SWTOR CLASSES AND GUIDES
SWTOR Classes. A breakdown for the new player.
The SWTOR classes in Star Wars offer you the ability to play up to four distinct gameplay styles on both factions. Basically, the archetypes are nothing revolutionary: tank, healer and DPS, but it does work a bit differently than in some other MMORPGs. Almost every one of the SWTOR Classes can be a hybrid class and fill multiple roles in the game.
In short, each SWTOR class has their own personal healing, and each one can do damage. Their specific tanking and healing roles come from choosing advanced classes or specializations, which are basically talent trees. You can choose your SWTOR advanced class at level 10, and it can NOT be changed later on so make sure you pick something you really like!
In SWTOR there’s a total of eight classes, four on Sith Empire and four on Galactic Republic.
Jedi Consular
The Jedi Consular is the negotiator for the Republic. Similar to Yoda, the Consular would rather use intelligence and knowledge to get their needed results rather than a lightsaber. Very powerful in the Force, the Consular is very capable on the battlefield if they need to be. In history’s past, they would have been doing less combat oriented work; however, with the Empire constantly expanding, ever able Jedi needs to be on the battlefield doing their part to hold the Sith back.
On the battle field, expect to see the Consular as the fast, nimble warrior. They rely on their double bladed lightsaber and speed to get their work done when fighting. Unlike the Jedi Knight who does battle in armor and more brute strength, the Consular will wear robes only and fight with speed. They expect to deflect all laser bolts and lightsabers and never have to worry about something hitting their bodies. They will use the force such as lifting a heavy bolder, to throw at an opponent rather than just parrying with their weapon.
Specializations (advanced classes)
Jedi Shadow
- Double Bladed Saber
- Stealth
- Burst melee damage
Shadow Skill Trees
- Infiltration – Masters of stealth, these Shadows use positional attacks and surprise to defeat foes. In RPG terms this tree is a melee DPS tree.
- Kinetic Combat – Uses the double-bladed Lightsaber defensively to protect the Shadow and his allies. In RPG terms, this tree would be for a tank.
- Balance – Augments the Shadow’s Force and Lightsaber abilities from both classes as it’s the shared skill tree.
Jedi Sage
- Single Saber
- Powerful Telekinesis / Healing
- Ranged Control / Damage or Healing
Sage Skill Trees
- Telekinetics – Affords the power to distort reality and move waves of energy, tearing apart enemies. In RPG terms, this is a Ranged DPS skill tree. The skills in this tree focus on improving the existing force abilities and conserving force points.
- Seer – Allows the Sage to master the art of the force to heal and protect allies.
- Balance – Enhances the Sage’s force attacks and augments the Shadow’s force and lightsaber abilities. Shared skill tree between both advanced classes.
JEDI KNIGHT
The Jedi is a paradox in itself. On one hand, their entire lives are devoted to combat and battle. On the other hand, their entire purpose is to promote peace in the galaxy. In other words, they promote peace through their lightsaber. If someone is getting in the way of peace, a Jedi will try and negotiate; however, if they become a threat, they will just as easily pull their lightsaber and do battle. They spend their lives devoted to learning the Force and their weapon, but when a threat comes to the Republic, they are the valiant Knight fighting off the foes.
Their armament is typical for a Jedi: a simple looking lightsaber. Known for blue lightsabers like Obi-Wan-Kenobi, the Jedi Knight likes simple; however, is not adverse to putting on entire suits of armor to protect their bodies when doing battle against a formidable foe. Having trained from a young age, the Jedi Knight can rely on the force to add a mixture of incredible lightsaber maneuvers as well as force pushes and holds. The Jedi Knight is a pivotal part of a battle because he can defend allies and attack foes that are doing too much damage. A very epic character to play as.
Specializations (advanced classes)
Jedi 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.
- Dual Wield Saber
- Saber fighting specialist
- Melee DPS
Sentinel Skill Trees
The two Sentinel skill trees are Watchman and Combat. The shared Sentinel and Guardian skill tree is Focus.
- Watchman – The Sentinel masters the Juyo Lightsaber form, making him more dangerous as a fight goes on.
- Combat – Allows the Sentinel to master the Ataru Lightsaber form to rapidly dispatch enemies.
- Focus – Specializes in advanced force techniques and the Shii-Cho lightsaber form.
Jedi Guardian
A wall between the good people of the Republic and their enemies, the Guardian stands firm in the face of overwhelming odds and dares opponents to attack. 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.
- Single Saber / Heavy Armor
- Leadership / Party Buffs
- Tank
Guardian Skill Trees
The two Guardian skill trees are Vigilance and Defense. The shared Guardian and Sentinal skill tree is Focus.
- Vigilance – Orovides greater skill in single-blade offense and the ability to take enemies down quickly.
