How to gain experience?

I'd like my character to gather some extra experience (also some extra levels), in order to be able to run through the later game more easily.

I have some questions about that (all of them refer to what a GOOD D2 player would do. Also, SP advice only. I don't play MP):

-is this (leveling up more) even a good idea? Do the pros do it?

-if yes, how many level-ups above the "usual level" is it OK to try to accumulate?

(Usual level = the level a player who runs through the game doing all quests and all optional areas only once is at, in a certain part of the game. E.g. I've noticed I'm usually at lvl 22-23 when facing Duriel.)

-what is the standard way to gain extra levels?

a) how frequently should I run for extra levels? A set # of times per levels? How many times?

b) is it better to run previous acts (because killing is faster) or the current quest (best experience gains)?

-How do you do this? (in some detail, if possible).

Thanks.|||Your question would be better asked over here at the Single Player Forum, SPF:

http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=3

There we can give you specific advice like using the 'players x' setting. And give you specific advice on going without being able to trade for higher level items if you choose not to trade with us. As well as two great SPF only things, ie ATMA/GoMule and RWM, look in the sticky of the SPF for more info.

As for your specific questions.

1. It can be an advantage to you to level up in previous areas. I'd not stick too long in one area, as the levels you gain if you push yourself into the next area is probably going to be more. That is unless you are playing hardcore.

2. According to jiansonz, a great guide writer. You can easily get to these levels if you use 'players8' all the way. You can obviously still get higher, but these are 'single pass' numbers.

A1: 20 - 21

A2: 28 - 29

A3: 32

A4: 35

A5: 48-49

This guide by jiansonz might help you as well:

http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/s...d.php?t=620901

3. These questions can be better answered by someone in the SPF who plays a lot more than I do. I have not played in quite a while.

Again I invite you to come on by the SPF, linked above, and post this question. All the SPF asks is that you introduce yourself a little in order to better help answer your questions. An introduction with answers to questions like: Which builds/classes you like to play? Is this your first time playing Diablo 2? And if you'd like maybe a little bit about yourself, but it is not required.|||I'll back up what Ladvarian has said, the SP forum is your haven

If you google a question about single player, the chances are it will link you to a thread from that forum! Feel free to ask a question yourself too, the lads and ladettes over in the SP forum are a helpful bunch :)