Practically speaking, if you go to the Star Wars Legends timeline on Wikipedia or Wookieepedia, you'll find a section called 'The Old Republic' (25,000 BBY – 1000 BBY). The novels fall in the later part of that, specifically the 'Great Galactic War' and 'Cold War' sub-sections. It's very well-documented.
The novels were written to be accessible, though. You don't need a chart. Each book has an introductory crawl, like the movies, placing it in relation to key events. 'Revan' starts with 'Years after the Jedi Civil War...'. 'Deceived' begins 'In the aftermath of the Sith Empire's surprise attack...'. They give you the context you need right up front.
So the answer is straightforward: they're set in the distant past, during a series of epic wars between the Republic and a resurgent Sith Empire. Any more detail than that is for superfans who love the lore deep dives.
The audio versions are solid, but I'd recommend the books in print or ebook. You'll want to go at your own pace, maybe look up a game character or planet on Wookieepedia as you read. It's a more immersive experience for such a lore-heavy setting.
As for how they fit, just follow the money. These were published to support a game. That doesn't mean they're bad, but it sets expectations. They're tie-in fiction. They excel at atmosphere and action, but sometimes lack the character depth of the best Star Wars novels. They fit as exciting, plot-driven adventures set in a favorite playground. Perfect for a weekend read with low commitment but high spectacle.
The fit is perfectly clear in Legends continuity. They occupy a defined band of history. But the real discussion should be about their canonicity—or lack thereof. Since the Disney reset, these stories are not part of the official timeline. They're awesome 'what if' stories now.
That doesn't diminish their value, but it changes how they 'fit' for a new fan. They fit as an alternate history, a glimpse into a road not taken for the franchise. The current canon is slowly building its own ancient history with shows like 'The Acolyte', which might eventually cover similar ground but with new rules.
So, they fit into the old timeline seamlessly. In the new timeline, they don't fit at all. Your enjoyment will depend on whether you care about that distinction. I still think they're some of the most imaginative Star Wars prose out there, canon or not.
Honestly, just look at the cover. If it says 'Star Wars: The Old Republic' on it, it's set in that specific game-driven era, thousands of years before the movies. That's the only grouping that really matters. Trying to intricately connect them to other novel series is mostly futile because the era is so self-contained.
They fit like a standalone fantasy series set in the Star Wars universe. You get new characters, new threats, and a new status quo. The only constants are the Force, lightsabers, and hyperdrive. For some fans, that's not enough of a connection. For others, it's a breath of fresh air away from the Skywalker family drama.
My advice? Dive into 'Revan' if you loved 'KOTOR'. If you didn't play the games, maybe start with the 'Darth Bane' trilogy instead—it's closer in time to the movies and explains the Sith's transformation, which is one of the most important legacies of the Old Republic era itself.
Honestly, I got about halfway through this thread and my eyes glazed over. All these BBY numbers and debates about canon. I just like the cover art. The old Star Wars novels had the best painted covers. That's my contribution to the discussion.
2026-07-25 12:37:36
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It's cool to see how the Old Republic era has influenced the new canon, even if indirectly.
Elements from the KOTOR games and the lore have clearly inspired things in 'The Mandalorian' and other shows. The idea of ancient Jedi temples, the Darksaber's history, even the look of some Sith artifacts feel pulled from that era. Reading the Old Republic novels now gives you a sense of where those ideas might have originally germinated. It's like seeing the deep lore that later filmmakers and showrunners are mining for inspiration. It makes the old Legends material feel less discarded and more like a fertile ground for future stories, even if they're not direct adaptations.
When delving into the 'Star Wars' universe, especially the Old Republic era, we discover a treasure trove of books that transport us back to the ancient history of the galaxy. Two really standout novels come to mind: 'Drew Karpyshyn's Darth Bane Trilogy' and 'Deceived' by Paul S. Kemp. I can't help but admire the intricate world-building in this time period. The Sith and Jedi are at each other's throats in such a raw and compelling way. In 'Darth Bane: Path of Destruction,' we follow Bane’s journey as he makes his way through the aftermath of the New Sith Wars, exploring themes of power, betrayal, and the desire to reshape the galaxy’s future. It’s gritty, and you really get a sense of how the Sith philosophy evolved, which is just super fascinating! The exploration of the dark side isn’t just about the flashy lightsaber duels; it’s deeply psychological, making you question morality and the toll power takes on the soul.
Then, you simply cannot miss 'Deceived,' which takes place around the time of the 'Star Wars: The Old Republic' MMO. This book centers around the character of Darth Malgus, whose complex persona and motivations are explored in depth. The action is intense, and the battle scenes immerse you in the chaos of the Galactic War, but it’s the character dynamics that grip me the most. Seeing the frailty of alliances, both personal and political, in such a high-stakes environment reveals so much depth that it’s hard to put down.
If you dive into these tales, it’s essential to know the context of the 'Old Republic' as a time of immense conflict and transformation for both the Jedi and the Sith. I’ve read them multiple times, and each go-around reveals new nuances I’d missed before. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just dipping your toes into the 'Star Wars' pool, these books offer an exhilarating ride.