TL;DR
- Companion gear becomes purely cosmetic with no combat stats in Update 4.0
- All companions now scale automatically with your character level for consistent performance
- Influence replaces gear as the primary method for enhancing companion power
- Non-visual gear slots are being removed and equipped items returned via mail
- Strategic companion selection and influence building become crucial for optimal performance
Following my previous discussion about SWTOR KotFE Early Access companion updates, I’m excited to dive deeper into the transformative changes arriving with Game Update 4.0. These modifications represent a fundamental shift in how we approach companion management, offering both streamlined functionality and enhanced customization opportunities that will significantly impact gameplay strategies.
Companion Gear Now Purely Aesthetic, Companion Combat Stats Scale With Level:
The October release of Game Update 4.0 introduces a revolutionary change: companion equipment no longer provides any combat statistics whatsoever. This separation of appearance and functionality grants unprecedented freedom in outfitting your allies, allowing you to utilize any visual style without compromising battle effectiveness. You can now dress companions in purely decorative pieces or mix-and-match sets based entirely on aesthetic preferences rather than stat optimization concerns.
One significant advantage of this system is the elimination of gear anxiety – no more worrying about finding optimal stat combinations or wasting resources on subpar equipment. This change particularly benefits players who enjoy the fashion aspect of SWTOR, as you can create visually stunning companion appearances without sacrificing combat performance. For optimal results, focus on collecting unique armor sets and rare cosmetic items that showcase your personal style.
Development teams are systematically removing gear slots that don’t affect companion visual presentation since these slots have become functionally redundant. Any equipment currently occupying these soon-to-be-eliminated slots will be automatically returned to players through the in-game mailing system, ensuring no items are lost during the transition.
Regarding companion combat capabilities, every ally now features standardized battle statistics that dynamically adjust according to your character’s current level progression. This ensures consistent performance regardless of which companion you deploy or how frequently you rotate between them, eliminating the previous frustration of underleveled companions after extended absence from your active roster.
This automatic scaling system means you’ll never face the disappointment of summoning a favorite companion only to discover they’re significantly underpowered for current content. The baseline performance level guarantees all companions remain combat-viable throughout your leveling journey and endgame activities. However, strategic companion selection still matters – while all perform adequately, some excel in specific roles or situations based on their inherent abilities and your developed Influence with them.
Despite the removal of gear-based stat improvements, companion power advancement remains achievable through the newly emphasized Influence system. Building rapport with your companions through conversations, gifts, and mission completions now directly enhances their combat effectiveness, healing capabilities, and specialized skills.
The Influence mechanic replaces traditional gear progression as the primary method for strengthening your allies. Higher influence levels translate to improved performance across all combat metrics, making strategic relationship building a crucial aspect of companion optimization. Focus on companions whose roles align with your playstyle and invest in relationship-building activities that yield the best influence returns for your time investment.
Many players initially struggle with the new system by attempting to apply old gearing mentalities. Avoid these common mistakes: hoarding stat-based gear for companions (now useless), neglecting influence-building activities, or assuming all companions perform identically despite scaling. Instead, focus on understanding each companion’s unique strengths and specialization advantages.
For advanced optimization, prioritize companions whose abilities complement your class specialization. Healer companions benefit most from high influence levels, while DPS companions see significant damage improvements. Tank companions become more resilient with increased influence, making them valuable for soloing challenging content. Allocate approximately 2-3 hours weekly for focused influence building through conversations and companion missions.
Understanding companion role specializations becomes crucial in the new system. While all companions can perform any role, each has inherent affinities that make them particularly effective in specific positions. This knowledge, combined with our Class Guide principles, will help you create synergistic partnerships. Additionally, mastering companion abilities through our Complete Guide to battlefield tactics will enhance your strategic options.
Action Checklist
- Clear companion gear inventory and prepare for cosmetic-only system
- Identify 2-3 primary companions for focused influence building
- Check in-game mail for returned gear from removed slots
- Experiment with different companion roles to find optimal synergies
- Develop weekly influence-building routine using conversations and missions
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