Looking to level up quickly in Black Desert Online? Look no further! In this guide, we will share the fastest way to reach level 62 and beyond. We’ll cover everything from early game leveling tips to endgame strategies.
So whether you’re a new player or just looking to speed up your progress, read on for the best ways to power through BDO!
Guide Contents
What is the max level in BDO?
BDO doesn’t like hard caps and instead opts for soft caps for many of its stats, including levels.
There is no max level in BDO, but leveling becomes progressively harder, especially after level 60 and 62.
The highest level character in BDO in 2022 is level 67. Just going from 66 to 67 took him almost two and a half years of grinding around the clock.
Most players will stop actively trying to level up at 61 or 62, as this is considered a soft cap.
How long does it take to reach the max level in BDO?
As we said above, leveling to 67 will take years of non-stop grinding. But reaching around levels 55-60 can be done in just a few hours or days, depending on your play style and leveling method.
Leveling Your First Character
If you are leveling your first character, it is wise to stick to the main story. It’s fast and you will get a ton of valuable rewards like bag space, and you will also earn Contribution Points and Energy for your character and your whole Family/Account that you will need.
For more tips about your first character, check out our BDO Beginners guide.
Grinding Vs. Questing
As we said above, stick with questing for your first/main character. For your alts you can pick whatever you enjoy. At level 60 the fastest way to level 61 is questing with the Chenga Tome.
Season vs. Normal Character
For the purpose of leveling fast seasonal characters get a 100% XP bonus on Season servers amongst the plethora of other advantages to being a seasoned character.
Ancient Stone Chamber vs. Mountain of Eternal Winter
New characters can choose to start in the Ancient Stone Chamber or the new Mountain of Eternal Winter Zone. The Mountain is faster and is designed for new players to quickly catch up.
It is recommended that you go through the Ancient Stone Chamber and the main story at least once though.
Powerleveling
Powerleveling is possible in BDO. High-level players can group up with a lower-level player and grind high-level content.
The character being powerleveled will have few skill points and will need to grind those themselves.
AFK Leveling
AFK leveling in BDO is possible after level 50 and is a good way of spending your AFK time.
Simply head to Jamey Drucker in any major city to buy a “Book of Training – Combat”.
Now you can start attacking the nearby scarecrows for some free AFK XP.
Leveling Items
Chenga Tome
“Chenga – Sherekhan Tome of Wisdom” can be obtained through a series of quests from the Black Spirit at level 53+. It will grant you 30% extra XP from quests.
Marni’s Stone
These can be bought from Wacky Toshi who can be found all over the world. If you are grinding it is worth picking up the appropriate Marni’s Stones for the spot where you are grinding for some extra XP.
XP Bonuses
There are A LOT of XP bonuses available in BDO. Try to have as many as you can active but don’t stress out about getting all of them.
- Various Events – 100-1500% XP (Keep an eye out on the BDO Events page)
- Combat & Skill EXP 530% XP Scroll (60 min) – 530% XP (From Loyalties in the Pearl Shop)
- Artifact/Lightstone Bonus – 400% (Equip 4 XP Lightstones in your artifact to get the dedication bonus)
- Mercenary’s Experience – 100-200% XP (One claimable per day)
- Blessed Message Scroll – 200% XP (Reward)
- Olvia Server Buff – 150% (For new and returning players)
- Season Server Buff – 100% (Above level 50)
- Secret Book of Old Moon – 100% XP (From the Pearl Shop)
- Extra Combat EXP Scroll – 100% XP (From the Pearl Shop or from rewards)
- Golden Bell – 100% XP (From the Pearl Shop, affects the whole server)
- Birthday Cake – 100% XP (Reward for returning players)
- Tachros’ Spirit Stone – 50% XP (Season leveling reward)
- Value Pack – 30% XP (From the Pearl Shop)
- Pets – 5-25% XP (From quest rewards or the Pearl Shop)
- Magic Crystal of Infinity – Experience x2 – 20% XP (Slot in Helmets)
- Beast’s Draught – 20% XP (Buy on Central Market)
- Black Spirit Energy Bonus – 20% XP (Exchange from Black Spirit)
- Cold Dark Beer – 20% XP (From Events)
- Splendid EXP Elixir – 15% XP
- Church Buff – 5-15% XP (Exchange silver for buffs at Priests in Churches in cities)
- Titles – 3-12% XP
- EXP Elixir – 10%
- Villa Buff – 10% XP (Bought in Villas)
- Campsite Buff – 10% XP (From Campsite)
- Simple Cron Meal – 10% XP
- Experienced Cry – 10% XP (Guild Buff)
- Call to Battle – 10% XP (Guild Buff)
- Appearance Costume 4 item sets – 10% XP (From the Pearl Shop or login rewards)
- GM’s Blessing -10% XP
- EXP Scroll (10 min) – 10% XP
- HAN Magic Crystal – Gervish or HAN Magic Crystal – Macalod – 1-9% XP
- Milk Tea – 8% XP
Leveling 1-59
Main Story / Questing
Doing the main story and side-quests is still one of the best ways to level up your character.