- Defense – Allows the Guardian to more effectively withstand enemy attacks and protect allies.
- Focus – Specializes in advanced Force techniques and the Shii-Cho lightsaber form.
SMUGGLER
Finally, after so many games, the ability to play as Han Solo, or at least a Han Solo type of character, is available. Smugglers are known for being incredibly sneaky and cunning. They can adapt to a situation faster than most other classes, but that’s because they have to. They make enemies faster than any other class. While they rely on sneaking the most, if they are caught doing something illicit, their handing blaster definitely can get their opinion heard and help them to escape.
For a smuggler, it isn’t about heavy armor or any of that; instead, it’s about comfort and speed. If a smuggler can run away from the situation, it is probably better so he can recover. However, he does rely on a strong blaster that can pack a punch. When doing combat as a smuggler, the ultimate goal is to be sneaky and trick the enemy into make a mistake so that the kill can be made. If nothing else, knee him in the balls.
Specializations (advanced classes)
Scoundrel
The Scoundrel doesn’t have time for politeness or a fair fight. 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.
- Blaster ‘Shot Gun’
- Stealth / Medicine
- Burst ranged damage or Healing
Scoundrel Skill Trees
- Sawbones – The Scoundrel patches his allies up using whatever medical supplies he can scrap together.
- Scrapper – Focuses on stealth and using the scatter gun to sneak in, take out the enemy and sneak out.
- Dirty Fighting – These tactics leave no trick off-the-table and often leave an enemy crippled or bleeding. Shared skill tree.
Gunslinger
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.
- Dual Pistols
- Quickdraw / Fast Attacks
- Ranged DPS
Gunslinger Skill Trees
- Saboteur – Teaches the Gunslinger to use explosive and advanced tech to sustain a longer assault.
- Sharpshooter – The Gunslinger focuses on precise, high damage attacks from the safety of cover.
- Dirty Fighting – These tactics leave no trick off-the-table and often leave an enemy crippled of bleeding. Shared skill tree.
TROOPER
The Trooper is the heavy soldier of the Republic. As a member of the Republic Special Forces, they will either be seen in very small squads or, if they are especially daring, all by themselves, wrecking mayhem on the Sith Empire. Between very heavy armor that still allows great mobility and powerful blaster rifles, going against a Republic trooper is not an easy feat. It requires the ability to get past the consistent barrage of laser fire, the grenades, as well as the overall strong abilities that come with being known as the best soldiers in the entire Republic.
Unlike other classes that might hide and slowly move up to attack, the Republic Trooper isn’t afraid of a little dirt. He runs head on into battle, his blaster rifle killing as he goes, clearing a path for those to follow. Because of his heavy armor, he can take damage and not actually feel it. If, while on the battlefield, you see a lone soldier running towards the Sith base, chances are, it is a Republic special forces trooper who is going to conquer that area.
Finally, after so many games, the ability to play as Han Solo, or at least a Han Solo type of character, is available. Smugglers are known for being incredibly sneaky and cunning. They can adapt to a situation faster than most other classes, but that’s because they have to. They make enemies faster than any other class. While they rely on sneaking the most, if they are caught doing something illicit, their handing blaster definitely can get their opinion heard and help them to escape.
For a smuggler, it isn’t about heavy armor or any of that; instead, it’s about comfort and speed. If a smuggler can run away from the situation, it is probably better so he can recover. However, he does rely on a strong blaster that can pack a punch. When doing combat as a smuggler, the ultimate goal is to be sneaky and trick the enemy into make a mistake so that the kill can be made. If nothing else, knee him in the balls.
Specializations (advanced classes)
Commando
- Heavy Blaster Cannon
- Grenades
- Ranged DPS
Commando Skill Trees
The two Commando skill trees are Gunnery and Combat Medic. The shared Commando and Vanguard skill tree is Assault Specialist.
- Gunnery – Focuses on maximizing the assault cannon’s destructive power.
- Combat Medic – Trains the Commando to provide expert first aid to wounded comrades in the heat of battle.
- Assault Specialist – Teaches explosives and grenades to complement either rifles or heavy cannons.
Vanguard
- Blaster Rifle
- Energy Shields
- Defense Tank
Vanguard Skill Trees
The two Vanguard skill trees are Tactics and Shield Specialist. The shared Vanguard and Commando skill tree is Assault Specialist.
- Tactics – Trains the Vanguard how to more effectively deal with close range combatants.
- Shield Specialist – Powers up the Vanguard’s shield generator to absorb firepower and protect their allies.
- Assault Specialist – Teaches explosives and grenades to complement either rifles or heavy cannons.
