With Star Wars the Old Republic’s Early Access upon us, it is time for players to upgrade their codex with new terminology. The SWTOR beta chat channels, as well as SWTOR message boards and SWTOR podcasts, are filled with people using WoW terminology to describe items/mechanics in SWTOR . Well it’s time to leave Azeroth behind . Since WoW is the mothership of MMOs for many people, it is understandable that many people use WoW terms as a frame of reference.
Now since this Death Star is quite operational, it is time for a Force Rosetta Stone.
WoW: Battlegrounds
SWTOR: Warzones
Warzones are the PvP playgrounds of SWTOR and are a bit different than WoW, in that they aren’t segregated by level ranges. All players, lvl 10-50, are lumped together. There is a system in place that bolsters the abilities of all players to a somewhat level playing field.
WoW: Gold, Silver, Copper
SWTOR: Credits
Yes, Republic credits are good here.
WoW: Talent Trees
SWTOR: Skill Trees
Identical systems, except no dual-specs… yet.
WoW: Hearthstone
SWTOR: Quick Travel
The quick travel ability lets you instantly travel to any one of the bind points you have used throughout the world you are currently on. It’s like being able to hearth to any inn on your current continent!
Wow: Instance
SWTOR: Flashpoint
There are ‘instances’ in swtor, but that word has a different meaning. Flashpoints are what WoW players would associate with instances. They are for parties of four and companions can fill the role of one or two of the four.
Wow: Auction House
SWTOR: Galactic Trade Network
Admittedly needs an acronym: GTN… “G-Tin”?
WoW: Raid
SWTOR: Operations
Unlike flashpoints, no companions allowed.
Wow: Mount
SWTOR: Hoverbikes, Speederbikes, Land Speeders…
Not available in Pinto, sorry.
WoW: Graveyard
SWTOR: Med Center
Should your hero fall in combat, you actually have two choices to rejoin the battle. You can call upon a medical probe to revive you where you are or have a shuttle dispatched to patch you up at the nearest med center.
WoW: Flightpaths
SWTOR: Taxis
No need to hold the reigns, kick back, enjoy some blue milk while the shuttle zips you to your destination.
Wow: Mana, Combo Points, Rage
SWTOR: Resource
Each class, and their mirror, have their own resource:
Smuggler / Imperial Agent – Energy
Players start at 100 energy. Each ability consumes energy, which is regained at a steady rate.
Jedi Knight / Sith Warrior – Focus / Rage
Basic attacks generate the resource, while more powerful attacks consume it. The resource eventually fades to 0 outside of combat.
Jedi Consular / Sith Inquisitor – Force
Force bar starts at 100. Using abilities consumes force, which is regained at a steady rate.
Trooper / Bounty Hunter – Ammo / Heat
The Trooper starts with 12 ammo points, attacks use ammo. The Bounty Hunter is the opposite, starts off with a cool weapon, using attacks generates heat. When ammo is reduced to 0, or weapon becomes overheated, the character must use an ability to reload or disperse accumulated heat (both of which work as a channeled cast).
WoW: Chuck Norris
SWTOR:
Chuck Norris does not live a long long time ago, in a galaxy far far away. Any player seeing another player referencing him should be reported immediately.
Star Wars The Old Republic offers A New Hope to the MMO community. Let’s embrace it and it’s new terminology. Shake off those old shackles and move to The High Ground.
