Use this for your first session: check access and your PC before login, make a provisional class choice, then work through the tutorial while recording the systems your client actually unlocks. This is an action checklist, not a tested fastest-leveling route.

Before you log in

  • Check access: the official NC launch page lists 30 September 2026 advance access for Founder’s Pack holders and a 5 October 2026 full release. Confirm the current terms on the Steam listing before purchasing or planning your start time.
  • Check your setup: review the current PC requirements, download and update instructions, free disk space, and input settings shown by your chosen platform. Do not assume an older test client is the release build.
  • Coordinate with friends: agree on service, region, server and faction before creating characters together. Verify the actual available choices in your client.
  • Pick two class candidates: use the first-class decision guide and keep the choice provisional until you see the launch-build abilities.

First 15 minutes: get oriented

  1. Record the service, region and client version visible to you. They are useful when comparing a guide or reporting a correction later.
  2. Read the class and character-creation screens. Confirm your friends can make compatible choices before you commit.
  3. Adjust camera, keybinds, display and accessibility options until combat cues are easy to read.
  4. Follow the tutorial and main objective markers. Test movement and your starting abilities before trying to optimize a route.

Rest of the first session: learn before spending

  1. When a new system unlocks, read its in-client explanation and note the unlock condition. This is more reliable than assuming a Korea, Taiwan or scale-test milestone applies to your build.
  2. Keep scarce currency or upgrade materials until you understand the cost, refund rules and the next few options. We have not verified global-launch skill budgets or refund rules.
  3. If you group up, check how your class actually helps in that encounter. If you play solo, note which fights or controls feel awkward rather than changing builds on one bad attempt.
  4. If you are stuck, check the objective log and official notices first. Record the quest name, faction and client version before comparing outside walkthroughs.

Before you log out

  • Write down the next main objective and one system to learn in your next session.
  • Decide whether your class still feels right after real play. If it does not, compare your second candidate before investing further.
  • Save any surprising differences from older regional or scale-test guides with the date and build number.

What this page does not promise: a fastest quest order, a level target for the first hour, or guaranteed rewards. A genuine leveling route needs a tested faction, region, patch, starting state, quest sequence and timing. The global launch briefing explains which access information is official now.