In Deep Rock Galactic, leveling up your classes and promoting them unlocks weapons, cosmetics, and various rewards. While experience (XP) will accumulate naturally as you play, some methods allow you to maximize efficiency and level up faster. This guide provides five key tips, along with an important mindset to ensure that you enjoy the process rather than just rushing through it.

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Understanding XP and Why It Matters

XP in Deep Rock Galactic contributes to class levels and player rank. Promotion occurs once a class reaches level 25, allowing access to endgame content like Deep Dives, Machine Events, and The Forge.

However, beyond the first promotion for each class, XP farming becomes less of a necessity. Additional promotions primarily offer cosmetic rewards and prestige rather than new gameplay mechanics.

Additionally, while some players use “Mission Sniping” (joining missions near completion to collect full XP rewards with minimal effort), this is generally discouraged. It takes away from team-based progression and can lead to being kicked from lobbies.

Instead, let’s focus on legitimate, efficient XP farming methods that align with the cooperative spirit of DRG.

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1. Play at the Highest Hazard Level You Can Handle

XP gains scale with Hazard Level, meaning that harder difficulties yield more XP. However, if completing higher hazards significantly slows down mission completion, it might not be worth it.

Recommended Hazard Levels

• Hazard 2 (Low Risk): Safe for beginners, but XP is minimal.
• Hazard 3 (Challenging): Good balance for new players adjusting to the game.
• Hazard 4 (Extreme): High XP rewards if you have solid team coordination.
• Hazard 5 (Lethal): The hardest setting with the best XP payout, but only recommended for experienced players.

Pro Tip: If Hazard 4 takes too long compared to Hazard 3, it may be better to run Hazard 3 repeatedly for faster overall XP gain.

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2. Look for Double XP Mutators and Favorable Hazard Bonuses

Some missions offer XP-boosting anomalies that double all experience earned. These are marked with a Double XP iconon the mission board. If available, prioritize these missions.

Even without Double XP, certain hazard mutators provide extra experience without significantly increasing difficulty. Some of the best include:

• Lethal Enemies – Higher enemy damage, but doesn’t increase swarm frequency.
• Parasites – Enemies release smaller creatures on death, but easy to manage with AOE weapons.
• Mactera Plague – Increases flying enemy spawns, but manageable with a strong team.

Avoid difficult modifiers like Haunted Caves (constant ghost enemy) or Low Oxygen (limited air supply), unless you are comfortable dealing with them.

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3. Prioritize Fast Mission Types

Not all mission types are created equal when it comes to XP efficiency. Some missions take significantly longer than others, making them less ideal for quick leveling.

Best Mission Types for Fast XP

• Point Extraction – Simple and contained, quick mission time.
• Egg Hunt – Structured and predictable, easy to optimize.
• Salvage Operation – Can be completed quickly if done efficiently.

Worst Mission Types for XP Farming

• Elimination – Dreadnought fights take time and don’t yield as much XP.
• Escort Duty – Drilldozer speed limits completion time.
• Industrial Sabotage – Lengthy setup and boss fight make it inefficient.

If XP is your goal, focus on fast-paced mission types and avoid drawn-out objectives.

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4. Complete Machine Events and Random Events

Machine Events and other in-mission activities provide extra XP while also rewarding Overclocks and minerals.

• Machine Events – Require a Tritilyte Key (from a promoted character) but give XP and Overclocks.
• Meteor Showers – Yield valuable minerals and bonus XP.
• Lost Packs & Data Cores – Provide additional rewards when recovered.

Even if the mission goal is XP farming, always complete these optional events if time allows. They provide bonus experience and extra loot that is useful long-term.

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5. Play with Friends or Communicate with Your Team

Coordinating with a team makes XP farming far more efficient than playing with random teammates who may have different priorities.

• Communicate – Let teammates know you’re focusing on XP so they can align with your playstyle.
• Form a squad – A premade group can speed up objectives and prevent delays.
• Avoid unnecessary distractions – While exploring is fun, if XP is the goal, focus on mission efficiency.

If playing with randoms, be respectful—not everyone is looking to speedrun missions. Simply communicate your intent, and adapt accordingly.

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Bonus Tip: Don’t Stress About XP, Just Have Fun

While optimizing XP farming is useful, the most efficient way to level up in Deep Rock Galactic is simply to enjoy the game. Over time, XP will accumulate naturally, and stressing over rapid progression can make the game feel like a grind.

Enjoy the teamwork, exploration, and combat, and XP will come naturally as you improve your skills.

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Final Thoughts

These XP farming strategies will help you level up and promote your classes much faster while still enjoying the game. By focusing on:

1. Higher Hazard Levels (that you can complete efficiently)
2. Double XP Mutators (or favorable hazards)
3. Faster Mission Types (like Egg Hunt and Point Extraction)
4. Machine Events and Random Events (for extra XP)
5. Team Communication (to optimize speed and cooperation)

…you’ll be on your way to reaching Greybeard status in no time.

And remember—whether you’re farming XP or just enjoying a casual run, always Rock and Stone!