Epic levels

In DDO, characters can gain 20 class levels. These are called Heroic levels.

With the Menace of the Underdark expansion, characters can continue to accumulate experience points even after taking level 20, up to 30. Levels 21 and beyond are called Epic levels.

Update 29 introduces a third tier, Legendary, for levels 31+; however, this term applies only to game content (quests/adventure areas), not to player characters yet, until the level cap increases.

What are Epic levels?
Epic levels are a generic class in itself. You no longer gain Heroic levels in any class, but find a new class, "Epic," in your character sheet. While some game mechanics and player conversation may describe you, for instance, as a "Level 21 Wizard," in reality, the game sees you as a Level 20 Wizard with 1 Epic level. This also applies to multiclassed characters.

Epic levels do not accumulate heroic action points. Instead, you get epic destiny points which you can invest in Epic Destinies.

When you accumulate enough experience, take your epic levels by talking to a Fatespinner (epic trainer).

Epic levels versus Epic Destinies
Epic Destinies offer an additional way of progressing your character in epic levels. Since the Update 51 redesign, Epic Destinies are free.

After taking your 20th level for the first time, visit the Fatespinner to claim the destinies and gain a few free fate points.

Experience in Epics

 * Overlevel penalties don't apply in level 20+ dungeons.
 * Power-leveling penalties don't apply in level 20+ dungeons.
 * Bravery bonus level restriction is more relaxed in level 20+ dungeons.