For veterans and newcomers alike to the vibrant world of City of Heroes, the journey to level 50 can often feel like a race. Many guides advocate for powerleveling, skipping content to reach the endgame faster. However, this approach often sacrifices the rich tapestry of stories and character development that City of Heroes so brilliantly offers. If you’re seeking a more immersive and narrative-driven experience, one where your hero’s journey feels organic and meaningful, then you’ve come to the right place.
This guide champions a different path, one that embraces the story arcs and missions that truly make City of Heroes shine. It’s about those “Hey, I remember this!” moments, the satisfying feeling of your hero growing through challenges, and understanding the intricate web of characters and events that shape Paragon City and beyond. Within these compelling narratives, you might find yourself pondering the journeys of even minor characters, perhaps even asking: What Ship Did Tobias Hansen Travel On to arrive in Striga? While the answer to that specific question might be elusive, the spirit of inquiry and the desire to delve deeper into the lore is exactly what this guide encourages.
This isn’t about min-maxing or rushing to the finish line. It’s about savoring the journey, experiencing the story as it unfolds, and building a hero whose history is as rich as their powers. Think of it as a heroic voyage, not a mere grind.
Charting Your Course: A Story-Driven Leveling Path
This guide is carefully curated, selecting story arcs based on several key criteria to ensure a rewarding and engaging leveling experience:
- Engaging Mission Variety: Missions that offer diverse objectives, moving beyond simple defeat-all scenarios to include investigation, puzzle-solving, and strategic encounters.
- Unique Maps and Mechanics: Missions that transport you to memorable locations and introduce distinctive gameplay elements, keeping the experience fresh and exciting.
- Narrative Flow and Character Development: Story arcs that seamlessly introduce characters and concepts that will reappear throughout your journey, creating a cohesive and evolving narrative.
- Valuable Rewards and Unlocks: Missions that grant temporary powers, useful buffs, and unlockable summons, enhancing your hero’s capabilities as you progress.
- The “Rule of Cool”: Admittingly, some inclusions are simply because they are exceptionally fun or memorable moments that capture the essence of superheroics.
While this guide aims for comprehensiveness, some content inevitably gets omitted. Older story arcs that lack the polish of later additions, and isolated “not a story arc BUT” missions (like Origin contacts) are consciously left out to maintain focus and flow. Tip missions and radio missions, while not strictly story-driven, are also generally not included, although exploring them can unlock vigilante status and offer additional variety. Remember, this is a story guide, prioritizing narrative richness over absolute completion.
This guide leans into the “Rule of Cool” factor, prioritizing engaging experiences over obscure lore details. You are encouraged to explore deeper lore independently, but this guide focuses on the main narrative threads.
Suggested Story Arc Progression
Here’s a suggested path through Paragon City and beyond, designed for a fluid and engaging story experience:
Tutorial > Atlas Park > The Hollows > Kings Row > Faultline > First Ward & Striga > Night Ward & Croatoa > Peregrine Island > Cimerora & Ritki War Zone
Along this path, key story arcs and task forces are highlighted to enhance the overall narrative and enjoyment.
Managing Experience Gain: A Scenic Route Requires Pacing
It’s crucial to be aware of experience gain. City of Heroes zones are level-banded, and overleveling can lead to missing content. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to disable XP boosts. Even without boosts, the game’s inherent XP rate, especially with past buffs, can lead to outpacing zones.
To manage your leveling, utilize an XP toggle macro. This allows you to pause XP gain, ensuring you experience each story arc fully before moving on. A general guideline is to pause XP gain at levels ending in 4 or 9.
Here’s a macro to create an XP toggle button:
<span>/macro_image "DayJob_XPBoost" "XP Toggle" "option_toggle noxp"</span>Kheldian Archetypes: Unique Story Paths
For players choosing Peacebringer or Warshade Kheldian archetypes, unique storylines exist in Sunstorm and Shadowstar respectively. These archetype-specific arcs occur every five levels, starting at level 5. While missions can be somewhat repetitive, the overarching narrative is well-structured and spans from level 5 to 50. If playing a Kheldian, incorporate these storylines, but carefully monitor your XP to avoid outleveling other contacts.
Peacebringer and Warshade storylines are essentially two sides of the same narrative, offering perspectives from different factions. While missions might not be the most innovative, the continuous story from level 5 to 50 is a unique and compelling feature.
