Experience Points (XC2)

Experience Points, also known as EXP, are gained by killing monsters, completing quests and achievements, and discovering Locations. The amount of experience in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 can be amplified. When enough EXP is earned, a character gains a level.

Battle
Upon defeating an enemy, the EXP awarded will depends on the enemy's EXP yield and the level difference between the enemy and playable character. If the character is the same level as the enemy, they will earn exactly the amount of EXP yielded. If the player is higher leveled, the EXP earned will be reduced by 10% for each level, with a minimum yield equal to the level of the enemy. The 10% deductions are compounded (i.e. If the player is two levels above the enemy, they will earn 0.90 * 0.90 = 81% of the enemy's base EXP yield).

Conversely, if the enemy is higher leveled, the character will earn a 5% increase per level difference. In addition, if an enemy is killed in a Joint Combo Finish, the EXP yielded will increase by 50%.

Bonus EXP
Bonus EXP is earned by completing quests or discovering locations. They are not immediately applied to each character and can only be redeemed by staying at an inn. The EXP earned from a quest varies. Each character also earns 3 bonus EXP for each area discovered, 5 for each landmark discovered, and 475 for each Secret Area discovered.

New Game Plus
Upon New Game Plus, after finishing the game and installing Patch (Ver.1.3.0), Drivers' levels can be lowered at inns. The EXP difference obtained is added to the Bonus EXP pool. Traveling Bards exchange Bonus EXP for valuable items, in particular the Accessory Expander Kits.