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A '''level cap''' is the maximum [[level]] a [[player]] [[character]] can reach in-game. With the release of ''[[Warlords of Draenor]]'', this is level 100. The level cap is increased with the release of each [[expansion]].
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A '''level cap''' is the maximum [[level]] a [[player]] [[character]] can reach in-game. With the release of ''[[World of Warcraft: Shadowlands|Shadowlands]]'', this is level 60. The level cap is changed with the release of each [[expansion]].
   
 
The level cap represents the ultimate goal and culmination of the leveling process, with max-level characters having gained access to all class abilities and talents, and being able to access [[end-game]] content and equip the most powerful gear. By providing an equal limit for the progression of all characters, the level cap allows for competitive and balanced gameplay in both PvE and PvP.
 
The level cap represents the ultimate goal and culmination of the leveling process, with max-level characters having gained access to all class abilities and talents, and being able to access [[end-game]] content and equip the most powerful gear. By providing an equal limit for the progression of all characters, the level cap allows for competitive and balanced gameplay in both PvE and PvP.
   
Note that character level is limited by which expansions the player has purchased, with only players who have purchased the latest expansion able to reach the current level cap. As of May 2016, players with the standard game are able to reach level 100. The free [[Starter Edition]] of the game has a level cap of 20.
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Note that character level is limited by [[account]] type, with only players who have purchased the latest expansion able to reach the current level cap. With the release of ''Shadowlands'', ''Battle for Azeroth'' was added to the base game, requiring only a [[subscription]] or [[game time]] to start leveling up to 50. The [[World of Warcraft: Free Trial|Free Trial]] has a level cap of 20.
   
 
==The game is not over at the cap==
 
==The game is not over at the cap==
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==Power overwhelming==
 
==Power overwhelming==
Players at max level are at the pinnacle of the leveling tree, with a strong advantage over those still struggling below. Zones that were once challenging are now easy; even group content from earlier levels can now be soloed at will. Combat with characters below max level is very likely to end in the max level player's favour.
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Players at max level are at the pinnacle of the leveling tree, with a strong advantage over those still struggling below. Zones that were once challenging are now easy; even group content from earlier levels can now be soloed at will. Combat with characters below max level is very likely to end in the max level player's favor.
   
 
The dark side of this disparity is [[griefing]]; max level players are able to easily disrupt questing areas in use by players of the opposite faction, and can [[one-shot]] most enemy characters. Sadly, even [[guard]]s in most areas are unable to stand against well-equipped max level players, especially as the current expansion progresses and gear steadily increases in power. Of course, the best answer to this is usually to recruit some max level players of your own faction, or switch to a max level [[alt]], and make the griefer regret the day they flew into [[Goldshire]].
 
The dark side of this disparity is [[griefing]]; max level players are able to easily disrupt questing areas in use by players of the opposite faction, and can [[one-shot]] most enemy characters. Sadly, even [[guard]]s in most areas are unable to stand against well-equipped max level players, especially as the current expansion progresses and gear steadily increases in power. Of course, the best answer to this is usually to recruit some max level players of your own faction, or switch to a max level [[alt]], and make the griefer regret the day they flew into [[Goldshire]].
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{{Wow-inline}} ''[[World of Warcraft]]'' originally had a level cap of level 60, but as expansions are released, the level cap is increased by 5 or commonly 10.
 
{{Wow-inline}} ''[[World of Warcraft]]'' originally had a level cap of level 60, but as expansions are released, the level cap is increased by 5 or commonly 10.
   
