How to get to level 40
Much like the first game, The Division 2 adopted a structure that required you to reach level 30 and reach a certain point in the game before you could then increase your gear score, which also depended on your gear. The Warlords of New York expansion removes the Gear Score you already have and reverts to a more traditional leveling system until you hit level 40, but the question is, how do you raise that level?
First of all, you need to purchase the Warlords of New York expansion to get started, as this is necessary to increase the level cap. It's not just a free in-game update you can get. Second, you can't start leveling up in DC's main world in the base game. Even if you shop around and earn XP, you will continue to earn only towards caches.
To successfully level up in Warlords of New York, you must first go to New York in the game. For this you must not only have purchased the expansion, but also have it installed. Once you've done that, start your game and head to the White House, aka your base of operations. From there, go see the pilot discovered and talk to him about heading to New York. This is a one-way ticket until you've completed the expansion, so be careful.
As soon as you arrive in New York, stop the game and access your gear menu. Immediately you will notice that all of your gear that you previously had with an gear score is now simply listed as level 30. This means you're ready to start leveling up again. Like in the main game, this can be done by going around and completing different missions, tasks, and finding collectibles. You should start going up pretty quickly if you follow the story and complete any of the main side missions you come across.
Once you start leveling up you will also start to find gear with higher levels so follow them and it will definitely help speed up the process as you are now more equipped for battle. Keep working on it and you'll be level 40 in no time.
