SWTOR summer livestream notes:
Galactic seasons 2 & 4 content making a return in Galactic season 11: Light and Shadow, including companions Fen Zeil and Amity beginning August 18
7.9.1 release target next week
New Cartel Market category: Accessories!
7.9.1 will introduce new accessories, with the first round being focused on CYBERNETICS!!!!!! Finally!!! Dream come true
- They specifically mentioned a cybernetic arm as well as other things
Cybernetics from cyborg characters are being turned into wearable head slot pieces so they can be put on species other than human (Musco made a joke that these cybernetics were being ripped off of “no one in particular” which I thought was funny)
Feast of Prosperity returning October 6th through November 3rd
8.0 is the next era of story. No story talk today, saving for a later stream
Level cap increase to 85, with combat balance and new abilities
Fitted pack items in collections
Toys converted into abilities, including cosmetics, trainers and rests and recharges. No more toys in your inventory.
Leveling experience overhaul: Live experience is very quick, easy to over-level just by doing main story. Short amount of time to understand class abilities.
Changing it to be accelerated but less over-leveling. Smoothing out experience multipliers, but playing only main story missions will not level you to 85. Adjustments to specific sources of XP.
Decoration persistence: if you turn on a decoration and leave a stronghold, they will stay turned on when you return.
Overworld Difficulty Modes:
Difficulty modes: players will be able to set their difficulty in the over world: Story, Veteran, and Master. Story is the game's current difficulty, Veteran is increased and similar to launch era, and Master is the highest challenge. Impacts damage and healing received, and experience gains. Does not impact how much damage you *do*.
Difficulty is personal, so you can still play with others. Does not affect instance areas.
New Ventures tied to Difficulty Modes:
New Ventures tied to difficulty modes: Classic and Expert
To participate players will create new characters that will be locked into their respective difficulty: Classic or Expert. Classic is Veteran difficulty and Expert is Master.
Ventures will provide new gameplay. New rewards from Ventures.
Ventures were the last new thing they discussed for 8.0, then they just recapped and talked about the new abilities coming with the new level cap, which will be earned at level 83. New abilities are now on the PTS. You can also test the first boss of the new Operation.