a little bit quiet around here lately. To be honest, I burnt myself out a bit. I finished powering through the last of the four different Republic classes, Trooper, in order to unlock all four buffs for all my characters. Then I needed a break.

I found Trooper, with the Commando spec, to be a bit tiresome, not because Trooper was hard to play, it's just that I didn't enjoy the class in PvP and this was the seventh time that I'd been through most of the Republic zones. I did it a couple of times in Beta and I also did it a couple of times before I found my home on an Australian server.

Having a few weeks off and playing other games like Diablo gave me a well needed break and an opportunity to see what else was on offer in the gaming world. Diablo is back on the shelf and I'm back into SWTOR full-swing!

I've started playing a Sith Warrior and it's refreshing how different all the quest lines are from the Republic stories. Even though Imperial and Republic players might occupy the same planets, all the quests are different. For my four Imperial toons I am staggering across different planets to ensure that I have a unique experience with all characters.That combined with the XP bonuses on PvP and class missions will help me level my new characters without getting bored.

The story mode content in SWTOR constantly surprises me. It's just like a well written choose your own adventure. Even if you don't like raiding or PvP the solo story line is enough to keep any player going for a long time.

Datacron guide: Dromund Kaas

What follows are facts about the datacrons to be found on Dromund Kaas. These datacrons, available to Sith Empire only faction players, can be found above a walkway, gaurded by a boss, on top of a mountain and past a few elites. All in all there are five datacrons to be found on Dromund Kaas.

Galactic History 18: The Hutt Cataclysms 

Stat/Reward: Strength +2
Waypoint: X: 855, Y: 643
Tips: This datacron is located in a hangar, the southern end of Dromund Kaas spaceport. Take the lift to ‘Docking Bay D-61’ and from there you have to go up a ramp to the walkway above and look for steel bars along the wall that you can jump on, which will lead you to the datacron.




Codec description: This datacron holds unheard of power and knowledge collected by an ancient race. You access its power and discover writings which are clearly only one small piece of a massive galactic history:



Since its victories against the forces of the Tion Cluster, the Hutt Empire had continued to expand its influence. It now controlled dozens of systems, and the Hutt criminal enterprises extended even into Republic space.

But the greed of the Hutts was insatiable, and their long life spans meant grudges could be carried for centuries. Rivalries became open hostilities, until their entire empire was embroiled in the "Hutt Cataclysms," a series of conflicts that saw devastating weapons unleashed on Hutt-controlled worlds.

When the cataclysms ended, the Hutt homeworld of Varl and hundreds of Hutt colonies had been rendered lifeless. Seeking a new homeworld, the Hutts began relocating to the planet Evocar, slowly buying parcels of land from the Evocii people. Eventually, the Hutts owned the entire planet, which would later be called Nal Hutta--or more often, simply "Hutta," the "Glorious Jewel."

Galactic History 19: The Pius Dea Crusades

Stat/Reward: Presence +2
Waypoint: X: 581, Y: 798
Tips: The moment you exit Dromund Kaas Spaceport you will be able to go up a path to the left. Look for pink ‘glowing’ mushrooms and you’ll find an entrance/path between the rocks. This path takes you up a hill, which leads to datacron. There is a Gundark Lifetaker boss guarding the datacron, which most players seem to have no problems with when using their companion.




Codec description: This datacron holds unheard of power and knowledge collected by an ancient race. You access its power and discover writings which are clearly only one small piece of a massive galactic history:

The Republic had been established on principles of free speech and tolerance for all sentient beings. Unfortunately, these principles also allowed the growth of fringe groups. During the term of Supreme Chancellor Pers'lya, a fanatical pro-human religious sect calling itself "Pius Dea" emerged.

Many dismissed Pius Dea as just another cult, but the group's intentions were much more sinister. Through political maneuvering, the members conspired to have Chancellor Pers'lya impeached and their own man, Senator Contispex, put in his place. Through Supreme Chancellor Contispex, Pius Dea exploited tensions within the Hutt Empire after the Hutt Cataclysms. Eventually Contispex sanctioned an invasion of Hutt Space, beginning the Pius Dea Crusades.

Over the next thousand years, Contispex's descendants--biological and ideological--would inherit his position, continuing to wage war against various alien factions until growing unrest brought Pius Dea's rule to an end. A new Chancellor was elected, free of Pius Dea's influence, and the Pius Dea "Supreme Temple" was destroyed... but the tensions created between the Core Worlds and the Outer Rim persisted for centuries to come.

