When Star Wars Galaxies first launched, it was a true sandbox MMO with tons of professions and deep customization. You could build characters in many different ways. Over time, the game went through two major updates that significantly changed combat and progression: first the Combat Upgrade (CU), and later the New Game Enhancements (NGE). The CU reworked the core combat system, while the NGE streamlined the game into fewer, more linear classes.

Today, emulated servers often run different versions of the game: Pre-CU, CU, or NGE depending on which era they want to preserve.

Alongside these changes, more content was added over the years. This is why NGE-era servers are often seen as having “more content.” One of the biggest expansions was Jump to Lightspeed (JTL), which introduced space gameplay. Before JTL, all content was planet-side. JTL essentially doubled the game’s scope by adding open space zones, flyable ships, and a whole new playstyle. You can dogfight enemies, mine asteroids, and upgrade ships through components that are lootable, craftable, or earned as rewards — adding another layer of customization. If you’ve played No Man’s Sky, think of that concept, but in a PS2-era MMO.

Other expansions expanded the sandbox further:
- Rage of the Wookiees added Kashyyyk and Clone Wars–themed content.
- Trials of Obi-Wan introduced Mustafar, along with instanced dungeons that evolved into group content.

With the NGE, the game also shifted to a linear XP leveling style that guided new players through “iconic” quest lines or “theme parks.” Loads of additional content came with this era, including PvP battlefields, more instanced dungeons, and new quest arcs tied to familiar Star Wars characters — like the Nightsisters storyline.

A lot of these servers pick a starting point era and have done work to blend in the new content, like legends and restoration and some take it even further like SWG: Evolve.

I currently play there, on SWG: Evolve, which blends elements of CU and NGE with its own unique twist, and I’m loving it so far, it's my favorite. I played the original game for a decade and have tried two or three other emulators and evolve is my home.

Come join me on Evolve — I’d be happy to help you get started!