SITH INQUISITOR
The Sith Inquisitor is the wizard of the Sith Empire. He spends his time trying to find ancient Sith artifacts that will make him even wiser and stronger. They are completely corrupted by the Dark Side and live for it. Unlike the Sith Warrior who relies on his lightsaber and brute strength to get what he wants done, the Sith Inquisitor relies on the force, similar to how Emperor Palpatine did. An Inquisitor is not against electrocuting one of their foes with lightning to show them just how serious they are. Give them what they want or die.
Their armament is much more elaborate and fancy than other classes. They don’t wear much armor, relying on expensive and fancy wardrobes. Their lightsabers typically are double-bladed and have fancy gems in the middle to show how mystical they are. While the warrior is on the front line, the inquisitor is involved in the politics of being a part of the Empire. They make deals and they use cunning to try and get what they want. That doesn’t mean, though, that an inquisitor won’t ignite their lightsaber and use speed to make that lethal blow on any of their foes.
Specializations (advanced classes)
Sith Sorcerer
- Single Saber
- Force Lightning / Force Drain
- Ranged DPS or Healer
Sorcerer Skill Trees
The two Sorcerer skill trees are Lightning and Corruption. The shared Sorcerer and Assassin skill tree is Madness.
- Lightning - Channels the force to overload the Inquisitor’s enemies with blasts of lightning.
- Corruption – Uses dark power to maintain allies’ health in battle, and protect them from enemy attacks.
- Madness – Increases the Inquisitor’s mastery of the force to drain and corrupt his enemies.
Sith Assassin
- Double Bladed Saber
- Stealth
- Burst Melee DPS
Assassin Skill Trees
The two Assassin skill trees are Deception and Darkness. The shared Assassin and Sorcerer skill tree is Madness.
- Deception – Enhances the Assassin’s stealth ability, helping him sneak up and dispatch his foes.
- Darkness – Focuses on defensive techniques to help protect the Assassin and his allies.
- Madness – Increases the Inquisitor’s mastery of the Force to drain and corrupt his enemies.
SITH WARRIOR
If you had to imagine the class that Darth Vader would be, this is it. Heavy armor, aggression, and getting what you want anyway possible, but the lightsaber is probably the first way. When there is a problem in the Empire, it is the Sith Warrior that goes to handle it. Whether he is wielding a single lightsaber or duel wielding, the Sith Warrior will continue to beat at their opponent until the enemy makes a mistake and dies. Deflecting laser bolts is nothing and expect to see the Sith Warrior going against three or four troopers at a time without breaking a sweat.
Everything about them breathes aggression. Their lightsabers have sharp points on them; they have incredible armor that makes it difficult to kill them. More importantly, they are not against using experimental components on their bodies that will make them even stronger, even at the cost of danger to their own self. For them, raw power and strength is the only thing that matters. Being the opponent to go against a Sith Warrior requires guts. Or, maybe just being the next class.
The Sith Inquisitor is the wizard of the Sith Empire. He spends his time trying to find ancient Sith artifacts that will make him even wiser and stronger. They are completely corrupted by the Dark Side and live for it. Unlike the Sith Warrior who relies on his lightsaber and brute strength to get what he wants done, the Sith Inquisitor relies on the force, similar to how Emperor Palpatine did. An Inquisitor is not against electrocuting one of their foes with lightning to show them just how serious they are. Give them what they want or die.
Their armament is much more elaborate and fancy than other classes. They don’t wear much armor, relying on expensive and fancy wardrobes. Their lightsabers typically are double-bladed and have fancy gems in the middle to show how mystical they are. While the warrior is on the front line, the inquisitor is involved in the politics of being a part of the Empire. They make deals and they use cunning to try and get what they want. That doesn’t mean, though, that an inquisitor won’t ignite their lightsaber and use speed to make that lethal blow on any of their foes.
Specializations (advanced classes)
Sith Juggernaut
Sith who train in the stalwart arts of the Juggernaut boast unrivaled stamina in battle. 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.
- Single Saber / Heavy Armor
- Fear and Darkside Auras
- Tank
Juggernaut Skill Trees
- Vengeance: The Juggernaut stops at nothing to crush enemies, obliterating them with heavy hits. This would be considered to be the dps part of the tree for the juggernaut.
- Immortal: Uses the power of the force to increase the Warrior’s survivability in battle. This is considered to be the tanking tree.
- Rage: Allows the Warrior greater control of the force and further mastery of the Shii-Cho form. This is a shared skill tree.
Sith Marauder
Wielding two sabers and unmatched aggression, Sith trained as Marauders slice through enemy ranks, dealing death with merciless efficiency. Able to intuit precisely how to attack in order to maximize every strike, their adversaries become victims in the blink of an eye. Whether annihilating a squad of Republic troops or cutting down a single Jedi, the Marauder sees and exploits every weakness to exact the greatest toll. Never hesitating, never faltering, there is no swifter bringer of pain and damage in the galaxy.