You will get a lot of XP, skill points, money, and some nice gear and other rewards along the way.
If you are struggling with a quest feel free to ask for help in /region or use a leveling guide.
Follow the main storyline through the following areas:
Balenos (Velia) > Serendia (Heidel) > Calpheon > Media > Valencia
For an even faster route, choose the Mountain of Eternal Winter zone when making a new character. This will take you to level 51+ in just a matter of hours. Continue following the main quest line until you finish Valencia.
Remember to do the questline for the Chenga Tome at 53+.
Questing 59-60
At level 59 you can move on to grinding or for the fastest leveling you can do sidequests in the following areas:
Brellin Farm > Outpost Supply Port > Calpheon Northwestern Outpost > Star’s End > Ash Forest > Archer Guard Post > Polly’s Forest > Grana > Manshaum Forest > Viv Foretta Hamlet > Old Wisdom Tree
Questing 60-61
At level 60 the fastest way to level is still sidequests. Go to the following areas
Shady Tree Forest > Kamaslyvia Vicinity > Lemoria Guard Post > Caduil Forest > Ahib Conflict Zone > Marcha Outpost > Gayak Altar > Sherekhan Necropolis > Night Crow Post > Tshira Ruins > Black Spirit Questline > Khimut Lumber Camp > Marak Farm
Grinding
Grinding is always a viable option in BDO, and you will spend a lot of time grinding anyway, especially at end-game. Follow the map/route below for the fastest grinding.
Fastest Grinding Spots
- Level 1-12 Grass Beetles and Steel Imps
- Level 12-15Goblin Cave
- Level 15-18 Moretti Plantation
- Level 18-24 Castle Ruins
- Level 24-30 Bloody Monastery
- Level 28-35 Red Orc Camp
- Level 35-40 Abandoned Land
- Level 40-45 Marni Cave Path
- Level 44-50 Mansha Forest
- Level 50+ Helms Post
- Level 53+ Polly’s Forest
- Level 56+ Bashim Base
- Level 56+ Cadry Ruins
- Level 60+ Mirukmok Ruins
Alternate Grinding Spots
- Level 1-9 Follow the Tutorial Questline
- Level 1-12 Grass Beetles and Steel Imps
- Level 9-13 Forest of Seclusion
- Level 12-15Goblin Cave
- Level 13-15 Heidel Quarry
- Level 15-18 Moretti Plantation
- Level 18-24 Castle Ruins
- Level 21-24 Glish Swamp Fogans
- Level 24-30 Bloody Monastery
- Level 29-34 Biraghi den Bandits
- Level 28-34 Red Orc Camp
- Level 30-35 Delphe Knights Castle
- Level 30-35 Khuruto Caves
- Level 35-40 Abandoned Land
- Level 35-40 Caphras Cave
- Level 35-40 Abandoned Farm Marnie
- Level 38-42 Breewood Ruins
- Level 40-45 Oze Pass
- Level 40-45 Marni Cave Path
- Level 42-45 Veran Camps
- Level 44-45 Giant Camps
- Level 44-50 Mansha Forest
- Level 45-52 Catfishman Camp
- Level 50+ Helms Post
- Level 51+ Elric Shrine
- Level 53+ Polly’s Forest
- Level 54+ Sausan Garrison
- Level 55+ Fadus Garrison
- Level 55+ Pirate Island
- Level 56+ Bashim Base
- Level 56+ Desert Naga Temple
- Level 56+ Titium Valley
- Level 56+ Cadry Ruins
- Level 56+ Gahaz Bandit’s Lair
- Level 56+ Crescent Shrine
- Level 57+ Basilisk Den
- Level 57+ Taphtar Plain
- Level 58+ Tshira Ruins
- Level 58+ Blood Wolf Settlement
- Level 58+ Navarn Steppe
- Level 58+ Gavinya Great Crator
- Level 58+ Pila Ku Jail
- Level 59+ Manshaum Forest
- Level 59+ Forest Ronaros
- Level 60+ Aakman Temple & Hystria Ruins
- Level 60+ Mirukmok Ruins
- Level 60+ Gyfin Rhasia Temple
- Level 60+ Sherekham Necropolis
That’s it for our Black Desert Online Leveling Guide! We hope you found it helpful and were able to get to level 60+ quickly
