Most players go into BioWare’s massive multiplayer world wanting to swing a lightsaber. It makes sense. It’s Star Wars. But honestly, if you skip the Star Wars The Old Republic Bounty Hunter storyline, you’re missing out on the most grounded, gritty, and rewarding narrative the game has to offer. While the Jedi are busy meditating on the Force and the Sith are stabbing each other in the back over ancient relics, the Bounty Hunter is out there getting paid. There is something incredibly liberating about being the only person in a room full of space wizards who doesn't care about their "destiny." You have a jetpack. You have a flamethrower. And most importantly, you have a bill to collect.
The appeal of the Bounty Hunter isn't just about the gear, though the gear is objectively cool. It’s about the Great Hunt. This isn’t some vague quest to save the galaxy; it’s an intergalactic competition where the deadliest mercenaries in the cosmos compete for glory and a massive payday. You start as a nobody on Hutta—a literal swamp of a planet—and work your way up to being the most feared name in the Outer Rim. It feels earned.
The Great Hunt and Why Your Motivation Matters
The first act of the Star Wars The Old Republic Bounty Hunter story focuses on the Great Hunt. This is a legendary Mandalorian-sponsored tournament. You aren't fighting because some Council told you it was "right." You’re fighting because Braden, your mentor, gets murdered by a self-important Jedi named Tarro Blood.
Tarro Blood is perhaps one of the most effective villains in the game because he isn't a world-ending threat. He’s just a jerk. He’s a snob who thinks he’s better than you because he has a lightsaber. Beating him doesn't feel like saving the world; it feels like personal justice. This sets the tone for the entire class. It’s personal. It’s about reputation. In an MMO where you often feel like a nameless cog in a war machine, the Bounty Hunter story makes you feel like an independent contractor who everyone—including the Empire—is slightly afraid to annoy.
Choosing Your Path: Mercenary or Powertech?
Mechanically, you have to decide how you want to play this role. This is where a lot of new players get tripped up. The Star Wars The Old Republic Bounty Hunter splits into two very different styles of play.
The Mercenary is your classic Boba Fett archetype if Boba Fett carried two massive blasters and never stopped firing. It’s a ranged powerhouse. You’re sitting back, venting heat, and launching guided missiles. If you like seeing high numbers on the screen and having the ability to heal your allies with "kolto shots" (which is basically just shooting your friends to make them feel better), this is your pick.
Then there’s the Powertech. This is for people who want to be in the thick of it. You’re a tank or a close-range damage dealer. You use retractable blades, carbonite sprays, and a flamethrower that makes you feel like a walking furnace. There is a specific joy in "Grapple"—shooting a wire to pull a distant sniper right into your face before punching them with a rocket-powered gauntlet. It’s visceral. It’s loud. It’s the antithesis of the "civilized" Jedi way.
Companions That Actually Feel Like a Crew
We need to talk about Mako. She is your first companion, and she is arguably the heart of the story. She’s a professional hacker who keeps your finances in check and your conscience (mostly) alive. The dynamic between a gritty Hunter and a tech-savvy orphan works better than almost any other pairing in the game.
But then you get Blizz.
🔗 Read more: COD Games Release Dates: What Most People Get Wrong About the 2026 Schedule
Blizz is a Jawa. He wears a tiny custom suit of armor. He refers to you as "Boss." He is pure chaos. Having a Jawa on your ship, tinkering with things that probably shouldn't be tinkered with, adds a layer of levity that the darker Sith storylines lack. You aren't just a killing machine; you’re a leader of a ragtag group of weirdos. Even Gault Rennow, the smooth-talking con artist you're supposed to kill but end up recruiting instead, adds a layer of "heist movie" energy to the proceedings. It’s a found family, even if half of them are technically criminals.
The Problem With "Heat"
Let’s get technical for a second. The Bounty Hunter uses a resource called "Heat." Most classes in SWTOR use a pool of energy that starts at 100 and goes down. The Hunter starts at 0 and goes up. If you get too hot, your abilities slow down. You can't just spam your biggest missiles. You have to manage your rotation.
