SWTOR Reveals 7.6's Graphic Updates And New Dynamic Encounters World Content, But Delays New Story Content

So far, the transition from BioWare to Broadsword hasn't seemed to stop the Star Wars: The Old Republic team from adding new content to the MMORPG. That's not to say that players are thrilled with the level or amount of content added in patches, but those complaints aren't exclusive to Broadsword, they started back when the game was still under BioWare.

I mean, a new story chapter that was basically just a few cutscenes and a single Flashpoint a few updates ago didn't really thrill fans.

That said, there's a little more bad news on the "story" front. During the latest stream from the team showing off everything that is coming in the 7.6 "Galactic Threads" update, the team revealed that the story portion of the update will be delayed. This will be the ONLY portion of the update that will not release in December. Currently the story is slated to arrive "in 2025."

While development is "very well underway," the team doesn't have "all the elements" needed to complete the story portion in time. I'm not exactly sure what that means. Are they waiting on a delayed Amazon package of goods? I have no clue.

I won't review the story beats planned for the update as they do contain some spoilers for the 7.5 patch, but if you want to check out what's coming, the story discussion (and the delay announcement) start at the 6:05 mark in the stream recap video below.

Of course, new bundles and Cartel Market updates will make it on time. Imagine that.

Ok, getting away from the bad news, there are some good, interesting things coming in 7.6.

The first, as shown in the trailer video below, is an Art Modernization pass. Environments, textures, and lighting are being improved game-wide. This primarily starts with the starting zones. Tython, Korriban, Hoth, and Ilum get some love and the comparison video below really shows how small changes make big improvements sometimes. Character models, specifically heads, also see improvements...finally.

I'll say this, SWTOR NAILED how to do a graphics improvement video. Get right to the point and just keep showing before and after swipes. Perfect reveal video for these updates.

While story is delayed, there is a totally new piece of content coming in 7.6. Dynamic Encounters are open-world events that will debut on Hoth and Tatooine and offer new rewards if players join into various events on the map. Events can run the gamut of killing secret groups of forces, to herding Banthas, or advertising a new band's next performance. They'll also be on timers.

Think FFXIV's FATEs or Guild Wars 2's open world events.

If you're looking for a challenge, a new lair boss will drop in both Story and Veteran difficulties. Take on a Propagator Core XR-53 droid that is trying to repair itself, but it's a bit disrupted...

For PvP players, Warzones will no longer support 8-person groups. You can only queue up in groups of 4 starting in the patch. Apparently, full pre-made groups are causing issues. Level 75 Spoils of War gear will also have their set bonuses disabled in PvP.

Finally, make sure to get all the details on the Life Day event coming next month, new augments, and a free mount offer for subscribers from the full breakdown post.