BioWare posted a breakdown of account tiers for Star Wars: The Old Republic alongside Game Update 7.7.1, Flashpoint Resurgence, clarifying what Free-to-Play, Preferred, and Subscriber accounts can access. The note highlights lifted restrictions for F2P players and lists the exact differences between tiers.
The update outlines the most significant differences between the three tiers. Here are the core points pulled from the announcement on Steam:
- Expansion access: F2P accounts are limited up to Shadow of Revan, while Subscribers get access to all expansions.
- Playable species: F2P includes Human, Zabrak and Cyborg by default. Subscribers unlock base species plus Chiss, Mirialan, Miraluka, Twi’lek, Sith Pureblood and Rattataki.
- Level cap: F2P accounts are listed at *60. F2P characters can exceed 60 if they use a Master’s Datacron purchased from the Cartel Market. Subscribers can reach the expansion max (listed as 80 for the current cycle).
- Monthly Cartel Coin grant: F2P receives no monthly grant, Subscribers get between 500 and 600 coins per month depending on subscription type.
- Character slots: F2P get 4 slots per server (24 total), Subscribers get 24 per server (up to 100 total). Preferred accounts sit between those values.
- Credit cap: F2P cap is 1,000,000 credits, Subscribers have a 4.2 billion cap.
- Galactic Season reward track: F2P sees base rewards only, Subscribers receive base plus subscriber rewards.
- Appearance customization discount: Subscribers receive 50% off base appearance customization prices in Cartel Coins (discount excludes species and some bundles).
- Additional experience gain: Subscribers get 20% bonus experience.
- Combat styles: F2P accounts can use one combat style, Subscribers can use two.
- Subscriber rewards: Provided throughout the year to active Subscribers.
Preferred accounts are the middle tier. That status is gained either by purchasing Cartel Coins or by having a subscription that subsequently lapses. Preferred players receive a few extra benefits over F2P, including 12 character slots per server, the ability to trade with other players starting at level 10, and the ability to send one item by in-game mail. Subscribers can send both items and credits.
If a subscription lapses, the now Preferred account keeps certain perks. Artifact Authorization persists for equipped gear that required authorization, so long as the gear is not removed. Also, depending on when the subscription lapsed, a character may retain access to story content and the max level for that expansion cycle. The post gives this example: if a subscription lapsed during Onslaught, characters could still reach level 75 and play story up through Onslaught.
Security Key and Cartel Coin grants
Any active player who links a Security Key to their account will receive Cartel Coin grants, provided the last grant was more than 29 days prior. Subscription tiers grant different monthly Coin amounts while active:
- 30 days recurring, 500 coins per 30 days
- 90 days recurring, 550 coins per 30 days
- 180 days recurring, 600 coins per 30 days
- 60 days Game Time Card, 525 coins per 30 days (grants are 30 days apart)
There may also be limited login rewards for active subscribers during the year. Currently, active Subscribers can earn the GDW Weaponcarrier mount by logging in any time between now and October 14th.
The announcement closes by noting BioWare is committed to continuing content updates, quality of life improvements, and modernization across the game as SWTOR approaches its 14th year. The post also warns the listed details may change over time and that the studio will communicate updates if they occur.
Which tier fits best for a returning player or someone just starting? That depends on how much content and convenience are wanted. Preferred gives a useful middle ground for casual spenders, while Subscribers get the fullest access and steady Cartel Coin income. Share thoughts in the comments, and follow us on X and Bluesky.
Source: Steam
