Knights of the Old Republic offers a robust character progression system, allowing you to tailor your character's abilities and combat style through class choices, attribute allocation, feats, and Force powers. Understanding these elements is key to building an effective character that suits your preferred playstyle.
Starting Classes
Your journey begins with choosing one of three core classes, each offering unique starting attributes, skills, and progression paths:
- Soldier: A straightforward combatant, excelling in weapon proficiency and combat feats. They have high hit points and are ideal for players who prefer direct confrontation.
- Scoundrel: A more versatile class, focusing on stealth, critical hits, and technical skills like Computer Use and Security. They are less durable but can deal sificant damage through surprise attacks.
- Jedi: The quintessential Force-user. Jedi characters start with basic Force powers and gain access to a wide array of potent abilities as they level up. They balance combat prowess with Force abilities.
Attributes
Your character's attributes (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma) are fundamental. They influence:
- Combat: Strength and Dexterity affect attack and damage with various weapons.
- Defense: Dexterity and Constitution influence your Defense (chance to dodge) and Hit Points, respectively.
- Force Powers: Wisdom and Charisma determine the power and effectiveness of your Force abilities.
- Skills: Intelligence influences your proficiency with skills like Computer Use and Demolitions.
Feats
Feats are special abilities or bonuses that you can select as you level up. They offer a wide range of benefits, from improving weapon specialization and combat maneuvers (like Flurry or Power Attack) to enhancing your Force powers or improving your skills. Choosing feats that complement your class and attribute spread is crucial for optimizing your character.
Force Powers
If you choose the Jedi class, or become a Jedi later in the game, you'll gain access to a vast array of Force powers. These are categorized into:
- Force Powers (Offensive): Such as Force Lightning, Force Wave, and Drain Life, used to damage and debilitate enemies.
- Force Powers (Defensive): Including Force Barrier, Force Speed, and Cure, used to protect yourself and your allies or enhance mobility.
- Force Powers (Utility): Such as Force Valor and Force Fear, used to buff allies or debuff enemies.
The effectiveness of your Force powers is often tied to your Wisdom and Charisma attributes, as well as your alment.
Alment and Its Impact
Your alment (Light Side or Dark Side) influences the Force powers available to you and can even alter your character's appearance. Dark Side powers are often more destructive, while Light Side powers focus on healing and protection.
By carefully considering your class, attributes, feats, and Force powers, you can create a unique and powerful character capable of facing any challenge the Old Republic throws at you.