[TOR] Newbie - To EVERYTHING

Well first off welcome to the game, it's always good to have new players.

There is an official New Player Guide which you can find here and continued here, here, here, here, and here along with video tutorials. I'll jot down some of my own thoughts as well. Feel free to Google "SWTOR New Player Guide" for other people's opinions as well.

Apologies if some of this comes off a little too basic, when I started MMOs a good few years ago I didn't know my arse from my elbow.

First thing to do is make sure your SWTOR account is fully set up:

• Check to make sure your game code is properly registered (so you get all your stuff)
• Set your security questions
• Make sure all your info (contact email, etc) is correct
• Register your security key (you get access to special merchants and bonus Cartel Coins)

Once you've that done installed/download and patched the game you'll need to go through the basics of picking your server, your faction and your class. As you're (presumably) based in Ireland you'll be picking a European-based, English-speaking server which essentially means your choice will be based on server type.

Server Types:

• PvE: Short for Player vs Environment. This is the most common type of server in major MMOs where the focus is on the player overcoming in-game enemies and other dev content. PvP (Player vs Player) combat of opposing faction members outside of designated Open PvP areas will always be consensual (you must either queue for group PvP matches, agree to duels, flag yourself for PvP or enter Open PvP areas). Players are not requested to stay in character and may converse with other players normally. Wiki definition.
  
  Examples of PvE content would be general NPC missions, Flashpoints (up to 4 man raids) and Operations (8/16 man raids).
  
  
  
• PvP: Short for Players vs Player. Similar to PvE servers with the exception that PvP combat may occur anywhere at any time and consent is not necessary. The driving focus for players on servers such as these will be to defeat members of the opposing faction as opposed to completing PvE challenges like Flashpoints or Operations. As with PvE servers you are not requested to stay in character. People who are new to MMOs might consider playing a PvE server first to get a feel for the game before going over to PvP. Wiki definition
  
  Examples of PvP content would be Warzones. Players will be permanently flagged for PvP irrespective of zone (this excludes Starter Worlds).
  
  
  
• RP (PvE/PvP): Short for Role Playing. Depending on whether you choose an RP-PvE or RP-PvP server these will be functionally identical to regular PvE or PvP servers with the exception you will be expected/requested to stay in-character while you play. In other words try to avoid references to real world events/slang/jargon etc (referred to as being out of character or "OOC"). Players new to MMOs but willing to make the effort to stay in-character ("IC") often find RP servers more laid back/friendly compared to more mainline servers due to the focus on enjoying the game world/participating in group events.
  
  Examples of RP content may be either PvE or PvP based, these can range from personal stories/guild story events/RP sessions. Many guilds often have a nemesis guild from the opposing factions to do PvP events with.
  
  
  The PvE server for the EU-English is called The Red Eclipse, the PvP server is Tomb of Freedon Nadd and the RP (PvE) server is called The Progenitor. There is no longer a RP-PvP server in the EU pool.

Faction
There are only two factions in SWTOR, the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire.

• The Galactic Republic: The default "good guys" in SWTOR. The Galactic Republic is much the same as its later portrayal in the Star Wars Prequels, a pan-galactic democratic alliance of systems governed by the Senate and the Supreme Chancellor. They value peace, freedom, equality, justice and order and are defended by their their own standing military, and aided by the Jedi and more honourable Smugglers.
  
  
• The Sith Empire: The default "bad guys". Functionally similar to Palpatine's Empire from the original Star Wars movies the Sith Empire is led by the Emperor and his Dark Council. The Sith are highly socially-Darwinistic valuing growth through conflict, the triumph of the strong over the weak, and ruthless meritocracy. Slavery is common practice in the Empire, and xenophobia and racism by humans and Sith Purebloods to other races is common. The Sith dominate the political and social hierarchy and are served by their Agents and independent Bounty Hunters.

Class
Each faction has 4 classes which are further divided into 8 advanced classes (chosen at character level 10) which allow a player to further specialise to their preferred playing style. Each class has a factional "mirror" which is functionally identical despite having a different name/different ability name/style. Jedi Knight -> Sith Warrior, Jedi Consular -> Sith Inquisitor, Trooper -> Bounty Hunter and Smuggler -> Agent. This is done to balance classes more easily, ensure one side does not have overly unfair synergy levels.

• Republic Classes
  • Jedi Knight
    
  • Jedi Consular
    
  • Trooper
    
  • Smuggler
  
  
• Imperial Classes
  • Sith Warrior
    
  • Sith Inquistor
    
  • Bounty Hunter
    
  • Agent

Bugger time seems to have crept up on me, I'll post this now and finish the last few sections tomorrow. Hopefully what's here is useful as is.