Levels 1-2: Tutorial Missions – First Steps into Heroism
The tutorial is brief but essential, providing basic enhancements, inspirations, and an introduction to mission objectives.
Outbreak offers a standard door mission tutorial.
Galaxy City, while arguably a less effective tutorial, ties more directly into early story arcs.
Choose based on preference. Both lead you to:
Atlas Park (Levels 1-7): The Heart of Heroism
Resist the temptation to powerlevel through Death From Below. Atlas Park offers a surprisingly engaging introductory story arc that foreshadows later zones and provides a solid foundation for your hero’s journey. The missions offer good variety and introduce core gameplay elements.
Contact Order: Matthew Habershy > Officer Fields or Sondra Castel > Aaron Thiery
Choose either Officer Fields or Sondra Castel, as their arcs converge into Aaron Thiery’s storyline. Both are worthwhile introductions.
After Thiery, speak to Twinshot for a lighthearted, albeit less compelling, tour of introductory areas. Consider it a brief interlude before diving into more substantial content.
The game suggests Kings Row next, but a detour to a Hazard Zone is highly recommended.
The Hollows (Levels 5-14): Embracing the Grit
Hazard Zones, like The Hollows, are throwbacks to the game’s earlier, grind-focused design. However, The Hollows offers a compelling story and unlocks the Cavern of Transcendence trial. Pause your XP gain at level 9 until starting Flux’s arc.
Contact Order: David Wincott (5-9) > Flux (5-9) > Julius the Troll (10-14) > Talshak the Mystik (12-14)
Meg Mason offers repeatable missions if desired. Be cautious with the Frostfire mission, which can be challenging solo.
Level bands are tight in The Hollows, so meticulous XP management is crucial. Utilize the XP toggle liberally.
Note: If you outlevel Flux before reaching Julius the Troll, consider Death from Below trial or venturing into Kings Row temporarily. Pause XP gain at level 14 until starting Talshak the Mystik and Twinshot’s arcs.
Kings Row (Levels 7-20): Seeds of Future Conflicts
Begin with Twinshot’s Shining Stars arc in Kings Row. This arc introduces characters and concepts that will become significant later, and features a City of Villains tutorial crossover. It’s narratively rich and worth experiencing for the story, even if the final chapter feels abruptly cut due to the game’s original closure.
Contact Order: Shauna Stockwell > Eagle Eye (both 7-20)
These short arcs culminate in a solo mission, providing a concise and engaging experience.
Pre-Faultline Preparations (Levels 10-18): Trials and Task Forces
Before moving on, complete Positron 1 & 2, Death From Below, Drowning in Blood, and The Cavern of Transcendence trials. Aim for level 17-18 and enjoy these well-crafted story experiences. The Positron Task Forces are particularly strong narratively and set up the next zone. Synapse Task Force is another option if further leveling is needed. Retain the jetpack reward from Positron TF for later use in the Shadow Shard.
Visit Montague Castanella (10-50) in Steel Canyon’s university to gain access to the Midnighter Club, required later.
Pause XP at level 19 until starting Penelope Yin’s Faultline arc.
Faultline (Levels 15-24): Modern City of Heroes Emerges
Faultline marks a significant shift towards “modern” City of Heroes content. It introduces key characters, features a unique map, and offers diverse, often stealthable, missions. This zone is highly acclaimed for its quality.
Contact Order: Jim Temblor (15-19) > Penelope Yin (15-19) > Doc Delilah (20-24) > Agent G (20-24)
The final mission rewards the Ouroboros Portal, a valuable tool for time travel and efficient navigation. Pause XP at level 24.
For a break from Faultline, explore story arcs from Laura Lockheart and Graham Easton (both 15-24) in Steel Canyon. Graham’s arc introduces later-game enemies, while Laura’s arc is well-written and unique.
The University (Levels 20-24): Crafting and Task Forces
Now is an opportune time to learn about crafting Invention Origin Enhancements (IOs). If you’ve been managing Influence, you should have enough to begin. Visit Admissions Officer Lenk at Steel Canyon’s university for a crafting tutorial.
Consider undertaking the Admiral Sutter Task Force (starts in Independence Port). This story-focused TF bridges Faultline, Praetoria, RWZ, and Incarnate content. Keep XP paused—levels 20-24 are rich with content.