* {{Bc-inline}} ''[[The Burning Crusade]]'' expansion, raised it to 70.
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* {{Bc-inline}} ''[[World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade|The Burning Crusade]]'' expansion raised it to 70.
* {{Wotlk-inline}} ''[[Wrath of the Lich King]]'' expansion, raised it to 80.
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* {{Wotlk-inline}} ''[[World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King|Wrath of the Lich King]]'' expansion raised it to 80.
* {{Cata-inline}} ''[[Cataclysm]]'' expansion, raised it to 85.
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* {{Cata-inline}} ''[[World of Warcraft: Cataclysm|Cataclysm]]'' expansion raised it to 85.
* {{Mop-inline}} ''[[Mists of Pandaria]]'' expansion, raised it to 90.
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* {{Mop-inline}} ''[[World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria|Mists of Pandaria]]'' expansion raised it to 90.
* {{Wod-inline}} ''[[Warlords of Draenor]]'' expansion, raised it to 100.
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* {{Wod-inline}} ''[[World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor|Warlords of Draenor]]'' expansion raised it to 100.
* With the upcoming {{Legion-inline}} ''[[Legion]]'' expansion, it will be raised to 110.
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* {{Legion-inline}} ''[[World of Warcraft: Legion|Legion]]'' expansion raised it to 110.
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* {{Bfa-inline}} ''[[World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth|Battle for Azeroth]]'' expansion raised it to 120.
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* {{Sl-inline}} ''[[World of Warcraft: Shadowlands|Shadowlands]]'' expansion lowered it to 60, with 120 being squished down to 50.
   
 
[[Category:Game terms]]
 
[[Category:Game terms]]

Revision as of 10:22, 24 December 2020

A level cap is the maximum level a player character can reach in-game. With the release of Shadowlands, this is level 60. The level cap is changed with the release of each expansion.

The level cap represents the ultimate goal and culmination of the leveling process, with max-level characters having gained access to all class abilities and talents, and being able to access end-game content and equip the most powerful gear. By providing an equal limit for the progression of all characters, the level cap allows for competitive and balanced gameplay in both PvE and PvP.

Note that character level is limited by account type, with only players who have purchased the latest expansion able to reach the current level cap. With the release of Shadowlands, Battle for Azeroth was added to the base game, requiring only a subscription or game time to start leveling up to 50. The Free Trial has a level cap of 20.

The game is not over at the cap

When the level cap is reached, players who are used to the leveling game sometimes have difficulty working out how to continue their adventures. After reaching the cap, however, is where the game developers are hardest at work for the players.

Once characters reach the level cap, gameplay turns from leveling to the end-game. This represents the culmination of the leveling process and the beginning of the deeper challenges awaiting max-level characters. While play prior to this point is oriented around accumulating experience and gaining new skills, the end-game represents the polished 'final destination' for players, at which characters are fully developed and ready to tackle the biggest challenges in the game, or to relax and make their own adventure.

For a guide, see End-game.

Power overwhelming

Players at max level are at the pinnacle of the leveling tree, with a strong advantage over those still struggling below. Zones that were once challenging are now easy; even group content from earlier levels can now be soloed at will. Combat with characters below max level is very likely to end in the max level player's favor.

The dark side of this disparity is griefing; max level players are able to easily disrupt questing areas in use by players of the opposite faction, and can one-shot most enemy characters. Sadly, even guards in most areas are unable to stand against well-equipped max level players, especially as the current expansion progresses and gear steadily increases in power. Of course, the best answer to this is usually to recruit some max level players of your own faction, or switch to a max level alt, and make the griefer regret the day they flew into Goldshire.

There are various upsides to this imbalance. Max level players are able to complete lower level content with ease, allowing them to swiftly complete missed quests and achievements in earlier zones, and can travel through zones without being constantly attacked, since mobs will only attack players several levels higher than them if walked directly into. Max level also makes it possible to solo earlier group content such as dungeons and even raids, making farming loot such as mounts far easier, and for those interested in a challenge opening up a new subtype of play at slightly higher levels.

Max level players are also in a good position to help lower level players, through assistance against griefers, providing buffs, items or gold, or helping them with group quests or difficulties. Max level players often help guildmates level their characters, and may also be able to help with transport if they have a two-person mount.

Notes

WoW Icon update World of Warcraft originally had a level cap of level 60, but as expansions are released, the level cap is increased by 5 or commonly 10.