To say that The Old Republic boasts a huge world with many, many features is a vast understatement. In some ways, Star Wars: The Old Republic is the perfect gateway to the MMO space for newcomers who have always been curious about the fervor surrounding these social ecosystems. In many other ways, the game can present a great challenge to new players that are trying to get more comfortable with the game.
This starter guide aims to get freshly minted MMO players off on the right foot by introducing them to the proper gaming vernacular and just covering topics that they may be too timid to ask the extant, hostile populace within the game.
advertisementA few helpful topics to get you more acquainted with the unique culture of MMOs.
These topics too elementary for a guru like you? Head on over to the Advanced Starter Guide!Most of the time, new players simply gravitate to where their friends play without giving the type of server a second thought. In the case of PvP servers, they may have just unknowingly stepped into the lion’s den.
Player-versus-Player (PvP as it is more commonly known) servers simply allow for a member of the Republic or Empire to combat another member of the opposite faction. This is ideal for players who like the prospect of besting other folks in the greater The Old Republic world. The caveat, however, is that players can be attacked only if the person being assailed has his PvP flag active. PvP flags becomes enabled automatically in contested territories, when a neutral player applies a heal or buff to a flagged player, or when the player manually activates his or her flag. PvP servers heavily emphasize this strife between players by forcing them into contested territories where every player is an open target.
On PvE servers, you can still choose to eliminate fellow players; it’s just presented in a different, if hindered, manner. First of all, there are no contested territories. The only way for you to engage in PvP is via Warzones or enabling your own flag and waiting for someone to attack you. This restriction allows you to run around areas without fear of harassment by members of the opposite faction.
Role-Playing servers should appeal to people whose fantasy has always been to act out a certain role in the Star Wars universe. You play, act, and talk as you envision your character would and interact with other players in-character. Not to worry, though, as this isn't strictly enforced by any game masters.
RP servers are available in both the PvP and PvE flavors.
