SWTOR 8.0 PTS Phase 6 Adds Ryloth, Dynamic Encounters, and New Gear Testing

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Phase 6 of Star Wars: The Old Republic’s Game Update 8.0 test cycle is now live on the Public Test Server, giving players access to Ryloth, the new Dynamic Encounters on the planet, the updated gearing system, and another round of class balance changes.

Ryloth, the Twi’lek homeworld, is available to explore on the PTS with unfinished art, environments, and assets still in place. The test build includes local Dynamic Encounters such as feeding Banthas, searching for relics, and fighting Hutt forces.

The 8.0 gearing changes are also open for testing. The biggest shift is a new UI for upgrading gear, along with a few quality-of-life changes aimed at making upgrades less painful and helping alternate characters catch up faster.

  • Gear upgrades now run through a new user interface.
  • Augments, Color Crystals, and Tunings carry over when gear is upgraded.
  • Tertiary stats can be changed at certain item ratings.
  • Gear is Bind on Pickup.
  • Catch-up vendors are available to help alts gear more quickly.

All classes have received additional balance updates in this PTS phase as well. Players who want the full breakdown will need to check the PTS sub-forums, where the team is asking for feedback on Ryloth, gearing, and the latest combat changes before 8.0 moves closer to release.

Further reading: Official SWTOR Steam news