Itโs hard to believe itโs been 13 years since Star Wars Galaxies (SWG) took its final breath. December 15, 2011, marked the end of one of the most ambitious and beloved MMORPGs ever createdโa galaxy far, far away that truly felt alive. Yet, even in death, SWG refuses to fade into obscurity.
On this solemn “deathiversary,” Star Wars Galaxies Restoration (SWG Restoration) is proving once again that you canโt keep a good galaxy down. Today, theyโve unveiled Expanding Horizons, the largest update in their history. Whether you’re a longtime SWG player or new to the Restoration community, this is a game-changer in the literal sense. Letโs dive into whatโs new!
A Galaxy of New Species Awaits
First on the update roster: five brand-new playable species. Yes, you can now embody even more of the galaxy’s diverse life forms. Whether you’re a fan of Wookiees, Rodians, or something more exotic, this update brings fresh ways to explore the universe with a unique perspective.
Each species comes with its own visual flair, personality, and potential buffs. Itโs a perfect excuse to roll a new character and see the galaxy through fresh eyesโor fur, or scales, or whatever your new species comes with.
Skill Trees That Branch Into the Stars
Next up, SWG Restoration has revamped the gameโs skill trees, introducing new abilities while rebalancing old ones. Whether you’re into combat, crafting, or exploring, the expanded options allow for even more customization.
If you’ve been itching to make your character stand out, now’s the time. This isnโt just min-maxing for the spreadsheet crowd; itโs about adding depth and replayability for everyone. Whether you’re a crafter obsessed with the perfect build or a bounty hunter chasing glory, thereโs something here for you.
Textures Worth Drooling Over
Letโs talk visuals. Expanding Horizons introduces an upgraded texture pack that gives the galaxy a much-needed facelift. From the dusty streets of Tatooine to the lush forests of Endor, everything looks sharper, more vibrant, and more immersive.
This isnโt just nostalgia gogglesโitโs genuinely stunning. For a game that originally launched in 2003, this texture pack breathes new life into familiar locales. It’s like your favorite cantina band finally got a better lighting crew.
Three New End-Game Heroics
Feeling heroic? You better, because three new end-game heroics have landed, designed to test your mettle and teamwork. These missions promise challenging encounters, epic loot, and unforgettable moments that remind you why SWG has endured for over a decade.
The specifics? Youโll need to check the full patch notes for all the juicy details, but hereโs a hint: these are not for the faint of heart. Grab your friends, polish your blasters, and prepare to dive into high-stakes Star Wars storytelling.
Vehicle and Droid Tinkering: A Tinkererโs Dream
Do you love tweaking every little thing? Good news: vehicle and droid tinkering is now a thing. Whether youโre fine-tuning your speederโs performance or upgrading your droid companion, this feature adds a whole new layer of customization to your gameplay.
Imagine rolling into Mos Eisley with a souped-up swoop bike and a droid that would make R2-D2 jealous. This isnโt just customization; itโs bragging rights.
And So Much Moreโฆ
The Expanding Horizons update doesnโt stop there. From bug fixes to quality-of-life improvements, thereโs a staggering amount packed into this release. The SWG Restoration team has clearly poured their hearts into making this a galaxy worth exploring again.
For the complete breakdown, you can check out the full patch notes here. Trust me, itโs worth the read.
Why Does SWG Still Matter?
Why, after all this time, does Star Wars Galaxies continue to thrive? The answer is simple: community. SWG wasnโt just a game; it was a sandbox where friendships were forged, stories were told, and the Star Wars universe felt like it belonged to the players.
SWG Restoration is more than a tribute to the originalโitโs a living, breathing continuation of its legacy. Updates like Expanding Horizons are proof that this galaxy still has so much to offer, even 13 years after the official servers went dark.
A Deathiversary Worth Celebrating
While today marks 13 years since we said goodbye to Star Wars Galaxies, it also marks the beginning of something new. With Expanding Horizons, SWG Restoration shows that the spirit of the game is not only alive but thriving.
So, whether you’re jumping in for the first time or dusting off your old vibroblade, now is the perfect time to join the adventure. The galaxy is waitingโand thanks to this update, itโs better than ever.
May the Force (and your bandwidth) be with you.


