When did SWTOR go free-to-play?

SWTOR officially launched its free-to-play model on November 15, 2012.

Why did SWTOR switch to free-to-play?

The change allowed more players to join the game and helped stabilize its long-term future.

What did the Free-to-Play update include?

It introduced the Cartel Market, hybrid access tiers, and a system for unlocking features.

Did SWTOR grow after going free-to-play?

Yes—servers saw a large increase in both new and returning players.

Is SWTOR still supported in 2025?

Absolutely. The game continues to receive updates, seasons, story content, and PTS testing.

SWTOR Free-to-Play Anniversary: Celebrating 13 Years Since the Game Changed Forever

Thirteen years ago today, Star Wars: The Old Republic made one of the most important pivots in MMO history. On November 15, 2012, BioWare officially launched SWTOR’s Free-to-Play option worldwide—opening the galaxy to millions of new players and reshaping the future of the game forever.

It wasn’t just a business model change.
It was a lifeline.
It was a rebirth.
It was the moment SWTOR found its identity.

Let’s take a look back at the day the MMORPG changed course and how that decision continues to shape the game in 2025.

The Announcement That Transformed SWTOR

The original message—short and almost casual—landed with the force of a thermal detonator:

“Today we are excited to announce that the global launch date of the The Old Republic Free-to-Play option will be November 15, 2012. This release will be simultaneous across all territories and countries SWTOR is available.”

At the time, SWTOR was less than a year old. The MMO market had shifted, subscription fatigue was real, and the game needed a wider audience. The decision to go Free-to-Play wasn’t just smart—it was essential.

And it worked.

What Free-to-Play Brought to the Galaxy

When the F2P option launched, it immediately created a second life for SWTOR. Servers saw a surge of new players. Returning veterans jumped back in. Curiosity brought in Star Wars fans who had never touched an MMO before.

The update also introduced:

• Cartel Market

A cosmetic-driven marketplace that would eventually define SWTOR’s fashion-driven endgame.

• Hybrid Model

Players could play for free, subscribe for full access, or unlock features à la carte.

• Renewed Content Pipeline

With a larger playerbase came stability—and stability brought expansions, story updates, and creative risks.

Free-to-Play didn’t dilute SWTOR.
It energized it.

How Free-to-Play Redefined SWTOR’s Future

Looking back today, the F2P shift set the stage for every major moment that followed:

Rise of the Hutt Cartel (2013)
Shadow of Revan (2014)
Knights of the Fallen Empire (2015)
Knights of the Eternal Throne (2016)
Onslaught, Legacy of the Sith, and the modern update cadence

Each era brought a new audience—many of whom joined because the game was free.

MMOs rarely get second chances. SWTOR did… and it used that second chance to build one of the most story-rich, fully voiced online worlds ever made.

SWTOR in 2025: Still Going Strong

Thirteen years after the Free-to-Play transition, SWTOR continues to evolve:

New Galactic Seasons
New Dynamic Encounters
Regular PTS cycles
Ongoing story updates, planet expansions, and quality-of-life improvements
A passionate community that still grows year after year

The game may be older, but it’s far from done.
The free-to-play shift is the reason the galaxy is still thriving.

Why This Anniversary Matters

November 15 isn’t just a date—it’s a reminder of resilience.

SWTOR didn’t fade away like so many MMOs of the early 2010s.
It adapted.
It reinvented itself.
It became a long-lasting pillar of Star Wars gaming.

And whether you’re a subscriber, preferred player, or fully free player…
you’re part of that legacy.

So here’s to 13 years of Free-to-Play SWTOR—a decision that kept the galaxy alive and connected millions of players across the world.

Stay connected with the galaxy’s latest updates!

Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest for exclusive content, mod guides, Star Wars gaming news, and more. Your support helps keep the Holonet alive—one click at a time.