**OFFICIAL** Star Wars: The Old Republic Thread

[Anomaly1964]

What I don't get about PVP servers is this...

I start on a PVP server, grind 1-10, don't see ONE Republic person on Koriban. At WHAT point does playing on a PVP server become PVP?

 

[KeithTalent]

I have no desire to play PvP. I think I tried it once in LOTRO and hated it, so no desire to try again.

KT

 

[HumblePie]

What I don't get about PVP servers is this...

I start on a PVP server, grind 1-10, don't see ONE Republic person on Koriban. At WHAT point does playing on a PVP server become PVP?

PVP servers are NOT open pvp. They just allow contested worlds to be open pvp between the factions. There are still restricted pvp. The first and second planets (levels 1-16 roughly) are designed to be for your sole faction. Think of it this way.

Levels 1-10 = general learning about the game and getting introduced to everything and basic mechanics.

Levels 11-19 = learning how to play your character and starting to learn how to group with others

Levels 20-29 = Learning more about group mechanics and world interactions and really learning about the game in depth

Levels 30+ = Truly experiencing everything the game has to offer


That break down is what I got word of mouth from a Bioware employee's on what they envisioned the game flow from a player's perspective just starting the game. They want it easy, simple, and fun while you are still learning the game on the first two planets. They want to increase the difficulty and mechanics as you start progressing higher and higher.

So you can't do faction based PVP at all until after your second planet when you get access to a ship. Even then, you have to go to a contested planet for it and not all planets are contested. Only the planet Illium is the truly open PVP planet where anything goes.

 

[Fingolfin269]

What specs would one need to play this on medium settings? My PC is probably 3 years old and I can't remember the specs off the top of my head. Q6600/4gb Ram/9600GT I think.

I spent a lot of time in WoW and really have no interest in going back to that nor do I have interest in getting hardcore into this game. It sounds like I may enjoy playing it solo for a little while though.

 

[CVSiN]

What I don't get about PVP servers is this...

I start on a PVP server, grind 1-10, don't see ONE Republic person on Koriban. At WHAT point does playing on a PVP server become PVP?

Nar Shaddar is the first world where Open world PVP can happen..
up to that you are protected.

Why would republic be able to get to a SITH Core world? they would be shot down even getting into the system..

you are in the Empire home worlds..

tattonie and Alderaan are where things get hairy on PVP servers.

 

[HumblePie]

Well how come there was a seeeming downgrade in technology between episodes 1-3 and 4-6? Technology seemed far more advanced in 1-3.

KT

That typically happens after a war and especially after a massive destruction of civilization. Also oppression and tyranny typically are not the greatest breeding grounds for innovative thought from those being oppressed.

As for the time line of the game it is exactly 300 years after the original KOTOR and 3000 years before the birth of Anikin Skywalker. As for not major technological breakthroughs, there is always a "curve" pattern statistically speaking to all forms of advanced as guided by 1/x. The Republic is pretty much at the epitome of technology and any massiev break through may be lost in the up keep of such an expansive "empire" that the republic is. The bigger something gets the slower it gets as well as history has shown.

 

[maniacalpha1-1]

PVP servers are NOT open pvp. They just allow contested worlds to be open pvp between the factions. There are still restricted pvp. The first and second planets (levels 1-16 roughly) are designed to be for your sole faction. Think of it this way.

Levels 1-10 = general learning about the game and getting introduced to everything and basic mechanics.

Levels 11-19 = learning how to play your character and starting to learn how to group with others

Levels 20-29 = Learning more about group mechanics and world interactions and really learning about the game in depth

Levels 30+ = Truly experiencing everything the game has to offer


That break down is what I got word of mouth from a Bioware employee's on what they envisioned the game flow from a player's perspective just starting the game. They want it easy, simple, and fun while you are still learning the game on the first two planets. They want to increase the difficulty and mechanics as you start progressing higher and higher.

