Everybody says Diablo 4 "starts at max level", and with Season 12 plus Vessel of Hatred that's even more true. If you want to hit 60 fast, you've gotta treat the early game like a checklist, not a sightseeing tour. I usually set up my run first (build idea, key skills, where I'll grab movement speed), then I'm off. If you're the type who likes to keep gearing smooth while you sprint, having a plan for upgrades from a diablo 4 item shop can help you avoid wasting time on bad drops and awkward power dips.

Start clean and don't sabotage your speed

Make a Seasonal character and skip the base campaign, but don't skip the Vessel of Hatred story. That expansion campaign is basically an XP conveyor belt if you stay on rails. Pick Normal difficulty. Hard sounds fine on paper, but early skill points come slower now and the extra monster time adds up. The moment you load in, equip your pet so it hoovers gold and mats while you keep moving. Then push the seasonal quest just long enough to unlock the Reputation Board, and immediately pivot into Act VII.

Quest XP beats random kills

Once you're in the expansion, you're not here to "clear." You're here to turn in quests. You'll notice it quick: open-world packs are a trap, especially if they pull you off the route. Sprint objective to objective, skip side events, and don't get baited by elites unless they're literally on your path. As soon as mercenaries open up, take Subo. The highlight on enemies and map objectives saves you from that annoying "where's the trigger" wandering, which is what silently kills most fast runs.

Buffs and cheap crafting are free time

At level 10, keep an elixir running for the 5% XP. It's not flashy, but over a few hours it matters. Also, stop pretending tempering is endgame-only. Hit the blacksmith and temper early: movement speed on boots and amulet, damage on weapons. It's cheap and you feel it instantly in every corridor, every run-back, every "ugh" moment you just don't have anymore. When you hit 45, stack incense with your elixir for a combined 10% XP boost and keep refreshing as you go.

Where to stop the campaign and finish 50–60

Near the end of the expansion you'll get the step to meet Prava at Lorath's old hut. Don't push past that. Log out, go to character select, and use the option to skip the rest of the campaign. The last stretch drags, and the XP per minute falls off hard. You should be around level 50 by then. For the last ten levels, rotate Strongholds, Helltides, and Kurast Undercity if you've got Tributes of Growth, while ticking off Seasonal Journey tasks. If you want to smooth out that last grind with quick currency or item pickups, a lot of players lean on eznpc to keep momentum without stopping to farm every little thing.