Talk:Tutorial: Leveling/@comment-180.214.232.82-20150325074427/@comment-26171095-20150325075728

If you're talking about the Extra Operation maps, the difficulty spike is not that big. You'll feel it for some runs, but it won't be like running into a giant wall shouting, "You shall not pass!" from some venue above the clouds where it finally ends.

Your HQ level will not affect your route to 3-2. It will only affect your Extra Operation and event difficulties. If you're not concerned about either of those, don't worry about HQ inflation.