Embarking on your journey through EverQuest (EQ) and looking for the most effective path to level up your character? You’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive Eq Leveling Guide is designed to point you to the best zones for experience gain, spanning from the classic era all the way up to the Omens of War expansion. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new adventurer in Norrath, this guide will help you navigate the vast world and optimize your leveling speed.
This guide is structured to provide you with clear recommendations based on your character’s level. The Player Level range indicated for each zone represents the ideal “sweet spot.” This is the range where you’ll not only earn substantial experience points but also remain effective in combat, successfully landing spells and melee attacks. While sticking to these ranges is advised for optimal leveling, EverQuest offers flexibility. Depending on your group composition or soloing prowess, you might find success slightly outside these suggested levels. Consider these ranges as a starting point to discover your most efficient leveling path.
To further assist your journey, many zones are listed multiple times, each entry corresponding to a different level bracket within that zone. This highlights the versatility of certain locations as you progress. Clicking on the provided Map links will lead you to detailed zone maps, visually indicating the average mob levels in various areas. Keep an eye out for the yellow star icons on some maps; these pinpoint exceptional experience hotspots within those zones. Remember that these map markers generally reflect the level of standard monsters and might not account for named mobs, which are typically of a higher level.
Given the extensive scope of this guide, spanning numerous zones and level ranges, we recommend using your browser’s zoom function (typically Ctrl + Mouse Wheel) to comfortably view more of the list at once and quickly locate zones relevant to your current level.
It’s also important to note that EverQuest is a dynamic game, with many zones undergoing revamps and updates across different expansions. The screenshots below, originally shared by an EQ Developer, illustrate some of these zone transformations.
Please be aware that this guide is a work in progress, and information on pre-revamp versions of certain zones might be less detailed. As the EverQuest landscape evolves, so too will this guide, ensuring you always have access to the most up-to-date and effective EQ leveling guide.
For those who prefer visual learning, or want to see leveling strategies in action, we’ve compiled a series of leveling guide videos covering different level brackets. These videos offer practical demonstrations and further insights to complement this zone guide.
Leveling Guide Videos:
Antonica Leveling Zones
Antonica, the heartland of Norrath, offers a diverse range of zones perfect for adventurers starting their journey. From serene forests to rugged mountains, Antonica provides ideal locations for players to gain their first levels and beyond.
| Player Level | Zone | Rating | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 – 2 | Everfrost Peaks | 2.5/5 | Map |
| 1 – 3 | North Qeynos | 2/5 | Map |
| 1 – 3 | West Freeport | 4/5 | Map |
| 1 -5 | Rathe Mountains | 2/5 | Map |
| 1 – 6 | Qeynos Hills | 2/5 | Map |
| 1 – 9 | Feerrott | 4/5 | Map |
| 1 – 6 | Innothule Swamp | 2.5/5 | Map |
| 1 – 10 | Misty Thicket | 2.5/5 | Map |
| 1 – 11 | Nektulos Forest | 4/5 | Map |
| 1 – 11 | North Ro | 3.5/5 | Map |
| 4 – 11 | West Karana | 2/5 | Map |
| 4 – 12 | Blackburrow | 4/5 | Map |
| 5 – 10 | Kithicor Forest (Day) | N/A | Map |
| 6 – 9 | Everfrost Peaks | 2/5 | Map |
| 6 – 16 | Befallen | 4/5 | Map |
| 6 – 12 | Commonlands | 2/5 | Map |
| 7 – 11 | North Karana | 4/5 | Map |
| 8 – 17 | South Ro | 4/5 | Map |
| 8 – 20 | East Karana | 2.5/5 | Map |
| 9 – 16 | Lake Rathetear | N/A | Map |
| 10 – 17 | Lavastorm Mountains | 3.5/5 | Map |
| 10 – 24 | Runnyeye | 2.5/5 | Map |
| 11 – 20 | Najena | 2.5/5 | Map |
| 12 – 17 | Rathe Mountains | 2/5 | Map |
| 12 – 18 | Gorge of King Xorbb | 2/5 | Map |
| 14 – 23 | Permafrost Keep | 4/5 | Map |
| 15 – 30 | South Karana | 4/5 | Map |
| 16 – 28 | Upper Guk | 4/5 | Map |
| 20 – 26 | Highpass Hold | 2/5 | Map |
| 20 – 30 | Solusek’s Eye (SolA) | 4/5 | Map |
| 20 – 30 | Temple of Cazic-Thule 1.0 | 4/5 | Map |
| 24 – 31 | Feerrott | 2/5 | Map |
| 26 – 30 | Highpass Keep | 2/5 | Map |
| 28 – 43 | Lower Guk | 5/5 | Map |
| 30 – 37 | Kithicor Forest (Night) | 2/5 | Map |
| 32 – 37 | Rathe Mountains | 2/5 | Map |
| 35 – 48 | Nagafen’s Lair (SolB) | 3.5/5 | Map |
| 53 – 62 | Caverns of Exile aka SolC | 2/5 | Map |
| 55 – 60 | Temple of Cazic-Thule 2.0 | N/A | Map |
| Info needed *Estimated level 30* | Splitpaw 1.0 | N/A | |
| 65 – 70 | Splitpaw 2.0 | 5/5 | Map |
Faydwer Leveling Zones
Venture to Faydwer, a continent rich in history and brimming with opportunities for adventure. From the bustling forests of Greater Faydark to the mysterious depths of dungeons, Faydwer presents a diverse range of leveling zones for characters of various levels.