First Ward & Striga (Levels 20-29): Praetorian Parallels and Strigan Shadows
Several excellent, overlapping zones become available. Striga starts slowly but culminates in a cool task force and valuable temporary powers. First Ward offers a strong narrative linking to Praetorian content. Start in Striga, complete the first two contacts, then move to First Ward before finishing Striga. Keep XP paused at 24 until completing the first two Striga arcs, then pause again at level 29 until starting Skipper LeGrange’s Croatoa arc.
| First Ward (20-29) | Striga (20-29) |
|---|---|
| A continuation of the Praetorian Going Rogue storyline, First Ward is exceptionally well-executed, featuring memorable characters, impactful choices, and engaging interactions. Contacts: Mistress Eva > The Doorman > Nadia > Palatine > Noble Savage > Katie Douglas > Blind Makwa > Cerulean > Master Midnight > Vanessa DeVore. The Seed of Hamidon raid boss is present and can be defeated with a coordinated team for badges. | Striga is often overlooked, but it offers a rewarding experience, culminating in a fun task force and temporary powers. The initial arc is less engaging, but the story builds significantly. Contacts: Stephenie Peebles (20-24) > Long Jack (20-24) > Tobias Hansen (25-29) > Lars Hansen (25-29). Consider the Ernesto Hess task force afterward. The Moonfire task force, part of the Kheldian storyline, is also available here. |
It’s within Tobias Hansen’s arc in Striga that players might wonder: what ship did Tobias Hansen travel on to reach this shadowy zone? While the game may not explicitly detail his mode of transport, the atmosphere of Striga, with its gothic undertones and hints of otherworldly influence, suggests a journey that is perhaps more mysterious than mundane. Perhaps he arrived not by conventional ship, but by some arcane or interdimensional means, fitting the zone’s enigmatic nature. This subtle mystery enhances the immersive quality of the story arc.
Image alt text: Tobias Hansen, a contact in the Striga zone of City of Heroes, standing amidst a shadowy, gothic environment, hinting at the mysterious nature of his arrival and story arc.
Pre-Night Ward & Croatoa (Levels 25-29): Vigilante Paths and Ouroboros Lore
If playing a vigilante, speak to Shauna Braun in Independence Port for her i26 story arc, which explores moral ambiguity. Martin Weintraub in Talos Island offers the Freaklympics arc, a unique early-game story. Visit Ouroboros and speak to Twilight’s Son for the Smoke and Mirrors arc, a former task force with unique scenery and a decent story.
Night Ward & Croatoa (Levels 25-39): Praetorian Undead and Croatoan Mystery
Continue the Praetorian narrative in Night Ward, a gaslamp fantasy zone with undead knights and magic. Explore the nightmarish, magical Croatoa. Start in Croatoa due to level bands, then move to Night Ward. Pause XP gain at 34 until starting Buck Salinger’s arc, then again at 39.
| Night Ward (30-39) | Croatoa (25-34) |
|---|---|
| Night Ward continues the First Ward story, offering a unique gaslamp fantasy setting with undead mysteries. Contacts: Mistress Maria > Montague Castanella > Ward > Sir Bedwyr > The Magician. The story arc concludes somewhat abruptly but introduces characters who reappear later. | Croatoa, like Striga, starts with clunky missions but evolves into a memorable zone with a task force unlock and temporary powers. The story is engaging, and the maps are unique. Contacts: Gordon Bower (25-29) > Skipper LeGrange (25-29) > Kelly Nemmers (30-34) > Buck Salinger (30-34). Unlocks the Katie Hannon task force, historically known for its speed and unique first mission. |
Pre-Peregrine Island (Levels 30-39): Time Travel and Moral Choices
Visit Ouroboros and speak to The Pilgrim (25-50) and Mender Lazarus (30-39) to unlock time travel and a short mission chain thematically linked to Striga and Cimerora.
Vigilantes can speak to The Major (30-40) in Brickstown for a morally ambiguous mission, one of the few where “arresting” enemies isn’t the objective.
Peregrine Island (Levels 40-50): Endgame Gateway and Archvillain Encounters
Peregrine Island is central to the “old” endgame. It’s a rite of passage, introducing archvillains who will reappear later. Team content is prevalent here, so consider using the LFG system. Leveling can be relaxed here, as outleveling content is no longer a major concern after Tina Macintyre.
Contact Order:
- Tina Macintyre (40-44) The Anti-Matter Collision / The Instant Army
- Unai Kemen (45-50) To Save a Thousand Worlds
- Maria Jenkins (45-50) A Hero’s Epic
Completing these arcs contributes to the Portal Jockey accolade, granting a permanent health and endurance boost.
