This STAR WARS: The Old Republic tier list ranks every major option by overall effectiveness. Rankings factor in damage output, survivability, versatility, gear requirements, and how well each option scales.
Tier definitions: S = best in class, always a strong pick. A = strong and competitive, minor weaknesses. B = solid but clearly outperformed in most situations. C = viable only for players who enjoy the playstyle.
Builds Rankings
| Tier | Build | Rating | Playstyle |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Jedi Knight | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
| A | Sith Inquisitor | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
| A | Bounty Hunter | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
| A | Imperial Agent | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
| A | Smuggler | 8.5/10 | Balanced approach |
Detailed Builds Analysis
Jedi Knight (A-Tier)
Jedi Knight is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: Lightsaber. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Sith Inquisitor (A-Tier)
Sith Inquisitor is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: Double bladed lightsaber. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Bounty Hunter (A-Tier)
Bounty Hunter is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: Blaster pistol. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Imperial Agent (A-Tier)
Imperial Agent is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: Blaster rifle. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Smuggler (A-Tier)
Smuggler is a competitive option in the current meta.
Best with: Assault cannon. See our builds guide for full setup. Stat focus: Balanced stats
Equipment Rankings
| Equipment | Best With | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lightsaber | Tanking disciplines and Force casters who need an offhand slot for defensive or healing stats. | The single saber used by Guardians, Juggernauts, Sages and Sorcerers. |
| Double bladed lightsaber | Stealth players who want to open fights on their own terms and escape when they go badly. | The Assassin and Shadow weapon, a saberstaff that fits stealth based melee. |
| Blaster pistol | Non Force characters wanting either the cover based ranged game or mobile close range damage. | The Smuggler, Gunslinger, Scoundrel, Mercenary and Powertech weapon, used singly or in pairs. |
| Blaster rifle | Vanguard and Powertech style play where you fight at short to medium range in heavy armour. | The Trooper and Imperial Agent standard, and the entry weapon for Vanguard and Operative disciplines. |
| Assault cannon | Republic players who want ranged healing or sustained ranged damage without leaving heavy armour. | The Commando weapon, a heavy repeating cannon that supports both the Gunnery damage discipline and the Combat Medic healing discipline. |
Check our weapons guide for in-depth stats and comparisons.
Equipment Analysis
Lightsaber: The single saber used by Guardians, Juggernauts, Sages and Sorcerers. Paired with a shield generator for tanking or a focus for casting, it defines every Force user discipline that is not dual wielding.
Double bladed lightsaber: The Assassin and Shadow weapon, a saberstaff that fits stealth based melee. It carries both the Darkness and Kinetic Combat tanking disciplines and the Deception and Infiltration damage ones.
Blaster pistol: The Smuggler, Gunslinger, Scoundrel, Mercenary and Powertech weapon, used singly or in pairs. Dual pistols mark the Gunslinger and Mercenary damage specifications.
Blaster rifle: The Trooper and Imperial Agent standard, and the entry weapon for Vanguard and Operative disciplines. Reliable mid range damage with tactical utility attached.
Assault cannon: The Commando weapon, a heavy repeating cannon that supports both the Gunnery damage discipline and the Combat Medic healing discipline.
Meta Analysis
The current meta in STAR WARS: The Old Republic centers on Origin story and Combat Style split and Level sync across planets. Builds that leverage both systems outperform those that focus on only one. Our combat guide explains these interactions in depth.
What's strong right now:
- Jedi Knight with Lightsaber is the benchmark. Everything else is measured against it.
- Companions and influence builds are gaining ground as players find new combinations.
- Bounty Hunter remains essential for learning hard content. See the boss guide.
What's underrated:
- Sith Inquisitor is consistently overlooked despite being the most flexible option.
- Blaster pistol offers excellent performance for its investment level.
What's overhyped:
- Pure Smuggler builds. High ceiling but the consistency isn't there for most players.
Quick Picks by Situation
| Situation | Best Build | Best Gear | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall best | Jedi Knight | Lightsaber | Highest consistent performance |
| New player | Sith Inquisitor | Double bladed lightsaber | Most forgiving, teaches mechanics |
| Hard content | Bounty Hunter | Blaster pistol | Survivability when you need it |
| Group play | Imperial Agent | Blaster rifle | Utility and team support |
| Experienced player | Smuggler | Assault cannon | Unique challenge and high ceiling |
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 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
- STAR WARS: The Old Republic Classes & Characters
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- The Elder Scrolls Online Tier List: mmo game with similar mechanics