Galactic History 20: Chancellor Blotus

Stat/Reward: Cunning +2
Waypoint: X: -1222, Y: 214
Tips: This datacron is located in the ‘Dark Temple Approach’ - the heroic 4 quest area. To get to it you will need to go around the mountain and climb on top of it, then jump down over a few rocks to get it.








Codec description: This datacron holds unheard of power and knowledge collected by an ancient race. You access its power and discover writings which are clearly only one small piece of a massive galactic history:

After the Pius Dea Crusades, the Republic stagnated, forced to rebuild alliances Pius Dea had damaged. However, during the Rianitus Period, the Republic began to enjoy prosperity again under a new Supreme Chancellor, Blotus the Hutt.

Blotus had been the administrator of a network of mining worlds that split from the remnants of the former Hutt Empire. He and his worlds applied for Republic membership, and although tensions between Hutts and the Republic remained, Blotus proved both competent and popular in the Galactic Senate. He was eventually elected Supreme Chancellor by an overwhelming majority, and his position was solidified when his tax breaks for independent traders brought Coruscant into an economic boom and improved trade throughout the Core Worlds.

Blotus served a 275-year term and died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 912. His rule would be remembered with affection for centuries; even today, his favorite chair in the Senate tower's lounge is traditionally left empty.

Galactic History 21: The Birth of the Mandalorians

Stat/Reward: Yellow Matrix Shard
Waypoint: X: -193, Y: 1663
Tips: This one is not hard to get to, but you have to get past a few elites.







Codec description: This datacron holds unheard of power and knowledge collected by an ancient race. You access its power and discover writings which are clearly only one small piece of a massive galactic history:

The culture of the gray-skinned Taung species had always been defined by conflict, even before their days battling the Battalions of Zhell on Coruscant. For millennia, striking out from the world they called Mandalore, the Taung explored and conquered new worlds, seeking new opponents to test themselves against.

Over time their philosophy of battle grew and changed, and a new cadre of elite warriors emerged. Known as the Mandalorian Crusaders, these warriors were honed by years of battle and guided by a strict code of honor. Wild stories began to spread throughout the Outer Rim of soldiers who could disappear into forests, face terrifying beasts without a trace of fear or even capture an entire planet in a day.

These tales were the first time the name "Mandalorian" became widely known. Although the Taung themselves went into decline and eventually disappeared, they left behind followers trained as they were. Ever after, the Mandalorians were a people to be respected, and feared.

Galactic History 22: The Second Great Schism 

Stat/Reward: Endurance +2
Waypoint: X:-790, Y: 1449
Tips: This one is not hard to get to, but you have to get past a few elites.





Codec description: This datacron holds unheard of power and knowledge collected by an ancient race. You access its power and discover writings which are clearly only one small piece of a massive galactic history:

The Jedi Order had already faced one great schism in its history, against the fallen Xendor and his Legions of Lettow. Although Xendor had been gone for centuries, there were uneasy stirrings in the ranks. A group of Jedi had learned to use the Force to shape living beings, twisting them into horrific monsters.

These Dark Jedi were swiftly exiled, but they retaliated by raising an army of their monstrous creations and unleashing them against the rest of the order. The Jedi fought back, finally driving the Dark Jedi to a last stand on the planet Corbos.

Victory would not have been certain even then, but the Dark Jedi had begun to turn against one another. Without a united front, they were overwhelmed and scattered. Although the Jedi cheered their victory, it was later discovered that many of the Dark Jedi had fled Corbos, leaving no trail for anyone to follow.

Datacron guide: Hutta

What follows are facts about the datacrons to be found on Hutta. These datacrons, available to Sith Empire only faction players, can be found hidden behind a pipe, in the midst of the mob and on an island. There are three datacrons to be found on Hutta.

Galactic History 01: The Architects

Stat/Reward: Aim +2
Waypoint: X: -96, Y: 861
Tips: The datacron is located up on a small hill that you can climb a pipe up to get to it that is leaned onto the hill. The datacron is a bit hidden under some tree branches, but it is down to the right after having climbed the pipe and made your way up.









