Leveling in Overwatch is quite simple. Or is it not? We explain some nuances of the game’s leveling system.
A leveling guide for Overwatch? What should that include? Yes, I asked myself that same question. Nevertheless, there are a whole lot of factors to keep in mind if you want to level up in Overwatch as quickly as possible.
Level-Ups – What does it actually do?
Players are rewarded with experience points for playing Overwatch, which are needed to reach new levels. Basically, the level says little about a player’s skill, but it has a significant impact: loot boxes. After every level-up, the player is rewarded with a box containing all kinds of cosmetic goodies, from profile pictures to emotes and even new character skins. “Effective” leveling is therefore worthwhile for everyone who likes to stand out a bit from the crowd.
Experience Points – What are they for?
In general, the experience gained in Overwatch depends on exactly one factor: time. The longer a match lasts, the more XP both teams receive. In addition, there are also further rewards for players when certain conditions are met. The composition of the experience points is as follows:
- 3.40 XP are awarded per second in active play (waiting/preparation time does not count)
- Medals give 50 XP (Bronze), 100 XP (Silver), and 150 XP (Gold). Players can earn this bonus for only one medal each – so a maximum of 150 XP in a round.
- Completing a match earns 250 XP
- A victory additionally brings 500 XP
- Consecutive games grant 200 XP
- Playing in a group (2-6 players) is rewarded with 20% bonus XP.
- Additionally, the “first win of the day” grants 1500 XP.
Prestige – Resetting the Level
The first high-level players have already achieved it in recent days. Leveling “ends” in Overwatch when reaching level 101. After that, the player is reset back to level 1 and receives a new border around their picture, so everyone can see how much they have already accomplished in the game. The advantage: resetting to level 1 also resets the required experience points! The first “new” levels will therefore fly by, which also accelerates the gain of new loot boxes.
General Tips for Leveling
- Always play in a group. The 20% bonus XP is calculated on almost all points.
- Do not leave the queue after every round just because someone in the group wants to open a loot box! Rather, play several matches in a row, as only then do you receive the “Consecutive Match” bonus. That’s only “240 XP” (in a group), but can lead to several level-ups in the long run.
- Never stretch out a match if you are winning! If you can win, then do it. Usually, the “bonus” for additional time is smaller than just winning quickly, collecting the winner bonus, and starting a new round.
- From level 23, the required experience points no longer increase – each level-up then requires 22,000 XP (up to prestige).
- Never leave games early. Who flees from a match too often incurs a penalty of 75% on all experience points – making “effective leveling” almost impossible for a while.
For more news, guides, and articles about Blizzard’s hero shooter, visit our Overwatch game page.
