theravenclaw Posted November 12, 2015 Posted November 12, 2015 My wife and I have decided to give TOR a try again. We played in beta and at launch but stopped playing after a few months. We had forgotten how nice it is to have a personal story to follow in an MMO and have really enjoyed coming back. I have read up on the changes since we stopped but I do have one specific question about the Critical Path leveling path. I really like the idea of being able to reach max level by only focusing on the important core story but it seems that ignoring the side quests would result in missing out on a lot of gear upgrades as we level. I have noticed that we are receiving some sort of resource crystal reward from class/story missions as well as heroics. These crystals show up under the currency tab but I dont remember thier exact name and am not at my home computer atm. Are these used to keep your gear current in some way? I assume that there is a special vendor but have not found where (we started playing last night). If these crystals are used for keeping up with gear progression how ofted should we be upgrading (roughly)? Thank you in advance for taking the time to read/answer.
VanorDM Posted November 12, 2015 Posted November 12, 2015 Are these used to keep your gear current in some way? Yes. They're common data crystals, they used to be called planetary commendations, and you use them to buy mods for orange and/or adaptive gear. The best thing to do for you I I think is to go to the fleet. There's a vendor on the fleet that will sell a full set of orange gear rated for lvl 7. I'm not sure how many crystals it costs per piece, so if you don't have enough, the GTN may be an option too. You can sometimes pick up orange gear there for very little. Those vendors are in the Supplies section of the fleet. The point of orange gear is you can up put mod's into it that you can buy on the fleet and most planets. Most items will take between 2 and 3 mods. These are things like armor, mods, enhancements, barrels, or hilts. Each mod costs 2 crystals so for a full set of orange gear you'll need 25 different items I think so about 50 crystals. Mods are good for like 4 levels I think, and you get 12 crystals per story quest you turn in. So it's really easy to get enough to buy a full set of mods. Now the other half of that is the appearance system, you get 1 slot for free that you can put gear on like you would normal equipment, but it doesn't actually do anything, just changes how you look. So if the orange gear doesn't look like how you want. You can buy cheap green items that you like and use them with the appearance system. You can also buy more appearance slots with credits.
SteveTheCynic Posted November 12, 2015 Posted November 12, 2015 Yes. They're common data crystals, they used to be called planetary commendations, and you use them to buy mods for orange and/or adaptive gear. There are two over-simplifications here. First, CDCs used to be Basic Commendations. BCs in turn were a merge of 2.X's Planetary, Basic, and Elite Commendations. Planetary Commendations, introduced in 2.0, were a merge of all the per-planet commendations (Ord Mantell Commendation, Coruscant Commendation, etc.). Second, beware that now, not all adaptive gear can be modified in the way described. Moddable (modifiable) gear is mostly orange ("custom"), but some fraction (half, a third?) of purple gear is modifiable, and so, partially, are a few blue pieces. There's also a very, very small number of green items that are fully moddable. By very, very small, I think I'm now talking about just one, which is a pistol that only female smugglers can even get. Adaptive gear is armour (only armour) that automatically adapts its weight to the heaviest that the character can use. Prior to 4.0 all adaptive gear was also orange/custom, which led people to use "adaptive" as a synonym for "moddable", and even to talk about adaptive weapons, which is just ridiculous. But you need moddable gear, and then you need the various sorts of modification objects ("mods") to fit it out. Once you start being ready to replace the mods, just put new ones in. You *can* take the old ones out and sell them for credits, but it will cost more to extract them than you'll get back from the merchant. Final note: If you played back at launch, and you are using the same accounts now, the system should mail you two or maybe four crates with orange armour in them (pilot suits) on every character you have now and every character you create in the future.
VanorDM Posted November 12, 2015 Posted November 12, 2015 There are two over-simplifications here. Thanks for the corrections. but some fraction (half, a third?) of purple gear is modifiable, and so, partially, are a few blue pieces. I knew about purple ones, but it didn't seem relevant to mention to someone just starting out. Never seen a blue piece you could modify, other than a few sabers and those only the crystal.
theravenclaw Posted November 12, 2015 Author Posted November 12, 2015 We noticed the 4 crates of different pilot suits that we both got. The gear is orange. You are saying that it is both adaptive (changing armor type based on class) and modible (having slots to insert mods) right? So we would just need to use our CDCs to buy level-appropriate mods. We will also have to make use of the costume feature since we don't want to run around in flight suits That covers the armor slots. What about weapons? Should we buy those as well as their required mods from the CDC vendor?
