Leveling up isn’t one-size-fits-all! In this episode of Art of the Game, the Game Masters break down the pros and cons of traditional experience points (XP) and explore alternative leveling systems that can transform your TTRPG sessions. The discussion dives deep into game design philosophy, balancing XP systems, and how different methods can impact player engagement, campaign pacing, and high-level play. Whether you’re running a sandbox adventure or a tightly woven narrative, you’ll find practical insights to help tailor XP rewards to fit your table’s unique style.
💬 How do you handle XP in your games? Let us know in the comments!
👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share for more RPG insights and discussions!
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Watch This Next:
• https://youtu.be/Qjvke8Y8-3I?si=aD-sD0ATMC9HtNK1
• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL48PO4Th7jwntJj5IOwOKA2dIB7D5mUz4
• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL48PO4Th7jwnJQQaXA4s8GPYzT3A3M4Mv
• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL48PO4Th7jwkqKo1b81gjmUdqtWp0wzgD
• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL48PO4Th7jwlxun0_Gm_Wey023iY_krjt
• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL48PO4Th7jwkraBVaJBMuoNuhY5M0U1ts
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:57 Experience Points: Traditional Methods
02:40 Alternative XP Systems
06:07 Fixed Progression Method
08:28 Balancing XP and Player Engagement
12:43 XP Charts and Game Design
15:25 The Flaws of Challenge Rating
17:56 Alternative Leveling Methods
19:09 High-Level Gameplay and Campaign Planning
20:52 XP Systems and Player Engagement
22:53 Sandbox vs. Story-Driven Campaigns
27:11 Tailoring XP Rewards to Player Preferences
28:04 Concluding Thoughts
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Links To Some of the Games and Resources Mentioned:
Class-based:
• Everyday Heroes Core Rulebook - https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/415709/everyday-heroes-core-rulebook?affiliate_id=652123
• Cybersymbiosis - https://miniaturedragon.com/cybersymbiosis-rpg-books
• DC20 - https://thedungeoncoach.com/
• Daggerheart - https://www.daggerheart.com/
• FATE Core System - https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/114903/fate-core-system?affiliate_id=652123
• Pathfinder 2E - https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/466158/pathfinder-player-core-roll20?affiliate_id=652123
• Rifts - https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/181928/rifts-ultimate-edition-rpg?src=hottest_filtered&affiliate_id=652123
• Shadowdark - https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/413713/shadowdark-rpg-quickstart-set?affiliate_id=652123
• Tales of the Valiant - https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/480452/tales-of-the-valiant-player-s-guide?affiliate_id=652123
Skill-based or Classless:
• Basic Roleplaying: Universal Game Engine - https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/431991/basic-roleplaying-universal-game-engine?src=hottest_filtered&affiliate_id=652123
• Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition - Keeper's Rulebook - https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/150997/call-of-cthulhu-7th-edition-keeper-s-rulebook?affiliate_id=652123
• Fate Accelerated Edition - https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/114902/fate-accelerated-edition-a-fate-core-build?affiliate_id=652123
• GURPS Basic Set: Characters - https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/224830/gurps-basic-set-characters?affiliate_id=652123
• Mutants & Masterminds Deluxe Hero's Handbook - https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/116671/mutants-masterminds-deluxe-hero-s-handbook?affiliate_id=652123
• Mythras - https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/191475/mythras?affiliate_id=652123
• Obsidian - https://obsidian.md/
• World Anvil - https://www.worldanvil.com/
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The GMs (alpha order):
Woody Arnold
Gregory Horvay
Marx Pyle
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Marx Pyle
TECHNICAL PRODUCER
Gregory Horvay
EDITOR
Charles “Chaz” Galuski
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