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.
STAR WARS: The Old Republic features distinct areas with increasing difficulty. This guide covers every major location in progression order: what to do, what to get, and when to move on. For the step-by-step path, see our walkthrough.
Area Progression Order
| Order | Location | Difficulty | Key Rewards | Recommended Build |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tython | Levels 1 to 10 | First lightsaber, starter companion, class story opening | Sith Inquisitor |
| 2 | Dromund Kaas | Levels 10 to 16 | Class story progression, first speeder access, Imperial fleet unlock | Sith Inquisitor |
| 3 | Nar Shaddaa | Levels 20 to 24 | Companion recruitment, faction neutral quest hubs | Jedi Knight |
| 4 | Tatooine | Levels 24 to 28 | Class story chapter, heroic mission rewards | Jedi Knight |
| 5 | Ossus | Level 70 to 80 content | Endgame gear tokens, daily mission currency, reputation | Jedi Knight |
Tython: Starting Area
The Jedi starting world, where Knights and Consulars begin training among the ruins of the order's ancient home. Short, focused and the cleanest introduction to the Republic side of the story.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Levels 1 to 10 |
| Key Rewards | First lightsaber, starter companion, class story opening |
| Recommended Build | Sith Inquisitor |
| Key Equipment | Double bladed lightsaber |
What to Do Here
- Learn the basics of Origin story and Combat Style split. This is where you practice without heavy punishment.
- Collect starting resources and your first equipment upgrade.
- Clear all main content before moving to Dromund Kaas.
- If you're struggling, read our beginner's guide.
Dromund Kaas: Early Game
The Imperial capital and the second world for Sith Warriors, Inquisitors, Bounty Hunters and Agents. Storm lashed jungle around the Citadel, and the point where the Empire stories properly begin.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Levels 10 to 16 |
| Key Rewards | Class story progression, first speeder access, Imperial fleet unlock |
| Recommended Build | Sith Inquisitor |
| Key Equipment | Double bladed lightsaber |
What to Do Here
- Focus on mastering Level sync across planets. It's critical from this point on.
- Farm for Double bladed lightsaber if you don't have it yet.
- Complete all objectives for maximum rewards.
- Prepare for the difficulty spike in Nar Shaddaa.
Nar Shaddaa: Mid Game
The smuggler's moon, shared by both factions. Neon vertical cityscape, a casino, and some of the best written side content in the early game for Agents and Smugglers in particular.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Levels 20 to 24 |
| Key Rewards | Companion recruitment, faction neutral quest hubs |
| Recommended Build | Jedi Knight |
| Key Equipment | Double bladed lightsaber |
What to Do Here
- This is the main skill check. Bring an optimized build.
- Lightsaber becomes accessible here. Prioritize getting it.
- Master Companions and influence for the boss encounters.
- Check our boss guide if you get stuck.
Tatooine: Late Game
The desert planet, and the first world large enough that you genuinely need a speeder. Sand people, Jawas, and long treks between quest hubs that level sync keeps relevant at 80.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Levels 24 to 28 |
| Key Rewards | Class story chapter, heroic mission rewards |
| Recommended Build | Jedi Knight |
| Key Equipment | Lightsaber |
What to Do Here
- Full build optimization is expected by this point.
- Lightsaber should be your primary, fully upgraded.
- Group content ladder mastery starts mattering here.
- Farm resources for the push into Ossus.
Ossus: Endgame
Endgame territory added late in the Onslaught era, where Republic and Empire fight openly over a rediscovered Jedi world. Daily areas here feed directly into current gearing.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Level 70 to 80 content |
| Key Rewards | Endgame gear tokens, daily mission currency, reputation |
| Recommended Build | Jedi Knight |
| Key Equipment | Lightsaber |
What to Do Here
- This is endgame. Best-in-slot gear and a perfected build are mandatory.
- See our boss guide for endgame fight strategies.
- The reward loop: clear content → upgrade → push harder content.
- Experiment with Smuggler for variety once you've mastered the meta.
Exploration Tips
- Clear areas in order: Tython → Dromund Kaas → Nar Shaddaa → Tatooine → Ossus. Skipping areas means missing resources you'll need later.
- Check every corner: Hidden caches and secrets are often in non-obvious locations.
- Match your equipment: Some areas favor different equipment types.
- Read the walkthrough: Our walkthrough provides exact progression milestones for each area.
- Don't rush: Clearing an area fully gives more resources than speedrunning two areas.
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 Crafting Guide
- STAR WARS: The Old Republic Classes & Characters
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