- Dual Wield Sabers / Armor
- Saber fighting specialist
- Melee DPS
Marauder Skill Trees
- Annihilation: Mastering the aggressive Juyo form, the Annihilation Marauder destroys enemies from within.
- Carnage: Focuses on acrobatic Lightsaber techniques that strike quickly and lethally.
- Rage: Allows the Warrior greater control of the force and further mastery of the Shii-Cho form. This is a shared skill tree for both advanced classes.
IMPERIAL AGENT
The Imperial Agent is the spy of the Empire. His job is to go behind enemy lines and destroy something that is pivotal to the Republic and then get out before anyone knows what has happened. A single Imperial agent can change the course of a battle more than an entire legion of soldiers or army of Sith Warriors. Focusing heavily on recon and weapons with long range and accuracy, the agent is known for their life of solitude. Unlike the Sith who are all about more power and force insight, the Imperial Agent is the one who really has the Empire’s citizens in mind; he fights for them.
He comes with very durable heavy armor that allows quick motions. While the agent specializes in killing from afar, he is more than prepared to get in close and kill at this range. Sometimes they work alone; however, sometimes they are a part of a strike team of other agents. The Empire relies heavily on them for their cunning and sneaking. In the end, the fate of the Empire might rest on the information provided by the agent over any other class. However, maybe the agent will mess things up. You decide.
Specializations (advanced classes)
Operative
The Operative has less cover dependent gameplay option if skilled accordingly. Operatives are best in mid and close range combat, using their stealth field generator to approach the enemy unseen before delivering heavy burst dama
ge with their energy blade.
- Blaster Rifle / Energy Blade
- Stealth
- Burst Ranged damage
- Healing
Operative Skill Trees
The two Operative skill trees are Concealment and Medic. The shared Operative/Sniper skill tree is Lethality.
- Concealment – Upgrades stealth and close-ranged attacks, allowing the Agent to strike without detection.
- Medic – Advances the Agent’s keeping both his allies alive and effective.
- Lethality – Leverages the toxic power of poisons to debilitate enemies over the course of long fights.
Sniper
- Sniper Rifle
- Cover, Ambush, Orbital Strikes
- Ranged DPS
Sniper Skill Trees
The two Sniper skill trees are Marksmanship and Engineering. The shared Sniper/Operative skill tree is Lethality.
- Marksmanship – Teaches the Sniper to strike down targets from long range and from the safety of cover.
- Engineering – Empowers the Sniper’s droids and probes to weaken the enemies and give the Empire the advantage.
- Lethality – Leverages the toxic power of poisons to debilitate enemies over the course of a long fight.
BOUNTY HUNTER
The Bounty Hunter is the greedy, selfish, doesn’t care who has to die to get the job done type of character. While the Sith Empire would rather those that work for them being a part of the Empire, they make exceptions when it comes bounty hunters who get the job done. The bounty hunter has to understand that there is no one in this galaxy that they can trust completely because credits are the most important thing to a bounty hunter. If the bounty hunter messes up, his best friend could be the one the Empire hires to kill him off. Chances off, that best friend will do it if the pay is right.
For combat, the Bounty Hunter relies on strong armor to protect against damage. They come to the field with the strongest weapons available, but also make sure to have some backup gadgets just in case. They don’t want to come to the stage without all of their bases covered. Preparation is key to the bounty hunter. Using their rocket pack, they are able to rise above the field and shoot down onto their enemies when the bounty hunter achieves the correct level. The bounty hunter is the equivalent to the Trooper class.
Specializations (advanced classes)
Powertech
- Flamethrower
- Defense / Energy Shields
- Tank
Powertech Skill Trees
The two Powertech skill trees are Shield Tech and Advanced Prototype. The shared Powertech and Mercenary skill tree is Firebug.
- Shield Tech – Further boosts the Powertech’s defensive technology, allowing him to soak up attacks.
- Advanced Prototype – The latest technology makes the Powertech a versatile fighter against any enemy.
- Firebug – The Firebug concentrates on burning their opponents with missiles and technology.
Mercenary
- Dual Wield Guns
- Missiles
- Ranged DPS
- Healing
Mercenary Skill Trees
The two Mercenary skill trees are Arsenal and Bodyguard. The shared Mercenary and Powertech skill tree is Firebug.
- Arsenal – Uses advanced rocketry and specializes in taking down their targets quickly.
- Bodyguard – Gives the Bounty Hunter skills and technology to heal and restore his allies.
- Firebug – Upgrades the Bounty Hunter’s weapons to deal more damage his enemies.
Great Star Wars Products ONLY at ThinkGeek!