Star Wars: The Old Republic is in a strong spot for returning players and alt-focused veterans thanks to the current bonus XP event. If the goal is to finish class stories, prepare a fresh main, or simply rebuild momentum before the next wave of content, this is one of the easiest times to do it. The event dramatically speeds up the early and mid-level experience, making story progression smoother while reducing the need to stop for extra side content.

That timing matters because SWTOR is also heading toward several notable updates. Update 7.9 has already been teased, a DirectX 12 version is still in development, and the 8.0 expansion is set to push the game into a new phase with a higher level cap, new combat changes, a fresh gearing model, a new Operation, and a visit to Ryloth. For players who have been away for a while, this creates a very practical question: what should be done now so a roster is ready when the next era arrives?

The short answer is simple. Use the XP event to complete story arcs, bring key characters up to current content faster, and decide which class or combat style will be the best long-term pick for upcoming patches. That approach is especially useful in a game where class stories remain one of the strongest reasons to play.

Why the bonus XP event matters right now

SWTOR leveling is already flexible, but bonus XP changes the pace in a major way. Characters gain levels much earlier than usual, often reaching milestones before finishing a starting world or a planet arc. That means players can focus more heavily on class missions and less on filler content if they want a cleaner story-first route.

For many players, that is the ideal use of the event. The eight class stories are still the core of SWTOR’s identity, and bonus XP makes it easier to experience them without constantly pausing for extra quest chains just to stay on level. A Jedi Consular, Bounty Hunter, or Imperial Agent can move through their personal narrative at a much better pace while still keeping combat comfortable.

This is also a good period for players managing many alts. If a legacy still has unfinished stories, the event is an efficient way to close those gaps. It is especially appealing for anyone trying to establish one main character for future endgame while also keeping a broad roster for crafting, Conquest, or role variety.

From an economy angle, faster leveling can also reduce some friction around gearing and companion upkeep on multiple characters. While story progression does not demand a huge budget, players still benefit from solid SWTOR credits management tips when buying gear upgrades, cosmetics, mounts, legacy perks, or companion gifts.

The best way to use bonus XP for story progression

The most efficient use of this event is not necessarily to rush everything. Instead, it helps to choose a clear goal for each character. In practice, there are three smart approaches.

• Finish missing class stories: Ideal for players who care most about narrative completion and legacy unlocks.
• Prepare one future main: Best for anyone planning ahead for 7.9 or 8.0 endgame systems.
• Build a utility roster: Useful for crew skills, Conquest, storage, and flexible group play.

A common strategy is to do more side content on the starting world, then rely on class quests and essential planetary progression afterward. Because the XP gains are so generous, that early lead often allows the character to stay ahead of the curve for a long stretch. This is one of the cleanest ways to revisit older stories without turning every planet into a full completion run.

Legacy perks make this even better. Experience boosts tied to class missions, exploration, and other sources can stack into an extremely fast leveling path. Guild bonuses can push that pace even further. For returning players, this is one of the easiest examples of how to get extra SWTOR credits without constant repetitive grinding indirectly helping progression too, because a developed legacy usually saves time, travel costs, and gearing friction across the account.

Why now is a great time to revisit class stories

SWTOR remains one of the most story-driven MMOs available, and that is still its biggest advantage. The current event makes it easier to experience the game the way many players prefer: moving quickly through personal story beats while keeping combat engaging.

Some classes benefit especially well from this style. The Jedi Consular gains a smoother early curve when overleveled, which helps its quieter story pacing feel more fluid. The Bounty Hunter remains one of the easiest classes to enjoy in a fast-moving session because its missions are direct, stylish, and action-heavy. The Imperial Agent is still a standout for players who want a more tactical tone and a distinct visual identity, especially with Sniper’s cover-based gameplay.

If a player is trying to choose a main for future content, these story replays also help answer an important question: which character still feels fun after several hours of regular questing? That answer often matters more than temporary balance trends.

What we know about update 7.9 and the DirectX 12 effort

While full details are still limited, update 7.9 has already been teased as part of SWTOR’s near-term roadmap. It sits alongside the ongoing DirectX 12 development work, which could become one of the more meaningful technical changes the game has seen in years.

The developers have described the DX12 process as a deep rebuild effort rather than a simple toggle. That matters because SWTOR has long carried the visual and performance feel of an older MMO framework. A successful transition could improve rendering efficiency, future-proof the client, and create room for broader technical improvements over time.

There is also mention of a technical alpha test for the DirectX 12 version once core systems are ready. Players interested in performance, visuals, and long-term engine health should keep an eye on that phase. Even if the first implementation is modest, the move away from older rendering foundations is an important step.

For returning players asking whether it is worth coming back before these updates land, the answer is generally yes if the goal is story progression and account preparation. If that is the main question, it may also help to read our practical look at whether SWTOR is still worth playing in 2025.

The 8.0 expansion is the larger headline. Even with limited details so far, the announced features point to a meaningful progression reset and a new stage for the game.

Level cap increase to 85

A new cap means fresh progression for all established mains. Players who use the current XP event to line up a preferred class will have an easier time transitioning into the next expansion cycle. It also gives alt-focused accounts a reason to narrow their priorities now rather than later.

