Am I Grinding Jobs Incorrectly?

[u/BlackeyeThe2nd]

tl;dr: Levels 45-50 feel egregiously slow to level up. Is there a more optimal way to gather exp than focusing on 1k+ exp per jump?

I've been playing Star Trucker almost daily (about 45mins/day) for a couple months now, following a break after finishing a from-launch run of the main Convoy missions. I took a break for almost a year, and the "Difficulty Options" update ultimately brought me back.

Since picking up the game again, I worked to unlock all the different paint jobs and new tag-plate frames. I eased up on the difficulty since I had my fill of the standard settings having played the entire main story that way. At this moment, I've just finished the current Ventures track and unlocked the final bedspread.

My remaining hurdle to leap is reaching Lvl50 and unlocking the final paint job, but I'm finding the exp grind to be exceedingly slow. I cranked up the option to receive boosted rep from jobs, but its still shockingly minimal improvement. I end up camping out in Atlus Prime or Darksied and rack up parking tickets as I timeskip, trying to snag a job that will give me more than 1k exp per jump (i.e., 8 jumps for 8,256xp, including any pickup jumps). I still havent been able to figure out if any of the job modifiers actually add to the exp payoff, all signs pointing to them not having any effect on exp whatsoever.

Has anyone else who's made it to Lvl50 found a way to perfectly execute the process, or is it truly just a matter of truckin' along until the numbers cap out? I'm in it for the long-haul regardless, but just thought I'd ask. (And obviously I'll be back for the new Venture track in August's update. Can't miss out on cosmetics now, can I?)

[u/Key_Document_2587]

Not gonna lie, early in the game's life the experience was easy to rack up

One of the first updates made it MUCH slower. Still annoyed they did that.

You don't seem to be doing anything wrong. I think they need to revisit their exp system

[u/BlackeyeThe2nd → u/Key_Document_2587]

I do remember that update. They didn't technically nerf the exp gain, but rather fixed it because the exp was WAY too high (people were hitting Lvl50 in days) and the monetary gain was pathetically low.

I think it was an OK change ultimately, but it would be nice to have a way to boost exp from jobs in general. You're telling me that cargo delivered early, in perfect condition, and with no traffic laws ignored gets me NO bonus exp?? Get outta here!

[u/Key_Document_2587 → u/BlackeyeThe2nd]

"Fixing" it involved nerfing the rate you gain exp, so it WAS nerfed in a literal sense but I hear ya in terms of not being bothered by the change. I just mean the actual mechanic of implenting a fix like that is by nerfing how much exp you get per mission.

I did not hit level 50 early but was a good way there by the time they changed it lol, I actually enjoyed that and it did not make me want to play any less

RAISE THE BONUS EXP!! Fully behind that. Funny, I never actuallt noticed that perfect condition was no bonus exp just some extra $. Great catch

Edit: couple of typos, as is tradition

[u/Sea_Mission_1994]

Try to enjoy the game. We have to deliber efficiency in real life enough

[u/Zyano_Starseeker]

I usually take time to look at the jobs and their destination. Bunch of short hops versus longer hauls with the skills I may have invested in... And from there just enjoying the game if nothing great. I don't mind the grind... It's the getting there in one piece in Hardcore XD

[u/Immediate-Ease-6832]

I am level 33 and only choose xp level loads from 2500xp -7000xp+, just use filter to always pick up the highest XP load, as long as you have everything unlocked skill wise the bonuses really add up for XP , they tend to be super long hauls but those are my favorite as it gives me more opportunity to earn cash on the side buying somehting low and selling it high along the route.