Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) gets a fresh infusion of new content today with the launch of Game Update 2.0: Scum and Villainy and early access to Rise of the Hutt Cartel for players that pre-ordered prior to January 7th, 2013.

In case you missed out on the new expansion features, Rise of the Hutt Cartel boosts the level cap to 55, adds the new Macrobinoculars equipment, and introduces the new planet of Makeb. Makeb is at the center of new epic story missions and features the rising power and threat of the Hutt Cartel in the galactic conflict. The planet will also contain the first availability of player-requested same gender romance options.

In addition to early access to the Rise of the Hutt Cartel expansion, today also marks the launch of the 2.0: Scum and Villainy update, which is available for free to players. 2.0 introduces the new level 55 Scum and Villainy Operation that takes place on the Outer Rim world of Darvannis. The Operation contains seven new bosses that can be tackled in four difficulty modes. 2.0 also comes with a several other pieces of content such as Legacy Achievements, new Hard Mode Flashpoints for level 55 with Athis, Cademimu, Hammer Station, and Mandalorian Raiders, a new tier of gear, new Priority Mission Terminals, and more.

Patch notes for the two updates are available on the SWTOR website. Full access to Rise of the Hutt Cartel for players that ordered after January 7th will begin on April 14th.

Source: Rise of the Hutt Cartel Early Access, Patch Notes