Star Wars: The Old Republic – Choosing the Best Class for Your Playstyle
Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) is a beloved MMORPG that has captivated fans of the Star Wars universe for over a decade. With its rich storylines, immersive gameplay, and diverse character classes, players often find themselves pondering the age-old question: what is the best class to play? The answer, however, isn’t as straightforward as it seems. The “best” class depends on your playstyle, whether you prefer the Republic or the Empire, and the type of content you enjoy most—be it PvE, PvP, or role-playing.
Understanding the Classes in SWTOR
SWTOR offers eight playable classes, each with its unique storyline, abilities, and playstyle. These classes are divided into two factions: the Republic and the Empire. Each class also has two advanced classes, which further specialize the gameplay. Here’s a breakdown of the classes and their advanced options:
Republic Classes:
Jedi Knight (Advanced: Guardian or Sentinel)
Jedi Consular (Advanced: Sage or Shadow)
Trooper (Advanced: Vanguard or Commando)
Smuggler (Advanced: Scoundrel or Gunslinger)
Empire Classes:
Sith Warrior (Advanced: Juggernaut or Marauder)
Sith Inquisitor (Advanced: Sorcerer or Assassin)
Bounty Hunter (Advanced: PowerTech or Mercenary)
Imperial Agent (Advanced: Operative or Sniper)
What Makes a Class the “Best”?
The perception of the “best” class varies depending on the context. For example:
PvE Content: If you’re focused on raiding or running flashpoints, classes with strong DPS (Damage Per Second) or healing capabilities are often considered top-tier. Jedi Sage and Sith Sorcerer are popular choices for their powerful Force abilities and versatility in both healing and damage dealing.
PvP Content: In player-vs-player (PvP) scenarios, classes with strong survivability, crowd control, and burst damage are favored. Juggernaut and Assassin are often praised for their ability to dominate in Warzones and Arenas.
Role-Playing: If you’re more into the story and role-playing aspect, the best class might be the one whose storyline resonates with you the most. For instance, the Imperial Agent is often cited as one of the most engaging storylines in the game.
Top Classes for Different Playstyles
1. For Tanks:
Juggernaut (Sith Warrior): With their heavy armor and powerful melee attacks, Juggernauts are a staple in any PvE group. Their ability to absorb massive amounts of damage and protect their allies makes them indispensable.
Guardian (Jedi Knight): While similar to Juggernauts, Guardians bring a more balanced approach with their defensive and offensive capabilities.
2. For Healers:
Sage (Jedi Consular): Sages are master healers, utilizing the Force to restore health and protect their allies. Their ability to also deal significant damage makes them a versatile choice.
Sorcerer (Sith Inquisitor): Sorcerers are the dark side equivalent of Sages, offering similar healing capabilities with a twist of Sith corruption.
3. For DPS:
Sentinel (Jedi Knight): Sentinels are dual-wielding Jedi who excel at dealing consistent melee damage. Their abilities are both visually impressive and highly effective in combat.
Marauder (Sith Warrior): Marauders are the Sith counterpart to Sentinels, offering a brutal and aggressive playstyle that focuses on dealing massive damage.
4. For Stealth and Cunning:
Shadow (Jedi Consular): Shadows are the stealth specialists of the Republic, using the Force to move unseen and strike from the shadows. They are excellent for both DPS and tanking roles.
Assassin (Sith Inquisitor): Assassins are the Empire’s answer to Shadows, offering a dark side twist on stealth and deception.
Case Studies: Popular Class Choices
Jedi Knight (Guardian/Sentinel)
The Jedi Knight is often considered one of the most well-rounded classes in the game. Guardians are excellent tanks, while Sentinels are formidable DPS. Their storyline is also one of the most iconic, making them a favorite among Republic players