Leveling up and improving through levels is an important part of role-playing games. However, many MMORPGs now offer boosters to skip this leveling phase. Is this therefore an outdated concept?
Why is this discussion taking place? On reddit, the topic arose that some MMORPGs like World of Warcraft now offer players boosters that allow them to skip the leveling phase. This makes it possible to jump straight to the endgame. And this is important for some MMORPG fans. Because some believe that an MMO only becomes truly exciting with the endgame and want to dive right in.
Additionally, tips for faster leveling such as in Fallout 76 are always welcome.
This raises the question of whether leveling in MMORPGs makes sense anymore or whether it is an outdated system.
Level-Up or automatically improve skills?
What is leveling anyway? The system originates from tabletop role-playing games and has provided a means to show how strong a character is in a game since the 1970s.
Players start at level 1 and gain experience points by completing quests and fighting monsters. Once they reach a certain amount, they level up to a higher level. This new level brings additional abilities for the hero, making them stronger, possibly allowing them to use certain items, and giving them more health points and more powerful spells.
This allows the character to take on stronger foes.
What alternatives exist? Nowadays, some role-playing games, both in single-player and MMORPGs, utilize different methods. For instance, there are systems where players can enhance their skills by frequently using them. So if a hero, for example, only fights with one-handed blades, this skill will gradually increase over time. A wizard who only uses fire magic will become an expert in that area.
Other systems skip levels altogether but still offer players the chance to improve skills. By completing quests or defeating enemies, players earn skill points that they can allocate as they wish.
Everything has its pros and cons
What are the advantages of leveling up? A level has significance. The level indicates at a glance how strong a hero is. This also facilitates comparisons among players, which is helpful when looking for groups. MMORPG players might seek teammates of a similar level for raids.
Additionally, levels provide a good way to showcase what someone has achieved in a game so far. Furthermore, leveling is an excellent way to gradually learn the various features and mechanics of a game.
Levels are also a form of progression, providing players with motivation to continue and become even stronger. If one is close to leveling up, they may want to reach that milestone quickly to see how the hero improves as a result.
For developers of MMORPGs, levels also offer several advantages. Particularly in terms of balancing, the team can populate areas of the game world with monsters targeted at players of specific levels. New content for certain levels can be easily integrated into the game.
Individual class levels can be more easily adjusted and balanced, and an automatic matchmaking system brings together players who are well-suited to each other.
What are the disadvantages of leveling up? It often takes a long time to finally reach the new level. This is sometimes associated with grinding – especially when the story of an MMORPG or certain quests are tied to level requirements. If someone wants to know how the story continues but has not yet reached the required level for the next mission, they must grind to level up.
Anyone who wants to reach the endgame quickly but has to level up significantly may find that frustrating.
Moreover, players see real progress in their character only when leveling up. Depending on how many levels there are until the maximum level and how long it takes to level up, some may find this insufficient progression.
Additionally, a bit of individuality is lost in characters. While two heroes of the same level can already differ from each other, a personal play style is often not visible. In the system where skills improve through use, it is different. One can immediately recognize what the player values and how they play.
Outdated or classic?
Is leveling up outdated now? MeinMMO author Andreas Bertits believes that leveling still has its place in MMORPGs. It represents the classic and familiar way to improve one’s hero. It is a straightforward system that works and has its advantages. Moreover, it supports certain play styles and gives players the opportunity to compare themselves with others.
However, this does not mean that leveling is the only true way to improve one’s character in an online role-playing game. The skill system, where skills improve either through points allocation or use, also has its justification and can be quite enjoyable.
Since there are different systems, players can choose the one that appeals to them the most. Those who enjoy leveling will play an MMORPG that offers this system. Those who prefer to improve skills have suitable titles available. And for those who are only interested in the endgame, a boost can be utilized. This way, everyone gets what they want.
What do you think? Does leveling up your character still belong in an MMORPG? Or is the system outdated for you?
Are you looking for a new MMORPG that perhaps has the leveling system that suits you? Check out the MeinMMO article on the “8 most promising new MMOs and MMORPGs for 2020 and 2021“.
