Editing Leveling guide

This guide covers tips and recommendations for efficient leveling of all [[classes]] of all types, from playing in One person mode (Solo) to playing in Normal mode (parties). It includes guides for beginners with beginner gear up to experienced players with more advanced or endgame gear. Some classes like [[Forces]] have advantages over leveling compared to other classes due to easier access to a wide variety of AoE [[Techniques#Hard_techniques|techniques]], which help in clearing large spawns of [[Monsters]] easier and faster. Other advantages include access to [[Weapons#Instant_kill|instant kill]] weapons, which Monsters in Normal until Very Hard difficulty are very susceptible to. [[Rangers]] especially have an advantage here due to their Ranger [[Weapons#Weapon_types|weapon]] kit.

=Beginners=
Leveling for beginners with beginner gear takes longer due to having no access to advanced gear. While later Episodes like 2 and 4 have monsters that award higher experience points (EXP), it is generally recommended to play in Episode 1 with weaker monsters. 

===Mags===
For beginners it's very important to start feeding their {{Mag|Mags}} as soon as possible. Mags allow permanent [[Stats|stat]] bonuses to the character and there are no leveling requirements for equipping them. Following the [[Mags/Guide|Mag guide]] helps in creating the first Mag. Which Mag to raise generally depends on the class. The [[Class guides]] have recommendations for which stats a player wants to raise their Mag with.

===Gear===
Gear like [[File:Weapons.png|link=]][[Weapons]], {{Frame|Frames}}, {{Shield|Barriers}} and {{Unit|Units}} can drop from killing [[monsters]] or by destroying [[item boxes]]. Gear can also be purchased for {{PSO icon|meseta}}[[Meseta]] from the Pioneer 2 shops. The beginner gear should be swapped out as soon as stronger gear is found. [[Frames]] can have up to four slots, onto which [[units]] can be equipped to. These units grant [[Stats|stat]] bonuses and it is recommended to use those that grant [[ATP]] and [[ATA]] stats for inflicting more damage and having higher accuracy in inflicting said damage. Units that grant [[HP]] can also be helpful to survive enemy attacks. While better [[frames]] grant more [[DFP]] and [[EVP]], it is recommended to use frames that have more slots so that more [[units]] can be used.

====Grinders====
{{Tool|Weapons#Grind|Grinders}} (Mono-, Di-, Tri-) are single use consumables that grant permanent [[ATP]] bonuses to a [[weapon]]. Each weapon has its own grind limit. While it can be useful to grind early game weapons, swapping out for stronger weapons is more important. Grinders are more commonly found in higher difficulties. In lower difficulties it can be useful to save them for use on later weapons.

===Materials===
{{PSO icon|tool}}[[Materials]] are single use consumables that grant permanent stat bonuses to the character. Each class has its own Material usage limit. The [[Class guides]] provide Material plan recommendations on how many Materials of which type should be used. Materials should be used as soon as they are found, as long as they fit within the intended players Material plan. {{Tool|HP Material|HP Materials}} can be used immediately without concern.

=Advanced players=
Experienced players with access to advanced gear should use their finished {{Mag|Mags}} and gear for their new characters. It is recommended to use a simple {{Frame|Frame}} with four slots in order to equip four {{Unit|units}} at Level 1. Materials should be used immediately as well. As {{Frame|Frames}} and {{Shield|Barriers}} have level requirements for equipping them, it can be useful to hold on to those that can be used on lower levels (as long as the frames also have four slots). Using Mags and [[units]] which grant numerous stats in [[ATP]], [[ATA]] or [[MST]] can also be useful in order to equip weapons early. 

=Quests=
Quests with high [[monster]] density or quick access to bosses are very efficient for leveling. While the most efficient leveling quests are usually located in later Episodes, they can be more difficult to clear. Some quests can be progressed until a certain point, from which the EXP gained by continuing is diminished. It's more efficient to reset the quest (by returning to the lobby with the command <code>/lobby</code>) at this point and repeat it.

===Towards the Future===
{{Quest link|Towards the Future}} (TTF) is the most popular quest in the game and colloquially known as a "boss rush." For beginners it's a very easy way to level, as rooms online fill quickly due to the popularity. Many experienced players help out new players in TTF rooms or they want to level their newly created characters too, but already have access to strong gear. Under these circumstances it's usually not too challenging to clear the quest in parties.

====Solo====
For beginners it can be challenging to clear the quest solo, as [[monsters]] and bosses become increasingly stronger in later areas. One way to still level quickly though is to only play the forest section of the quest. The quest has fast access to the [[Dragon]] and defeating them repeatedly awards a lot EXP in short time. [[Dragon]] is also the weakest boss in the game and thus can be defeated with beginner gear.