Codec description: This datacron holds unheard of power and knowledge collected by an ancient race. You access its power and discover writings which are clearly only one small piece of a massive galactic history:



Although the Republic has existed for millennia, there is evidence to suggest that long before its founding, a highly advanced race ruled the galaxy. Referred to as the "Architects" or "Celestials" by scholars, these beings possessed remarkable technology capable of constructing or realigning solar systems. The Corellia system, for example, appears to have been artificially constructed.

These claims would seem extraordinary, but many of the Architects' machines survived the ages. The Vultar system was home to an immense "Cosmic Turbine" that could only have been Architect technology, before misuse destroyed both the turbine and the Vultar system itself. The fabled Centerpoint Station is thought to be an Architect installation, though many species have claimed it as the work of their own people.

In addition to their engineering marvels, it is believed that the Architects seeded the Core Worlds with life--particularly humans--though some attribute this to the Rakata's Infinite Empire. Despite the proof of their achievements, however, there is little evidence to suggest where the Architects came from or what eventually became of them.

Galactic History 02: The Ancient Civilizations

Stat/Reward: Blue Matrix Shard
Waypoint: X: -22, Y: 319
Tips: This is the hardest datacron to find on Hutta. It is located within an elite mob (non-instanced) heroic area called “ Sewer Maintainence Tunnels”. The entrance to this area is at X: -15, Y: 226.
After you go through several groups of enemies you have to find level-8 boss- a robot called B3-4T Disposal Droid. Behind him is where the datacron is.





Codec description: This datacron holds unheard of power and knowledge collected by an ancient race. You access its power and discover writings which are clearly only one small piece of a massive galactic history:

In the period after the mysterious Architects vanished from the galaxy millennia ago, several great civilizations rose in their place. The intellectual Columi species created a vast but peaceful empire, focusing on academic pursuits while droids and elaborate machines labored for them. As a result, the Columi evolved enormous craniums and tiny bodies.

The strange, reptilian Kwa, who achieved interstellar travel through Infinity Gates that allowed them to effectively teleport between worlds, rose and mysteriously fell, eventually devolving into simple lizards. The cephalopod Gree also reached their apex in this time, creating technological marvels that have rarely been equaled. Eventually, on the backs of these civilizations would come the Rakata and their Infinite Empire.

Galactic History 03: The Batallions of Zhell

Stat/Reward: Presence +2
Waypoint: X: 497, Y: -13
Tips: The datacron is located on an island in the very North-East corner of the map.
To get to the island you have to go across a pipe that starts at X: 497, Y: -13. Be careful at the L junction on the pipeline, you might miss and fall into the water and have to start over.









Codec description: This datacron holds unheard of power and knowledge collected by an ancient race. You access its power and discover writings which are clearly only one small piece of a massive galactic history:

In the millennia before the founding of the Republic, humans had not yet developed spaceflight. One human population--perhaps the only one--was confined to Coruscant, divided into thirteen tribes. This nearly proved disastrous when a volcanic eruption caused a near-extinction event, wiping out a large percentage of human life.

This made the humans easy prey for the Taung, a gray-skinned species that reveled in battle. Awed by the majesty of the eruption's ash cloud, the Taung took the name "Warriors of the Shadow," descended on the surviving humans and subjugated them. Gradually the fighting force of the thirteen human tribes--known as the Battalions of Zhell--mustered a resistance against the Taung.

After years of struggle, the Battalions managed to repel the Taung and claim their freedom. Coruscant has been the seat of humanity ever since.

Datacron guide: Korriban

What follows are facts about the datacrons to be found on Korriban. These datacrons, available to Sith Empire only players, are easy to spot compared to many other in the game. There are three datacrons to be found on Korriban.

Galactic History 15: Mandalore

Stat/Reward: Willpower +2
Waypoint: X: 530, Y: -163
Tips: You can see this datacron glowing almost instantly when you leave the taxi station, the first time you go to lower wilds.






Codec description: This datacron holds unheard of power and knowledge collected by an ancient race. You access its power and discover writings which are clearly only one small piece of a massive galactic history:

The gray-skinned Taung species, which clashed with humans long before the formation of the Republic, had lost none of its fearsome reputation over the years. The Taung revered conflict in all forms, relishing the chance to test themselves against powerful enemies.

