As more and more MMOs’ release, it is evident that World of Warcraft’s success has been an anomaly. Remember when SWTOR was strutted as the next “WoW killer?” But ultimately a large exodus occurred, and layoffs followed. Many have since begun questioning the success of any subscription based MMO to follow. If Bioware is struggling with a subscription model when they have the biggest IP you can attach to an MMO, what hope is there for any other MMO that follows the same model? Essentially, Bioware needs to convert to the Free-to-Play model if they want to increase their profit and player base.

FORCE Junkie Basics Series is an effort to help you decide and decipher between all the different Classes in Star Wars: The Old Republic. This series of video guides describes the eight basic classes in the game to help give you an idea of the classes mechanics and root abilities. Each of the eight different classes are broke up into mirrors; for example the Jedi Knight and the Sith Warrior are the two equivalent Imperial and Republic classes. Each of the eight basic classes are divided up into two separate Advanced Classes which are not covered in these guides.

So if you are new to the game and want to see a brief intro into each class, make sure you watch each video to get an idea of what you’re getting yourself into!

Nothing beats a good blaster at your side, and no class knows that better than the Smuggler. Today’s video focuses on the basic concepts of the class, including the vaunted cover system that players will be using throughout their careers. Be prepared for the first day in the field!

In the fourth and final entry of “Choose Your Side,” members of the Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ development team discuss each of the different classes in the game, putting them against each other to see who reigns supreme. This time around the Smuggler faces off against the Sith Warrior to see which class has the upper hand in a one-on-one engagement.

Captain Seara’s back again today to show off the completion to her beta adventures. The planets Taris, Nar Shaddaa, and Tatooine will be featured as well as a brief foray into space battle. Coverage of the end-beta block party is also included. Sit back and enjoy the screenshot ride, and just think– the real ride’s just around the corner.

Fans of the Smuggler class know that most things pale in comparison to the satisfaction of being able to blast a mob from cover, then dive into melee range to finish it off with a kick to its nether regions. But what’s a Smuggler to do when it comes to choosing their advanced class at level 10? This class offers a wide range of versatility, utility, and differing playstyles between the two advanced classes. All six trees play considerably different. There’s a bit of blasting to meet everyone’s personal Smuggling style.

The only question that remains is: Which style fits me? Here to help provide an answer to that question is a little playstyle guide. Rather than break down the trees by their talents and abilities, I’m going to break down the classes and trees by their unique features. If a set of features calls out to you, then that gives you a good idea of which trees to take a closer look at. Speaking of talent trees, take a look at both the Gunslinger tree and Scoundrel tree while we go through the list of features.

Leveling as a pure healer in an MMORPG is sometimes rough. The experience is known to be boring and repetitive. A Holy Priest leveling in World of Warcraft, for example, can cast a couple DoTs and Smite. And Smite. And feel squishy against every single mob. And Smite some more, this time with spell pushback. There’s a good reason why WoW introduced the dual spec system. Sure, dual spec works, but it’s also not very immersive. Star Wars: The Old Republic went a different route. BioWare simply made the healing classes fun to level.

The Sawbones-specced Scoundrel Smuggler is no exception. In fact, I would argue that Scoundrels are one of the most enjoyable, versatile classes among all the classes, and that the Sawbones abilities compliment the Scoundrel playstyle perfectly. The Scoundrel slides away from the need to play a gun-wielding class from range, which opens up a lot of options while leveling. A Sawbones Scoundrel can heal from range while their companion deals with the brunt of the attack, and they can also be up where the action is– kicking, blasting, and firing off grenades at mobs.

Screenshots are awesome. The Smuggler class is awesome. In celebration of these two objects of complete awesomeness, here’s a small virtual tour of some of the screenshots I’ve managed to gather during beta thus far. The planets of Ord Mantell, Coruscant, and Taris will be covered in this tour, as well as the Republic Fleet and Esseles. Environment and story screenshots are the general focus in this tour, although I will include some that contain the player UI and feature combat. As a warning, there may be story spoilers in both the screenshots and descriptions.

Today I’m continuing my focus on early Smuggler gameplay and introducing Corso Riggs, the first Smuggler companion. You’ll get him around level 7-8 on Ord Mantell after you complete a certain story progression quest. You’ll be quick to pick up on the fact that you’re going to get him for a companion since he randomly whines about wanting to join you as you complete Smuggler quests. He’s not a bad guy– just a little eager to help you shoot down enemies. Hey, the more the merrier, right?

Corso Riggs wears heavy armor and rifles, and starts out as a ranged tank. He later gains the ability to perform just as ranged DPS. He comes with a nifty ranged taunt ability, and later gets a ranged AoE taunt along with some ranged AoE abilities. He also has a harpoon-type ability that can be used to bring enemies into melee range, but it’s toggled off by default.

Advanced classes are an important component of Star Wars: The Old Republic. Each faction has only four available classes to start, but at level ten an advanced class is chosen, bringing the total to eight. The aspiring Smuggler, for example, must choose at level ten whether to become a Scoundrel or a Gunslinger. Scoundrels and Gunslingers use different tactics and can play very different roles. Read on for more information on your options.