This creates a rhythmic flow to combat. You’re constantly monitoring your gauge. It feels like managing a complex piece of machinery. When you hit "Vent Heat" and see all those bars drop instantly, allowing you to unleash another barrage, it’s immensely satisfying. It rewards players who actually pay attention rather than just mashing buttons.
📖 Related: Free Cash Slot Games: How They Actually Work (And What To Avoid)
Freedom From the Light and Dark Side Binary
One of the best things about playing a Star Wars The Old Republic Bounty Hunter is that the Light Side and Dark Side choices actually make sense for a human being. In the Jedi story, "Light Side" can sometimes feel like being a doormat. In the Sith story, "Dark Side" often feels like being a cartoon villain who kills people for no reason.
As a Hunter, Light Side choices are usually about being a professional. You honor the contract. You don't kill people you weren't paid to kill. You show mercy if the target is innocent. Dark Side choices are about being a ruthless mercenary. You take bribes to betray your employers. You kill everyone in the room just to make a point. You aren't choosing between "good" and "evil" so much as you’re choosing between "Professional Professional" and "Terrifying Psychopath." Both are valid. Both feel like they belong in the Star Wars universe.
Why This Story Peaks in Act 3
Without spoiling the specifics, Act 3 of the Bounty Hunter story raises the stakes in a way that feels organic. You aren't just a hunter anymore; you become a political pawn between the Republic and the Empire. The game asks you a hard question: Can a Bounty Hunter ever truly be free?
You end up facing off against some of the highest-ranking members of the Republic. It’s a David vs. Goliath situation, except David has a thermal detonator and a suit of Mandalorian iron. The ending of the class story is one of the few in SWTOR that gives you a genuine choice about your ultimate allegiance. You can remain a loyal servant of the Empire, or you can basically tell the Emperor to stay out of your business. It’s the ultimate "I’m just a simple man trying to make my way in the universe" moment.
Real World Tips for Starting Your Hunter
If you're going to jump in today, there are a few things you should know to make the experience better.
💡 You might also like: Why Skyrim Still Dominates Your Hard Drive After 14 Years
- Pick your combat style wisely. Thanks to recent updates, you can now play the Bounty Hunter story using other tech combat styles. Want to be a Bounty Hunter who uses a sniper rifle like an Operative? You can do that now. It opens up the roleplay significantly.
- Don't ignore the side quests on Hutta. Hutta is a miserable place, but the side quests there establish the "vibe" of the criminal underworld. They help you understand why your character wants to leave and never look back.
- Invest in a good mount. You’re going to be doing a lot of traveling across massive maps like Tatooine and Hoth. A Bounty Hunter on a speeder bike just looks right.
- Customize your armor. The "Outfitter" system is your friend. Half the fun of this class is looking like a walking tank. Don't settle for the mismatched green gear you get from quest rewards. Head to the Galactic Trade Market and find some Mandalorian-inspired shells.
The Legacy of the Hunter
The Star Wars The Old Republic Bounty Hunter isn't just a class; it’s a specific perspective on the Star Wars galaxy. It’s the perspective of the people who live in the shadows of the giants. It reminds us that while the Fate of the Galaxy is being decided by people with glowing sticks, there’s a whole world of people just trying to get by, one contract at a time.
Whether you play it as a noble warrior following a code or a greedy killer who would sell their own mother for a handful of credits, the journey is worth every minute. It’s the most "Star Wars" the game ever gets, precisely because it isn't about the Force. It’s about grit, gear, and the glory of the hunt.
Actionable Next Steps for New Hunters
- Download the game via the official SWTOR site or Steam. The base class stories, including the full Bounty Hunter narrative, are completely free to play.
- Join a Mandalorian-themed guild. The community for Bounty Hunters is incredibly active. Finding a group that roleplays as a "Mandalorian Clan" adds a massive amount of depth to the endgame experience.
- Focus on your "Presence" stat for companions. Since the Hunter relies heavily on companions like Mako or Blizz, keeping your influence high with them makes combat significantly smoother.
- Explore the "Legacy" system. Once you finish Act 1, you unlock the ability to use Bounty Hunter-specific emotes and abilities on your other characters, which is a nice perk for your future Jedi or Sith alts.