As the first beta for Black Desert Online is right around the corner, I wanted to share a few things I wish I knew before I had started playing the game. As a preface, my experiences are based on the Korean version of the game, so some things may be different in the NA/EU version, or may change between beta and launch..
1. Questing isn’t the fastest way to level
Leveling in Black Desert is somewhat different than in other games. Most of your Experience comes from killing mobs in the world. If you are trying to reach the highest level the quickest way possible, grinding mobs is the best way to do so. But don’t neglect questing altogether, because you will end up shorting yourself on Contribution Experience (which grants Contribution points that can be invested to gain access to resource building, housing, storage, and followers), and will need to play catch up later. In addition many quests can be repeated on a daily basis, so if you start doing them on day 1, you will be able to maximize your contribution gains..
2. Do your Black Spirit Quests
I highly recommend trying to stay current with your Black Spirit quests. You will gain experience, skills, and inventory space just by following the main quest line.
3. Quest Mobs appear in orange on your mini-map
Enemies appear in red on your mini-map, while quest enemies appear in orange. Remembering to check the mini-map and going to the orange pings will save you quite of a bit of time in the long run.
4. Pressing “T” will auto-path you to your Objective
Whenever you set a waypoint (right-clicking a location on the map), if you press “T” your character will automatically sheath his weapons and start moving to the location. This is extremely convenient because there is no fast traveling in Black Desert. Be cautious using auto-traveling and going afk when carrying a trade pack though, as bandits can spawn and you may come back to a dead character.
5. Alts are extremely Useful
Alts in Black Desert are extremely convenient to have. You can station an alt in a city to purchase things at the auction house and deposit items into your warehouse rental chest, which can be retrieved by your main at another that is farther away from the main settlement. Energy regenerates separately on each alt so you can log onto each to spend some when needed. While your Contribution points are shared among all the characters on your account, any Contribution EXP is earned towards the account total. Stationing an alt at a farm to harvest or to drive off threats will save you time and protect your investment. Finally, stationing an alt next to the Librarian in Calpheon will allow you to quickly reset your knowledge scores on mobs so you can attempt to get a higher grade.
Oh, one last thing. Your gear can be shared among your alts (provided they can equip it), and there is no minimum level requirement to use it cap…
