How does leveling work in this game?

[SCIM]

I'm starting out and I've noticed that there are some kind of skill points I have that I can spend on unlocking certain skills. I was wondering if this is the kind of game where I can just buy whatever and when I hit max level I'll have everything or if it is the kind of game where you can't have it all by the end and have to be careful to not make a gimped character.

Because of the one save file thing I'm a bit afraid I'm going to buy a skill I don't like and then the auto-save will have me stuck with it.

[CrackeR]

Same aas most games , complete quests, kill bad guys..........

[SCIM]

Originally posted by CrackeR:

Same aas most games , complete quests, kill bad guys..........

uh, that doesn't even remotely answer my question

[Serrassi Effect]

Experience points and vocation points are earned the same way, by doing usual rpg stuff, but are earn separately.

So you will still earn vocation points after hitting max level so you could learn every skills and augment in the game.

[Karathrax]

It's easier to think of XP and Discipline points (DCP) as currency. You get 'paid' for killing enemies via XP, which affects your six attributes (these are your base stats), while DCP is spent on skills and abilities that make you more effective at performing the job chosen by Arisen and main pawn.

Then there's the other currency, Rift Crystals, which are what your pawn's paid when it's rented by another player. This particular currency becomes more important later on in the game; it can be spent now on things like inclination potions, cosmetic items and the ability to use the character editor.

You will continue to earn DCP even after you've bought all of the skills in one vocation-- you do not have to wait until 200 to level up other vocations to use their augments. Augments are mix and match: once you've purchased them by ranking up a particular vocation, they're free to use at any time, no matter what vocation you're currently sporting.

[Maxoom]

I simply save before I try a new vocation or big gear changes. then I try some minor actions to get the feel. That way if I get killed or don't like something I can quit without saving and be right back where I was before. I'm one of those players who likes to experiment a lot and doesn't get in a hurry, so trial and error is a normal method for me.

[Keldor]

I recommend reading through this (http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1232581971) guide and any others for a thurough breakdown on the vocations, stats, and other factors in the game.

You "can" casually play your way through the game and complete the main quest without detriment. But if you want to do any of the continued end-game stuff (BBI, NG+, Hardcore Mode, etc.). Then you MUST learn the inner workings of the game.

[qawal]

Discipline Points will go on forever, you can aquire all the skills you want to your heart's content.

But building your stats is a different story, your stats will grow according to the Vocation you're in when you level up. So you'll have to manage how many levels you plan on spending on a certain Vocation.

Check this out to help your planning: http://dragonsdogma.wikia.com/wiki/Stat_Growths

In my case, I spent my first 100 levels as an Assassin, so that means my Strength is off the charts. I divided the rest for Fighter and Strider spending 50 levels on both to boost HP and Stamina, although the growth will be far less as much as the first hundred levels... and then after hitting lvl 200, I settled as a Strider for the rest of my playthroughs.

My build is not recommended cuz I spent all my levels on Strength Vocations and not all-around.
But y'know... that's why we have pawns to compensate My pawn spent most of her 200 levels as a Sorcerer and a few 20 levels or so as a Warrior for added toughness.