While the young Republic continued to expand, the Taung also sought out and colonized many worlds. Eventually they discovered an Outer Rim planet populated by enormous, vicious beasts called mythosaurs. The Taung took the world for their own, calling it Mandalore after their leader, Mandalore the First. The mythosaurs presented little challenge to the powerful Taung; in time, mythosaur bones were used to build Mandalore's first cities.

Galactic History 16: The Alaskan Conflicts

Stat/Reward: Endurance +2
Waypoint: X: 158, Y: 81
Tips: The datacron is next to the shuttle that will take you off the starting planet.





Codec description: This datacron holds unheard of power and knowledge collected by an ancient race. You access its power and discover writings which are clearly only one small piece of a massive galactic history:

During the boom period of early Republic expansion, dissent arose from the unlikeliest of quarters: the planet Alsakan. Colonized by the first explorers from Coruscant long before the development of the hyperdrive, Alsakan had been a member of the Core Worlds for centuries.

But as the planet grew more powerful and influential, its Senators believed that Alsakan, not Coruscant, should be the capital of the Republic. A series of skirmishes called the "Alsakan Conflicts" broke out, slowing Republic growth as it tried to quell Alsakan's forces.

Despite the best efforts of Republic diplomats and generals, Alsakan remained belligerent, and seventeen such uprisings would occur over the next several thousand years. Later, the battle cruisers built during the Alsakan Conflicts would inspire the Republic's Invincible-class dreadnought.

Galactic History 17: The Duinuogwuin Contention

Stat/Reward: Red Matrix Shard
Waypoint: X: -54, Y: 378
Tips: This datacron is in the open area right before you go into the tombs where the heroic quests are.





Codec description: This datacron holds unheard of power and knowledge collected by an ancient race. You access its power and discover writings which are clearly only one small piece of a massive galactic history:

In their travels, the early Republic explorers encountered many bizarre and fascinating species. Most of these first contacts were peaceful, but while charting worlds in the Outer Rim, scouts encountered enormous, flame-breathing reptiles known as Duinuogwuin. The terrified scouts opened fire and fled the planet, eventually returning to Coruscant--only to discover they'd been followed. The Duinuogwuin began waging war against the capital in what would be called the "Duinuogwuin Contention."

Supreme Chancellor Fillorean, often criticized in the Senate for being hesitant and indecisive, ignored demands to mobilize the Republic Navy and attempted to communicate with the Duinuogwuin. To everyone's surprise, the Duinuogwuin were revealed to be intelligent and inherently peaceful. Supreme Chancellor Fillorean and the Duinuogwuin philosopher Borz'Mat'oh negotiated a treaty, and later even cooperated to found Coruscant's first university.

Datacron guide: Ord Mantell

What follows are facts about the datacrons to be found on Ord Mantell. These datacrons, available to Republic only faction players, can be found on a hill, near a lake and buried in the sand. All in all there are three datacrons to be found on Ord Mantell.

Galactic History 12: The Birth of the Republic

Stat/Reward: Aim +2
Waypoint: X: -660, Y: -561
Tips: To get here head to the group area, it is on a hill there. Use the hill to the west of it to get to it.

Read more.

Datacron Guide: Ord Mantell

What follows are facts about the datacrons to be found on Ord Mantell. These datacrons, available to Republic only faction players, can be found on a hill, near a lake and buried in the sand. All in all there are three datacrons to be found on Ord Mantell.

Galactic History 12: The Birth of the Republic

Stat/Reward: Aim +2
Waypoint: X: -660, Y: -561
Tips: To get here head to the group area, it is on a hill there. Use the hill to the west of it to get to it.





Codec description: This datacron holds unheard of power and knowledge collected by an ancient race.

You access its power and discover writings which are clearly only one small piece of a massive galactic history:

For centuries, safe and reliable travel through hyperspace had been the biggest obstacle to galactic exploration. Finally, Corellian scientists managed to perfect hyperdrive technology on par with that of the ancient Rakata, allowing travel between the Core Worlds in mere days. Joined by trade and renewed communication channels, the Core Worlds signed an accord and united as the first Galactic Republic.

The newborn Republic began exploration of hyperspace routes in earnest, supported by daring Duros scouts and eventually established the Perlemian Trade Route. This route connected Coruscant to many worlds, including Ossus, where the Jedi Order's enclave had been established centuries before. The Jedi welcomed Republic scouts with curiosity and interest.

