Understanding Server Rates: x1 to x10000 Explained

What the multiplier actually applies to

A server's rate is a multiplier applied to the base values from the original, unmodified game: XP and SP gain, item drop chance, and adena (currency) drop amount. A x1 server runs at the same pace as the original live game. A x100 server gives roughly 100 times the XP/SP and drop rates of x1 for the same monster kill. Most listings show these as separate numbers - rate XP, rate SP, rate drop, rate adena - because a server can (and often does) tune them independently.

Reading the ranges

x1-x25 ("low rate"): progression closely mirrors the original game's pace. Leveling, gearing, and clan-building all take real time - weeks to months to reach end-game. This is the range classic and nostalgia-focused servers usually pick.

x50-x300 ("mid rate"): still requires real investment but compresses the grind considerably. A reasonable target for players who want meaningful progression without a second job's worth of hours.

x500-x1000+ ("high rate"): reaching end-game gear and levels takes days, not months. The appeal here is fast access to siege warfare, raid bosses, and PvP rather than the leveling process itself.

x5000 and up: effectively skip the leveling game entirely. These are usually built around immediate PvP and short-term events rather than a long-term economy.

Rate isn't the whole picture

Two x100 servers can feel completely different depending on custom drop tables, event frequency, and how balanced the class system is. Treat the rate number as a filter for the kind of time commitment you're signing up for, not a full description of the server. L2VoteKing shows each server's four rate values (XP/SP/drop/adena) separately on its listing so you can see exactly what's being multiplied before you commit.