New Star Wars The Old Republic update expands the MMORPG's free-to-play features

What is it about the Old Republic that makes Star Wars fans all misty eyed? You'd think that the prequel trilogy did enough damage for us not to want more stories from before Luke Skywalker was born. Alas, we're gluttons for punishment and lap up every expanded-universe novel, game, and anything else we can get our hands on. The pinnacle, for me at least, is BioWare's series of RPGs. While many players will fondly remember Knights of the Old Republic and its sequel, MMORPG Star Wars: The Old Republic is a classic in its own right, held back only by its monetisation.

It's a tale as old as time. Most of the best MMORPGs all require a subscription in order to access new content, and Star Wars: The Old Republic is no different. Until recently, you had to pay to be able to sprint at level one. Yes, really.

Developer Broadsword (which took over from BioWare in 2023) has teased a new story arc, Galactic Threads, which should arrive in update 7.8, and announced the next six month-long season, Flashpoint Resurgence, which arrives in update 7.7.1 in late August.

However, what's more exciting is that the popular MMORPG is granting free-to-play players more gaming goodness in update 7.7.1. Non-subscribers now have access to companion customizations, legacy titles, and can earn Rest XP, as well as getting their first cargo bay for free.

You can also withdraw more credits from Escrow using your Cartel Coins, but seeing as that's the game's premium currency that's mostly granted to subscribers, I'm not sure how much mileage you'll get out of that change.

The final alteration of note is the introduction of a crossover with Andor, the best Star Wars show ever made. You can now buy a new hair piece that looks vaguely similar to Cassian's slicked-back style when he's in disguise as Varian Skye on Ghorman. His cool sunglasses are also available, as is a PAV-11 Imperial Scout Mount.

Star Wars: The Old Republic is one of the best free Steam games, but don't forget to check out the best space games on the platform if you fancy a change from MMORPGs.

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