Black Desert: level 75 cap and EXP overhaul in the October 8 update

Level 75 cap: what changes for character progression?

Under the new cap, a character stops gaining EXP after reaching level 75. A character linked through the Tag system can still accumulate experience. Unclaimed EXP in the Tag Characters window was reset during the October 8 maintenance.

The change gives long-term progression a defined target. For a returning player, the key question is what each additional level provides. High-level characters receive measurable bonuses against monsters, as shown below.

PvE bonuses from level 70: extra AP and damage reduction

From level 70, characters gain Extra AP Against Monsters and Monster Damage Reduction. The values for each level are:

The rows do not stack. At level 75, the bonus is +18 to both stats. You can check it under Detailed Stats. These bonuses apply against monsters; the table does not describe additional PvP AP.

Combat EXP overhaul and the experience cap per monster

The patch changes required experience across all level ranges, along with EXP from monsters, quests and Black Spirit's Training. It also introduces an EXP cap for a single monster, including experience-boosting effects. The approximate limits for higher levels are:

These are upper limits, not guaranteed rewards for every kill. The percentages alone are also insufficient to compare leveling speed before and after the patch: both the requirements and the sources of EXP have changed.

Before a longer session, check Monster Zone Info, which now includes information about monsters and their EXP. My Information (P) shows the exact experience earned and the amount needed for the next level. These figures help you assess your own character's progress.

Combat Secret Books scheduled for October 15: which activities count?

The experience books were announced as rewards for selected PvE and PvP activities, including Black Shrine, Guild Bosses, Altar of Blood, Node War and Arena of Solare. Their introduction was scheduled after maintenance on October 15.

The rewards were to retroactively include activities completed between the October 8 maintenance and the books' introduction. Guild Bosses are the exception: their records were to count from October 5 at 00:00. The patch notes do not specify a time zone for that time.

For reference, Pearl Abyss lists the following EXP rewards at level 66: S — 0.20%, M — 1%, L — 7.50%, XL — 15%. These percentages apply to that specific level. The items require level 60 or above and completion of [To Level 50!] Go Beyond Your Own Limits.

For players participating in those activities, October 15 was the date to check for rewards. The delayed introduction of the books did not mean earlier participation would be ignored: the developers announced that recorded results would be taken into account.

Godslayer: Force Palm and the return of Marni's Playground

In its October 8 press release, Pearl Abyss also highlights the shared skill Godslayer: Force Palm. After completing all Inner Edania main quests and acquiring the knowledge A New Age, players can collect [Secret Book] Godslayer: Force Palm at A Freesword's Hearth in Voidekaia. Using the book teaches the skill to a character at level 60 or above.

The Halloween event Marni's Playground was also scheduled to return from after maintenance on October 8 until before maintenance on November 5. It includes minigames, weekly quests and seasonal enemies. Returning players therefore have both progression changes and events to check.