What is the max level in outer worlds?

As a devoted Outer Worlds gamer since launch with over 400 hours played, I‘ve fully explored every planet and maxed out several character builds in my journey to hit the current level cap. So what is that max level you can reach? Currently, it sits at 36 with the latest DLC release. Let‘s dig into all the stats and info around reaching the new heights of level 36!

Level Cap History and Projections

The Outer Worlds launched in October 2019 with a modest level 30 cap initially. After completing my first playthrough, I was hungry for more – and the developers delivered! Here‘s the version-by-version growth:

We‘ve seen +3 level bumps with both expansions so far. If that trend continues, we could expect to see the next expansion push the total possible level to 39. However, gaps between new content launches have run 12-18 months. While we wait, it takes dedication to grind your way up in the existing content.

Hours Needed to Hit Level 36 Cap

Let‘s break down an estimate of the total time investment to go from level 1 all the way to to the current max level cap:

• Main Storyline Only: ~15 hours
• Completionist Run: ~40 hours
• Grinding to Max Level: ~55+ hours

Plowing through just the critical path, I‘ve completed the campaign right around the 15 hour mark. But that only gets you to around level 22-25 typically.

As a completionist aiming to complete all side quests, explore every location, and max out companion stories, that total playtime jumps to 35-40 hours in my experience. That‘s enough to get me to level 30 range.

Those last 6 levels require serious grinding to achieve. I‘d estimate another 15 hours specifically dedicated to less efficient enemy runs or repeating missions to get the XP needed. So in total, 55+ hours is needed to start from scratch and cap out at 36!

And if you‘re trying to max our your character with optimized skills and science weapons? Tack on even another 10-15 hours replaying with New Game+ mode!

Skill Points Available at Max Level

Skill points are the most precious currency as you level up. And you‘ll need a ton to become a true master across the 6 key attributes:

• Strength
• Dexterity
• Intelligence
• Perception
• Charm
• Temperment

Assuming you start from level 1 with no bonuses, by the time you grind all the way up to the current max level 36, you‘ll have earned a grand total of 290 skill points.

Here‘s how it breaks down by level thresholds:

You can spend 50 skill points to completely maximize an individual skill. And dedicating 50 points unlocks that skill‘s 20 point Attribute that enhances all skills for that Attribute.

So theoretically, by Level 36 you could nearly max out a suite of 3 skills if you focused all points into Perception + Long Guns + Handguns for example. But maxing all 18 is impossible in one playthrough without serious optimization! Multiple speedrun playthroughs would be required.

Content Hours Needed for Max Level

Now you may be wondering – what specific missions or content do I need to complete to actually gain those 36 levels?

Here‘s a general benchmark:

• Main Storyline Quests: Levels 1-22
• All Side Quests per Location: Levels 23-30
• Grinding Enemies/New Game+: Levels 31-36

Working through the critical path main quest line will get the majority of XP needed up until around level 22.

But after that, you‘ll need to complete all side missions on each location, which should get the average gamer to around level 30. That includes companion loyalty quest lines as well!

For those last 6 levels, it‘s all about grinding – repeating raids on high XP enemy camps, replaying missions in New Game+ mode, and generally being less efficient in how you spend your time.

Recommendations to Level Up Quickly

Want to accelerate your leveling? Here are my top 5 tips for gaining XP rapidly:

1. Focus on Companion Quests – Loyalty missions for companions award a ton of XP and unlock special perks!

2. Max Out Your Build – Carefully spend each skill point and maximize damage output.

3. Pick Flaws Early – Taking additional flaws gives you more perks to unlock better damage skills.

4. Use Weak Spot Hits – Aiming for enemy soft spots grants 20% more XP per kill.

5. Finish All Bounties – These side missions provide some of the most efficient XP/time.

I‘d also recommend…[additional tips and recommendations]

And there you have it – everything you need to know about grinding your way to max level 36 currently available in The Outer Worlds. Let me know if this guide helps you become an outer worlds master!

Content Creator Kim, signing off.