In Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR), it can be difficult to decide which class to play. With eight origin stories to choose from, it can be overwhelming for new players. To make the best decision, one must first understand the differences between them.  Creating a character in SWTOR can be a daunting task, but following these steps will make the process much easier. 

First, decide which faction you would like to play as, either the Galactic Republic or the Sith Empire. Once you've chosen a faction, you'll have four origin stories to choose from, each of which offers a unique storyline.  For the Galactic Republic, you'll have the option to be a Jedi Knight, Jedi Consular, Smuggler, or Trooper. The Sith Empire offers the Sith Warrior, Sith Inquisitor, Bounty Hunter, or Imperial Agent. When you select an origin story, you'll be able to choose a specific style of play. For example, if you choose to be a Jedi Knight, you can choose to be a Guardian, Sentinel, Sage, or Shadow. You'll also be able to choose from three additional play styles for each origin story, such as pure defense, damage over time, or direct damage. 

• Jedi Knight
• Jedi Consular
• Smuggler
• Trooper
• Sith Warrior
• Bounty Hunter
• Imperial Agent
• Sith Inquisitor
• Whichever 

Jedi Knight

The Jedi Knight is the most classic option, allowing players to take a more traditional good guy role, hunting down the Emperor. Players can choose from three styles of play: Guardian (tank), Sentinel (dual wielding), or Sage (force wielding). 

Jedi Consular

The Jedi Consular is more of a healer, using the Force to cure diseases and complete other quests. Players can choose between two styles of play: Shadow (sneaky tank) and Sage (force wielder). 

Smuggler

The Smuggler is a Han Solo-inspired class, with a Wookie companion. Players can choose between four styles of play: Gunslinger (two blasters), Scoundrel (melee), Vanguard (rifle), or Mercenary (heat-seeking missiles). 

Trooper

The Trooper is a Republic soldier, tasked with tracking down former squad members in a story of espionage. Players can choose between four styles of play: Commando (big gun canon), Vanguard (rifle), Operative (melee), or Mercenary (damage over time). 

Sith Warrior

The Sith Warrior is similar to the Jedi Knight, allowing players to take a more traditional evil role and working for the Emperor. Players can choose from four styles of play: Juggernaut (tank), Marauder (dual wielding), Sorcerer (force wielder), or Assassin (sneaky tank). 

Bounty Hunter

The Bounty Hunter is a more flexible class, allowing players to choose between good or bad choices. Players can choose between three styles of play: Powertech (tank), Mercenary (damage over time), or Sniper (rifle). 

Imperial Agent

The Imperial Agent is similar to James Bond in space, with a story that doesn't involve straight-up evil. Players can choose between three styles of play: Operative (melee), Sniper (rifle), or Vanguard (tank). 

Sith Inquisitor

The Sith Inquisitor is the most evil option. Players can choose between four styles of play: Sorcerer (force wielder), Assassin (sneaky tank), Juggernaut (tank), or Marauder (dual wielding). 

Whichever 

Whichever class is chosen, players should be aware that they can become a dark-side users if they make the wrong decisions during the story. The Jedi Knight and Jedi Consular can only access the light-side abilities, while the Sith Warrior and Sith Inquisitor can access both light-side and dark-side abilities. 

Final Thought

No matter which class is chosen, new players will be embarking on an exciting journey in the world of Star Wars: The Old Republic. With so much content to explore, there is no wrong class to choose. Once you've chosen your origin story and style of play, you'll be able to customize your character with the available options. You'll also be able to unlock certain races through the legacy system.