Start with Bamboo Coast (instant action) or Heaven's Reach (prologue introducing the Hongmoon disciple) - both lead to Bamboo Coast after the tutorial. Switch to Blade and Soul mode (Shift + F2) for action combat - smoother than Classic mode, as per the Korean system. Main story quests (yellow on tracker) begin here-kill three enemies to start, teleporting to NPCs via the quest button speeds up progress.
Follow yellow main story quests exclusively for XP - press the teleport button next to each quest (e.g. after killing mobs) to warp to the next NPC or objective, bypassing travel time. NPCs move, but press F mid-run to interact instantly - no waiting required. In story dungeons, skip trash mobs with an unlimited sprint jump to dodge ranged attacks (combat slows movement), kill the objective mob, then double-tap Escape to exit and teleport on.
Weapons have no level requirements - buy high-level options (e.g. from the Auction House) at level 1 if funds allow, prices vary according to player market trends after launch. Pre-registration grants a free starter weapon (quality TBD), and the Battle Pass Tier 1 offers a Profane Jiangshi Weapon (level 45) - equip either to shred early mobs. New players can walk instead of teleporting - scenery helps with exploration journals (minor stats), but teleporting cuts hours.
Side quests and skills: Valour Stones and Hardan
Purple tutorial quests (such as picking up items) teach mechanics - complete them alongside main quests for 20 Valour Stones to unlock green skill books in Cinderland's Yahara Mirage (1 Silver). Blue side-quests offer more stones - accept the Way of [Class] and stone-gathering tasks (e.g. NPC chats), delay killing quests until stronger for one-shot. Hardan's six combat training quests (hidden dungeon rooms) grant skill point pages - skip fights by telling Hardan "too hard", Hardan training badges from main quests are required to progress. Slot points (K menu) into mob skills (e.g. 985 to 1,400 damage) - green skills (20 Valour Stones) such as Lunar Slash Combo halve focus costs (3 to 2).
Party play and potions: Teamwork and Resources
Party with friends - share kills and collectibles (one player collects for all); speed up quests, especially in crowded channels; switch channels (top-right menu) when items/mobs are taken. 15 low level potions (e.g. 40 HP tonics) can be converted to higher level heals at the merchant - stock up as you level up. Faction choice at Act 18 (Crimson or Cerulean) will align with friends for group quests - cosmetic only, per transcript.
Crafting and clan: Optional Early Investments
Join a crafting guild in Jadestone Village - costs silver from side quests, takes hours, gives skill points; optional for min-maxers. Form a clan at the Faction Overseer (10 gold) - side quests fund this, allowing group play later. Main Story continues to 45 (or 36 in NA's Chapter 1-2) - Chapter 3 (level 45) will follow in future patches.
Community Insights: Player leveling tactics
Teleport Spam: Players relying on teleport buttons - reducing travel time to minutes, according to Korea data.
Dungeon Skips: Unlimited sprint skips - trash-jumping tactics to avoid combat, per transcript.
Skill Focus: Hardan quests and green skills are trending early - Valor Stones accumulate quickly.
Party Gains: Groups share tasks - collectibles and kills double speed, per video tips.
NEO's leveling design: Mechanics and flow
Quest System: Main story and dailies drive XP - Blue quests shift to Valour Stones, per Korea's update.
Mobility boosts: Unlimited sprinting and teleportation streamline travel - 3-second wind stride aids pacing, per transcript.
Gear flexibility: No leveling restrictions allow for early power spikes - Battle Pass and Auction House speed up, per Korea's model.
Leveling Mastery: A quick ascent
Leveling in Blade and Soul NEO Classic - live from 25 February 2025 - reaches 45 (or 36) via main story teleports, dungeon skips and green skill boosts. From the Bamboo Coast to the pages of Hardan, this guide will save you hours - gear up fast, party smart, and hit the endgame ready for raids and beyond.
Thank you for reading
This guide will get you leveling fast in Blade and Soul NEO Classic, which launches on 25 February 2025, as of 23 February 2025. More content awaits - start your journey!