With the relaunch of Blade & Soul NEO Classic, players old and new are jumping into the world of martial arts and mysticism to relive the iconic MMORPG with a modern touch. Whether you're returning to rekindle nostalgia or trying the game for the first time, this guide will walk you through leveling from 1 to 45 as efficiently as possible—along with essential tips and tricks to make your journey smoother.

Choosing Your Starting Area: Bamboo Coast vs. Heaven's Reach

When you first launch the game, you'll be prompted to choose between Bamboo Coast and Heaven's Reach. If you're brand new to Blade & Soul, start with Heaven's Reach. This prologue is a crucial part of the Hongmoon student storyline, giving context to your journey and serving as a tutorial on movement, combat, and basic game mechanics.

Once you've completed the prologue, you'll automatically transition to Bamboo Coast, where your real leveling begins.

Tip #1: Use Blade & Soul Mode (Shift + F2)

By default, Blade & Soul NEO Classic launches in Classic Mode, but you'll want to press Shift + F2 to switch to Blade & Soul Mode. This activates the action combat system, making the game feel much smoother and more modern. Combat becomes more fluid, targeting is easier, and overall gameplay improves significantly.

The Yellow Quest Tracker: Your Main Storyline

On the right-hand side of your screen, you'll see a yellow quest tracker. These are main story quests, and they're your best source of experience and progression from 1 to 45. Stick with them.

Most of your leveling journey can be done entirely through the main questline. These quests will take you from region to region, introduce you to core mechanics, and eventually lead you to story dungeons and training systems.

Tip #2: NPCs Walk, But You Don't Have To Wait

One quirky mechanic in Blade & Soul is that many NPCs walk slowly during quest sequences. Here's a trick: you don't have to wait for them to reach their destination. Just spam F (interact key) on them while they're walking, and you can proceed immediately.

Tip #3: Use the Teleport Button Next to Quests

Next to each main quest in the tracker is a Teleport button. Clicking it instantly teleports you to the next quest NPC or location, saving tons of time. You'll use this every single time you complete a quest. It's your best tool for quick progression.

Early Weapon Options: Auction House & Battle Pass

Weapons in Blade & Soul have no level requirement, meaning if you're able to, you can equip a powerful weapon immediately.

• Auction House (F5): If you're a returning or alt character, check the auction house for cheap high-tier weapons. You may find something better than your starter gear.

• Battle Pass Weapon: The current battle pass gives you a level 45 Profane Jangshi weapon on the first tier. You can equip this right after character creation and dominate early mobs.

• Pre-registration Bonus: New accounts that pre-registered for the NEO Classic launch receive a starter weapon. It's unclear how powerful it is, but it'll give you a decent boost early on.

Tip #4: Take In the Scenery If You're New

Though teleporting is faster, you might want to walk through zones on your first playthrough. With the Unreal Engine 4 update, Blade & Soul's visuals are stunning. Walking lets you enjoy the environment and build up your Exploration Journal, which rewards you with stat bonuses.

Tutorial Quests: Purple Icons

Once you reach Bamboo Village, you'll start seeing purple quests on the map. These are tutorial-style quests that:

• Teach you specific mechanics.

• Do not give EXP, but reward Valor Stones.

• Often align with your main quest objectives.

You want to collect 20 Valor Stones early on so you can unlock a green skill for your class. These skills provide major boosts to your DPS and combat style.

Side Quests (Blue Icons)

Blue quests are side quests and completely optional. However, you should:

• Accept class-specific blue quests titled "The Way of [Your Class]". These are class tutorials that help you learn your unique combat style.

• Consider side quests that reward Valor Stones, as these help you unlock your green skill upgrade.

Skip kill-based side quests unless you feel like grinding. Instead, return later when you're stronger and can one-shot mobs for fast completion.

Tip #5: Dungeon Skipping with Unlimited Sprint

When your main quest sends you into a story dungeon, don't waste time clearing every mob. In NEO Classic, unlimited sprint allows you to:

• Sprint past mobs straight to your objective.

• Avoid combat by jumping to dodge ranged attacks (this breaks their targeting).

• Kill only the quest objective.

Once complete, hit Escape twice to instantly exit the dungeon and reset your location for teleporting to your next quest.

The Hardon Combat Training Quests

These are tied to the purple questline and are extremely important. Located within the first dungeon's hidden room, these quests:

• Provide combat training for your class.

• Reward 1 skill point per completion.

• Can be skipped by telling the trainer “It's too hard.”

There are 6 Hardon quests total, and each gives you a skill point, totaling 6 extra skill points early on.

Understanding Skill Points and Upgrades

When you level up, you receive skill points (K to open the skill window). These points are used to:

• Enhance the damage of core skills.

• Unlock Tier 1 versions of your skills (gray skill books from story quests).

Example:

• Base skill damage: 985 – 1,170.

• After 10 skill points: 1,354 – 1,400.

Focus your points on your main mobbing skill—the ability you use most in PvE.

Unlocking Green Skills with Valor Stones

When you've collected 20 Valor Stones, teleport to Cinderlands – Yara Mirage, and:

• Pay 1 silver.

• Unlock your first major green skill.

Green skills provide new effects, reduced cooldowns, or resource improvements. These can dramatically improve your leveling efficiency.

Card Sets and Bonuses

Blade & Soul has a card set system that provides small stat boosts. During leveling, you'll receive:

• Hongmoon School Set from Hardon Quests.

• Choso's Grandchild Set from Act 1, Chapter 16.

• Three Stages Set (Recommended) later in the story for attack power bonuses.

While these aren't game-breaking, every bit helps, especially in early fights and dungeons.

Accessories and Skill Book Slots

As you level, you'll acquire accessories with skill slots and gray skill books. These:

• Let you slot passive improvements onto the gear.

• Unlock new tiers or effects for your active skills.

Gray books (Tier 1) often just improve damage, while others may improve cooldown or resource cost. Always check the tooltip before equipping.

Final Thoughts & TL;DR Tips

Here's a quick recap of the most important points for leveling from 1 to 45 in Blade & Soul NEO Classic:

✅ Choose Heaven's Reach if you're new – Learn the story and basics.

✅ Switch to Blade & Soul mode (Shift + F2) for better combat.

✅ Follow the main yellow quests — they'll carry you to level 45.

✅ Use the Teleport button for fast questing.

✅ Skip dungeon mobs using sprint, and jump to avoid hits.

✅ Do Hardon Quests for early skill points and combat EXP bonus.

✅ Collect 20 Valor Stones and unlock your green skill early.

✅ Slot skill books into accessories for passive boosts.

✅ Use your skill points wisely — power up your main mobbing skill.

✅ Enjoy the world — the Unreal Engine 4 visuals are stunning.

Whether you're diving into NEO Classic for the first time or returning to revisit a beloved martial arts adventure, leveling to 45 has never been easier or more satisfying, and you can get more BnS NEO Classic Divine Gems too. With action-packed gameplay, fast travel, and rewarding systems, Blade & Soul NEO Classic is designed to keep you moving — but that doesn't mean you can't stop and smell the peach blossoms once in a while.

MMOexp BnS NEO Classic Team