Bards have multiple leveling strategies: swarming (AoE PBAoE kiting), charm kiting, fear kiting, and traditional grouping. This guide covers the best zones for each level range with ZEM (Zone Experience Modifier) values.
New to bard? See Character Creation and Zeal & Setup first.
| Level Range | Zone | ZEM | Strategy/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2–8 | Trainer Hill (Trainer Decoys) | N/A | Starting swarm spot, constant respawns |
| 2–8 | Noob Yard (Various) | N/A | Melee until death, repeat |
| 8–25 | East Karana (Spiders, Gore Hounds) | 133% | Consistent spot |
| 8–25 | Crushbone (Orcs) | 160% | Classic group/leveling |
| 8–25 | Blackburrow (Gnolls) | 160% | Fast leveling/fang quests |
| 13–27 | Unrest (Various) | 160% | Swarm and group options |
| 18–27 | North Karana (Beetle Swarm) | 133% | Good swarm alternative |
| 18–25 | Paludal Caverns (Bandits) | 193% | Highest ZEM in game |
| 18–23 | Lake of Ill Omen (Various) | 133% | |
| 20–34 | Hollowshade (Owlbears) | 193% | Great density, all warriors |
| 24–32 | South Karana (Gnolls/Centaurs) | 133% | Swarming, charming, or solo |
| 25–38 | Iceclad Ocean (Walruses/Snow Dervishes) | 133% | Classic swarm zone |
| 25–35 | Marus Seru (Various) | 173% | Swarming or grouping |
| 25–37 | Lower Guk (Various) | 160% | Classic dungeon crawl |
| 30–40 | Mistmoore (Various) | 160% | Classic zone |
| 32–52 | Timorous Deep (Aviak Village 2.0) | 133% | Swarm/charm/fear kite |
| 35–45 | Overthere (Sarnaks/Various) | 133% | Popular mid-level |
| 35–45 | Dawnshroud Peaks (DSP) | 173% | Swarming or grouping |
| 35–49 | Katta (Guards/Legos) | 173% | Top floor, use group AoE |
| 37–52 | Sol B (Various) | 160% | Classic dungeon |
| 38–45 | Jaggedpine Forest (JP) | 193% | Swarming or grouping |
| 42–55 | Karnor's Castle | 160% | High density group/AE swarm |
| 45–60 | Burning Woods (Gorillas/Sarnaks) | 133% | Stay entire range |
| 48–60 | Maiden's Eye (Goranga scouts) | 173% | Avoid Toilers |
| 50–60 | Velketor's (Velium Hounds/Ent) | 133% | High density |
| 60 AA | Dragon Necropolis (Phase Spiders) | 166% | Requires 0 encumbrance |
| 60 AA | Fungus Grove (Shik'nar/Mutants) | 193% | ~160% AA/hr |
Levels 10–45: Quests/Unrest/Mseru/Katta/FG — 4 hours (Solo/Swarming)
Levels 45–53: FG — 4 hours (Solo/swarming)
Levels 53–57: FG/ME — 3.5 hours (Solo/Group)
Levels 57–60: The Deep — 3.5 hours (Group)