Question about "effective level"?

[Achilleslastand]

Am level 10 in game but in stats says effective level 8. All of my armor pieces are level 10, what gives?

[smallfoxx]

This is how GW2 does level scaling to keep players close to a level playing field. The area you were in was designed for a max of lvl 8, so it scaled down your stats and gear to compensate for that level play. Same thing happens for a max level character. Its what allows players to come back and play with a friend without it feeling like a hard carry, and lets you replay content with at least some challenge.

[Darkrayne]

When you are much higher level than an area you are still vastly more powerful than someone that isn't. You have more traits, skills, class specialisations and effects on your gear.

[Wanderer]

You get downscaled to match the enemy levels in zones, but can still be powerful if you have really good equipment and accessories.