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The Smuggler is a master of weaponry, improvisation, and luck, which they use to overcome the most dangerous of adversaries. Unlike Force Users like the protective and stalwart Jedi Knight, this class uses tricks or unfair tactics to get the jump on enemies and take advantage of their confusion. Playing the Smuggler requires some luck and flexibility, meaning that players must embrace the inherent unpredictability of this class. Once players master this class, they will become a quick, effective, and advantageously volatile help to the Galactic Republic.

Remember Flavor: Be Quick, Cunning, And Unpredictable

The Smuggler performs best when approaching situations from an unorthodox yet effective angle. This class can adapt to battles quickly, strategically, and unpredictably to get the upper hand on enemies. Many of the Smuggler’s abilities play to that strength, allowing the most unfavorable battles to turn in their favor. However, players must learn to embrace this class’s ambiguous and seemingly impractical playstyle to use it to its fullest. They must adopt an unusual mindset that favors luck, surprise, and unique strategies to defeat foes rather than sheer power.

The unconventional nature of the Smuggler is its most effective offense and defense. Countering or predicting this class’s next move is near impossible, and even then, the chances are that most will fail in doing so. This unpredictability takes some getting used to, but its benefits prove advantageous, as unconventional as they may be. Players must learn to go with the flow, relying on instinct and luck to overcome many obstacles. They will be surprised to learn how effective such a seemingly counterintuitive playstyle can be and come to love the Smuggler class.

Shoot First And Be The Last One Standing

The Smuggler does not benefit from head-on assaults or fair fights. As cunning and quick as this class may be, it lacks the formidability needed to last in direct or prolonged confrontations. If the Smuggler engages in such encounters, they will likely meet a disappointing and abrupt demise, especially against foes of greater power. Avoiding an untimely end is as simple as playing to this class’s strength, shoot first and be the last one standing.

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The Smuggler relies on an indirect and unpredictable approach to gain an advantage against opponents. Using whatever means fitting the situation, this class must always get the first hit and stay alive to finish the job. This playstyle involves a lot of surprise attacks and tactical retreats, which may seem cheap at first, but it is the most effective method of playing the Smuggler. Doing so will cause enemies much trouble when defeating this class and defending against it.

Stay Confident When The Going Gets Tough

The Smuggler boasts many advantageous qualities, the most prominent being its elusiveness. This class can effortlessly create diversions or slink away from combat, granting a period to recoup and devise a new strategy. The evasive capabilities of the Smuggler increase its survivability to an extent far beyond that of many other classes in Star Wars: The Old Republic. With this class, players can stress much less in dire situations as they will likely have a means of escaping or mitigating difficulty.

The Smuggler must stay confident during unfavorable circumstances and keep a level head. This class is the most suitable for making speedy escapes and performing well in the most adverse situations. The Smuggler possesses a wide variety of abilities that suit that proficiency. So, players must keep this in mind and remain confident no matter how oppositional conditions may be. Otherwise, they will become distressed and lose focus, increasing the possibility of their demise.

Utilize Cover To Boost Survivability

The Smuggler, like most other non-Force Users, boasts a unique mechanic known as Cover. This ability allows players to protect against damage when they hide behind something, whether a wall or a low barrier. Moreover, players can attack from Cover, allowing them to inflict damage while keeping safe. Players should utilize this beneficial mechanic often, especially when shooting from afar or executing a tactical retreat.

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To use Cover, players must press the F Key or the Middle-Mouse Button ⁠— although they can alter the controls in the settings to suit their preference. Doing so will cause players to crouch down or roll to a suitable spot, depending on their position. Players must ensure proper defenses are nearby lest Cover will not work, leaving them defenseless. Some Cover spots perform better against particular enemies, as players will learn over time.

Companion: Risha Drayen

The Smuggler can choose from six companions that they meet throughout the storyline, each distinct and capable in their right. These unwavering allies offer aid and compensate for shortcomings and weaknesses. Every companion is a fitting choice, but the best option for the Smuggler is the cynical follower Risha Drayen — a Human scoundrel with a mysterious life shrouded in secrecy and heartache.

