Rank (level)

Each heroic character level in DDO is divided into 5 ranks. (Epic levels do not include ranks, though epic destiny levels do.)

When completing the first four ranks in each level (for example, completing ranks 1, 2, 3 and 4 en route to earning level 2 with the completion of rank 5), characters receive an action point which may be spent at a class trainer to gain or exchange enhancements. When the fifth rank in each set is completed, the character gains a level. So, a starting character completes ranks 1 through 4 and gains an action point for each. Then, once rank 5 is complete, the character can level up and enters rank six.

A player can delay having the character learn their next level and still gain ranks toward the subsequent level, but is not able to use the action points earned until that previous level is learned at a trainer.

Characters start at level 1, rank 1 with 0 XP and gain their first AP once rank 1 is complete.