Leveling question, returning player

[eqcobra]

I am back from an extended break with a sparkling new fresh account.

My friend says that now the best way to advance in level is to ... well not. He is suggesting that I run quests until I am "over leveled" (for lack of a better term) two levels, and then go to my trainer to advance.

Is this solid advice?

[Deadz]

no

[Arianrhod]

Well, it depends. At the lowest levels, there are more than enough quests to get enough exp to level up without finishing all the quests. So if you run each quest at level, you'll get more (or lose less) by not visiting the trainer until you're ready to start the next level's worth of quests.

But on the other hand, if you know the quests, and have friends who will help you through them/help you get the basic gear, you'll probably level faster by doing quests above your level (like running Gianthold at level 9 and so on). If you're racing to get to a minimum level to get to the "good" exp quests, you'll want to visit the trainer as soon as you're eligible

[feynman]

The extra xp you get for being under-level is offset by the ease of completion the next level gets you. Obviously there are some exceptions, but in general, assigning your action points and leveling up will just make your life easier.

[Phidius]

I always have too much level envy to delay visiting the trainer. As soon as I walk away, I'm thinking "I can't wait until next level when I get XXX and can put on YYY".

How do you define "best way"?

1. Least amount of time to level 16: Take your level as soon as you can, and hit the same quests over and over that give the most XP for the least amount of time.

2. Most amount of XP per quest: Delay taking your level until you have enough to level twice. Do all the quests on normal up to 1 level below yours, then run all the quests on Hard up to 2 levels below yours, etc...

3. Most amount of fun: Don't send your new build any money or items. Only use items that you find or can purchase with money you make.

4. Extreme fun (not for everyone): Join a Perma-death guild.

Just my 2 plat (don't carry smaller change).

[eqcobra]

thank you for the quick advice everyone, i think ill just level with the normal progression of experience gained and not over level much

[Frodo_Lives]

The only reason to delay leveling is because there are good xp quests that you haven't run yet but will be too high a level to easily find groups for.

If for example you haven't run Delera's on normal but have hit 7th, you may want to wait before leveling so that you can fit in those groups that only want level 6 characters as the highest.

Tangleroot usually tops out at level 6, Delera's 7, Stormcleave 7, Co6 9, for normal runs. If you find that you still can get really good xp from those you may want to hold off.

Besides there is nothing like leveling to 9, finding one explorer in sorrowdusk and then hitting 10.