The changes to Destiny over the last week have made it much easier to hit 30 and more easily handle the daily and weekly missions even if you do not purchase the DLC. Level 30 is still the most important level in the game because it makes everything else much more manageable and qualifies you for the new raid. Every 12 light is 1 level so: Level 32 = 144 light Level 31 = 132 light [b]Level 30 = 120 light[/b] Level 29 = 108 light And so on... The new faction armor [i]does not[/i] require The Dark Below DLC and each piece can go to [b]33 light[/b]. This provides a way for people who have been stuck to catch up quickly and be at the recommended level for the Vault of Glass hard mode and the normal mode for the Crota raid (when they finally get the DLC). Old exotics and VoG raid gear each go to 30 light. How to hit 30 without exotic, raid or Iron Banner gear? - Equip and level 2 pieces of gear that go to 27 light each (probably wearing right now and already maxed) - Equip and level 2 pieces of [i]new[/i] faction gear (Future War Cult, Dead Orbit, New Monarchy) This results in 2 (27 light) + 2 (33 light) = 54+66 = 120 light Congratulations on now being 30. Alternatives obviously exist that use raid/iron banner and exotic pieces, some of which you may already have. [u]Old Exotic[/u] - equip your old exotic helmet or chest (earned or bought from Xur) = 30 light - equip a pre-DLC legendary armor = 27 light - equip 2 new legendary armor = 33 light each Total = 123 light [u]New Exotic[/u] - buy a new exotic chest or helmet from Xur this weekend = 33 light - equip one new legendary = 33 light - equip 2 old legendaries = 27 light each Total = 120 light I hope this has been helpful.