Leveling up efficiently in Deep Rock Galactic is key to unlocking new weapons, cosmetics, and promotions for your dwarves. While XP will accumulate naturally as you play, optimizing your approach can significantly speed up progression. Here are five essential tips to help you level up and promote your classes faster.

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Understanding XP and Efficient Leveling

XP in DRG helps increase class levels and player rank, leading to weapon unlocks and promotions. However, beyond the first promotion, XP farming becomes less critical, as most gameplay-related unlocks are already acquired. Extra promotions mostly serve as bragging rights and access to higher-tier cosmetics.

Some players use “Mission Sniping” (joining missions right before extraction to claim full XP rewards). While this technically works, it’s generally discouraged, as it takes away from cooperative gameplay and may result in being kicked from lobbies.

Instead, let’s focus on legitimate, team-friendly XP farming strategies.

Deep Rock Galactic

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1. Play at the Highest Hazard Level You Can Complete Efficiently

Higher Hazard Levels yield greater XP rewards. However, difficulty spikes can slow completion times, so finding a balance between speed and challenge is key.

Optimal Hazard Levels for XP

• Hazard 2 (Low Risk): Safe for beginners, but slow progression.
• Hazard 3 (Standard Challenge): Good balance for most players.
• Hazard 4 (Extreme): High XP yield, but requires teamwork.
• Hazard 5 (Lethal): Best XP rewards but only recommended for experienced squads.

Pro Tip: If Hazard 4 missions take too long, it’s often better to complete multiple Hazard 3 missions faster than struggle through Hazard 4 or 5.

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2. Look for Double XP Mutators and Favorable Hazard Modifiers

Some missions grant double XP, doubling all rewards from the mission, including main and secondary objectives, and even event bonuses.

When picking a mission, check for: ✅ Double XP anomaly – The most effective way to farm XP. ✅ Favorable mutators – Avoid hazards that slow you down (e.g., Haunted Cave, Low Oxygen). Good hazard bonuses include:

• Lethal Enemies – Increases damage but doesn’t extend mission time.
• Parasites – Extra enemy spawns, but easy to handle with AOE weapons.
• Mactera Plague – More flying enemies, manageable with good aim.

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3. Prioritize Fast Mission Types

Not all missions provide equal XP-to-time efficiency. Some missions drag on, while others allow for rapid completion.

Best XP Farming Missions

✅ Point Extraction – Small, contained map, quick mining cycle. ✅ Egg Hunt – Predictable layout, can be completed efficiently. ✅ Mining Expedition – Straightforward, moderate XP per time spent. ✅ Salvage Operation – Can be fast if the team cooperates during defense phases.

Avoid These for XP Farming

🚫 Elimination – Dreadnought fights take too long relative to XP gain. 🚫 Escort Duty – Drilldozer’s slow movement limits efficiency. 🚫 Industrial Sabotage – Multi-phase objectives stretch out mission time.

For pure XP grinding, stick to fast-paced missions and avoid time-consuming objectives.

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4. Always Complete Machine Events and Random Events

Machine Events and other random occurrences provide extra XP and are often worth the additional effort.

• Machine Events – If you have a Tritilyte Key, these grant XP and Overclocks.
• Meteor Showers – Bonus minerals and XP for participating.
• Lost Packs & Data Cores – Extra objectives for additional rewards.

Even if farming XP, take a few extra minutes to complete these. They offer valuable rewards beyond XP.

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5. Play with Friends or Communicate with Your Team

XP farming is much easier when your squad is on the same page. Playing with randoms can be hit-or-miss, as they might prioritize exploring rather than speedrunning.

Tips for playing with others:

• Use voice chat or pings to coordinate objectives.
• Tell new teammates that you’re focused on quick XP runs.
• Stick together – The faster you complete objectives, the more XP per hour you gain.

If possible, form a premade team to ensure faster, coordinated missions.

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Bonus Tip: Don’t Stress Over XP—Just Enjoy the Game

While optimizing XP gain is helpful, Deep Rock Galactic is best enjoyed as a cooperative experience. If XP farming starts feeling like a grind, take a step back and enjoy the missions at your own pace.

The best way to level up? Simply play and have fun. XP will accumulate naturally, and before you know it, you’ll hit Greybeard status!

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Final Thoughts

By following these five XP farming strategies, you’ll maximize your leveling efficiency while still enjoying Deep Rock Galactic:

1. Play at the highest hazard level you can complete efficiently.
2. Prioritize Double XP missions or favorable hazard mutators.
3. Choose fast mission types like Point Extraction and Egg Hunt.
4. Complete Machine Events and other in-game XP opportunities.
5. Communicate with your team and play with friends when possible.

And above all—whether you’re grinding XP or just having fun—always Rock and Stone!