The “Bolster” effect in SWTOR PvP has been changed. Fans are reacting to the change with mixed feelings.
For a long time, the “Bolster” mechanic has been an integral part of the PvP in Star Wars: The Old Republic. It ensures that all players are somewhat on the same level. Character stats are adjusted so that all participants on a battlefield are equipped as if they were wearing items with a level of 250. However, the latest patch 5.1 has changed this. The item level of players in PvP has been reduced to 232, which means a significant loss of character stats.
However, this change is not a mistake, but a deliberate adjustment by the developers.
The reason for this is that the highest armor currently available in the game has a level of 242. When players generally play at 250 in PvP, there is no incentive for players to want to acquire better gear.
The reactions from fans are quite varied. More and more voices are being raised, arguing that gear should have no impact on PvP at all. Only the skill of individual players should decide the outcome of a battle, not the gear they have farmed. This would once again create barriers in PvP that would deter newcomers and players with less time from even attempting competitive PvP.
Other players welcome the change, as they now have an incentive to acquire better gear for PvP.
For many players, gear remains the primary reason to engage in player-versus-player battles at all.
Patch 5.1 has brought, among other things, 5 new uprisings that hint at a dark fate.