So you can't do faction based PVP at all until after your second planet when you get access to a ship. Even then, you have to go to a contested planet for it and not all planets are contested. Only the planet Illium is the truly open PVP planet where anything goes.

So even on PvP servers you can only PvP on contested worlds? I might have to just give this game a pass and wait for a PvP game.

Well, tell me this. Is there the equivalent of "gating", ie a teleport spell that returns you to your bind point? I ask this because...can I at least rely on the fact that I can go to a contested zone and people can't gaygate away to escape death?

 

[HumblePie]

What specs would one need to play this on medium settings? My PC is probably 3 years old and I can't remember the specs off the top of my head. Q6600/4gb Ram/9600GT I think.

I spent a lot of time in WoW and really have no interest in going back to that nor do I have interest in getting hardcore into this game. It sounds like I may enjoy playing it solo for a little while though.

More than capable of running the game with that system.

 

[Specop 007]

What specs would one need to play this on medium settings? My PC is probably 3 years old and I can't remember the specs off the top of my head. Q6600/4gb Ram/9600GT I think.

I spent a lot of time in WoW and really have no interest in going back to that nor do I have interest in getting hardcore into this game. It sounds like I may enjoy playing it solo for a little while though.

My PC is fairly low end by todays standard and it crunched through it fine. I want to say I'm running a Radeon HD 4000 series, but not sure where that ranks in regards to the 9600. There were times it felt a bit choppy but not sure if that was just lag or my video card.

 

[s44]

Besides the surname, what else does the Legacy system bring?

I'm sure unlocks will be in at some point. Races etc -- the legacy points have to go to *something*. But nothing further has been announced yet.

What specs would one need to play this on medium settings? My PC is probably 3 years old and I can't remember the specs off the top of my head. Q6600/4gb Ram/9600GT I think.

You're pretty much fine. The two biggest factors seem to be having 4+gb RAM (and 64-bit Windows) and a quad. Vidcard is flexible, though you can pick up a serious improvement on that for $80AR these days...

 

[Wordplay]

What specs would one need to play this on medium settings? My PC is probably 3 years old and I can't remember the specs off the top of my head. Q6600/4gb Ram/9600GT I think.

I spent a lot of time in WoW and really have no interest in going back to that nor do I have interest in getting hardcore into this game. It sounds like I may enjoy playing it solo for a little while though.

I played with everything on high @ 1440x900 res and I have a Q6600/3GB RAM/ 8800GTS (92)... got low teen fps in high populated areas to mid 30s- low 50 fps while soloing quests. If I lowered the graphics down I wouldn't have a problem at all.

More game feedback:

I would like it if you could zoom in and out of the world map like in WoW.

Also I would like it if you could have two mod weapons windows open at the same time. That way you can compare items and see if there is any mod that you want to transfer to a new item. Another thing useful would to be able to compare gear for you companion on the fly like you can with your main.

Had some fun yesterday and I might upgrade to the CE. After playing as a mage for so long in WoW I'm switching to tanking once this game goes live.

 

[Cheesetogo]

So even on PvP servers you can only PvP on contested worlds? I might have to just give this game a pass and wait for a PvP game.

Well, tell me this. Is there the equivalent of "gating", ie a teleport spell that returns you to your bind point? I ask this because...can I at least rely on the fact that I can go to a contested zone and people can't gaygate away to escape death?

There is a teleport spell with a 30 minute cooldown, but it only allows you to teleport around the planet you are currently on.

The vast majority of areas in the game are contested. I would imagine that would include every area that level 50 characters are likely to travel to, with the exception of the cities.

 

[maniacalpha1-1]

There is a teleport spell with a 30 minute cooldown, but it only allows you to teleport around the planet you are currently on.

The vast majority of areas in the game are contested. I would imagine that would include every area that level 50 characters are likely to travel to, with the exception of the cities.

Ah, well, that sounds a little better. Still, I'd kind of like to think they would have at least one hardcore PvP server where even in cities you can be attacked.

