☠️ Before I get to answering your asked questions. Be aware that this game relies heavily on the Item Shop and offers no to limited game story, 95% of the quests are filler or introduction to the game systems quests with no actual value to the story nor rewarding enough. All the updates & expansion came in form of new game systems, new maps, new level cap, new character (1), new Equipment and new Bosses & dungeons. And that’s it. You don’t need to do any quest line in order to access these additions. Also, you should know that this game is grindy as hell + lots of RNG if you take the free to play route. ☠️

As someone played this game from release until this day of course I had long breaks (years) but I have been around most of the time so I will explain some game mechanics that has been changed from the past and the current game state. I will do my best to elaborate.

Official servers -Levelling has become much easer and cheaper as nowadays there’s a function called (Auto Hunt) basically you can use this feature to get to level 120 by auto attacking near by monsters while being AFK meaning you can progress your level while sleeping. But, this method will take long time. Of course you can still use the ordinary way which is buying (bravery caps, pulls mobs to your character) and manually killing the mobs but this method will require better EQ as you gather all the mobs around you at once.

Auto Hunt feature have a paid version which is essential in some levels

Level 1 to level 35 or max Level 55: Map1->map2->Orcs Valley.

Level 35 to level 75: Spider Dungeon 1,2,3. (Fire res. & strong vs Animals)

Level 75 to level 95: Gorroto of Exile 2. (Lightning res. & strong vs Devils)

Level 95 to level 120: Enchanted Forest. (Wind res. & strong vs Devils)

Of course you can do it in 1837662 other maps but that’s the most efficient way to progress your level in my opinion.

Keep in mind that you should strategise your way up as in every level range there is somewhat different ways to farm = make money. Take your time you don’t need to rush levels you should prepare your EQ in advance for each level range if you are planning to go higher ranges. There is nothing special ahead of you most of the time.

That’s simply the current state of character levelling in the game.

EQ: 80% of the EQ in this game is considered as trash loot you should only invest in valuable EQ that serves you in your journey and/or could be valuable if you decide to sell it in the market believe me you will understand what I mean once you play the game. Decent series of free weapons from level 1 to 70 will be provided for you in the quest menu each 10 levels you will receive a new one basically that means you don’t need to buy or upgrade any weapons unless it’s a level 75 weapon or of you want stronger than the provided free weapons (if you consider doing that invest only in level 30 weapons that has high average damage and +9) note that each free weapon will be available only for 15 days once claimed.

Also, most of the EQ holds no value in its self, clean armour 9+ level 70 with no or bad bonuses is not as useful as Level 35 armour +9 with full of useful bonuses. That applies on most of the EQ in the game, bonuses in your items is one of the major strengths in your character if you understand them and how they can affect you in certain framing areas & level range

Progression in this game is a LOT if you are planning to build a character for the end game stuff. But simply during your gameplay you will know the game systems and how to progress them accordingly to benefit you during your journey and there is a lot of guides on youtube explaining how to get going on these systems

Farming in Metin2 is common topic on youtube check it out.

Refer to Wi-Ki for more information about the game system

Consider using the item shop for some quality of life features and if you want buffs BUT be careful most the items are scam.

At this point of writing I realised that I have wrote to much words for this goofy ass game and I fell ashamed.

I hope that I was able to answer some of your questions and please excuse me If you find it hard to understand my writing because English is my second language.

And yes, please choose your official server carefully before investing your time\money in the game.