The head of the enclave, Master Haune Tiar, returned with the scouts to the allied Core Worlds. Impressed by what he saw, Master Tiar also foresaw the young Republic would need protectors. After conferring for several weeks, the Jedi pledged themselves as the Republic's guardians of peace and justice. The foundations for the modern Republic were laid.

Galactic History 13: The First Great Schism

Stat/Reward: Presence +2
Waypoint: X: -971, Y: 201
Tips: Simply head along the beach from the Volcano Camp. The Datacron is resting behind some rocks, near a small lake.




Codec description: This datacron holds unheard of power and knowledge collected by an ancient race. You access its power and discover writings which are clearly only one small piece of a massive galactic history:

After the Force Wars, when the Jedi Order learned of the destructive power of the dark side, the Jedi devoted themselves to the path of the light. In the early days of the Republic, a young Kashi Mer Jedi named Xendor defied the order's code and began experimenting with dark side techniques. Incensed, the Jedi Order confronted Xendor and banished him from Ossus.

Xendor, now immensely powerful and full of rage, raised an army on the planet Lettow and led it against the Jedi. Not since the Force Wars had the Jedi fought their own. Xendor and the Legions of Lettow eventually fell in battle; his lover, Arden Lyn, was defeated by the Jedi Master Awdrysta Pina and placed into a strange stasis, sustained by the dark side. Although this first schism within the Jedi was over, it would not be the last.

Galactic History 14: The Fall of Tion

Stat/Reward: Red Matrix Shard
Waypoint: X: 778, Y: 133
Tips: Follow the beach up north. There is a level 8 elite guarding it, and the Datacron is down a little hole in the sand just next to him.

Codec description: This datacron holds unheard of power and knowledge collected by an ancient race. You access its power and discover writings which are clearly only one small piece of a massive galactic history:

The Tionese Cluster, once a great civilization ruled by the despot Xim, entered its fading years as the Republic began its ascension. The third great power in the galaxy, the Hutt Empire, was also thriving. The Hutts used their criminal influence to control entire worlds, extorting and enslaving their subjects. Fear of the Hutts drove many worlds to seek membership in the Republic; truthfully, far more than the Republic could safely allow.

Eventually, war broke out between the Tion Cluster and the Republic. Despite--or because of--the Tionese's lack of resources, the Republic found them a dangerous foe. In response, Republic spies quietly stirred up trouble between the Tion Cluster and their old enemies, the Hutt Empire.

Facing a war on two fronts, the Tionese submitted to the Republic. The worlds of the Tion Cluster gradually came under the Republic's banner, finally ending their long enmity.

Datacron guide: Tython

What follows are facts about the datacrons to be found on planet Tython. These datacrons, available to Republic only faction players can be found on top of remote mountain passes, near ancient statues, and guarded by a mysterious shaman. All in all there are three datacrons to be found on Tython.

Galactic History 09: The Force Wars

Stat/Reward: Endurance +2
Waypoint: X: -33, Y: -102
Tips: You have to go through the mountain pass (entrance -29,13). The above location is up on a ledge that appears to be inaccessible. You have to go around behind the datacron and the entrance to the cave that leads to it is at -34, -29.




Codec description: This datacron holds unheard of power and knowledge collected by an ancient race. You access its power and discover writings which are clearly only one small piece of a massive galactic history:



On the planet Tython, an order of philosophers and researchers arose, studying the mysterious energy that permeates all things--an energy known as the Force. However, disagreements developed within the order about how this energy should be used, leading to the Force Wars that eventually engulfed the planet. A faction comprised of those who followed a more peaceful path left Tython and established itself on the planet Ossus; later, this faction called itself the Jedi Order.

At their new enclave, the Jedi refined a code that would guide them. They became a monastic warrior people, devoting themselves to the pursuit of peace and knowledge, rather than personal power.

In the wake of the Force Wars, the Jedi also had a new understanding of the Force. They saw that the Force, while naturally light, could be used for corrupt ends. Those who did not respect its power risked falling to the dark side.

Galactic History 10: The Tion Cluster

Stat/Reward: Willpower + 2
Waypoint: X: -648, Y: -72
Tips: Use a huge tilted pillar that forms a bridge to a hilltop. The Datacron is just to the left of the hilltop at the base of a statue.




