Exp Share is a game mechanic that has become increasingly popular in RPGs. It allows all party members to gain experience points regardless of whether they are in battle or not. This mechanic has been included in multiple games, including the popular Pokemon franchise, which started with Exp Share as an item given to individual Pokemon but has now been implemented as a default mechanic in newer games. Other games, such as Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and One Piece Odyssey, have also offered their own version of Exp Share.
The absence or limited implementation of Exp Share can significantly impact gameplay, as seen in older games like Persona 4. Without Exp Share, players have to bench characters and risk falling behind in levels. In Persona 4, this forced players to dive back into dungeons just to level up party members, instead of being able to experiment with using other characters. Developers have addressed this issue in newer games, with Persona 5 and Fire Emblem Engage both incorporating Exp Share.
While some games, like Fire Emblem Fates, still do not use Exp Share, they offer alternative setups to avoid grinding by emphasizing strategy and deliberate decisions. However, Exp Share remains a highly valued mechanic in RPGs as it frees up time and enables players to experiment with different characters without feeling like they’re repeating content.
