SWTOR Timeline Explained (3653–3620 BBY)

SWTOR begins in 3653 BBY, roughly 3,600 years before Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.

The playable era spans approximately:

3653–3620 BBY

This period includes the following:

• The Cold War between the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire

• Renewed full-scale war between the Republic and Empire

• The rise and fall of the Eternal Empire

• Mandalorian clan fragmentation

• Darth Malgus’ resurgence

The Treaty of Coruscant (3653 BBY) serves as the primary chronological anchor for the SWTOR timeline.

BBY — Before the Battle of Yavin

The standard chronological dating system used across Star Wars. SWTOR occurs approximately 3,600 years before the Battle of Yavin.

BTC — Before the Treaty of Coruscant

Used in roleplay contexts to reference events preceding the Treaty of Coruscant (3653 BBY).

ATC — After the Treaty of Coruscant

Used to reference events following the Treaty of Coruscant, including the Cold War period and expansion-era developments.

Because Broadsword Online Games does not publish a detailed year-by-year calendar, some expansion placements are approximated using in-game context and developer references.

Within the Archive, the following distinctions are used:

• Canon events — confirmed in-game dates

• Archival positioning — structured chronological placement used for documentation clarity

The Sith Empire re-emerges from the Unknown Regions and sacks Coruscant, forcing the Galactic Republic to sign the Treaty of Coruscant.

The Treaty establishes the following:

• Ends the Great Galactic War

• Begins the Cold War period

• Establishes the political tension defining early SWTOR

• Forms the narrative foundation for class storylines

All timeline positioning within the Archive references this date as the primary chronological anchor.

Although open warfare pauses, conflict continues beneath the surface.

Key developments include:

• Intelligence networks expand (Republic SIS and Imperial Intelligence)

• Internal rivalries among Sith intensify

• The Jedi Order rebuilds on Tython

• Mandalorian clans engage in contract warfare

• Corporate influence expands across neutral systems

• Criminal syndicates exploit regional instability

Most original class storylines occur during this period.

This period is commonly used for early SWTOR roleplay character placement.

Below is the SWTOR expansion timeline with approximate dating.

SWTOR Launch Era (v1.0) — 3643–3641 BBY

The original eight class storylines unfold during the later years of the Cold War period.

This era establishes the following:

• Core Republic–Empire dynamics

• Instability within the Sith hierarchy

• The Jedi Order’s recovery

• Foundational player character arcs

Rise of the Hutt Cartel (v2.0) — 3638 BBY

The Hutt Cartel initiates a large-scale resource extraction campaign on Makeb.

Major impacts include:

• Regional destabilization

• Strategic intervention by the Republic and the Empire

• Escalation toward renewed galactic conflict

Shadow of Revan (v3.0) — 3637–3636 BBY

Revanite forces mobilize across the following locations:

• Rishi

• Yavin IV

• Manaan

Ziost is devastated following direct intervention by the Sith Emperor, marking a pivotal shift in galactic power dynamics.

Knights of the Fallen Empire (v4.0) — 3636–3631 BBY

The Eternal Empire of Zakuul emerges as a dominant third galactic power.

Key developments include:

• The Outlander is captured

• A five-year carbonite stasis

• Formation of a cross-faction Alliance

Traditional Republic–Empire power structures are destabilized.

Knights of the Eternal Throne (v5.0) — 3629–3628 BBY

The Eternal Throne is reclaimed.

Major consequences include:

• The collapse of Zakuulan dominance

• Revelation of the Nathema Conspiracy

• Refracturing of galactic political alignment

Onslaught (v6.0) — 3627–3626 BBY

Open war between the Republic and the Empire resumes.

Major theaters include:

• Ossus

• Onderon

• Mek-Sha

• Corellia

This period marks renewed large-scale military conflict.

Legacy of the Sith (v7.0) — 3625–3621 BBY

Darth Malgus resurfaces, initiating covert operations tied to ancient Sith relics.

Major developments include:

• Hidden Chain operations

• Mandalorian fragmentation

• Escalation of Force-aligned instability

This is the most common baseline era for contemporary Star Forge RP characters.

Most registered Star Forge roleplay characters are positioned within the following range:

3630–3620 BBY

This period includes the following developments:

• Post–Eternal Empire stabilization

• Renewed Republic–Empire war

• Events associated with the Legacy of the Sith expansion

• Alliance-era political realignments

Earlier Cold War placements remain valid if lore-aligned.

For character registration guidance, see:

👉 SWTOR Character Registry

👉 Submit a Character Dossier

Galactic Republic

A Senate-governed democracy supported by the following institutions:

• The Jedi Order

• The Republic military

• The Strategic Information Service (SIS)

Common roleplay placements include:

• Jedi Knights and Jedi Masters

• Republic military officers

• SIS intelligence operatives

• Senators and diplomatic officials

Sith Empire

A hierarchical regime governed by the Sith Dark Council.

Common roleplay placements include:

• Sith Lords and Sith apprentices

• Imperial military officers

• Imperial Intelligence agents

• Imperial bureaucratic administrators

Independent and Non-State Powers

This category includes:

• Mandalorian clans

• The Hutt Cartel

• Corporate entities (e.g., Czerka Corporation)

• Pirate fleets

• Independent Force sects

• Neutral planetary governments

These groups provide flexible narrative positioning for roleplay characters.

Republic-Aligned Worlds

Coruscant • Tython • Ord Mantell • Ossus

Imperial-Aligned Worlds

Dromund Kaas • Korriban

Active War Zones

Balmorra • Corellia • Dantooine • Hoth • Ilum • Manaan • Onderon • Ruhnuk • Taris • Yavin IV

Neutral and Independent Systems

Alderaan • Copero • Iokath • Makeb • Nar Shaddaa • Odessen • Rishi • Tatooine • Voss • Ziost • Mek-Sha • Zakuul

These classifications support structured archival positioning within character dossiers.

When writing or registering a SWTOR roleplay character, ensure the following:

• Era placement aligns with documented SWTOR expansion chronology

• Allegiance classification reflects the political realities of the selected year

• Background references align with established SWTOR events

For structured inclusion within the Star Forge Archive, see:

👉 Review the Character Registry

👉 Consult the Archive Charter

👉 Submit a Character Dossier

How many years before Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope does SWTOR take place?

Approximately 3,600 years before Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.

Is SWTOR canon?

SWTOR exists within the Star Wars Legends continuity. The timeline used here reflects events established in the game’s narrative.

What is the most common roleplay era on Star Forge?

Most contemporary roleplay occurs between 3630–3620 BBY (post–Eternal Empire and Legacy of the Sith).