If there's one thing that Blizzard has learned and taught us well, it's that expansion packs can revitalize a waning MMORPG. BioWare Austin is going to try a similar tactic with its first expansion pack for Star Wars: The Old Republic—Rise of the Hutt Cartel. The expansion is set to release in Spring 2013, and you can preorder it now for $19.99 or $9.99 if you're already a subscriber. Preordering also grants you five days of early access.
Rise of the Hutt Cartel is set on the planet Makeb, and includes five new story-based missions as well as new gear and abilities. The level cap will also be raised to 55.
“We know our fans want to keep experiencing the classic Star Wars storylines they love, and that’s what we’re delivering with the Rise of the Hutt Cartel expansion,” said BioWare Austin executive producer Jeff Hickman. “The planet Makeb is shaping up to be one of our most breathtakingly beautiful settings and the clash with the Hutt Cartel is epic and exciting. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. We have a lot more surprises in store for our fans next year.”
BioWare has also mentioned that Makeb holds a big secret that both the Republic and Sith will want.
If you were a former subscriber, does this intrigue you enough to delve back in?