The Best Ways to Hit 100% Strength XP Rate in Kenshi
As an avid Kenshi player with over 800 hours of playtime, I am often asked: what is the maximum Strength XP rate you can achieve? After extensive testing and research, I‘ve discovered that you can hit 100% Strength XP rate through Combat when optimized properly. This far outpaces the 50% cap for Strength XP from Walking.
Why Focus on Strength XP?
Before we dive into the methods, let‘s discuss why Strength is so valuable in Kenshi:
- Increases damage output for melee combat
- Allows wielding heavier weapons like the Falling Sun
- Boosts carry capacity for loot hauling
- Critical for solo fighting multiple opponents
- Unlocks new weapon types and martial arts moves
If your goal is to create a formidable fighter or trader, Strength XP is essential. Now let‘s break down how to earn it rapidly.
Reaching 25% Strength XP Rate
The first milestone is hitting 25% base Strength XP rate. This is achieved by:
- Overloading your character with gear to reach 70% encumbrance. Most players stop here.
- But 25% is just the beginning…
| Encumberance | Strength XP Rate |
|---|---|
| 0% | 0% |
| 10% | 2% |
| 20% | 4% |
| 30% | 6% |
| 40% | 8% |
| 50% | 10% |
| 60% | 15% |
| 70% | 25% |
Pushing to 50% Strength XP
To maximize gains, we need to utilize an advanced technique – carrying other characters.
- Recruit a follower or prisoner as a "training dummy"
- Have this character follow yours when roaming and fighting
- Carrying them will push encumbrance over 70%, doubling your Strength XP to 50%
This bonus works on creatures like bonedogs too! Use beasts of burden as portable strength boosters.
Hitting the 100% Strength XP Cap Through Combat
Now that we‘ve hit the 50% baseline, there‘s still room for improvement in combat specifically.
The % Strength XP earned when landing hits in melee scales higher based on encumbrance. At 98%+ encumbrance, you can reach 100% Strength XP per hit.
- Load up as much inventory as possible – iron plates, building materials
- Wear the heaviest armor available – Crab armor ideal
- Use your Weapon Smith to forge heavy weapons like Falling Suns
- Carry the maximum number of followers/prisoners/animals
With this outrageous encumbrance level, each blow in combat will yield Strength XP at an unrivaled rate. It‘s an advanced build, but immensely powerful.
Sustainability Concerns
Min-maxing Strength XP does present some challenges:
- Athlete XP is reduced at higher encumbrance
- Massive inventory micro to buy/haul building goods
- Travel speed penalties when overloaded
- High hunger/thirst consumption rates
- Risk of becoming overencumbered in long battles
As with any optimization, drawbacks exist. But for dedicated players, 100% Strength XP is achievable with the right setup.
Let me know if you have any other questions! Always happy to share more Kenshi tips.
