Darth Hater

One of the more interesting changes with the upcoming expansion is how you'll earn currency, which will then be used to acquire gear.  Previously, each planet had it's own commendation, which would then be turned in for gear from that planet's Equipment or Modifications Commendation vendor.  Well, all that is about to change, and more.  For the full story, as well as to discuss the changes contained therein, hit the jump.

For many PvE players, obtaining the best possible gear for your level, both during the process of leveling as well as after having hit the level cap, is more or less the most important thing to them.  Lending an undeniable advantage on the battlefield when facing enemies in flashpoints, operations, as well as solo and group missions, what you're packing often determines the outcome of a fight before it's even begun.  Game Update 2.0 is providing a few very important overhauls in this area, so let's have a look.

Planetary Commendations

As mentioned previously, the initial system for commendations obtained from day to day activities as well as leveling were planet-specific commendations.  These commendations would be obtained in a variety of ways; completing missions on that planet, dropping from time to time from enemies, etc.  With each planet having it's own commendation, many players would find themselves in a difficult situation when it came time to either leave the planet, or attempt to purchase upgrades.  Sometimes you'd have too many of the wrong commendation, while regrettably lacking a more level-appropriate commendation with which to gear yourself up.

Game Update 2.0 will introduce Planetary Commendations, which essentially serve to roll all of the previous planet-specific commendations into one, universal currency.

Storage Cap: 100/Weekly Cap: 50

Seeking to unify the efforts of players throughout their galaxy-spanning adventure, you can now make important decisions regarding how you gear up yourself as well as your companion.  You can browse vendors on your respective fleet ahead of time and plan out what you'd like to do, since you know you could eventually have enough commendations for a specific piece of gear, rather than lament the fact that you don't have enough, or too many of the wrong kind.  For me, this is one of the most important system updates that will debut with 2.0, and perhaps the history of the game itself.  Removing the hassle of the previously very specific system, I think that it will make leveling even easier and also make accessible gear more of a reality.

Classic Commendations

Previously Black Hole Commendations, this will be considered the new entry-level gear for aspiring level 50's.

Storage Cap: 400 / Weekly Cap: 200

Used to purchase Campaign gear, these commendations will allow players to queue up for level 50 content, and receive gear that will bring them closer to being ready for the 51-55 content on Makeb.

Basic Commendations

Storage Cap: 400 / Weekly Cap: 200

These commendations appear to be used to purchase a Tionese-equivalent gear for level 55's.  A very basic set of gear, as well as some relics and crafting recipes are available for these, but aside from that I don't know much about them.  I'll update this post in the future to reflect any newly gained information.

Elite Commendations

Storage Cap: 300 / Weekly Cap: 150

Elite commendations are granted from doing Flashpoints and Operations at level 55.  Used to purchase Arkanian gear, many would consider this to be the average Operations gear that most people would be gunning for.  Interestingly enough, Arkanian gear can be purchased either with tokens that are presumably obtained through Operations, or they can be purchased with the Elite Commendations, ensuring that eventually you'll get that elusive piece of gear, and not get gutted by RNG.  Arkanian gear vendors can be found in your fleet's PvE area, as an Elite Gear vendor.

Ultimate Commendations

Storage Cap: 300 / Weekly Cap: 150

The cream of the crop, these commendations recognize truly heroic efforts on the part of those that obtain them.  Presumably obtained from Hard Mode and Nightmare, these will be the most sought after pieces of gear in the game.  Flying under the moniker of Underworld, you can find these pieces of gear in your fleet's PvE area, from the Ultimate Gear vendor.

Conclusion

All in all, it looks like they are making gear more reasonably attainable without sacrificing effort on the behalf of those that seek it.  Only time will tell if this system holds up, but so far it looks promising, in my opinion.  Thanks again for reading.