Role-playing games (RPGs) have become extremely popular among gamers because of their immersive worlds, character customization, and engaging narratives.
According to Statista, around 23% of American gamers played RPGs as of the first quarter of 2025. However, leveling up in these games can sometimes feel like a full-time job. Many players fall into the trap of repeating low-yield tasks, hoping the grind will pay off eventually.
Some communities have been focusing on smarter, more efficient ways to progress. According to CNL Gaming, you can easily buy coins, skins, accounts, boosters, etc., to level up quickly. All you need to do is find a service provider, look for your product, make a payment, and you will get the delivery.
In this article, we’ll explore some ways to boost your level without constantly looping through the same side quests. The goal is to make the journey feel rewarding while still moving forward at a steady pace.
Know Your XP Sources Beyond Combat
Many players focus too heavily on combat as their primary way to earn experience. While taking down enemies does add up, it’s often one of the slower methods when done on its own. The key is to understand the game’s other experience sources. These can be things like exploration bonuses, dialogue decisions, crafting, and even specific in-game challenges.
Consider the example of Pokémon Go, where players take on the role of a Pokémon trainer. As stated by Eurogamer, there are various sources of XP in the game, such as:
- Capturing a Pokémon
- New Pokédex entry
- Catching a Pokémon with different throws
- Evolving a Pokémon
- Hatching an egg
- Spinning a photo disc
- Completing a research breakthrough
- Winning battles, etc.
Modern RPGs are designed to reward players for interacting with different systems. Talking to certain characters, discovering new locations, or even reading in-game lore can sometimes add experience in small but meaningful ways. Over time, these small gains become a solid supplement to your overall progress.
Are there XP bonuses tied to game difficulty settings?
Yes, many open-world RPGs offer increased XP rewards on higher difficulty levels as an incentive for players to take on tougher challenges. While it can make combat more intense, the extra experience per encounter may shorten your overall leveling time.
Stop Hoarding and Start Crafting
Inventory management is a significant part of any role-playing game. Game Rant states that some of the RPGs with the best inventory management systems are:
- Minecraft
- System Shock 2
- Deus Ex: Human Revolution
- Astroneer
- Dredge
- Resident Evil 4
- Moonlighter
- Death Stranding
Managing inventory often becomes a game within a game. Players tend to hoard materials, waiting for the “right time” to craft, upgrade, or sell. That mindset can lead to missed opportunities for XP boosts that come from using those materials now.
Crafting isn’t just about gear; it can also feed directly into your character’s growth. In games where skills increase through use, the simple act of creating weapons or potions can contribute to leveling specific attributes or overall XP. Instead of stashing everything away, look at your inventory as a tool for advancement, not just storage.
Can crafting influence story outcomes or dialogue options in some RPGs?
Absolutely. In some titles, crafting can unlock new dialogue paths or influence how characters respond to your choices. For example, gifting a crafted item or having a high crafting skill may open up special interactions that would otherwise be unavailable. This can give you new story routes and rewards to level up quickly.
Prioritize High-Value Quests Early
Not all quests are created equal. Many open-world RPGs include early missions that offer significant experience gains, often as a way to help new players catch up quickly. However, these are easy to miss if you’re focused on clearing every nearby objective or chasing markers at random.
It’s worth taking time to identify which storylines or side missions offer the biggest payoff. Look for quests with unique character interactions, story branching, or those tied to factions.
These often carry higher XP rewards compared to the more repetitive “fetch” or “defeat five enemies” tasks. Choosing the right quests early can make a noticeable difference in how fast you grow.
You can also look for side quests, which are a standard part of role-playing games. Mass Effect 2, Fallout 4, Cyberpunk 2077, and Elden Ring are some RPGs with the best side quests to gain XP, according to TheGamer.
Is it possible to outlevel story quests and miss rewards?
Yes, some RPGs scale rewards based on your current level. If you overlevel before completing early quests, the experience and item rewards may be reduced. It’s worth checking if a game uses level scaling so you don’t unintentionally miss out on stronger gear or better XP returns.
Learn How to Chain Activities Efficiently
Wandering from one quest to another without a plan can eat up hours with minimal progress. Instead, try grouping activities based on location or task type.
If three side missions happen to be in the same general area, knock them out in one loop. If crafting, selling, and upgrading can be done in a nearby town, make it a checkpoint between missions.
This kind of chaining saves time and maximizes the amount of progress you make per play session. It reduces the need to fast-travel back and forth or clear the same areas repeatedly. It also keeps the gameplay dynamic, letting you mix combat, dialogue, and exploration more smoothly.
Don’t Ignore Passive Bonuses and Game Systems
Many RPGs feature hidden systems that influence how quickly you level up. These could be rest bonuses, XP boosts from gear, or time-based events that offer double rewards.
For example, PC Gamer states that every weapon you carry in Elden Ring Nightreign gives you its passive buff. Thus, simply carrying weapons and using them during combat in such games can give you XP boosts.
They’re often overlooked because they’re not part of the core gameplay loop, but learning how they work can give you a meaningful edge.
Even something as simple as choosing the right perk or aligning with a specific in-game faction can open up experience multipliers. Players who take the time to understand these systems often level faster than those who focus solely on raw gameplay.
Leveling up doesn’t have to feel like a slow grind. With a few changes to your strategy, focusing on high-yield quests, and crafting proactively, you can move through the game more efficiently.
The point of an RPG is to grow stronger while staying immersed in the world. Grinding may work, but it often comes at the cost of fun. Smarter progression helps you stay engaged, build momentum, and enjoy the journey from start to finish.
Let the game work for you, not the other way around.