How to Approach Star Wars™: KOTOR II and The Old Republic

If you’re playing Star Wars™: KOTOR II, focus on the story and choices presented in the game rather than treating it as setup for The Old Republic. The draft’s central distinction is that KOTOR II emphasizes the Exile’s personal journey and challenges the Jedi and Sith, while the later MMO reframes parts of that story. For your playthrough, engage with KOTOR II’s own dialogue and moral questions first.

Focus on the Exile’s story

KOTOR II follows the Exile, a former Jedi who has lost their connection to the Force and must rebuild their identity amid the remnants of the Jedi Order. Pay attention to how the Exile’s choices shape their relationships and understanding of the Force. That gives you a direct way to follow the game’s personal story without relying on later lore.

Treat Revan as a subject of discussion

The draft presents Revan as an important but partly mysterious figure in KOTOR II. Rather than relying on outside accounts as the definitive interpretation, consider what the game’s characters—including Kreia—say about Revan, and weigh those accounts against your own decisions in the story.

Follow the game’s questions about the Force

KOTOR II examines the Jedi and Sith and questions the consequences of their conflict. Listen to the conversations that challenge the usual light-side and dark-side framing. Those exchanges are the game’s own material for considering the Force and the characters’ beliefs.

If you later compare KOTOR II with The Old Republic, treat that as a separate interpretation of the story. For a first playthrough, start with KOTOR II’s dialogue, the Exile’s choices, and the conflicts the game puts in front of you.