In the world of Elden Ring Nightreign, progression is key, but the leveling system isn’t as complex as you might think. YouTuber Zullie the Witch recently took a deep dive into the numbers behind the game’s leveling mechanics, and the results are fascinating for anyone trying to optimize their build. 
The game’s leveling system is streamlined compared to the more open-ended point system of the original Elden Ring, but even within this simplified system, there are nuances that can make or break your character’s performance.
One of the standout findings from Zullie’s research is that the first level-up, from level 1 to level 2, offers a huge boost in stats-far more than any other level-up. That initial Site of Grace visit is definitely worth the effort. However, after hitting level 12, the returns start to diminish. Levels 13 to 15 seem to offer fewer attribute boosts, making level 12 a soft cap for most builds.
Interestingly, Zullie also discovered that different attributes scale differently. For example, Duchess has a B in Dexterity and an A in Intelligence, but her stat growth remains relatively balanced across both. One particularly odd observation was that no character gains any points in Arcane as they level up, which may influence how you approach certain builds.
When it comes to maximizing your build, Zullie found that certain stats are more reliable than others. Vigor, for instance, always adds exactly 20 HP per point, regardless of your level. Additionally, while Relics that boost attack stats seem to be more powerful at lower levels, they get outpaced by other damage bonuses as you progress.
For those looking to reach the highest level possible in Elden Ring, Recluse is the character to aim for. With balanced growth in both Intelligence and Faith, Recluse can cap out at level 15 with both stats maxed at 51.
So, what’s the takeaway? The first level-up is crucial-don’t neglect it. And if you’re focused on building the perfect character, remember that each point counts differently at various stages of the game. For more in-depth analysis, check out Zullie’s full video breakdown on their YouTube channel. Whether you’re unlocking the Revenant or Duchess Nightfarer classes or taking down the toughest Nightlord bosses, understanding the leveling system will help you maximize your potential.