Star Wars: The Old Republic is scheduled to receive its Legacy of the Sith expansion in early February, but players should consider creating Dark Side characters before embarking on the MMO’s latest chapter. Despite its inherently evil point of view, players can be honorable and kind even as a Sith, Bounty Hunter, or Imperial Agent. Though BioWare surrounds Imperial players with despicable monsters, there are many reasons to pursue a character aligned with the Empire, especially considering the theme of the adventure.
Star Wars: The Old Republic takes place thousands of years before the Star Wars movies but is considered non-canon after Disney’s purchase of LucasFilm. When the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire included thousands of Sith and Jedi, the galaxy was mired in brutal and unending conflict. Legacy of the Sith features Manaan's invasion, a neutral ocean planet responsible for the development of kolto, the primary medical ingredient in Star Wars. However, as the Jedi and Sith clash beneath the waves, Darth Malgus continues plotting to bring down both orders.
Darth Malgus is SWTOR’s main villain for the Legacy of the Sith expansion; despite initially serving the Sith Empire, he defected to pursue his own agenda. Players have defeated him multiple times, but the tenacious Sith returns. The details of his plan are largely unknown, though given SWTOR’s recent story trailer for Legacy of the Sith, it’s safe to assume Malgus plans to dismantle the Republic and the Empire. While Galactic Republic and Sith Empire players can both access the new expansion, playing as a Dark Side character makes far more sense.
SWTOR’s Imperial Players Interact With Darth Malgus More
When players first start Star Wars: The Old Republic, they are presented with eight class choices that determine whether they the Galactic Republic or the Sith Empire. Imperial characters can choose Sith Warriors, Sith Inquisitors, Bounty Hunters, or Imperial Agents and receive unique origin stories exploring the traditionally villainous side of the war. However, Imperial players also meet Darth Malgus far earlier than Republic players. Before completing SWTOR’s origin stories, Darth Malgus frequently acts as a quest giver for several Flashpoints and maintains a regular presence within the Empire. Furthermore, the aftermath of Malgus’ actions heavily influences the Sith Empire's power structure, ensuring Imperial players are deeply affected by his betrayal after socializing with his character so often.
In Star Wars: The Old Republic’s Onslaught, Imperial players work closely with Darth Malgus to root out Republic forces on Ossus. As Empress Acina’s new Wrath, SWTOR's villain Darth Malgus commands significant respect and power among the ranks. His presence and tactical strategies help the Imperial ranks gain ground and deal decisive blows against the Jedi, but his loyalty isn’t meant to last. Despite his repeated assistance on various missions, Darth Malgus again betrays the Empire and leaves the player character to suffer the consequences. While Jedi and SWTOR’s Republic characters only see Malgus as a foe, the Sith’s relationship with Imperial players vastly improves the game’s storytelling.
SWTOR’s Sith Players Can Enjoy A War Between Two Evils
In Star Wars the Sith are largely regarded as the ultimate evil, with only a few redeemed in the mainline continuity. Unfortunately, battles between Sith and fellow Dark Side s are few and far between. When these conflicts appear, they’re often relegated as secondary conflicts to the Light Side’s stories. BioWare’s foresight to include Sith protagonists in Star Wars: The Old Republic ensures that players can explore new perspectives and stories in the beloved sci-fi universe. By creating a Sith character that eventually faces Darth Malgus in Legacy of the Sith, players can experience a battle with no true ‘hero’ in the mix. Instead, dialogue and battles become a riveting conflict between cruelty, malice, and unlimited power.
Many modern RPG games don’t allow players to become wholly evil or the main villain. This choice is often made for continuity purposes and to for the extraordinary budget needed to develop a new, evil-sided campaign. Star Wars: The Old Republic doesn’t feature these constraints and encourages players to follow the Light or Dark side as Jedi or Sith. Unlike Star Wars’ many movies and series, SWTOR’s origin stories and expansions allow Dark Side s to become protagonists and experience villainous tales. Choosing a Sith Warrior, Sith Inquisitor, Bounty Hunter, or Imperial Agent is the most straightforward way players can explore war between two evils.
Darth Malgus Fighting Sith Makes More Sense In SWTOR
Before Star Wars: The Old Republic’s Legacy of the Sith expansion, Darth Malgus first served the Sith Empire as a powerful and influential Sith. Upon attempting to usurp the title of Emperor, he was swiftly defeated and believed dead by most of the Empire’s forces. However, he returned in SWTOR’s Onslaught expansion, where he served Empress Acina as her Wrath until defecting again. Due to his repeated betrayals, it makes much more sense for Sith, Bounty Hunter, or Imperial Agents to hunt him down for his transgressions against the Sith Empire. While Light Side players may find themselves inclined to confront a growing evil, it’s much more believable for Dark Side characters to hunt Malgus down for his transgressions.
Star Wars: The Old Republic's timeline is set before the Sith’s Rule of Two went into effect, meaning that there are thousands of Dark Side Force wielders in a constant power struggle throughout the Empire. Betrayal and assassinations to claim power are extremely common, resulting in internal conflict that threatens to cripple the Sith from the inside out. Thankfully, with Darth Malgus’ betrayal, players can secure a hefty reputation by defeating the renegade Sith Lord without further crippling the Empire’s ranks.
Though players can access Legacy of the Sith as a Jedi or Sith in Star Wars: The Old Republic, it makes far more sense to play as a villain. The personal connection with Darth Malgus and his crimes against the Empire and Sith culture makes for the perfect war between Dark Side s. Additionally, players can use powers similar to Malgus’ and make victory much sweeter. SWTOR’s Legacy of the Sith releases February 15 for active subscribers, with 10th Anniversary events scheduled throughout 2022.
