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The Black Talon is the first Empire flashpoint you’ll encounter and it has the longest dialogue chain of any instance in the game. Since this is your first flashpoint, you’ll find it to be very easy but after your character reaches level 50, you can return and run this instance again in Hard Mode for a real challenge. For the first run, you’ll need to find a partner that you can work well with because it requires at least two people.
Shortly after entering this flashpoint, you’ll have to make a decision of whether to allow the captain and the general of the ship live or to kill them. If you kill them, you’ll receive 200 Dark Alignment points and if you let the live, you’ll receive 200 Light Alignment points.
Black Talon has a lot of cutscenes scattered throughout the instance, which gives you a lot of social points. You can also gain more than 200 affection points if you take along your first companion and choose the right quotes. During this flashpoint, you’ll go up against 3 bosses and one bonus boss.
Throughout the flashpoint be on the lookout for two random item drops, which are the Black Talon Inquisitor’s Boots and the Black Talon Hunter’s Gauntlets.
First Boss: GXR-5 Sabotage Droid
The first boss that you’ll encounter in this flashpoint is GXR-5 Sabotage Droid. He is a huge droid that will summon up three adds that are basically very small droids. Since they are so small and don’t attack, it can be tempting to ignore them but don’t. Use a ranged DPS to kill them before they get next to you because they will explode and do a lot of damage.
When you beat this boss, the potential drops include the Black Talon Operative’s Jacket, Black Talon Juggernaut Gauntlets and the Black Talon Hunter’s Boots.
On a special note, there is a possibility that in place of the GXR-5 Sabotage Droid showing up as the first boss, you could encounter three weaker NPC’s along with a chest containing a blue rare item if you chose to not kill the captain of the ship.
Second Boss: Commander Ghuili
Commander Ghuili is a melee boss who only has one thing to be aware of. He will drop bombs that will do a lot of AoE damage even before they explode. However, as long as you pay attention, you can avoid these by simply staying away from them. You also want to keep the commander moving around as much as you can.
After beating Commander Ghuili, the potential drops include the Black Talon Juggernaut’s Boots and the Black Talon Inquisitor Gloves.
Bonus Boss: A Robot Droid
The bonus boss is actually a large robot droid but he is not as big as the first boss. Cut off his LoS while holding aggro on this boss and he will follow you around but he cannot attack. This makes him a pretty easy target.
After beating this bonus boss the potential drops include the Black Talon Juggernaut’s Shield Generator, Black Talon Powertech’s Power Generator and the Black Talon Inquisitor’s Robe.
Third Boss: Yadira Ban
The third and final boss is Yadira Ban. She is a Jedi padawan and she has mainly melee attacks. One of her abilities is very similar to that of a Jedi knight or a Sith warrior, so you do need to focus on what you’re doing or she will knock out your tank with just three or four hits. As long as you stay focused you can take her down rather quickly.
After beating Yadira Ban your potential item drops will include the Black Talon Deadeye’s Extermintor, Warmonger’s Saberstaff and the Lightsaber of Vengeful Mastery.
This is a very easy instance but you have to remember this is the first flashpoint that you’ll encounter. This one is mostly meant to help you get a feel for these instances. This way, you’ll know what to expect when you do get into some of the tougher battles later in the game.
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FAQ for Flashpoint Guide: The Black Talon in Star Wars: The Old Republic
What is The Black Talon Flashpoint?
The Black Talon is one of the first Flashpoints available to Imperial players in Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR). It involves a mission aboard the Imperial transport ship Black Talon, where players must stop a Republic warship from escaping with vital intelligence.
What level is required to access The Black Talon?
The Black Talon is designed for players starting at level 10. It can be accessed through the Group Finder, which scales the difficulty to match your level, or directly from the mission terminal on the Imperial Fleet.
How do I start The Black Talon Flashpoint?
To start The Black Talon:
- Group Finder: Use the Group Finder tool (default key “P”) to queue for The Black Talon.
- Mission Terminal: Pick up the mission from the Flashpoint terminal located on the Imperial Fleet.
- Direct Entry: Travel to the shuttle bay on the Imperial Fleet and board the Black Talon.
What are the main objectives in The Black Talon?
The primary objectives include:
- Boarding the Black Talon: Receive your mission briefing and prepare for the assault.
- Defeating Bosses: Overcome several bosses with unique mechanics.
- Securing the Ship: Clear the ship of Republic forces and secure critical areas.
- Final Confrontation: Face and defeat the Jedi commander, culminating in a critical decision that affects the mission’s outcome.
Who are the key bosses in The Black Talon?
- GXR-5 Sabotage Droid: A heavily armed droid that uses AoE attacks.
- NR-02: An advanced Republic security droid with various offensive capabilities.
- GXR-7 Command Droid: Another powerful droid with strong defenses.
- Jedi Knight Satele Shan: The final boss, a powerful Jedi with devastating abilities.
What strategies should be used for the bosses in The Black Talon?
- GXR-5 Sabotage Droid:
- Avoid standing in its AoE attack areas.
- Focus on consistent damage to bring it down quickly.
- NR-02:
- Interrupt its powerful attacks to reduce incoming damage.
- Use defensive cooldowns as necessary to mitigate burst damage.
- GXR-7 Command Droid:
- Avoid its frontal cone attacks.
- Spread out to minimize group-wide damage.
- Jedi Knight Satele Shan:
- Interrupt her powerful force abilities.
- Spread out to avoid her AoE attacks.
- Use stuns and crowd control abilities to manage her damage output.
Are there any special mechanics to be aware of?
- Decision Points: The Black Talon features key decision points where players can choose to kill or spare certain characters. These decisions can affect the mission’s outcome and the rewards received.
- Environmental Hazards: Be mindful of traps and environmental hazards throughout the Flashpoint.
- Interactive Elements: Use terminals and control panels to progress through the mission and deactivate security measures.
What are the rewards for completing The Black Talon?
Completing this Flashpoint rewards players with:
- Experience points.
- Credits.
- Gear appropriate to your level.
- Daily and weekly commendations if completed through the Group Finder.
How can I prepare for The Black Talon?
- Gear Up: Ensure your gear is up to date for your level and role.
- Medpacs and Stims: Carry medpacs and stims to boost performance in combat.
- Group Coordination: Communicate with your group to effectively manage combat and objectives.
Are there any achievements associated with The Black Talon?
Yes, completing The Black Talon can earn you several achievements, including:
- Black Talon Conqueror: For defeating all the bosses.
- Black Talon Hero: For completing the Flashpoint multiple times.
- Speed Run: For completing the Flashpoint within a certain time limit.
By following this guide and utilizing the mentioned resources, you can effectively navigate and conquer The Black Talon, ensuring a successful mission and valuable rewards. May the Force be with you!