BioWare has revealed their first digital expansion for the recently gone free-to-play title Star Wars: The Old Republic (thanks Nerf Lord), making its way to players in 2013. The new expansion is titled "Rise of the Hutt Cartel" and will see a level increase to 55, new story content and also the introduction of the Makeb planet.

The first Digital Expansion for The Old Republic introduces an aggressive new enemy threatening the future of the galaxy: the Hutt Cartel

Experience 5 new levels, including story-driven missions, as the level cap increases to 55!

Face-off against a frightening new enemy when you battle the nefarious Hutt Cartel.

The fate of the new planet Makeb is at stake... and in your hands.

Currently information is still light on what else players can expect from the first expansion, however for those eager you can expect to pay $9.99 as a subscriber or $19.99 for anyone who is using the new free-to-play option. BioWare are also offering five days of early access to the expansion if you pre-order before January 7th 2013, with both pricing plans able to take up on the offer. Pre-ordering will also garner a "preferred status" for free-to-play players, allowing access to more of the games content.

If they wanted people to jump on board, they should have done a free roam space expansion with tonnes of new ships. I'd come back with subscription if they did that.

I stopped playing as well, all zapos fault really. Have tried to get back into it a few times but no social side of it makes it difficult. I'm old and don't want to make new friends online so if anyone from here is still kicking it along let me know and I'll come join.

I'm giving F2P a go. Started last night and it seems ok.