I'm fairly new here (been playing for maybe 7 or 8 days) and I'm stuck in the Enigmatic Grotto where one of the trolls auto-KOs one of my pets before the battle even begins. I can't get past them (or beat Lord Talon in the first dungeon, for that matter), so I'm trying to grind in Faerina's Shrine. The problem is that my two Sylvorpa (one level 35, the other 36) are only gaining 1 or 2 exp points per battle. Considering that they need over 35,000 exp points to level up, this isn't working out.
What am I supposed to do? I can't grind because my pets won't level up, and I've equipped them with some decent armor/items (At least as decent as their level allows, I think...) and I'm pretty much stumped.

Also, do you have to be the same level as your pets or higher to use them? I have a level 50-something Zolnixi that was gifted to me, but I can't add it to my party because I'm "not of sufficient level to command" him.

Ah, yeah, that auto-KO. I remember that.
Can you expand your party to 3 slots? If so, you can get a third party member and that'll make things a lot easier. You can do that in the Sanctuary of Saerielle, in the Plaza.
Also, you should spend your pets' proficiency points. On their profile pages there is a button labeled "Proficiencies". Try looking in the Player Guides section for info on how to strategically build your team (for example, this guide). These help a LOT.
Also, what rarity is their equipment? The rarer, the better.

As for the levels, they can't be above your level. Elysia is level 30, though. You can make her a part of your party if you'd like. Having an extra pet to fight helps a lot.

I have three slots in my party and I am using Arun, Marina and Elysia. Still no luck.
As for their equipment, all of it is either rare or epic, with a few bits that are uncommon.
Their proficiency points and level ups are all used up.
So is the reason they won't level because my level is too low? They won't level at all until I do?

Well, when I look in your stables and hover over the fire symbol under their pictures, it says two of them have 1 unspent point and one has 2 unspent points.
No, your level is based on the highest level of your pets. For example, Marina is level 36 and so you are level 36. It just means that you can't put the lvl 56 pet into your party.
So, how do you do your attacks? Do you use the ones that the pets gain by spending proficiency points? Are you using mend on your pets when they are able to?

Also, what proficiencies are your pets? You'll have to make sure the proficiencies allow them to attack with their strengths - either physical or magical damage. For example, if your pet is good in magical damage, don't choose a proficiency that attacks with physical damage.

And now that I've compared my pets to yours, I think a major problem is that they don't have enough health. Maybe it's better for you to put more into health (and for that, I recommend spending proficiency points in health since it stacks so quickly). Compare Marina to my level 25 pet, for example. Though mine has legendary equipment, mine also has a lot more HP, even at a lower level. My tank has 4.9k HP while your tank has 2.8k, and the equipment only makes a difference of 250 or so.

Elysia is also pretty poorly equipped; you should decide on either physical or magical damage for her, and then make her equipment reflect that. On the others, you've done pretty well, though I'd suggest switching the armors on Marina and Arun (even if it's a tiny change).

Also, I just wanted to make sure you're not spending level up points on both strength and intelligence in one pet. If you are, you should switch to dexterity and/or agility.

Finally, I've sent you some epic equipment that I found on the trade broker. Hopefully they'll help a bit too. In the future, if you can't get enough good equipment from exploring, don't forget to check the broker ^^

I really appreciate your help.
I'll change things up a bit for sure.
I guess the only question I still have is WHY my pets can't seem to gain any experience.

You only gain experience beating enemies that are at most around 5 levels below yours. So your Level 35 and 36 pets will not gain any experience beating Level 20-25 pets. To level up your pets, I recommend either sending them on missions or taking them to the site-wide raids. The enemies in a raid match yours so they will be within a range where you will get very good experience.

As for the pet, yes, you need to be a high level before you can use a high-level pet in your team. You can, however, use that zolnixi for missions which is a very good choice as missions are quite valuable for gold, elixirs, potions, pet gear, and experience.


I hope this helps ^_^

Ugh, thank you both so much. I've been stuck for two days and I feel like I'll finally be able to advance in the game now. Thank you!!!!