Credits in Star Wars: The Old Republic are kinda important, especially if you’re a crafting addict like I am, and like to stay current with crew skills while leveling. Like my latest alt, my Bounty Hunter, says, “Credits always make my galaxy a better place.” Yeah, yours and mine, buddy.
I’m convinced that the early levels are the most difficult when it comes to credit-building issues. From about level 15-25, my main had it rough, but again, this was partially due to the fact that I spent every spare credit on crew missions and training. I wasn’t able to purchase speeder training, and being the tank of my group and a Juggernaut, I found it important that I train my combat abilities as I leveled.
Interestingly enough, I wasn’t the only one experiencing credit woes. Among my group of friends, we’ve all been having issues. Because our work hours vary so much, we’ve been finding ourselves running a flashpoint or two on weeknights, and leaving the large chunks of questing time for the weekends. In retrospect, this really hasn’t been the most beneficial decision to our credit causes, but we love grouping together, and we love challenges, so flashpoint exploration is just somehow us.
Unfortunately, flashpoint exploration also comes with a few repair bills alongside it, especially when the content is new, your group is a bit under-leveled, and your tank has a habit of hitting Force Charge before the Inquisitors can discuss CC options (yeah, that’s a dig to myself; the damn ability’s just so addicting). Who would have known all these ugly-looking beasts would have popped down from the ceiling when there’s just one guy standing there? I mean, that just never happens in games or movies…
The overall experience has been amazingly fun, I will say, but a tad bit expensive. After finally getting past level 25 this weekend (I know, I’m slow), I’ve come to a conclusion– it really does get better after 25. The cash flow from quests increases tremendously at around this level. For me that happened around Nar Shaddaa in the Empire quest chain. I also realized what my friends and I have been doing wrong as far as building credits go. I thought I’d share some tips and suggestions. Remember that this may only apply to the first half of leveling:
1. Don’t go crazy with crew skills and missions unless you have the cash flow to support it. It’s pretty surprising how quickly credits can disappear if you have a big crew skill party while half-AFK. I might be guilty of this one. Crafted items are nifty, but not always necessary. Some of the flashpoint/quest/commendation rewards are equally good, if not better.
2. When crafting extra goods or collecting BoE greens while questing, don’t forget to consider placing items on the Galactic Trade Market. On most servers, low level items are currently selling fairly well. And yeah, the GTM UI is a pain to navigate, but it may be worth it in order to solidify your starting funds.
3. Also when crafting, if you gain stacks of extra raw material, those generally sell very well.
4. Quest, quest, quest! Seriously. Want credits? Quest. Get better gear, get experience, earn credits, and grab things to sell on the side. It’s win-win.
5. Don’t underestimate slicing, even after the nerfs it’s received. I finally realized how useful it is when leveling my Bounty Hunter.
6. Some classes don’t have to take all trainable skills right off the bat. If, for instance, there are some obvious PvP talents there you know you won’t need in the next two days, feel free to grab them later. Don’t go overboard with this, however. Sometimes off-healing and CC abilities save the day.
7. Along the same line, feel free to skip purchasable crew skill recipes that you know you won’t be crafting anytime soon. Save ‘em for when you have the extra cash.
8. If you’re a class that can’t heal themselves, cherish medpacs and always keep a few handy. They’re cheaper than repair bills once you gain some levels. Similarly, don’t forget to use your companion for fodder if you get in trouble. They won’t hate you, much.
I’m sure there are some other great ideas I haven’t thought about. Share them, and maybe collectively, the galaxy will become a richer place– one credit at a time.