VanorDM Posted November 12, 2015 Posted November 12, 2015 (edited) You are saying that it is both adaptive (changing armor type based on class) and modible (having slots to insert mods) right? I'm fairly sure they're adaptive, because every character gets them. I know that they're moddable so yes you can upgrade them with mods you buy with CDC's. What about weapons? Should we buy those as well as their required mods from the CDC vendor? I think most classes give you a orange weapon fairly early on that you can update with mods as you go. When you pick your AC, you get a box with gear, I believe there's a orange weapon in that box. Edited November 12, 2015 by VanorDM
DocDAM Posted November 12, 2015 Posted November 12, 2015 Yes on the GSF gear. Mainhand weapon (MH): Does the L8 vendor even carry MH’s?? But I think every class gets a modable MH at the end of their starter planet story. Offhand (OH): you usually get one in a little kit on choosing your advanced class. But usually not modable. So get the one from the L8 vendor. And then update the mods accordingly. Also, Heroics now drop a case containing 2 unmoddable, but level-appropriate blue pieces of gear. So that’s another route for gearing. But being that Heroics are now weekly, I’d say main path is the one recommended. Then just use the Heroic gear if it is better than what you have. When it is out-leveled, go back to the adaptive and update the mods. How often is up to you. Old rule of thumb was every 4-6 levels. But leveling is so easy now that you can get by with less often. OTOH, getting crystals is so easy that you can update more often. I’d say start with the 4 levels or so and see how it goes.
GythralSWTOR Posted November 12, 2015 Posted November 12, 2015 (edited) I'd go for 8-12 levels between while levelling unless you are struggling, then I'd go get the nearest to the current level (unless it's 3 levels down) Edited November 12, 2015 by GythralSWTOR
theravenclaw Posted November 12, 2015 Author Posted November 12, 2015 Thank you guys for the solid info. I do have a followup question. What sets apart low level (Lv 7/8) modable gear from high/Max Lv modable gear? Does high level gear have stats that are augmented by the mod slots?
VanorDM Posted November 12, 2015 Posted November 12, 2015 What sets apart low level (Lv 7/8) modable gear from high/Max Lv modable gear? Nothing that I know of. The whole point was that you could use it at any level, and if there were stats baked into the shell that would defeat the purpose. The other day I took the lvl 65 mods out of a item and put them in a lvl 40ish orange piece. There was zero difference in the stats.
GythralSWTOR Posted November 12, 2015 Posted November 12, 2015 (edited) Thank you guys for the solid info. I do have a followup question. What sets apart low level (Lv 7/8) modable gear from high/Max Lv modable gear? Does high level gear have stats that are augmented by the mod slots? With the exception of OPs set (which have a set bonus) nothing but the looks, and that you have to reverse engineer/get a crafter/buy off GTN for the level 65 mods, so often the gear is bought to rip the mods out of either to upgrade augmented items or to reverse engineer, or to wear while displaying an outfit. Edited November 12, 2015 by GythralSWTOR
Halinalle Posted November 12, 2015 Posted November 12, 2015 With the exception of OPs set (which have a set bonus) nothing but the looks, and that you have to reverse engineer/get a crafter/buy off GTN for the level 65 mods, so often the gear is bought to rip the mods out of either to upgrade augmented items or to reverse engineer, or to wear while displaying an outfit. Set bonus is in armoring not in shell.
GythralSWTOR Posted November 13, 2015 Posted November 13, 2015 (edited) Set bonus is in armoring not in shell. You still have to get the shell to get the bonus, even if you then rip the mods out and place them in something else. Edited November 13, 2015 by GythralSWTOR
SteveTheCynic Posted November 13, 2015 Posted November 13, 2015 I think most classes give you a orange weapon fairly early on that you can update with mods as you go. When you pick your AC, you get a box with gear, I believe there's a orange weapon in that box. Every class gets an orange main-hand given away on the starter world, but in one case this will be the wrong weapon. When you pick your AC, you usually get an off-hand (generator, shield, knife, etc.), except for that one case, the Commando. The orange weapon given away on Ord Mantell for the trooper is a blaster rifle, while the AC box gives you an Assault Cannon (the honking big gun you see them using in the Hope trailer).
Mithros Posted November 13, 2015 Posted November 13, 2015 Thank you guys for the solid info. I do have a followup question. What sets apart low level (Lv 7/8) modable gear from high/Max Lv modable gear? Does high level gear have stats that are augmented by the mod slots? Just looks, but you do care about looks because you mentioned not wanting to run around in flight suits. Crafters, especialyl those that were around before KFE, might have several custom armors they can make. Check the GTN to see what might be for sale and use the preview function to see what it will look like on your character. Also, sites like TOR-Fashion can show you what sorts of things are out there. If you see some old craftable piece/set that you like you may be able to ask an armormech or synthweaver to make it for you. A price will almost certainly be attached. You will have to decide if it's reasonable. It could be as simple as giving them the materials needed to make it or they may want credits or even a trade if you are a crafter yourself. Note, though, that if it's a materials only deal that tipping is customary. They are not asking for credits but throwing them a little something for their time is always appreciated.
plochner Posted November 18, 2015 Posted November 18, 2015 Like to jump in here with a similiar question as I have also just started a resub and playing again to explore the Story missions after not playing at all since 2012. I received the crates of adaptive armor on my new character, so I already have a full set or four. In general, should I be taking the crystal rewards over the green item when finishing missions? It seems to make sense to almost always take the data crystals over the other green reward. That way I can use the crystals to constantly upgrade the mods in my adaptive gear. Unless of course I really like the look of the green item, or I really want an upgrade right then and there instead of saving up crystals and going to the fleet.
