[Participating in the NEXON PEAK Post Challenge]

(Thumbnail image source: https://www.gameinsight.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=35632)

Character growth is an essential part of RPGs.

Part of the enjoyment comes from taking on greater challenges, including higher-tier content.

In this post, I will look at the growth systems in “Mabinogi,” a game I play regularly.

1) Total Level

(Image source: https://mabinogi.nexon.com/page/community/board_level.asp)

Unlike other RPGs, Mabinogi measures strength by total level rather than current level.

Players can bring their characters back into the world through rebirth.

Total level is the sum of the current levels accumulated across rebirths.

Once your total level reaches 40000 or higher,

you reach what is known as “full Shine,” which lets you receive the buff that scales with your current level at its maximum strength.

2) Dungeon Guide and Equipment Level

(Image source: https://www.gameinsight.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=35632)

To get a sense of how strong your character is, check the Dungeon Guide.

For each dungeon listed in the guide, you can review the unlock requirements that determine whether you can enter.

This helps you address areas where you fall short or obtain the equipment you need.

The overall equipment level shown at the top of the image varies by equipment tier.

The closer equipment is to “best-in-slot,” the higher its level.

3) Stats

(Image source: https://mabinogi.nexon.com/page/community/free_view.asp?id=23188&category=0)

To see your character's strength in numerical terms, you can also check your stats directly.

For a warrior-type class, increasing Strength and Damage is important.

For a mage-type class, you can increase Intelligence and Magic Attack.

You can permanently increase these stats by raising skill ranks or fully developing your Potential.

4) Divine Link

(Image source: https://namu.wiki/w/%EB%94%94%EB%B0%94%EC%9D%B8%20%EB%A7%81%ED%81%AC)

In Mabinogi, pets play a very important role.

“Divine Link,” a skill used on pets, is also an important part of character growth.

Using this skill on a pet lets you share stats with that pet for a set period.

This makes your character stronger.

Your pet's stats are affected by its total level, the system covered in section 1).

When your pet's total level reaches around 10,000, you can receive the highest stat bonuses.

- Closing Thoughts

As your character grows, you can clear more dungeons.

Clearing those dungeons earns you more experience points and brings a greater sense of accomplishment.

I hope you find enjoyment in taking on challenges, both in real life and in virtual worlds.