Risha Drayen is a companion the Smuggler will encounter during Chapter 1 and befriend by its end. She is a skilled deadeye capable of inflicting substantial damage with a single shot. Risha Drayen’s proficiency with a blaster allows her to capitalize on the Smuggler’s indirect and unconventional playstyle, resulting in the defeat of most enemies with a well-orchestrated surprise attack. She also has one of the more interesting storylines of all the companions.

Gunslinger: Shoot, Shoot, And Shoot Again

The Gunslinger subclass for the Smuggler utilizes a barrage of devastating attacks, dealing an unfathomable amount of damage in a short period. With dual pistols and a masterful trigger finger, the Gunslinger can dispatch most foes within the first few moments of a fight. This subclass emphasizes the Smuggler’s playstyle by making assaults much more effective, ensuring that most encounters are short-lived duels and not prolonged confrontations. The Disciplines listed below allow for further specialization of the Smuggler, allowing players to tweak the class to their exact specifications.

Dirty Fighting: This Discipline furthers the Gunslinger subclass’s offensive capabilities by granting them exploitative abilities. Using debilitating or weakening powers, the Smuggler can undercut enemies and gain an advantage, allowing them to inflict more significant damage or hinder foes. This somewhat cheap but fitting Discipline dramatically increases the Smuggler’s damage output at the expense of enemies. Saboteur: This Discipline makes the Gunslinger more tactical by granting them destructive demolition technology. With a handful of devastating explosive devices, the Smuggler can bypass the most formidable defenses and inflict fire damage that persists for a period, allowing them to deal with foes of superior power. This Discipline improves the Smuggler’s ability to dispatch enemies quickly, including those that are exceedingly powerful. Sharpshooter: This Discipline improves the Gunslinger’s skill with their dual pistols by enhancing their precision. This improved accuracy allows the Smuggler to hit nearly every shot regardless of their distance or position and increases the lethality of every attack. This Discipline makes the Smuggler far more dangerous and truly captures what the Gunslinger subclass is supposed to be, a fast-handed and precise duelist.

Scoundrel: Keep Quiet And Surprise Enemies

The Scoundrel subclass for the Smuggler capitalizes on the indirect aspect of the class, using stealth to stay hidden or unleash a devastating surprise attack. Equipped with a scattergun, stealth belt, and medpack, the Scoundrel can effortlessly surprise enemies and withdrawal when the going gets tough. This subclass plays to the undercutting and covert nature of the Smuggler, granting them the means to obtain an unfair advantage and disappear without a trace. Players can further attune the Smuggler by choosing one of the distinct Disciplines listed below.

Ruffian: This Discipline grants the Scoundrel various attacks that cause enemies to bleed, weakening their fortitude and leaving them susceptible. Utilizing particularly sharp attacks, the Smuggler can improve their damage while passively diminishing their foe’s health, allowing them to deal with most enemies regardless of their formidability. This Discipline grants the Smuggler another means of undercutting enemies and exploiting their newfound weakness. Sawbones: This Discipline focuses on the Scoundrel’s ability to heal, turning them into impromptu medics with impractical yet effective restorative powers. This subclass utilizes medpacks and Kolto to keep themselves and their allies in good health while inflicting considerable damage and staying stealthy. This Discipline makes the Smuggler an effective and valuable healer that can bring teammates and companions from the brink of death. Scrapper: This Discipline turns the Scoundrel from a midrange fighter to a close combat brawler with a mean uppercut. Using their fist and the blunt of their scattergun, the Smuggler can debilitate enemies and take advantage of their discombobulated state, dispatching them quickly or granting time for a speedy escape. This Discipline transforms the Smuggler into a diverse fighter who can surprise enemies with an up-close assault.

Star Wars: The Old Republic is available on PC.

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