BioWare has announced the first digital expansion for Star Wars: The Old Republic. Titled Rise of the Hutt Cartel and set to launch in spring 2013, it'll introduce "new epic story content with fully-voiced cinematic conversations" and a fresh planet called Makeb, which promises to offer "a vibrant alien landscape" to explore. It will also raise the level cap to 55.Rise of the Hutt Cartel will be priced at $19.99, but subscribers will be able to pick it up for $9.99.
Those who pre-order the expansion before January 7 will receive five days of early access.
The Old Republic officially became a free-to-play title last month, although "unlimited game access, including new higher-level game content and new features, will be made available through individual purchases or through a subscription option", according to publisher EA.