Is there a level range limit on pvping? I personally prefer there to be only like 1-2 zones that have no pvp, and everything else is enabled, but with a level range.

Everquest, it was pretty cool when high levels battled in lowbie areas. Essentially, on the pvp servers, the only non-pvp areas were like Nexus, Bazaar, Plane of Knowledge, Guild Lobby, Guild Halls(and those are all connected, so it's like one big area).

 

[CVSiN]

So even on PvP servers you can only PvP on contested worlds? I might have to just give this game a pass and wait for a PvP game.

Well, tell me this. Is there the equivalent of "gating", ie a teleport spell that returns you to your bind point? I ask this because...can I at least rely on the fact that I can go to a contested zone and people can't gaygate away to escape death?

30 second channeled spell.. but will not gate them off world.. only to an unlocked bind taxi point on the planet itself..

 

[HumblePie]

There is a teleport spell with a 30 minute cooldown, but it only allows you to teleport around the planet you are currently on.

The vast majority of areas in the game are contested. I would imagine that would include every area that level 50 characters are likely to travel to, with the exception of the cities.

Correct. There is a "gate" or "recall" ability that everyone gets. It has a interrupt-able 8 second casting time though with a 30 minute cooldown and can't be cast while in combat.

Most classes have escape mechanisms to a point. Shadow/Assassin for example has Force Cloak + Black out. Which allows them to go into stealth instantly and not be detected even while in combat. It has a 3 minute cooldown though for Force Cloak. Also any on going damage will break stealth immediately so there is a counter. Sage/Sorcerer has a 60 second "mez" CC ability they can cast during combat on anyone and run away. But everyone also gets a single 2 minute cooldown CC breaker ability and the casting of that mez skill can be interrupted as it has a 4 second cast time.

So people CAN escape, but if you are good as a pvper you can prevent it from happening.


Also as people said, contested areas are the MAJORITY of the game. On PVE servers contested areas don't mean anything since faction PVP can only happen in warzones, on the planet Illium, and in planet PVP areas just as the Danger Den on tattooine.


But don't expect to be a level 50 that can go around slaughtering level 1 through 10's indiscriminately in newbie areas. Games that allow that are stupid by design. You can be a level 50 though and slaughter level 20's though on Nar Shaddaa and beyond.

Also players can attack others in cities of the opposite faction. Of course cities tend to have level 50 boss npcs guarding them so doing so will not be easy.

 

[maniacalpha1-1]

30 second channeled spell.. but will not gate them off world.. only to an unlocked bind taxi point on the planet itself..

But that could be in a city, right? So if cities are non-pvp that would be an escape method?

But 30 second cast time...that eliminates gaygating I guess, lol....

Do you have to come to a complete stop to cast spells? I'm assuming yes, never hurts to know for sure...

 

[crimsonjax]

I really enjoyed it! I played 4 different classes to lvl 12 to see what my first toon will be, plus i didn't want to spoil any gameplay beyond the starter area.

Game was pretty well done for a beta, the usual minor graphical glitches and some minor lag due to really high server loads. Nothing game breaking. I luv the way the group missions are done with everyone inputing there only choices. I really think they need to scale back the number of skills till lvl 15-20 and move the AC change to lvl 20 or so. Felt a little to easy to me.

 

[maniacalpha1-1]

But don't expect to be a level 50 that can go around slaughtering level 1 through 10's indiscriminately in newbie areas. Games that allow that are stupid by design. You can be a level 50 though and slaughter level 20's though on Nar Shaddaa and beyond.

Ah, personally I prefer a level range...but this simply means people will be in a mad rush to get high level so that they aren't ganked by people a lot higher.

This brings up a question...how tight is the level range of monsters you can kill and get good experience? ie...can a level 40 for example only get good exp from 35+ mobs, 30+, etc...I ask that because a higher range of levels you can kill for experience spreads the people out through zones better...more places to hide while you grind.

 

[CVSiN]

But that could be in a city, right? So if cities are non-pvp that would be an escape method?

