Patch 1.3 for SWTOR is packed full with a lot of big changes for the game; enough to keep hopeful Jedi and Sith coming back for more adventures throughout the galaxy. Swotrhub.com has taken a thorough examination of these big changes from the new group finder, ranked warzones, and other features, such as legacy perks, adaptive armor, and the new augment system. All of these changes are well and good, but there other, smaller changes found in patch 1.3 to SWTOR that will have an impact upon players.

Big new features will have the most impact upon players in SWTOR, but it would be unwise to overlook the smaller changes being implemented in patch 1.3. While these little known changes aren't as earth-shattering as server transfers and the group finder, they can and will influence the gameplay of players. Just remember the old adage, "From small stones come huge ripples." Now Swtorhub.com takes a look at five little known facts that will have a gameplay impact.

New Tutorials

While most players coming into SWTOR have most likely played other MMOs, many players are new to online gaming and are not used to the standard MMO conventions. With patch 1.3, a new tutorial system is in place to more fully explain the mechanics of SWTOR and how the players can navigate their way through the game. These new tutorials are much more elaborate and more detailed than the previous tutorial method. The highly graphic nature of the new tutorial system in patch 1.3 really makes it easier for new players to fully immerse themselves in a galaxy far, far away with a great deal of ease.

While some may consider a redo of the tutorial system small potatoes, I think it's both a necessary decision and a smart one. The lifeblood of any MMO is pumping in new blood into the ranks of the subscribers and implementing a tutorial system that graphically shows new players the ins-and-outs of SWTOR fulfills that basic function.

Biochem Adrenals

One little known fact of patch 1.3 is that adrenals crafted through Biochem prior to the patch will no longer be able to be used in PvP areas. This is a pretty hefty change to players using Biochem, but not all is lost. Players can craft a version of the Warzone Adrenal. You will be able to purchase the new schematic from the PvP vendor. This new Warzone Adrenal has had the duration lessened to 15 seconds and only provides PvP damage reduction. It does not boost healing or damage. Again, this is not a huge change, but it does have an impact upon PvP and, more importantly, on those who have Biochem as a crew skill.

Buff and Debuff Stacking Changes

Another small change in patch 1.3 that will have an impact upon players is the change to stacking buffs and debuffs. In the past, you could stack various debuffs and buffs, but now only the highest of any given non-stacking buff will apply. This change will effect buffs such as armor increase, healing received increase, and damage dealt increase (from abilities such as Force Shelter, Kolto Residue, and Bloothirst). Debuffs such as armor reduction, healing reduction, and accuracy reduction (from abilities such as Tracer Missile, Flourish Shot, and Diversion) will also be affected by this new stacking system.

This change will impact both PvE and PvP groups. To make sure that you have the best possible stacking, make sure you use our DPS tool (http://www.swtorhub.com/dps/logs/) to guarantee your maximum potential.

Targeting

Fourth on our list of little known facts of patch 1.3 is a modification to the targeting system in SWTOR. Players can enable a new feature of targeting that will allow them to see the next potential enemy that will be targeted after the current target. There is also an option to have the targeting go from left to right across the screen. To access this new targeting option, you'll have to open your preferences panel, go to 'Control', and then scroll down to 'Combat' and click which options you wish to enable. Don't forget to then click the 'Apply' button to lock the changes in.

Like the other items on our list, this change isn't earth-shattering, but it will have a impact upon gameplay. Improving the targeting system and having a logical system of progression (left to right) makes combat easier to follow and plan. I think this will be a welcome addition in PvP.

Hutts taking over the Galactic Trade Network

SWTOR has announced that, as of patch 1.3, the Hutt Cartel has seized control of the Galactic Trade Network. What does this mean to players? This is a quiet change that will have lots of repercussions for the in-game economy. Players will now be able to buy and sell items to both factions, just not their own by using the Galactic Market Kiosk.

The reason why I think this small change will have a big impact is two-fold. One, players will now be able to purchase items from the other faction, which greatly increases their chance of getting the coveted items that they want. Second, by being able to sell to the opposing faction, the market is greatly expanded and savvy players will take advantage of the larger customer base. Depending upon the server, prices could go higher or lower for various popular items.

Sometimes the smallest changes can have the biggest impact in a game. While there are big changes for SWTOR in patch 1.3, don't overlook the little known aspects of the patch that will have a profound influence upon gameplay. Changes to the Galactic Trade Network, stacking, targeting, adrenals, and tutorials might look insignificant compared to legacy perks and the group finder, but they will have a strong influence upon how players will continue to play and enjoy SWTOR.