BioWare launched Star Wars: The Old Republic in December 2011 and put it on Steam in 2020, and its selling point has never changed: eight fully voiced class stories, four for the Republic and four for the Empire, each a standalone campaign with its own companions and villains. The 7.0 Legacy of the Sith update split those origin stories from your fighting style, so a Jedi Knight can now swing a double bladed saber as a Shadow or throw lightning as a Sorcerer. The level cap sits at 80, and level sync scales you down on old planets so every world stays playable.
Choosing the right build shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option: what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jedi Knight | A | Balanced | Lightsaber | Yes |
| Sith Inquisitor | A | Balanced | Double bladed lightsaber | Yes |
| Bounty Hunter | A | Balanced | Blaster pistol | Yes |
| Imperial Agent | A | Balanced | Blaster rifle | Yes |
| Smuggler | A | Balanced | Assault cannon | Yes |
New player? Start with Sith Inquisitor. See our beginner's guide for why.
Jedi Knight
Jedi Knight is a strong option in STAR WARS: The Old Republic.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Lightsaber |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Origin story and Combat Style split |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Lightsaber
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Tython to learn Jedi Knight-specific mechanics
- Focus on Origin story and Combat Style split. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Lightsaber as your first major upgrade
- See our full Jedi Knight build guide for the optimal gear progression
Sith Inquisitor
Sith Inquisitor is a strong option in STAR WARS: The Old Republic.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Double bladed lightsaber |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Level sync across planets |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Double bladed lightsaber
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Tython to learn Sith Inquisitor-specific mechanics
- Focus on Level sync across planets. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Double bladed lightsaber as your first major upgrade
- See our full Sith Inquisitor build guide for the optimal gear progression
Bounty Hunter
Bounty Hunter is a strong option in STAR WARS: The Old Republic.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Blaster pistol |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Companions and influence |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Blaster pistol
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Tython to learn Bounty Hunter-specific mechanics
- Focus on Companions and influence. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Blaster pistol as your first major upgrade
- See our full Bounty Hunter build guide for the optimal gear progression
Imperial Agent
Imperial Agent is a strong option in STAR WARS: The Old Republic.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Blaster rifle |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Legacy and alt progression |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Blaster rifle
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Tython to learn Imperial Agent-specific mechanics
- Focus on Legacy and alt progression. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Blaster rifle as your first major upgrade
- See our full Imperial Agent build guide for the optimal gear progression
Smuggler
Smuggler is a strong option in STAR WARS: The Old Republic.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Assault cannon |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Group content ladder |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Assault cannon
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Tython to learn Smuggler-specific mechanics
- Focus on Group content ladder. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Assault cannon as your first major upgrade
- See our full Smuggler build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Sith Inquisitor is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Jedi Knight is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Lightsaber for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Smuggler offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another build.
For Group Play
Imperial Agent shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More STAR WARS: The Old Republic Guides
- STAR WARS: The Old Republic STAR WARS: The Old Republic Overview
- STAR WARS: The Old Republic Best Builds
- STAR WARS: The Old Republic Tier List
- STAR WARS: The Old Republic Walkthrough
- STAR WARS: The Old Republic Beginner's Guide
- STAR WARS: The Old Republic Tips & Tricks
- STAR WARS: The Old Republic Weapons Guide
- STAR WARS: The Old Republic Combat Guide
- STAR WARS: The Old Republic Boss Guide
- STAR WARS: The Old Republic Maps & Locations
- STAR WARS: The Old Republic Crafting Guide
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