Earning XP in Aliens: Dark Descent is essential for leveling up your Marines and unlocking powerful abilities—but the system can be a bit opaque. This guide explains exactly how XP works, what actions contribute to Marine progression, and how to optimize your efforts for maximum impact.

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How to Check Marine XP

1. Squad Recap Screen
   • Access the Squad Recap screen (e.g., R1 on PlayStation) to view each Marine’s XP bar.
   • Once a bar is full, the Marine will be ready to level up when you return to the Otago.
2. Promotions
   • Leveling up allows you to select new abilities, enhancing combat performance and tactical options.

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What Grants XP

According to the in-game Codex, XP is awarded for the following:

1. Completing Objectives

• Primary Objectives: These are your main missions and offer the highest XP rewards.
• Secondary Objectives: Optional but valuable—completing them provides a strong XP boost.

2. Participating in Events

• Onslaughts: Survive large enemy waves during high-alert sequences to earn XP.
• Random Events: Special in-mission encounters (like rescuing survivors or defusing hazards) also grant XP.

3. Defeating Bosses

• High-threat enemies and mission-specific bosses yield bonus XP when defeated.

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What Doesn’t Earn XP

• Standard Alien Kills: Defeating regular xenomorphs or small skirmishes doesn’t award XP.
• Unnecessary Combat: Avoid wasting time, health, and ammo on non-objective encounters.

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XP-Earning Strategy Tips

1. Objective Focus
   • Always prioritize mission and side objectives—they offer the best XP per risk taken.
2. Risk vs. Reward
   • Large engagements like Onslaughts can be XP-rich but drain supplies. Only commit if you’re prepared.
3. Skip Filler Fights
   • If a fight doesn’t progress your mission or offer rewards, bypass it when safe to do so.

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Resource Management During XP Hunts

• Ammo: Save it for events and objectives. Small fights aren’t worth the cost.
• Stress: Keep an eye on stress levels—tired or panicked Marines underperform.
• Command Points: Use them strategically for crowd control or critical interventions during high-XP events.

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Final Thoughts

Gaining XP in Aliens: Dark Descent isn’t about killing every alien—it’s about smart decision-making. Complete objectives, engage in key events, and avoid unnecessary fights to level up your squad efficiently. Every decision counts in the field—play smart, conserve resources, and watch your team grow stronger with each mission.