Where to Hunt.. (Level 1 - 40)

This is my suggestion of where to get experience, both in groups or soloing (hunting alone). If you are not certain where the zones I have listed are, go check out the useful links section and click on EQ Maps.

In my opinion it is best to go the guild lobby off the Plane of Knowledge (depending on your server) and ask politely if anyone can spare any buffs before you go and gain experience. The nicest buff to get is Temperance, a 800 health point buff, which also gives you a higher armour class. SoW (Spirit of Wolf) is a run speed buff, which is very useful to get about and to outrun monsters. You will gain faster experience if you group with fellow players, so if you are offered a group, take it. It is not always possible to get a group so check out the fear kiting guide for some good places to solo.

Hot spots are zones where you gain bonus experience points if you hunt there, so they are worth checking out! The latest hotzones can be found here

Do the tutorial and gain experience in the Gloomingdeep Mines. It is the safest and easiest way to gain experience, starter items and a small amount of cash by doing the quests and looting staffs from the gnoll spiritweavers (sell to vendors for 4pp each). It also shows you how to use the interface if you are new to Everquest.

11-15 If you made a Drakkin ranger, then you are in luck, as there are some great lower level zones starting at Crescent reach and moving way into your 30's. Otherwise, I would suggest Kurn's Tower, for the best experience (XP) which is off the Field of Bone. You should be able to solo (hunt alone), but a healthpoint (HP) buff would be advised. Another place I like is the far end of East Commonlands at 11/12 and West Commonlands as you get a little higher. (Note, East and West Commonlands are now one zone, known as 'The Commonlands'). In both places you can either solo, or should be able to find a group. Clan Crushbone off Greater Faydark is also a popular place for grouping. If you wish to solo from 16 -20, get your panic animal spell at 16 and head to the Southern Karana's. There you can use panic animal to fearkite elephants (level 14-18) . Another option is Western Commonlands, where you can fear the kodiaks as they are level 14-16. A rule of thumb when hunting alone, would be to stick to animals that are the same or slightly lower than your level if you cannot get a HP buff. If you get a HP buff, then you can go slightly higher than your level. As you get nearer to 20, head towards North and South Ro, Lake of Ill Omen or Nedaria's Landing.

Lakie of Ill Omen is the current hotzone for level 20 and The Feerott is level 25. I would personally head to Lake of Ill Omen as it is an outdoor zone and easier to navigate than The Feerott. Watch out for undead though! For soloing, Nedaria's Landing is the place to be for fearkiting, all the way until your early 30's. See the Panic Animal Guide for animal levels. If you wish to group, Paludal Caverns still has decent XP until 25. After this head to Solusek's Eye (Sol A) or The Feerott (next hotzone) or you could also try Marus Seru.

Frontier Mountains is the current hotzone for level 30 and it is an outside zone, but I could not find any animals there worth fearkiting. However, the giants are fun to kill with a group. The level 35 hotzone is The Tower of Frozen Shadow of Iceclad Ocean. Not easy to get to without a port, however definately worth a look as it is a fun zone to group in. Here is a guide to assist you as from the 2nd floor up you will need a key, which drops of certain mobs (there are 8 floors). 30-40 I would also recommend Stonebrunt for soloing and fearkiting. If you head to the lower/middle section of the zone you will find various animals you drop fairly decent loot which you can sell to vendors for platinum. The kerran village in the centre of the zone also has some fun quests. Another zone you can go to is Dawnshroud Peaks and fear zelniaks, although the XP and loot are not as good. Late 30's you may also try Eastern Wastes, but grab a HP buff. For grouping, Solusek's Eye is still good for a while and the Great Divide and The Overthere, may also have grouping opportunities. The next hotzone at level 40 is Lower Guk which is full of undead froggies, but again is a really fun place to explore with friends.