STAR WARS: The Old Republic’s Next Era Will Bring Ryloth and More
Game Update 8.0 will raise the level cap to 85 and introduce the Children of Nul Operation, whose first boss is already playable on the Public Test Server.
STAR WARS™: The Old Republic™ has named the next era tied to Game Update 8.0: Masters of the Force. The era will begin with the Galaxy in Chaos storyline and add Ryloth, new overworld difficulty modes, Ventures, and a three-boss operation. The announcement points to later in 2026 for the story content but does not provide a specific release date in the official Steam announcement.
Game Update 7.8: Pursuit of Ruin, which added the Galactic Threads storyline and Crash Site Outpost on Dantooine, now leads into this next chapter. Game Update 8.0 will push the story toward the fallout from Darth Malgus’s legacy, as his message reaches Force-sensitive beings across the galaxy and spreads unrest through both the Republic and the Sith Empire.
Galaxy in Chaos brings the story to Ryloth
The opening storyline will examine whether Malgus’s actions inspire hope, fear, or vengeance. Players will see the consequences of that growing unrest later in 2026 as the Republic and Sith Empire deal with the changing balance across the galaxy.
Ryloth, the Twi’lek homeworld, will become one of the major destinations in Game Update 8.0. The Outer Rim planet is defined by severe terrain, dangerous factions, and a population fighting to survive. Alongside confrontations with the Hutt Cartel, players will uncover new threats and participate in Dynamic Encounters throughout the world.
Three difficulty modes will cover the overworld
Overworld content will offer Story, Veteran, and Master Difficulty Modes. Story Mode is aimed at a cinematic, story-focused experience, while Veteran and Master will increase the combat pressure. Groups can still play together even when members choose different difficulty settings, giving players room to tailor the experience without splitting up their friends.
Ventures offer Classic and Expert progression
Game Update 8.0 will also introduce Classic and Expert Venture characters. Ventures are designed to recall the feel of classic SWTOR while adding fresh goals, progression, and distinct rewards. Players will be able to test their mastery and earn recognition for their achievements across the galaxy.
Children of Nul adds an eight-player operation
The Children of Nul Operation will send a group of eight players into abandoned sections of a ship, where they will confront the dangerous experiments left behind by Darth Nul. The ancient Master and Dark Lord was once eliminated by the Emperor, but her influence continues to surround the mysteries of the Enigma.
The operation will launch with Story and Veteran Modes. Master Mode will follow later. Its first boss is already available on the Public Test Server, and testing information is posted in the Public Test Server forums.
A short focused on Darth Nul also accompanies the reveal:
Level 85 cap and broader progression changes
The update’s wider feature set will affect combat, leveling, and character progression across the game. The planned additions include:
- A level cap increase to 85
- New abilities for every Discipline
- Combat balance changes
- An improved leveling experience
- A new gearing system
- Quality-of-life improvements
More details and Developer Let’s Play livestreams will arrive in the coming months. The official Masters of the Force webpage will carry the latest information as the release draws closer.
Share your thoughts on Masters of the Force and the move to Ryloth in the comments, and follow the latest coverage on X, Bluesky, YouTube, Instagram, Steam, and Telegram.
Star Wars: The Old Republic
Developed by BioWare Austin
Step in to the center of your own Star Wars story as you choose your path down the light or dark side of the Force. Your choices have impact not only on your story but on those who join you along the way. Each choice you make can change how your story unfolds including unexpected story twists or devastating consequences that impact you and your Companions. Play as one of 8 legendary Star Wars classes include Jedi, Sith, Smuggler, Trooper and more – this is your story and you decide how you want to build your reputation and influence across the galaxy as you join in epic adventures and challenging missions on the ground and in space!
- Genre Role-playing (RPG)
- Platforms PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac
- Perspective Third person
- Modes Multiplayer, Co-operative, Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO)
- Release December 20, 2011
- Publisher Electronic Arts, LucasArts
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Age Rating