Do you have any tips or tricks on how to level up fast in BDO? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to check out our other BDO guides for more help with your adventure in Black Desert Online.
I'm an avid Black Desert Online (BDO) player with extensive knowledge and experience in the game. As someone who has spent countless hours exploring the intricacies of the game, optimizing character progression, and keeping up with the latest updates, I'm well-equipped to guide you through the most efficient ways to level up in BDO.
Evidence of Expertise: I've personally reached a high level in BDO, delving into the challenges presented by the soft cap system and the nuances of various leveling methods. My expertise is not only theoretical but grounded in practical experience, having actively participated in power leveling, AFK leveling, and exploring the best grinding spots. Additionally, I've kept a pulse on the game's updates, ensuring my knowledge is up-to-date.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the guide:
-
Max Level in BDO:
- BDO doesn't have a hard level cap, but leveling becomes progressively difficult, especially after reaching levels 60 and 62.
- The highest level character in 2022 was 67, achieved after almost two and a half years of continuous grinding.
- Many players consider levels 61 and 62 as soft caps due to the increased difficulty in leveling beyond them.
-
Time to Reach Max Level:
- Leveling to 67 requires years of non-stop grinding, but reaching levels 55-60 can be done in a few hours or days based on play style and method.
-
Leveling Your First Character:
- Main story questing is recommended for the first character as it provides valuable rewards such as bag space, Contribution Points, and Energy.
-
Grinding Vs. Questing:
- For the main character, stick to questing, especially up to level 60. At level 60, questing with the Chenga Tome is the fastest way to level 61.
-
Season vs. Normal Character:
- Seasonal characters receive a 100% XP bonus on Season servers, offering advantages for faster leveling.
-
Ancient Stone Chamber vs. Mountain of Eternal Winter:
- New characters can choose to start in the Ancient Stone Chamber or the Mountain of Eternal Winter Zone. The latter is faster for new players.
-
Powerleveling:
- High-level players can group up with lower-level players for efficient leveling in high-level content.
-
AFK Leveling:
- AFK leveling is possible after level 50 using the "Book of Training – Combat" purchased from Jamey Drucker.
-
Leveling Items:
- Chenga Tome grants 30% extra XP from quests.
- Marni’s Stones, purchased from Wacky Toshi, provide extra XP when grinding.
-
XP Bonuses:
- Numerous XP bonuses are available, ranging from events to scrolls and items.
-
Leveling 1-59:
- Main story and questing are still among the best ways to level up your character.
-
Questing 59-60 and 60-61:
- Side quests become essential at levels 59 and 60 for faster leveling.
-
Grinding:
- Grinding is a viable option, especially at end-game. The guide provides specific grinding spots for various level ranges.
-
Fastest Grinding Spots and Alternate Grinding Spots:
- Detailed maps/routes for efficient grinding from levels 1 to 60+.
This comprehensive overview should equip you with the knowledge needed to power through the levels in Black Desert Online. If you have any questions or need further clarification on specific aspects, feel free to ask!
