Since its release in 2011, Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) has distinguished itself not only as a story-driven MMORPG but also as one of the few games in the genre that deeply embraces role-playing elements, including romance. Unlike many MMOs, where relationships are often limited to social interactions between players, SWTOR incorporates romance directly into its narrative design. The result is an engaging system that allows players to forge meaningful connections with companions and experience stories shaped by affection, loyalty, and sometimes heartbreak. This review explores how romance works in SWTOR, its strengths and shortcomings, and why it still resonates with fans more than a decade after launch.
The Foundation of Romance in SWTOR
Romance in SWTOR isn’t just an optional mini-game—it’s woven into the very fabric of the narrative. Each class storyline introduces a cast of companions, many of whom are romanceable depending on the player’s gender, morality, and decisions. From the moment you meet them, conversations, quests, and alignment choices influence your relationship. These aren’t superficial mechanics; the writing, voice acting, and cinematic presentation make each romance feel authentic and emotionally rewarding.
What sets SWTOR apart is the BioWare touch. The developer, known for Mass Effect and Dragon Age, brings its narrative expertise to this MMO. Dialogue wheels, morality systems, and branching conversations give players agency in pursuing romance. Whether you’re a Jedi Knight upholding the Code or a Sith Warrior bending the rules, you can find a romance that suits your character’s story.
Range of Romance Options
Over the years, SWTOR has expanded its romance pool, ensuring inclusivity and variety. At launch, romance options were more traditional, often restricted by gender. However, BioWare gradually updated the game to introduce same-sex romances and storylines in later expansions. This shift not only reflected modern expectations but also made the galaxy feel more inclusive and representative.
Romances range from lighthearted and flirtatious to deeply emotional. For example, the smuggler’s banter-filled romance options differ dramatically from the Jedi Consular’s more restrained approach. Players can even romance beloved companions like Lana Beniko, Theron Shan, and Koth Vortena, whose story arcs extend across multiple expansions. These long-term romances feel especially rewarding, as they evolve with the overarching narrative rather than ending abruptly after a single quest chain.
Story Integration and Emotional Impact
Romance in SWTOR isn’t isolated from the main plot—it interacts with it. Companions often react to your decisions, express jealousy, or stand by you in times of crisis. During expansions like Knights of the Fallen Empire and Knights of the Eternal Throne, romances are tested by separation, betrayal, or sacrifice, adding emotional depth that rivals BioWare’s single-player RPGs.
One standout element is how romances persist across expansions. Unlike some games where relationships reset, SWTOR remembers your choices. If you romanced a companion years ago, the game acknowledges it when they return, sometimes leading to heartfelt reunions or difficult breakups. These moments create a sense of continuity and personal investment that few MMOs achieve.
Gameplay vs. Story Balance
Because SWTOR is still an MMO, romance doesn’t influence combat mechanics or progression in the same way it might in a single-player RPG. Some players may find this disappointing, as romances don’t grant tangible in-game bonuses. Instead, the payoff is narrative-driven: unique cutscenes, dialogue, and a stronger sense of immersion. For players invested in storytelling, this is a feature, not a flaw. But for those focused purely on gameplay efficiency, romances may feel like a side activity rather than a core mechanic.
Strengths of the Romance System
- Cinematic Presentation – Fully voiced cutscenes, facial animations, and dialogue choices make romances immersive.
- Variety and Inclusivity – A wide range of options across genders, alignments, and expansions ensures every player can find a match.
- Continuity Across Stories – Romances carry over across expansions, reinforcing the long-term bond between player and companion.
- Emotional Weight – The writing balances humor, drama, and tragedy, making relationships feel genuine.
Areas for Improvement
Despite its strengths, SWTOR’s romance system isn’t flawless. Early game romances can feel restrictive compared to later expansions, especially regarding gender options. Some companions are locked behind specific classes, meaning you need to replay the game with different characters to see all storylines. Additionally, not every companion has a romance arc, which can feel disappointing if players form attachments that the game doesn’t support.
Another limitation is the pace at which romances unfold. Since dialogue opportunities are tied to story progression, players may feel rushed or, conversely, wait long stretches before advancing a romance. While this pacing mirrors real relationships in some ways, it can clash with the MMO structure, where players are eager for immediate engagement.
Final Verdict
SWTOR’s romance system remains one of the most compelling features of the game. It elevates the MMO experience by giving players not just battles and loot, but personal stories that resonate on an emotional level. Few online games offer such deep, cinematic romances, and BioWare’s storytelling expertise shines through in every flirtation, confession, and reunion.
For players who value role-playing, narrative depth, and emotional investment, SWTOR romances are a highlight worth experiencing. While not perfect, they stand as a reminder that even in a galaxy defined by war and politics, love and connection still have a place.
Score: 8.5/10 – A rich and emotionally rewarding system that enhances the Star Wars MMO experience, despite some limitations.