| Player Level | Zone | Rating | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 – 8 | Butcherblock | 2/5 | Map |
| 1 – 10 | Greater Faydark | 4/5 | Map |
| 1 – 11 | Steamfont Mountains | 5/5 | Map |
| 5 – 13 | Clan Crushbone | 4/5 | Map |
| 8 – 13 | Lesser Faydark | 2/5 | Map |
| 10 – 27 | Ocean of Tears | 4/5 | Map |
| 11 – 31 | Estate of Unrest | 4/5 | Map |
| 18 – 23 | Dagnor’s Cauldron | 2/5 | Map |
| 21 – 35 | Castle Mistmoore | 4/5 | Map |
| 38 – 45 | Kedge Keep | 4/5 | Map |
| 41 – 48 | Ocean of Tears | 4/5 | Map |
Odus Leveling Zones
Explore the mysterious continent of Odus, home to erudite scholars and hidden dangers. Odus offers unique environments and challenges for adventurers seeking to hone their skills and advance their levels.
| Player Level | Zone | Rating | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 – 3 | Paineel | 5/5 | Map |
| 1 – 8 | Toxxulia Forest | 4/5 | Map |
| 4 – 18 | The Warrens | 4/5 | Map |
| 7 – 12 | Erud’s Crossing | 2/5 | Map |
| 14 – 21 | Toxxulia Forest | 2/5 | Map |
| 14 – 28 | Stronebrunt Mountians | 2/5 | Map |
| 45-50? Info needed | The Hole 1.0 | 5/5 | |
| 38 – 60 | The Hole 2.0 | 4/5 | Map |
Ruins of Kunark Leveling Zones
Journey to the exotic lands of Kunark, introduced with the Ruins of Kunark expansion. This continent offers a blend of perilous jungles, ancient ruins, and formidable foes, providing ample opportunities for mid-level characters to gain significant experience.