Pre-Cimerora & Ritki War Zone (Levels 30-50): Lore Deep Dives and Costume Quests
Return to Croatoa and speak to Percy Winkley (30-50) at the University for lore-rich missions. Visit the City Representative (20/30-50) in Atlas Park City Hall for story arcs originally tied to costume unlocks, providing background for later storylines.
Cimerora & Ritki War Zone (Levels 35-50): The Final Stretch
You’re nearing level 50! Explore two well-designed zones with relaxed level ranges: Cimerora (accessed via the Midnighter Mansion) and Ritki War Zone (via Vanguard bases). Remove the XP pause button entirely. Lower-level content can still be accessed via Ouroboros Flashback or teaming.
| Cimerora (35-50) | Ritki War Zone (35-50) |
|---|---|
| Cimerora is stylistically unique, utilizing time travel and Kheldian lore. Contacts: Midnighter > Senator Decimus Aquila > Marcus Valerius. Hero-specific contact Daedelus (40-50) offers missions returning to Paragon City. Concludes with the Imperius task force. | Ritki War Zone offers strong storytelling and revisits earlier characters. Contacts: Levantera (35-50) > Serpent Drummer (40-50) > Gaussian (45-50) > The Dark Watcher (45-50). The Lady Grey task force follows the storyline closely. The Ritki Mothership Raid is a recommended “glory lap.” |
Approaching Level 50: Task Forces, Trials, and Missed Content
The Imperius task force or Mothership raid should propel you to level 50. Revisit missed task forces, trials, and contacts. The Signature Story Arc Who Will Die? is recommended now for story-centric content, chronologically preceding some in-game events. Paragon Wiki can assist with order if using Flashback.
Task Forces and Trials: Diversions and Challenges
At this stage, all non-incarnate task forces and trials are accessible. All are worth experiencing at least once.
The Freedom Phalanx Task Forces
Completing these earns the Task Force Commander accolade. They vary in style from grindy to story-rich.
- Positron 1 & 2 (10/11-15/16) Rule of Three & Dam Hero – Good storytelling, free jetpack.
- Synapse (15-20) Fall of the Clockwork King – Repetitive, strong ending.
- Penelope Yin (20-25) A Clamor for the People – Short and sweet.
- Citadel (25-30) Citadel’s Children – Grindy and repetitive.
- Manticore (30-35) Following Countess Crey – Travel-heavy, memorable final battle.
- Numina (35-40) Soul of the Woodsman – Use a guide, 16 hunt missions, team coordination needed.
The Shadow Shard Task Forces
The four Shadow Shard task forces are notoriously grindy and challenging, with defense-debuffing enemies. Complete them once for the experience and scenery, but be prepared for a long haul. Teamwork and coordination are key.
Contact Order: Dr. Quarterfield (40-44) > Sara Moore (40-50) > Justin Augustine (44-50) > Faathim the Kind (44-50)
The Best of the Rest Task Forces
- Moonfire (23-28) The Kheldian War – Lore connection to Dark Astoria, Ouroboros, Cimerora.
- Katie Hannon (30-34) A Tangled Plot – Unique Croatoa setting and enemies, boss-heavy first mission.
- Imperius (35-50) Time’s Arrow – Well-paced, varied objectives, cathartic Cimerora conclusion, excellent for reaching 50.
- Dr Khan (45-50) Return of the Reichsman – Decent task force, interesting final battle mechanics.
- Lady Grey (45-50) – Ritki War Zone conclusion, lore and gameplay value.
- Ms Liberty (45-50) – Considered the most difficult task force, challenging final mission.
Trials
Trials are shorter task forces, all worth experiencing once.
- Death From Below – Infamous for quick early leveling.
- Drowning in Blood – Mechanically interesting, scenic variety.
- Terra Volta Trials (three) – Old respec trials, worthwhile.
- Abandoned Sewers Trial – Surprisingly difficult, vertical map, team coordination needed.
- Eden Trial – Unique layout.
- Cavern of Transcendence – Soloable now, less challenging than originally designed.
Beyond Level 50: Incarnate Content and Beyond
Level 50 marks the gateway to Incarnate content, which lies beyond the scope of this guide.
This story-driven leveling guide offers a richer, more immersive City of Heroes experience. Embrace the journey, explore the stories, and forge a hero with a truly memorable history. Enjoy your heroic voyage!
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