BioWare will launch the next Star Wars: The Old Republic expansion called Legacy of the Sith this December, which places Darth Malgus as the MMO's next main villain. As the highly anticipated anniversary expansion, Legacy of the Sith paves the way for another decade of Star Wars MMO content, with Malgus right at the center. This isn't the first time BioWare has used Darth Malgus as a villain for SWTOR, and it likely won't be the last. In that sense, both new and returning players need to understand the threat they're facing to prepare for Darth Malgus' powerful abilities and nefarious plots for the Star Wars galaxy.
Though many story details concerning the SWTOR Legacy of the Sith update are hidden, players can expect to spend time on Manaan and Elom, two planets of varying importance in the universe. Manaan is the home planet of the Selkath species and the solitary source of kolto production, the primary medical chemical used in healing supplies by the Republic and Empire. Though Manaan has maintained strict neutrality in the conflict between the Sith and Jedi, the Empire seeks to control kolto output and begin their own production. Republic players must work alongside Manaan's local militia, but Imperial players must ensure the success of their invasion force. Additionally, players have the opportunity to pursue Darth Malgus to Elom. The desolate planet is home to Darth Null's ancient temples, which Darth Malgus was spotted examining for unknown reasons.
Darth Malgus is one of the first Sith introduced to Star Wars: The Old Republic players at the beginning of their adventure. He appeared in the original SWTOR cinematic trailers: Return, Hope, and Deceived but only frequently appeared to Imperial players during the vanilla class stories. Despite his limited appearances in early SWTOR missions, his legend and reputation are infamous throughout the in-game Sith Empire. In the presence of many powerful Darths and Lords, Malgus' legacy is the most haunting.
Darth Malgus Was One Of SWTOR's First Returning Sith
Before Star Wars: The Old Republic's in-game events, the Sith Empire had been exiled into unknown space by the Galactic Republic's armies. For three thousand years, the Sith lingered in the stars, giving no sign as to when they would return. As a precaution, the Galactic Republic arranged defense fleets around important planets, like Star Wars ancient Sith homeworld, Korriban. Unfortunately for the Republic's Jedi Knights, thousands of years without their sworn enemies caused their armies to become complacent, giving the Sith Empire the opportunity to slowly reclaim their homeworld and influence throughout the galaxy. In the initial attack on Korriban, the Sith Empire sent the insidious-looking Malgus alongside his master, Darth Vindican, to conquer the orbiting battle station, which was depicted in one of The Old Republic's CGI trailers. This mission became Malgus' first battle against Satele Shan, a descendant of Knights of the Old Republic's Revan and Bastilla Shan, and the Jedi who would become the next Grandmaster of the Jedi Order.
The ensuing battle resulted in Star Wars: The Old Republic's Darth Malgus claiming the first Jedi and Sith fatalities of the war, successfully murdering Satele Shan's Jedi Mentor, Master Ngani Zho, and his own master, Darth Vindican. Darth Malgus continued his merciless crusade across the galaxy, eventually finding his way to the Star Wars planet Alderaan and leading the Sith Empire's forces on a merciless invasion. He once again faced Satele Shan on the peaceful world, where he failed to defeat the Republic's ambush forces. Despite this failure, Malgus survived his encounter with Satele Shan and her troopers but needed cybernetics to continue fighting on the front lines.
Darth Malgus Is One Of SWTOR's Most Dangerous Sith
Darth Malgus' most infamous plan succeeded in rattling the Galactic Republic to its core. After the Sith Empire and the Galactic Republic resumed open warfare with one another, both sides began to suffer heavy casualties. As a result, the Sith's Dark Council and the Republic's Grand Chancellor met for peace talks. These negotiations were a satisfactory diversion for Star Wars: The Old Republic's villainous Darth Malgus to infiltrate the Jedi Temple on Coruscant alongside a ship of soldiers and Sith.
Together, they destroyed the Temple, killed hundreds of Jedi, and sacked the rest of the planet when the Imperial fleet arrived. Known as the Sacking of Coruscant, the Empire devastated the Republic's primary defenders and forced their organization off the capital planet. However, the aftermath of this military operation brought about Darth Malgus' ire towards Imperial leadership. While Malgus and his followers eagerly awaited the order to hold Coruscant and destroy the Republic forever, the Dark Council ordered Imperial forces to vacate the planet and signed a peace treaty. Malgus viewed this as an unforgivable betrayal and began his own scheme to gain more power and influence throughout the Star Wars galaxy.
After Star Wars: The Old Republic's Jedi Knight killed the Emperor's vessel, Darth Malgus attempted to stage a coup and claim the title as his own, betraying the Sith in the process. In a mission accessible by Republic and Imperial players, Darth Malgus stands as the unexpected but deadly final boss and threatens both the Empire and Republic. To prevent Malgus from creating a new Empire set on destroying the Republic and Sith, Imperial and Republic players must slay the False Emperor and his many lieutenants aboard his stealth starship. Though his defeat is a pivotal moment in the Old Republic timeline, Star Wars: The Old Republic's False Emperor quest isn't the last players see of the deadly Sith Lord. Instead, BioWare continued to utilize the character in later expansions.
SWTOR's Onslaught Brought Darth Malgus Back To Life
Though players initially defeated Darth Malgus in the False Emperor Flashpoint, BioWare greatly exaggerated his death and brought him back in SWTOR's latest expansion, Onslaught. Darth Malgus makes a surprise appearance on Onderon after Imperial players reunite with their forces. Republic players must wait a bit longer before meeting the character, but his return is understandably shocking. Empress Acina's forces worked to repair Malgus' body and turn him into her Wrath, a role previously occupied by the Sith Warrior player character. Despite the many assurances from Acina and her new Darth Council, Darth Malgus swiftly returns to his old plans and defects from the Empire. The last players see, Malgus is tormented by visions of torture at the hands of Acina or Vowrawn (depending on players' choices) and flees to Dantooine for a solution.
Darth Malgus returns in Star Wars: The Old Republic's Legacy of the Sith expansion to continue carrying out his sinister plots. Though little about his plans were revealed, a voiceover in BioWare's recent livestream trailer confirmed Malgus will side with neither the Jedi nor the Sith, making him a truly unique villain and Sith Lord in the Star Wars series. He expresses frustration at the galaxy's constant cycle between Light and Dark, and states his intent to break free from the ideologies of both the Republic and the Empire. Additionally, Malgus' presence on Elom suggests he may be investigating Darth Null's forbidden teachings, though specifics are unlikely to be revealed before the expansion's release date.
Star Wars: The Old Republic features many characters with complex stories and motivations, but Darth Malgus is among the few who persisted since the franchise's beginning. His continued determination to enact his view on the galaxy combined with his power and influence makes Darth Malgus one of SWTOR's deadliest adversaries. Star Wars: The Old Republic's latest expansions are only available to subscribers, which players can purchase on BioWare's official SWTOR website. Star Wars: The Old Republic: Legacy of the Sith releases December 14th, 2021.