Monster level

The map overlay, showing monster level

Every explorable zone has an associated monster level which roughly describes how difficult it is. Players can view a zone's monster level in the top right corner of the screen by pressing Tab.

Each area has a predetermined non-random monster level. Monster level progresses at a more-or-less steady pace as the player's character advances through the game soones with higher difficulties have higher monster levels than areas with lower difficulties. Currently the monster levels range from 1 (The Twilight Strand) to 68 (The Upper Sceptre of God) in the acts and 66 to 78 in the maps.

What monster level affects

The level of a monster determines its maximum life, damage output, and defense. A monster's level also limits which monster affixes it can receive if it is magic or rare. For example the damage reflection auras only appear on high level monsters.

Monster level determines the item level of items found in chests in the area and items dropped by monsters :

• Normal monsters drop items of the same same level as the area's monster level.
• Magic monsters drop items of monster level +1.
• Rare and unique monsters drop items of monster level +2.

There is a penalty to the number of items dropping in areas in an area more than two levels lower than your character level. See Drop Rate.

References

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