How does level scaling work?
You know when you go to an area that’s a lower level than your own? How does that work?
Obviously, I know your stats get scaled down, but what matters when going through these lower level areas?
I’ve tried Googling this and I got nothing. For the sake of the argument, assume that I’m a level 80 in a level 20 area. I don’t need specific numbers, just some clarification. So here’s a few questions.
When I get scaled downed:
1. Does the quality of my weapon and armor matter?
2. Do my Runes or Sigils matter?
3. If the answer to 2 is yes, does the tier of Runes or Sigils matter? (Would I get the full benefit of the level 39 bloodlust Rune in a level 20 area?)I’m going for 100% World Completion, so these things would be really great to know.
1: The quality of your weapons and armour does matter, yes, and two-fold. If you have exotic weapons at level 80, they will be downscaled to the equivalent of exotic level 20 weapons… which is stronger than actual level 20 characters, who have no exotic equipment available to them. As well, your level 80 exotic weapon boosts three different stats, whereas level 20 weapons only boost one. Your downscaled level 80 exotic will thus be more effective in that respect as well, boosting more different stats while downscaled.
2: Runes and Sigils do matter, though they will be downscaled as well, so it’s not a huge effect. The effects of your “stacks per kill” Sigils will likewise be downscaled, so you won’t get 250 Power from 25 Bloodlust stacks. But you’ll still get some Power.
3: The tier does matter. Your Superior Bloodlust Sigil will give you more Power than a Minor or Major would, even if none of them give you the full value while you’re downscaled.
The other thing that gives high level characters an advantage while downscaled is traits. You’ve got 1400 equivalent stat points from your 14 trait points at level 80. The statistical boosts they give will be downscaled, but even a small amount from the traits is more than the 0 trait points an actual level 20 character will have. And, of course, the extra effects the traits themselves give you (+10% damage with X, etc.) will give their full effect.
Awesome, that’s the perfect type of answer. Thanks a lot, Xiahou.