you level up in the game based on gear and not on character.
There are 3 tiers/6 spectrums throughout the elevator, each being different and some with end tier bosses
To proceed to the next tier you must have certain gear completed.
To get into tier 2 i believe you need 2 star gear for helm, weapon, shield,and armor and at least 25 tier one levels done
To get into tier 3 i believe you need to have all 4 star gear
Your equipment are leveled up base on how much heat you obtain throughout the levels and the item maxes out at lvl 10 except for trinkets/modules/etc
Some gear has a series, meaning an item can upgrade from say 2star up to 5 star item. ie Calibur series. There are also some items that can split into different routes within a series. ie: Calibur
Leviathan or Cold Iron Vanquisher
Items are crafted into the next part of the series by buying recipes from Basil or the Auction House and finding materials throughout the game.
Again I would love to help all the new players out. but with my current net situation lasting another week max... i cant at the mo
Your welcome to add Merrie & ill get you invited into the guild. but for help im unavailable at the moment.