*Image Credits: Broadsword, Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR)*

If you love Star Wars or story-driven games, Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) is still a fun game to play heading into 2025. It’s been around for over 10 years, but new updates are still on-going. Let’s look at why it’s worth playing.

What’s New in SWTOR?

Better Graphics
SWTOR just got a big graphics update in Update 7.6:
- Planets like Coruscant now look better, with sharper details and improved lighting.
- Some character models were updated to look newer and less dated.
It’s not a total makeover, but the game looks more polished/modern now.
Dynamic Encounters
These new events bring activities to older planets like Tatooine and Hoth:
- You can do fun tasks like helping a droid advertise a band or fighting enemies near a Sarlacc pit.
- These events give you a reason to revisit older areas and earn cool rewards. This is something we really wish WoW would do better.
More Content from Broadsword
SWTOR’s new developers, Broadsword, are working hard to add new things:
- They’re continuing the Mandalorian and Malgus storylines.
- A new boss fight and other content are coming soon.
Now Available for Mac
Mac users can officially play SWTOR for the first time, opening the game to more players.

What Makes SWTOR Special?

Amazing Stories
SWTOR is known for its storytelling, and in fact, is probably the best MMO out there if story is what you care about.
- Each class has its own story that feels like a Star Wars movie and a light/dark side mechanic based on your choices.
- You can play through expansions that continue the galaxy’s story, like Legacy of the Sith.
Great for Solo Players
Even though it’s an MMO, you can enjoy most of the game by yourself. The game feels like an RPG with some MMO elements rather than the other way around, with plenty of chances to explore, level up, and make choices that affect your story.
Community
This game is a hub for MMO and RPG players who love Star Wars. There are incredible planets, a robust player-housing system, guild flagships, and more, alongside a relatively healthy RP scene and, honestly, some of the most friendly and helpful players you can find in any gaming community.

Things That Could Be Better

Free-to-Play Limits
SWTOR lets you play for free, but the best features, like big raids, are locked behind a subscription. You can, however, make a one-time purchase and become a “preferred” player with some extra perks.
Slow Updates
New content takes time, so there can be long waits between updates. But the updates that do come are generally pretty high quality.
Too Much Focus on the Cash Shop
The in-game shop sometimes feels like it’s pushed too much, with reskinned items being sold at high prices. However, you can ignore this if you would like to, as the shop is almost entirely cosmetics.
End-Game Content and PvP: Don’t get me wrong, the content is there and honestly PvP in SWTOR has been some of the most fun I’ve had in an MMO (they do even have ranked), but it isn’t nearly as robust as WoW’s system.

Who Should Play SWTOR?

Star Wars Fans: If you want to explore the galaxy, wield a lightsaber, or play as a Sith or Jedi, this game is for you.
Solo Players: The game’s strong stories make it easy to enjoy without needing a group.
Mac Users: For the first time, Mac players can officially join the fun.
Casual Players: Great if you don’t want to subscribe but have that MMO itch to scratch. You can play at your own pace and not sweat it a bit.

Final Thoughts

SWTOR is still an exciting and fun game in 2025. The new updates, better graphics, and flow of content make it worth playing regardless of if you’re a Star Wars fan, a new player, or someone coming back after a break.

If you want to dive into a galaxy far, far away, there’s no better time to start. May the Force be with you!