When was Shadow of Revan released in SWTOR?

Shadow of Revan launched on December 9, 2014, making it one of SWTOR’s most memorable and influential expansions.

What content did the Shadow of Revan expansion include?

The expansion introduced the planets Rishi and Yavin 4, new story arcs, new Operations content, and the long-awaited return of Revan as the central antagonist.

Why is Shadow of Revan considered one of SWTOR’s best expansions?

Its strong storytelling, cinematic reveals, nostalgic KOTOR connections, and high-stakes cross-faction narrative make it a standout fan favorite even 11 years later.

Can players still experience Shadow of Revan today?

Yes. The entire Shadow of Revan expansion is playable through SWTOR’s story replay system for both new and returning players.

SWTOR Shadow of Revan Anniversary: Celebrating 11 Years of the Iconic Expansion

On December 9, 2014, Star Wars: The Old Republic dropped one of its most beloved expansions — Shadow of Revan — and changed the game forever.
Yes, it’s officially been 11 years since Revan returned to the spotlight, raised an army, and delivered one of the most quotable threats in the entire SWTOR storyline:

“War is coming. Conflict on a scale we’ve never seen. Revan has forged an army with a single purpose — to change the galaxy forever. Empire. Republic. We must unite, or fall.”

And honestly? Eleven years later, that line still hits just as hard.

Why Shadow of Revan Stands Out

In the long history of SWTOR, Shadow of Revan wasn’t just another expansion. It was a pivot — a story that connected Knights of the Old Republic, SWTOR’s evolving narrative, and the larger mythos of Revan into one huge, dramatic arc.

Players got:

Two new planets: Rishi and Yavin 4
The rebirth of classic KOTOR lore
Major faction-wide storylines
One of the best lead-ins to an Operation SWTOR had released up to that point
The return of Revan — not as a memory, but as a full-fledged antagonist

It was the moment SWTOR proved it could blend nostalgia, high stakes, and modern storytelling into something memorable.

Revan’s Army: The Threat That Changed Everything

The hook of the expansion still feels fresh:

Revan has built an army.
Not to restore an empire.
Not to save the Republic.
But to reshape the entire galaxy — no matter who stands in the way.

It’s rare that SWTOR gives both factions a threat so massive that the Empire and Republic have to consider standing side-by-side. Shadow of Revan didn’t just hint at that — it demanded it.

And players loved it.

Rishi: Pirates, Parrots, and Plot Twists

If you were there on launch week, you remember the confusion — and then the realization — of stepping onto Rishi for the first time.

The pirate hideouts.
The tropical chaos.
The parrots.
The voice lines.
The surprise cinematic reveals that caught nearly everyone off guard.

Rishi was a wild, funny, and genuinely unique environment in SWTOR — and a perfect setup for the darker tones waiting on Yavin 4.

Yavin 4: Ancient Temples and Rising Tension

If Rishi was chaos, Yavin 4 was purpose. The shift in tone was immediate:
Dark temples, old Sith history, oppressive jungles, and an army forming in the shadows.

The lead-up to the Temple of Sacrifice Operation remains one of the most intense story beats SWTOR has ever delivered. The stakes were huge, and the tension between factions felt real.

Plus, the soundtrack on Yavin 4? Still unmatched.

Love Him or Hate Him, Revan Defined SWTOR

No character polarizes and unites players quite like Revan.
Some wanted closure.
Some wanted more mystery.
Some wanted him fully redeemed.
Some wanted him fully unhinged.

But everyone wanted him done right — and Shadow of Revan remains one of the strongest attempts to honor his legacy while giving SWTOR its own direction.

For many players, this expansion is still the high point of the game’s storytelling.

Eleven Years Later — Why It Still Matters

Even after a decade, the influence of Shadow of Revan lingers:

Characters introduced here return in later storylines.
The faction-wide collaboration shaped future expansions.
The Revan arc remains one of the most discussed in the community.
Yavin 4 is still one of the best daily zones for credit-makers.
The Operation is still a fan favorite.

And most importantly — this was the expansion that reminded players why the Old Republic era is so rich, so dramatic, and so worth exploring.

Final Thoughts

Eleven years ago today, SWTOR gave us pirates, jungles, temples, betrayals, big cinematic swings, and a villain who shaped two decades of Star Wars storytelling.

Shadow of Revan wasn’t just another content drop.
It was a moment — one that still defines SWTOR’s identity.

Whether you were there on day one or you’re discovering it through the modern story replay system, today is the perfect day to look back and appreciate what made the expansion great.

Happy 11 years, Shadow of Revan.
May your parrots squawk forever.

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