Combat balance and new abilities

Any level cap increase usually comes with discipline changes, skill updates, and balance passes. That means current performance rankings may shift. Instead of chasing short-term meta picks, it is smarter right now to focus on classes that feel comfortable and enjoyable to play through story, solo content, Flashpoints, and basic group activities.

Take a look at: practical look at whether SWTOR is still worth playing in 2025

New gearing system

This is one of the biggest unknowns. SWTOR players tend to watch gearing changes closely because they affect every kind of content, from solo progression to Operations. The key concern is whether the new system will feel like a refinement or a full replacement that changes how players pursue upgrades.

Whatever form it takes, gearing transitions usually create demand for materials, augments, mods, consumables, and GTN purchases. That is where a healthy credits budget matters. Players often underestimate the cost of optimization, especially when preparing alts or stepping into harder group content. Even a story-focused account benefits from planning for SWTOR credits for upgrades and future expenses.

New three-boss Operation

The announced Operation will include Story Mode and Veteran Mode, which suggests accessible entry for casual groups and a more structured challenge for organized players. A shorter three-boss format can work well in SWTOR because it lowers the barrier to entry while still giving guilds something fresh to learn.

Preparation for new Operations usually includes gear cleanup, consumables, augmenting, and role practice. This is one of the clearest cases of how to prepare for SWTOR endgame content with enough credits saved up, because even before progression raiding begins, players often spend heavily on setup.

Ryloth is a major thematic draw. As the Twi'lek homeworld, it has strong lore appeal and should be especially interesting for players who enjoy SWTOR’s worldbuilding and faction storytelling. The setting also ties nicely into current story replay value, since revisiting earlier class content can make future expansion themes feel more connected.

Choosing a main before 8.0

If the current event is being used to test multiple classes, narrowing down a main should come down to four practical factors.

• Story preference: Which class narrative is still engaging after several sessions?
• Combat feel: Does the rotation or gameplay loop stay enjoyable in solo and group content?
• Role flexibility: Can the class cover the type of content planned for 7.9 and 8.0?
• Cost of optimization: How expensive will it be to fully gear, augment, and style the character?

That last factor is often ignored. Some players want to balance appearance, mounts, companion influence, and combat readiness all at once. In practice, it helps to separate cosmetic goals from performance goals. That is the cleanest answer to how to balance SWTOR credits spending between Strongholds cosmetics and performance upgrades. Build the functional character first, then expand into vanity spending.

Companions, legacy perks, and alt efficiency

Companion influence remains one of the easiest ways to smooth out solo play. A strong companion can make leveling safer and faster, especially for story-focused players who want to minimize downtime. Many veterans still invest heavily in companion gifts early because the quality-of-life return is substantial.

Legacy systems matter just as much. Travel unlocks, experience perks, and account-wide conveniences significantly improve alt play. For players returning after a long break, rebuilding these systems may require some spending, but the long-term efficiency is worth it. This is one reason some players look for SWTOR credits for companions and unlocks rather than only thinking about raw gear.

Bank alts, GTN shopping characters, and crafting support characters also become more valuable when an expansion is approaching. A well-organized account can adapt much faster to market swings, especially if new gearing or crafting demand increases after 8.0 launches.

Should you level now or wait for the expansion?

Level now. There is little reason to delay if the current objective is story completion, class testing, or account preparation. Bonus XP compresses the slowest part of character setup, and any progress made now will still help when new content lands.

Even if 8.0 changes gearing and balance, finished class stories, established legacy perks, companion development, and alt infrastructure will remain useful. Waiting only postpones that foundation work.

For players with limited time, this is also one of the best moments to reduce future pressure. Instead of trying to catch up after a major patch, it is easier to arrive at the expansion with a ready roster, a chosen main, and enough resources to handle early market spikes. That is especially relevant for anyone wondering where to buy SWTOR credits if you only have limited playtime or simply trying to avoid spending all their sessions on repetitive economic maintenance.

What this means for the SWTOR community

The combination of a bonus XP event, a teased 7.9 update, active DirectX 12 work, and the early framing of 8.0 sends a positive signal. SWTOR is not standing still. Story players, solo players, and group players all have reasons to watch the next few months closely.

The game’s biggest strength remains unchanged: class stories and Star Wars atmosphere still carry the experience in a way few MMOs can match. What changes now is the sense of momentum. A technical update, a new expansion, a higher level cap, and a new Operation all suggest that this is a smart time to re-engage.

If the current event is used well, players can come out of it with completed stories, a stronger legacy, a better idea of their future main, and a healthier pool of progression resources. Whether the goal is casual replay, endgame preparation, or simple account cleanup, the timing is unusually favorable.

Is the bonus XP event enough to skip most side quests?

For many characters, yes. If legacy perks are active and the focus is on class progression, bonus XP usually lets players stay comfortably ahead with far fewer side missions.

Should returning players pick one main or level several alts?

One main is better for expansion prep, but leveling a few alts during the event is excellent for testing stories and combat styles before 8.0 arrives.

Will the new gearing system make current preparation pointless?

No. Story completion, companion progress, legacy unlocks, and a solid credits reserve will still matter even if the exact gear path changes.

Is it worth saving credits before 8.0?

Absolutely. New expansions often raise demand for materials, augments, and GTN purchases, so a strong budget helps with both performance and convenience.

The mix of fast leveling, strong story replay value, and upcoming updates makes this one of the easiest times to get back into SWTOR without feeling behind.