SWTOR 8.0 PTS Opens Ryloth and Tests Its New Gear Upgrade System

Ryloth reaches the Public Test Server

Broadsword's November 6 announcement makes the Twi'lek homeworld of Ryloth available in the sixth phase of the Game Update 8.0 Public Test Server. This is a test release. Players should not mistake it for the live launch of the Masters of the Force era.

The planet introduces dynamic encounters involving support for local communities, feeding Banthas, finding relics and confronting Hutt forces. The developers caution that some environment art and assets remain unfinished while testing continues.

For players following Ryloth's place in Star Wars history, the new setting extends SWTOR's exploration of the Outer Rim and creates more space for Twi'lek stories in the game's Old Republic era.

The gear system changes what carries forward

The revised gear upgrade interface is designed to transfer installed augments, color crystals and tunings to the next item upgrade. Certain item ratings also permit adjustments to tertiary stats. According to the developers, gear is bind-on-pickup and catch-up vendors should help alternate characters progress.

Those changes matter because a system that preserves costly augment and cosmetic components can reduce the friction of frequent upgrades. The full balance impact will depend on the final upgrade costs, itemization and endgame rewards, all of which remain subject to testing.

Class balancing is still in progress

The November 6 PTS phase also introduces more class balance adjustments. Broadsword directs players to the PTS forums for class-specific change lists and feedback. Players should consult the current test notes before treating any individual skill or rotation change as final.

No confirmed production launch date was established by this PTS announcement. Imperial Dark Sector will separate test-only changes from features that actually reach the live servers.