| Player Level | Zone | Rating | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 – 15 | Field of Bone | 4/5 | Map |
| 1 – 15 | Lake of Ill Omen | 2.5/5 | Map |
| 1 – 15 | Swamp of No Hope | N/A | Map |
| 7 – 18 | Kurn’s Tower | 5/5 | Map |
| 14 – 20 | Lake of Ill Omen | 2/5 | Map |
| 14 – 22 | The Overthere | 4/5 | Map |
| 14 – 21 | Swamp of No Hope | 2/5 | Map |
| 17 – 23 | Timorous Deep | 2/5 | Map |
| 20 – 26 | Warsliks Woods | 2/5 | Map |
| 20 – 28 | Lake of Ill Omen | 5/5 | Map |
| 26 – 33 | Crypt of Dalnir | 4/5 | Map |
| 27 – 32 | Firiona Vie | 2.5/5 | Map |
| 27 – 33 | Frontier Mountians | 2/5 | Map |
| 30 – 36 | Kaesora | 4/5 | Map |
| 31 – 39 | The Overthere | 3.5/5 | Map |
| 32 – 40 | Dreadlands | 2.5/5 | Map |
| 32 – 41 | Trakanon’s Teeth | 2/5 | Map |
| 32 – 39 | Emerald Jungle | 2/5 | Map |
| 34 – 42 | Timorous Deep | 2/5 | Map |
| 37 – 46 | Burning Woods | 4/5 | Map |
| Info Needed | Mines of Nurga (1.0) | ||
| 37 – 43 | Mines of Nurga (2.0) | 2/5 | Map |
| 37 – 48 | City of Mist | 4/5 | Map |
| 41 – 51 | Karnor’s Castle | 4/5 | Map |
| 42 – 52 | Howling Stones | 2.5/5 | Map |
| 43 – 51 | Skyfire Mountians | 2/5 | Map |
| 44 – 52 | Mines of Nurga (2.0) | 2.5/5 | Map |
| 44 – 60 | Chardok | 4/5 | Map |
| 45 – 62 | Veksar | 4/5 | Map |
| 47 – 60 | Old Sebilis | 4/5 | Map |
| Info Needed | Temple of Droga (1.0) | ||
| 48 – 60 | Temple of Droga (2.0) | 4/5 | Map |
| 52 – 60 | Halls of Betrayal | 4/5 | Map |
Velious Leveling Zones
Brave the icy continent of Velious, introduced in the Scars of Velious expansion. Here, amidst frozen landscapes and ancient giants, you’ll find challenging zones ideal for characters in the mid to high-level range, offering rewarding experience and valuable loot.
| Player Level | Zone | Rating | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 – 35 | Crystal Caverns | 4/5 | Map |
| 27 – 37 | Great Divide | 2/5 | Map |
| 28 – 34 | Iceclad Ocean | 2/5 | Map |
| 28 – 40 | Tower of Frozen Shadow | 5/5 | Map |
| 33 – 44 | Eastern Wastes | 2/5 | Map |
| 34 – 52 | Kael Drakkel | 2.5/5 | Map |
| 38 – 50 | Wakening Lands | 0.5/5 | Map |
| 39 – 44 | Cobalt Scar | 2/5 | Map |
| 44 – 60 | Velketor’s Labrynth | 4/5 | Map |
| 48 – 56 | Dragon Necropolis | 4/5 | Map |
| 52 – 60 | Siren’s Grotto | 4/5 | Map |
Luclin Leveling Zones
Ascend to the moon of Luclin, introduced with the Shadows of Luclin expansion. This celestial body offers a unique and often eerie landscape, with zones suited for mid to high-level characters seeking challenging encounters and otherworldly experience.
| Player Level | Zone | Rating | Map |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 – 6 | Shadeweavers Thicket | 2/5 | Map |
| 7 – 21 | Paludal Caverns | 4/5 | Map |
| 15 – 20 | Hollowshade Moor | 2/5 | Map |
| 17 – 24 | Netherbain Lair | 2/5 | Map |
| 22 – 28 | Twilight Sea | 3.5/5 | Map |
| 22 – 29 | Marus Seru | 4/5 | Map |
| 25 – 32 | Dawnshroud Peaks | 2.5/5 | Map |
| 33 – 42 | Grimling Forest | 2/5 | Map |
| 33 – 42 | Tenebrous Mountains | 2/5 | Map |
| 34 – 38 | Echo Caverns | 2/5 | Map |
| 36 – 42 | Mons Letalis | N/A | Map |
| 38 – 43 | Dawnshroud Peaks | 2/5 | Map |
| 38 – 46 | Scarlet Desert | 4/5 | Map |
| 42 – 49 | The Grey | 2/5 | Map |
| 44 – 57 | Acrylia Caverns | 4/5 | Map |
| 46 – 56 | Maiden’s Eye | 4/5 | Map |
| 47 – 55 | Sanctus Seru | 2/5 | Map |
| 49 – 60 | The Deep | 2/5 | Map |
| 50 – 56 | Fungus Grove | 4/5 | Map |
| 51 – 54 | Akheva Ruins | 2/5 | Map |
| 52 -60 | Grieg’s End | 5/5 | Map |
| 52 – 60 | Ssraeshza Temple | 2/5 | Map |
| 55 – 60 | Umbral Plains | 4/5 | Map |
This EQ leveling guide is your starting point to conquering the levels in EverQuest. Explore these zones, experiment with different strategies, and most importantly, enjoy your adventures in Norrath! Happy leveling!