JediQuaker Posted November 18, 2015 Posted November 18, 2015 (edited) The whole "mod" thing seems to be totally boinked now. With level sync it hardly matters at all what armor you have, or whether or not it's stats are up to date. You don't even need to worry about the main stat on a armor piece any more. I recently started a Sith Warrior (because it was the only class I hadn't played). I went through the game up until level 15 just using whatever green or blue drops I got along the way, with no problems. I recently switched to a full set of mod-able gear with level 18 mods, and mostly I'm just able to kill things a bit faster. I don't mind the level sync, although I don't think it's important on PvE servers, but I do miss the need to manage your equipment. It takes a lot of the RPG element out of the game. Edited November 18, 2015 by JediQuaker
plochner Posted November 18, 2015 Posted November 18, 2015 (edited) I don't mind the level sync, although I don't think it's important on PvE servers, but I do miss the need to manage your equipment. It takes a lot of the RPG element out of the game. I have noticed this as well in the week I've been playing and it's a bit discouraging. I like the look of the adaptive armor that was mailed to me for my Smuggler enough that I'm not motivated to try new appearances. Since I can upgrade the mods on it so easily, I don't even bother wearing new equipment that drops unless I really don't want to spend the 20 minutes going back to the Fleet and upgrading my mods. There's a tiny bit of overlap where I'm at the high end of my Mod level requirement but I can't get the next level yet, but even then I'll just spend a level or 2 being slightly under geared. I'm still under level 30 so I just take the Data Crystal rewards whenever possible because I know I'll be spending them in my adaptive armor instead of using the green reward for a few levels and discarding it. In other MMOs the leveling experience was enhanced by the constant flow of upgrades to your gear. I haven't seen much of that in SWTOR yet. I just keep choosing the data crystals and head over to the Fleet to swap out mods. Edited November 18, 2015 by plochner
Swounds Posted November 19, 2015 Posted November 19, 2015 In general, considering the whole level sync thing and the changes to companion roles with Knights of the Fallen Empire, I don't think anybody leveling will need to spend too much time worrying about his/her armour or weapon stats. In a way that's nice because your gear doesn't become obsolete in record time as you level, but yes, i miss it actually mattering. As for the crystals versus gear rewards question, I think it's a matter of taste at this point. If reward gear is an improvement for you, great; if not, get the crystals and use them for modifications (even if you can't get moddable gear any other way, the GTN's usually got some extremely cheap options). You won't need to seriously think about your gear until you're heading into end-game stuff. Basic rule of thumb, when you notice your performance dropping, looking at the gear is a good first troubleshooting step. The outfit system is nice, too, even if you don't much care how you're character's dressed. It prevents interesting 'surprises' when you replace a chest piece or something :-).
SteveTheCynic Posted November 19, 2015 Posted November 19, 2015 In general, should I be taking the crystal rewards over the green item when finishing missions? It seems to make sense to almost always take the data crystals over the other green reward. That way I can use the crystals to constantly upgrade the mods in my adaptive gear. Unless of course I really like the look of the green item, or I really want an upgrade right then and there instead of saving up crystals and going to the fleet. There's two versions of the answer to this, both of which advocate taking the crystals when it's 12 crystals (class mission). The first version is simple, really. 12 crystals allow you to fully upgrade two pieces of moddable armour. Which do you want, two pieces fully upgraded (crystals) or just one (gear)? The second is more far-seeing: in the post-chapter-9 interlude at the end of KotFE, you benefit greatly by having lots and lots and lots of crystals. Save some up... For a choice between one crystal and a relic / implant / earpiece, that's easy as well: take the piece of gear if it is an upgrade, otherwise take the crystal.
plochner Posted November 19, 2015 Posted November 19, 2015 For a choice between one crystal and a relic / implant / earpiece, that's easy as well: take the piece of gear if it is an upgrade, otherwise take the crystal. That's exactly what I've been doing these past few levels - take the crystals unless it's a relic, implant, or earpiece. Great advice everyone, I appreciate it.
Grimjax Posted November 20, 2015 Posted November 20, 2015 Honestly I quit using moddable gear while leveling except for weapons. I now run a couple of heroics and use the blue gear that comes from the boxes, when I need to upgrade. I've done this for the first 3 chapters on my trooper I made when 4.0 came out.
JacksonMo Posted November 20, 2015 Posted November 20, 2015 Being essentially a new player. Green gear from the GTN is also a viable option to fill in the gaps when/if your crystals run low. With the new level adjustment system, and simplified heroics, I'm getting tons of gear from lower level planets that I just throw on the GTN for the default price. It's super cheap for the buyer, and earns me a bit more than simply vendor-trashing it. You can't really over-level a planet any longer, so feel free to explore every side quest and wring every last crystal that planet has to offer. I recommend not letting your gear fall more than 5 levels below current. Now that companion gear gives no stats, it's far cheaper to keep your own gear up to date.
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