Starting up with leveling

[Karifean]

I'd like to know, who of you levels to which level before getting Balthier and Fran? There are methods, with which you can reach Level 80 within 60 hours before meeting Penelo in Giza Plains.

I've just started a new game, and wanted to know, does anyone level up to at least Level 20 before really starting the game?

I'm currently using the Dustia-method (earlier I used the werewolf method using quickenings), as it is extremely fast and easy. No quickenings whatsoever, just one phoenix down and you get ~1100 EXP and 3 LP. Does anyone know different methods of fast leveling (before getting Balthier & Fran)?

[Quindiana Jones]

I start my levelling once I have Tramp-Basch. Very, VERY easy to level up indefinitely, with instant free revive and heal from a save point, as well as great loot from early on in the game.

Never bothered with all the super early level ups.

[Karifean]

you do know that it takes 3 or 4 times longer that way?

[Quindiana Jones]

More fun, though.

[Shattered Dreamer]

Over leveling at such an early stage kinda ruins the whole experience of the game well at least I think it does. I level up every character 5 levels after each story event whilst doing some hunts in between (SPOILER)up until just before you fly to the Bahamut

I found leveling up painfully slow (SPOILER)until you buy embroidered tippets from the merchant sitting on the ground when you first enter Old Archades. They can be got other ways but I prefer the ease of just buying 6 of them.

[Karifean]

Well, it's quite fast with the Dustia method, especially since you have only Vaan at that point of the game, so it's 3x faster than with the Double EXP-Accessory. When getting other chars, their level is Vaan's + 1 (Balthier & Fran) or Vaan's + 2 (the others).

For all who don't know the Dustia-method, here it is:

Dustia
The rare fiend Dustia appears in the Westernsand in that northern region (forgot the name) when one char has below 10% HP. Dustia is easily killed by a phoenix down and gives ~1100 EXP and 3 LP. He also drops a treasure (some book) which is worth about 500 Gil - worth 2 Phoenix Downs. But the very best thing is, that he is a teleporter. What does that mean? When you leave the area before the EXP and LP texts show, the game doesn't realise you've killed him. So you can just enter again and beat him again and again. That way you can chain Dustia and get an average of at least 3 books each kill - you also get a lot of money fast. Going to the store in the Westernsand will let you buy Phoenix Downs and you do not lose your chain.