Beyond the main storyline, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic offers a wealth of side quests and optional content that enrich the game world, provide valuable rewards, and offer deeper insights into the lore. Engaging with these quests is highly recommended for a complete experience.
Types of Side Quests
- Companion Quests: Each companion has a personal questline that delves into their backstory, motivations, and unresolved issues. Completing these can strengthen your bond with them and unlock unique dialogue or abilities.
- Planet-Specific Quests: Most planets feature numerous side quests tied to local inhabitants, factions, or unresolved conflicts. These often involve investigation, retrieval, or combat.
- Skill-Based Quests: Some quests are desed to test specific skills like Computer Use, Persuade, or Demolitions, offering alternative solutions to combat.
- Bounty Hunting/Mercenary Contracts: Certain NPCs offer tasks to track down and eliminate targets for a reward.
- Exploration-Based Quests: Quests that encourage thorough exploration of the game's environments to find specific items or locations.
Notable Side Quests and Locations
- Taris: The Duel Ring tournaments (Bendak Starkiller), Swoop Racing, and various underworld dealings.
- Dantooine: Investigating the Sandral-Matale feud, assisting the Jedi Enclave with local disturbances, and helping settlers.
- Tatooine: Assisting the Sand People, dealing with Gizka infestations, and mediating disputes in Anchorhead.
- Kashyyyk: Helping the Wookiees against Czerka Corporation, uncovering smuggling operations, and dealing with local wildlife.
- Manaan: Navigating the complex political situation involving the Hrakken and the Kolto harvesting.
Rewards and Benefits
Completing side quests typically yields:
- Experience Points (XP): Essential for leveling up your character and companions.
- Credits: The in-game currency used for purchasing items and services.
- Items and Equipment: Often provides unique weapons, armor, or valuable accessories.
- Influence with Companions: Completing their personal quests can sificantly impact your relationship with them.
- Reputation: Certain quests can alter your standing with different factions or groups.
Tips for Finding and Completing Side Quests
- Talk to Everyone: NPCs often have exclamation marks above their heads, indicating they have a quest or important information. Exhaust dialogue options with every character you meet.
- Explore Thoroughly: Many quests begin by discovering a specific item, datapad, or location. Leave no area unexplored.
- Check Your Datapad: The datapad keeps track of active quests and provides objective markers, helping you stay organized.
- Return to Previous Areas: Sometimes, returning to a planet after progressing the main story can unlock new side quests or reveal new information.
Engaging with the optional content not only provides valuable rewards but also sificantly enhances the depth and immersion of the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic experience.