The Leveling Challenge: Reach level 45 fast
Leveling context: NEO caps at 45 (Korea at 55, NA can start at 36), with main story quests driving XP from Bamboo Coast to Jadestone Village and beyond, per Korea's structure.Objective: Outline a structured path - quest prioritisation, dungeon skips, gear boosts and skill upgrades - to reach level 45 (or 36) quickly, based on transcript mechanics.Significance: Fast leveling unlocks heroic dungeons (e.g. Black Ram Supply Chain) and endgame gear critical to progression, with no rush due to level 36 patch potential.Leveling breakdown and strategy: Core Steps Unveiled
Start Choice: Bamboo Coast or Heaven's ReachStart with Bamboo Coast (instant action) or Heaven's Reach (prologue introducing the Hongmoon disciple) - both lead to Bamboo Coast after the tutorial. Switch to Blade and Soul mode (Shift + F2) for action combat - smoother than Classic mode, as per the Korean system. Main story quests (yellow on tracker) begin here-kill three enemies to start, teleporting to NPCs via the quest button speeds up progress.Main story focus: Teleporting and skippingFollow yellow main story quests exclusively for XP - press the teleport button next to each quest (e.g. after killing mobs) to warp to the next NPC or objective, bypassing travel time. NPCs move, but press F mid-run to interact instantly - no waiting required. In story dungeons, skip trash mobs with an unlimited sprint jump to dodge ranged attacks (combat slows movement), kill the objective mob, then double-tap Escape to exit and teleport on.
Gear boosts: Weapons without limitsWeapons have no level requirements - buy high-level options (e.g. from the Auction House) at level 1 if funds allow, prices vary according to player market trends after launch. Pre-registration grants a free starter weapon (quality TBD), and the Battle Pass Tier 1 offers a Profane Jiangshi Weapon (level 45) - equip either to shred early mobs. New players can walk instead of teleporting - scenery helps with exploration journals (minor stats), but teleporting cuts hours.
Side quests and skills: Valour Stones and HardanPurple tutorial quests (such as picking up items) teach mechanics - complete them alongside main quests for 20 Valour Stones to unlock green skill books in Cinderland's Yahara Mirage (1 Silver). Blue side-quests offer more stones - accept the Way of [Class] and stone-gathering tasks (e.g. NPC chats), delay killing quests until stronger for one-shot. Hardan's six combat training quests (hidden dungeon rooms) grant skill point pages - skip fights by telling Hardan "too hard", Hardan training badges from main quests are required to progress. Slot points (K menu) into mob skills (e.g. 985 to 1,400 damage) - green skills (20 Valour Stones) such as Lunar Slash Combo halve focus costs (3 to 2).
Party play and potions: Teamwork and ResourcesParty with friends - share kills and collectibles (one player collects for all); speed up quests, especially in crowded channels; switch channels (top-right menu) when items/mobs are taken. 15 low level potions (e.g. 40 HP tonics) can be converted to higher level heals at the merchant - stock up as you level up. Faction choice at Act 18 (Crimson or Cerulean) will align with friends for group quests - cosmetic only, per transcript.
Crafting and clan: Optional Early InvestmentsJoin a crafting guild in Jadestone Village - costs silver from side quests, takes hours, gives skill points; optional for min-maxers. Form a clan at the Faction Overseer (10 gold) - side quests fund this, allowing group play later. Main Story continues to 45 (or 36 in NA's Chapter 1-2) - Chapter 3 (level 45) will follow in future patches.