Codec description: This datacron holds unheard of power and knowledge collected by an ancient race. You access its power and discover writings which are clearly only one small piece of a massive galactic history:

As the Core Worlds began to expand, another power in the Core was rising. The Tion Cluster, inhabited by the descendants of ancient sleeper ship crews, had developed a new hyperspace beacon technology based on fragments left by the Infinite Empire--far superior than the hyperspace cannons previously in use.

The Tion Cluster was gradually conquered by an arrogant and powerful pirate prince, known to history as the despot Xim. Using the new hyperspace technology, he despoiled world after world, taking slaves and ruthlessly expanding his territory. His rule of the Tion Cluster lasted for thirty years and saw the conquest of hundreds of thousands of planets.

Xim might have continued his rule unchallenged even longer, but he chose to expand his empire into a new area of space, one already inhabited by the powerful Hutt Empire.

Galactic History 11: The Tionese Face the Hutt Empire

Stat/Reward: Blue Matrix Shard
Waypoint: X: -93, Y: 925
Tips: you have to follow the path starting at X: -113 Y:88 Z:819 past a few fleshraiders, through a two story ruin and into a small settlement.
The matrix shard is to the right with a kneeling shaman in front of it.




Codec description: This datacron holds unheard of power and knowledge collected by an ancient race. You access its power and discover writings which are clearly only one small piece of a massive galactic history:

Seeking to expand his territory, the ancient Tionese despot Xim began exploring the Si'Klaata Cluster--and for the first time, encountered a force that could challenge him. This region belonged to the Hutt Empire. Although young, the Hutt Empire had already grown immensely powerful through its criminal enterprises, helped by the long lifespan of the Hutts.

The Hutts correctly assessed the threat Xim presented and poured resources into fighting him near the planet Vontor. Despite their strength, the Hutts were not certain of victory until they discovered the Si'Klaata Cluster was home to several other powerful species, including the Nikto, Klatoonians and Vodrans. In a typical gambit, the Hutts managed to persuade these three species to sign the Treaty of Vontor, which bound them to the Hutts in perpetual slavery.

With these additional forces, the Hutts overwhelmed Xim at the third Battle of Vontor. Xim died a Hutt prisoner, leaving his vast holdings and territory free for the taking.

GOOD-MORNING Balmorra! Live! ... WHAT?

"Good morning and welcome to another episode of SWTORFace. This morning we're going to be talking to one of our dependable comandos out in the Balmorra section, fighting to gain some awesome military technology for the Republic. We've John Sunrider on the line right now. Good morning John, how are you?"

"I'M GOOD SWTORFACE HOW ARE YOU?"

"We're all fine here thanks John. Things sound kind of loud there."

"YEAH, THAT'S CAUSE I'M BLOWING UP SOME IMPS!"

"You told us that you wanted to talk to us about something today John. What can we help you with?"

"WELL SINCE PATCH 1.2 I'VE BEEN HAVING A LOT OF TROUBLE HEARING MY COMPANIONS. I KNOW ARIC IS SAYING SOMETHING CONSTANTLY BEHIND MY BACK BUT IT'S ALL MUFFLED AND I'VE GOT NO IDEA WHAT HE'S ACTUALLY SAYING. I THINK USING ALL THESE EXPLOSIVES HAS WRECKED MY HEARING!"

"Well John, you might remember that the powers that be implemented a fix that prevented your ship droid from being so annoying. So rather than hearing your droid tell you that he's adjusted the food dispensers because he thinks you're all getting fat, it will now be muffled out whenever you turn your back to him."

"IS THIS THE REASON WHY I CAN'T HEAR MY OTHER COMPANIONS AS WELL, NOT TO MENTION MY SPEEDER FROM TIME TO TIME? EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE MY COMMANDER IS EVEN TRYING TO GIVE ME ORDERS AND I CAN SEE HER LIPS MOVING BUT I CAN'T HEAR HER."

"Yes John. The "fix" for the droid sounds might be the cause of your problems. Unfortunately we've been unable to find any official comments about this issue. It's got so bad that even some of our raiders are having problems during specific boss fights as the bosses aren't talking to us, we're having to read their mind to work out what they're doing. We've found that sometimes restarting your PC can fix this issue, but it seems to be completely random."

"WELL THAT SUCKS! LET'S HOPE THEY FIX IT SOON! I'M GLAD IT'S NOT THESE EXPLOSIONS THAT ARE MAKING ME HARD OF HEARING THOUGH!"

