Levels and Experience

Learn how to gain experience and level up characters in Pillars of Eternity. Discover XP requirements, bonuses for smaller parties, and how abilities and talents work.

Alright, let's talk about leveling up in Pillars of Eternity. It's a bit different from other RPGs you might have played, so pay attention!

First off, you don't get XP just for smacking down monsters. That's a bummer, I know, but it means the game really wants you to engage with the quests and bounties. You'll also get little bits of XP for filling out your bestiary (that's the in-game encyclopedia of creatures) and just for exploring new areas. So, keep your eyes peeled and your quest log full!

Now, about how much XP you need. It's a steady climb, and here's the breakdown:

Something else to keep in mind is party size. Running with a smaller crew actually gives you an XP bonus, which is pretty neat if you like a challenge or have a specific character build in mind. Here's how it breaks down:

And don't forget your inactive party members! They still get XP, but it's a bit less. They receive 75% of the normal XP. If you're running a smaller party, those inactive members still benefit. For example, if you're soloing the game (party size of 1), your companions chilling back at your stronghold will get about 112.5% of the awarded XP (that's 1.5 times the normal XP, then multiplied by 0.75 for being inactive). So, even your benchwarmers get stronger!

Finally, let's touch on abilities and talents. When your character hits an odd-numbered level, they get a new class-specific Ability. At even-numbered levels, you get to pick a Talent. Some talents are unique to certain classes, while others are fair game for anyone. Choose wisely; these really define your character's playstyle!