Game Cheat & Hint: SWTOR

So you want to get to level 50 fast. Sure, you love listening to the cinematic sequences BioWare has put into the game but there's no way you could do that for every quest on every character.

You're a space bar kinda guy or gal and, hey, I understand. I'm the same way.

There's a debate raging over which is better: solo or group questing. This article is an attempt to inform the reader on which one is faster, not necessarily which is better (as that is a very subjective thing to consider).

The Tip: Don't Level In A Group

Sure, in a group you *might* be able to clear content faster but, overall, you're going to end up waiting on them. If they need to go to the bathroom? You get stuck waiting. If they need food? You're the one sitting there counting your credits. I would recommend that everyone level primarily alone. When you need to do a heroic, flashpoint or warzone go ahead and consider that a break from leveling because, while you certainly are gaining experience (and a good deal at that), you are giving up control of your time.

Always remember that -- when you join a group your time is now their time and their time is now your time. You are linked for as long as you are grouped.

When I was leveling my last character I stopped every 30-45 minutes and played a warzone. I wasn't exactly speed leveling but, let me tell you, it sure did break up the grind of questing. When I reached the level for a new flashpoint I usually did it three times. This gets me ahead in level (something very important to get into the habit of doing) and, again, breaks up the grind of questing.

There are, of course, some pros to leveling in a group. You're able to clear content fast and, let's be honest, we bought SWTOR so that we could interact with other players. In those senses group leveling might be better for you. However if you're concerned with speed there's no doubt -- solo questing is better. You have no-one to wait on and, as long as you follow the pattern of being at least on par with your planet level range you shouldn't have too much trouble clearing content quickly.

Ultimately, the decision is up to you. Do you want to have an interactive experience or a fast experience?

If you enjoyed reading this tip and want to discover more tips and tricks like these including my #1 tip for leveling in Star Wars: The Old Republic you have to check out my page here and watch this video!

While playing Star Wars: The Old Republic, being the role of the SWTOR Tank is the best way to successfully move through the game with little problems. Being the tank, you will have (2) two roles to complete. The first role of the tank is get noticed by any opposing creature, otherwise known as the threat. Being attacked first, you must be able to take substantial damage and survive. You can do this by either having a good amount of health, or learning to navigate away from any threatening damage, also just having the best protection. A tank can taunt targets to threaten them regardless to the threat level.

There are six classes that have the ability to master the tank role; the classes all have a skill tree for support of tanking duties. The classes are:

Guardian Jedi KnightShadow Jedi ConsularVanguard TrooperJuggernaut Sith WarriorAssassin Sith InquisitorPowertech Bounty Hunter

For a successful tank, whenever the option is available you should choose to become a threat rather than becoming damaged from being attacked. Tanks go through a good amount of damage, which causes tanks to depend on good health conditions, the skills to get away from/avoid damage, and their own armor. These three components will help keep his or her tank in the best shape. A tank must survive to make certain that the tank will be able to withstand all attacks.

The one mistake that almost everybody makes is by believing that only one of the three components it takes to be a successful tank is more prevalent than the other. Each of the skills have their own weaknesses. Being skilled in all three will allow for a balance for the tank and will help with the success.

There are skills that will allow a tank to be successful. These skills can be achieved in many ways. The ability to maneuver around targets is very essential. Most importantly at the beginning of the game when all targets have the same threat level. Also note that it is important to be able to multitask targets, taking more than one on at once. Doing this will enable your tune to take advantage of the situations and be more successful. Lastly, the areas of effect abilities allow the player to target more than one creature at a time. This will help when poor playing skills are in tow.

Sometimes, we run into situations where more than one tank is needed which is where the "off" tank comes into play. Using more than one tank will enable for strong skills and better success. The off tank acts as a protector for the other tank. The off tank will fight all other creatures while the first tank is in battle with the "boss."

The leaders of the group are always the SWTOR Tank class. Because they take most of the blow, they are often more expensive than other classes to repair. They are the most sought after role because of their well-to-do performances. The tank will always be more success in group play as opposed to solo play because of their actual role in the game. Solo battles take much longer to complete. The SWTOR tank role is a role that can be a blessing and a curse. Depending on the player and their own skills will determine the blessing or curse.

Mark L. Miller is a massive fan of Star Wars and has first hand insider experience of the game, Star Wars of the Old Republic. For more information about this game, visit his website revolving around Star Wars the Old Republic at Swtor Insight. Interested in learning about the Crew Skills? Visit our SWTOR Crew Skills article.