Combined Solution for Portal XP Progression
Removing XP from all servers that use bots is not the right solution. It punishes normal players instead of just targeting exploiters. Limiting XP for verified modes should not remove XP even if they include bots. XP restriction should only apply when players use the Rules Editor to create custom setups that break progression balance. Challenges may still track, but there are no weapon or mastery unlocks, which makes Portal feel empty and unrewarding. The community told you that a proper server browser was the best way forward. That way EA still earns money, while players and communities can build servers, gather, and have fun. Right now, Portal does not support that vision. It restricts progression and makes the mode feel disconnected. In fact, this approach likely costs EA more money to maintain empty servers instead of letting the community help keep the game alive. Many of us were not exploiting, we were playing on verified modes with friends mixed with some bots. Solution: XP should be allowed in solo or co-op with bots on normal or higher difficulty, and in curated community servers that pass verification. XP should only be restricted when the Rules Editor is used to alter core gameplay balance, for example with one hit enemies, infinite ammo, or instant respawn farming. Anti-farm guardrails could include minimum difficulty settings, AFK or loop detection to prevent idle farming, mixed targets with both bots and players where applicable, and XP per minute caps. Servers that trigger exploit detection should automatically lose progression until reviewed. All servers should be clearly tagged in the browser as progression eligible or progression restricted with a short explanation why. K/D ratio, leaderboards, and certain mastery stats can remain locked in bot heavy modes to avoid stat abuse, but weapon unlocks, attachments, and mastery progression should still function in legitimate verified modes so time spent playing always feels rewarding. A proper server browser encourages communities to thrive, keeps players engaged, and reduces EA’s server costs since players keep servers alive. Players should be able to flag exploit servers by providing code and details. EA can then use community reports and telemetry to filter exploit servers without punishing everyone. Why this is better: Players get reliable progression in solo and verified community servers. Exploiters are filtered out by smart rules instead of blanket XP removal. EA saves money by letting communities sustain themselves while protecting brand integrity. Clear labeling avoids confusion and rebuilds trust.
