Randomly subscribe and unsubscribe from SWTOR. First, I read about all the free hype, how bad it was, and thought I'd probably never go back. In February 2013, I discovered how wrong the free game hype was. I wanted to start earlier, so I went back to the game full time. To receive the Rise of the Hutt Cartel expansion discount, I only had to register for one month in 2013 and never register again until the next expansion. At the time this guide was (re)created (January 2016), the system has not changed. This guide assumes that you have a preferred account. If you have purchased the game before, or have subscribed to it at some point, you have a preferred account. This guide is intended for players returning to SWTOR or deleting their subscription to play for free. Level 50 or 65, the guide is for both.
Before unsubscribing
I didn't get a chance to prepare before I left the game. If you do, you have a great opportunity. This section is intended for players who have just canceled their subscription. Below are some tips to follow before you lose your subscriber status. The main advantage is that you have access to all your credits. If you're a repeater, skip to the "Back to Priority" section below.
Conquest credit certificate
After you decide to remove your subscription, start storing your Conquest Reward Credit Certificate. You can store them in your cargo hold as a small savings account. If you need credit or space, we can provide it to the provider. To avoid escrow, you can continue to save them even after reaching free status.
GTN is your friend
Go to the Galactic Trade Network (GTN) to unlock your account and make a purchase. Check the price if you are notified at least one week in advance. You'll need credits, so unlocking will ensure you get the best price. Check out my suggested unlock guide for ideas on what you might want.
Account security key
Attach the security key to your account. While you subscribe, you can use free security keys for Apple and Android smartphones (affiliate link). You cannot apply the Security Key app to your account without a subscription, but it will work if you cancel the subscription. There are no more physical security keys available. The security key will give you 100 cartel coins per month. It doesn't sound like much, but the cartel market doesn't always have what you want. Buy what you can from GTN and use the cartel coins stored for those that cannot be used.
What to do with the remaining credits
Anything over 350,000 credits will go into escrow. You will not receive this money again unless you re-subscribe or purchase a temporary credit unlock from Cartel Market / GTN. Use the remaining credits to unlock the full account. The ship's GTN, droid vendor, and mailbox are all suitable for unlocking with a free account. Get it now, whatever you think you might want. If you have any credits left after that, be sure to spread them out among all the alternates. Each can hold up to 350,000 credits.
back to priority
If you go back to the game like me, you will go back to your preferred status account. When you switch to Preferred, you won't lose what you've unlocked. You will be a bit behind the others, but there are some additional obstacles. However, there's nothing you can't fix by running the Daily Quest Hub. Below are the details of the day center as these will be important to you. In the meantime, there are a few things you need to do immediately when you return to the game. Step 1 is to find a referral link. This allows for weekly subscription time, multiple unlocks for each character, and free character transfers.
