LucasArts and Sony Online Entertainment have announced the release of Chapter 6: Masters of the Wild, the latest update for Star Wars Galaxies. Chapter 6 will introduce the new Beast Master Expertise System, the Azure Cabal Quest Series, the new Storyteller Event System which allows players to run their own in-game events, and much more.

LucasArts and Sony Online Entertainment today announced that Chapter 6: Masters of the Wild is now available to Star Wars Galaxies subscribers. Chapter 6 is the latest in a series of scheduled updates that Star Wars Galaxies players will automatically receive throughout 2007, at no additional cost as part of their regular subscription to the game.

Chapter 6: Masters of the Wild introduces a host of exciting features to Star Wars Galaxies, including the brand new Beast Master Expertise System, one of the most robust pet systems ever introduced into an online game. This new system will be available to all players, regardless of species, profession or level, through a new profession tree filled with skills that will enhance players' interactions with their new furry (or scaly) companions.

In addition, Chapter 6 brings new adventures to Star Wars Galaxies, both developer- and player-created, along with new player-versus-player action and in-game rewards. In Chapter 6: Masters of the Wild, players will find:

Beast Master Expertise System: This new system introduces several new features that allow players to create, collect, train and use customized pets in the game. Players will be able to create and develop eggs, sell and trade the eggs, hatch them to raise Beasts, and level their Beasts for use in their homes and in combat. More than 150 types of Beasts will be available through the system, including some of the most rare and popular in the game like the Spined Rancor, the Psychotic Jax and the Horned Dewback.

During the Beast's incubation process, players can manipulate factors such as the temperature and enzyme levels to create Beasts never-before-seen in the galaxy, that they can then keep or trade to other players. Players can even use certain Beasts as mounts, including the Dewback and Kaadu. Players must keep their menageries happy though...or they might find themselves Beast-less.

Read the full release notes here.