Have you been experiencing audio issues? Have you found a fix that might help others? please let us know in the comments below.

Trooper Companion Information Updated

Troopers, it's your turn: our Companion List information for Trooper Companions has now been updated to our latest style of presentation. Character information, Gameplay information and Gift Preferences are all included.

Sith Inquisitor Companion Details in Full

If you want to romance Andronikos Revel, or maybe Ashara Zavros is more your style, you'll need to know what gifts can give you extra mileage. We've updated our Companion List information for the Sith Inquisitor class, with the gift preferences information and a whole lot more.

Go forth, you Force-attuned, Empire aligned players and get to know your companions! 

Jedi Consular Companion List Update

If you are playing a Jedi Consular then bookmark our page of information about their companions so that you can quickly alt-tab to check out the facts as you play. The list has been updated so that not only does it look pretty, it's got more information and no blank areas.

Check it out now.

Big update to our Bounty Hunter Companion List

Now that we've had the opportunity to spend more time ingame we'd thought we'd go back and optimize our companion pages which we started way back in Beta (which was only a little over 3 months ago!). We've included new information about when your companions are obtained and what quests actually award your companions. Information about gift preferences has also been updated and presented in a new easy to follow chart. We've gathered all this information for all companions and will be updating our pages over the following weeks. Today's update is of the Bounty Hunter companion list and it of course also includes the customizations for Mako.

I'd like to thank everybody for providing their feedback which has lead to these updates. Feel free to add tips in the comments section.

Don't forget, if you find the information useful, share it with your friends on Google+, Facebook or 

The Many Looks of Mako

Complete Guide to Mako Customizations

Mako's bubbly personality is an absolute pleasure to be around and whoever wrote for her did a fabulous job. She probably has the most realistic personality out of all the female companions I have encountered so far. Mako is the very first companion you get as a Bounty Hunter. As a healer she makes life really easy, especially if you're a Powertech hunter. The storyline in general in Bounty Hunter is brilliant and if you haven't rolled one yet, it's something you have to do in this game. Although my main class is Jedi playing alongside Mako on my Bounty Hunter provides a refreshing change of pace and experience. Although she is alligned with a Bounty Hunter, who theoretically works with Sith, she is not really keen on dark side decisions unless it involves making more money. Her cybernetics give her unique abilities and also provide distinct facial features in many of the customizations available for Mako. All eight of Mako's customizations are currently available in SWTOR. Let's have a closer look.

I equipped the security key vendor's bikini top on Mako for your viewing pleasure. Although she looks really good in her standard medium armor, Imperial Agent style gear. It was mentioned in Bioware's blog that Mako is the most popular companion when it comes to romance; this girl gets around! But I'd better be careful what I say about Mako ... I don't want every Bounty Hunter after me in the game!


The customizations provide you with an amazing variety of looks, everything from the simple Eurasian default look right through to the punk rocker look you get with customization 8. It doesn't matter if you prefer blondes, red heads, brunettes, dark skin or pasty white, there is a look for everybody.

The customizations are so diverse that she looks like a different character each time. Not only does the face shape change, so does the hair, skin color and the position of the cybernetics. Unlike other customizations for Kira and Risha you really do get 9 very different looks.

A special Rakghoul customization from our Rakghoul Pandemic event:

Although you get a choice of customizations 1, 2 or 3 when she first joins you, you can purchase customizations 1-6 from the customization vendor Keth on Taris. Each one costs 12500 credits.

Customization number 8 can be purchased on Imperial Fleet Vaiken Spacedock from the Security Key Vendor named Toth (above).

You can find customization number 7 also on Vaiken Spacedock but from the Collector's Edition Vendor called Nongta - so yes, you do have to have purchased the Collector's Edition to get number 7.

Mako Wallpapers

Show your love for this spunky splicer with some of these Mako wallpapers!

Don't forget to check out similar posts:

Our full list of companions and gifts
The Many Looks of Elara Dorne
The Many Looks of Kira Carsen
The Many Looks of Vette
The Many Looks of Mako
The Many Looks of Risha
The Many Looks of Nadia Grell

For information on customization options for other companions check out the other 'Many Looks of ... ' posts on SWTORFace.

For more information on Mako and Bounty Hunter companions, check out our companion pages.