But 30 second cast time...that eliminates gaygating I guess, lol....

Do you have to come to a complete stop to cast spells? I'm assuming yes, never hurts to know for sure...

I think HP is right maybe it is 8.. seems like forever waiting for it though..
yes it is interruptable.. and yes its channeled meaning you have to stay still.

 

[maniacalpha1-1]

I think HP is right maybe it is 8.. seems like forever waiting for it though..
yes it is interruptable.. and yes its channeled meaning you have to stay still.

Well, here's the thing...HP said it "can't be cast in combat". I never played WoW, but in Everquest, the game only detects when you are in combat with NPCs, ie, when an NPC is "aggro" on you. Players could interrupt your casting, but being in combat with a player did not trigger any "in combat" penalties.

So...does TOR detect PvP combat and consider you "in combat"? If it doesn't, all you have to do is find an 8 second hiding spot...

But, with a 30 minute reuse timer I guess that's OK.

 

[velillen]

I spent a lot of time in WoW and really have no interest in going back to that nor do I have interest in getting hardcore into this game. It sounds like I may enjoy playing it solo for a little while though.

I kind of feel the same way. Not going into the game hardcore at all. I will say though by the time i stopped playing on saturday (level 21) i was kind of tired of "solo". I definitely think wheni play for real ill try to group up to do some of the questing even though it can be solo'd. it got kind of old a repetitive and me being a healer slowed it down a bit as well.

 

[CVSiN]

Well, here's the thing...HP said it "can't be cast in combat". I never played WoW, but in Everquest, the game only detects when you are in combat with NPCs, ie, when an NPC is "aggro" on you. Players could interrupt your casting, but being in combat with a player did not trigger any "in combat" penalties.

So...does TOR detect PvP combat and consider you "in combat"? If it doesn't, all you have to do is find an 8 second hiding spot...

But, with a 30 minute reuse timer I guess that's OK.

EQ is so old by today's standards you cannot compare modern MMOs (WoW included) with EQ.
yes combat is combat these days doesn't matter who it's with.

 

[maniacalpha1-1]

EQ is so old by today's standards you cannot compare modern MMOs WoW included with EQ.
yes combat is combat these days doesn't matter who it's with.

Well, I haven't played TOR yet, I'm simply being patient and waiting for the game, so I don't know these little nitpick details...and, being that it is such a micro-specific detail, I figured it was possible that the devs didn't even think of it. It's got nothing to do with technology, or up to date software, someone has to realize that this is even necessary, lol. And personally, due to the balance between PvE and PvP occurring in the same game world and affecting (possibly) abilities other than this one, I'm not entirely sure whether PvP should trigger combat status...

 

[CVSiN]

Well, I haven't played TOR yet, I'm simply being patient and waiting for the game, so I don't know these little nitpick details...and, being that it is such a micro-specific detail, I figured it was possible that the devs didn't even think of it. It's got nothing to do with technology, or up to date software, someone has to realize that this is even necessary, lol. And personally, due to the balance between PvE and PvP occurring in the same game world and affecting (possibly) abilities other than this one, I'm not entirely sure whether PvP should trigger combat status...

every MMO game for the past decade now almost recognizes combat as combat doesn't matter who with.

and thats no small detail.

 

[Coydog]

Got done with the beta weekend. Rolled a Sith Inq at first. Had to go for a bit and my server was filled so rolled on an open server, Repub. Damn I am not sure which side I like more as far aesthetics go Sith or Repub.

I PvP'd a lot and had a blast. Huttball teamwork is key to winning, especially passing the ball. My favorite one, and the one I usually did great in was Alderan.

Also, as stated in the forums if no one read, the build we were testing was NOT the final release build. F/T testers are to start d/l ing the patch now.

And some good news for those that got early access, don't unistall the game, this beta client will be patchable up to the final release build. So you are supposed to be able to save yourself a good chunk of D/L time (like not having to D/L the sound files and such).