Triad XP is one of three levelling systems implemented in Sleeping Dogs.
The Triad XP levelling system shows Wei's experience in the ways of the Triad during his undercover stint. You have three triangles, or the Triad Meter, that must be filled during missions in order to gain more Triad XP. The amount of XP earned is based off of two things:
-- Performance: Your performance in the mission is key to earn more Triad XP. Going for more audacious takedowns and kills on your enemies during the mission will have the best effect.
-- Difficulty: The harder the mission was, the more XP you will earn. If your Triad Meter fills quickly, the less XP you will get out of it. In turn, if it fills slowly, the more XP you will earn if you are able to put in a good performance.
Beginning at Level 1, you are given the ability to counter enemy attacks. The rewards then split off into two branches, allowing you to boost your abilities in combat, such as learning a new move or your resistance to enemy attacks and combat damage. Each time you level up, you are given an Upgrade Point to spend on one of two upgrades.
When you level up, you can go into Upgrades (either when prompted or in the Pause Menu) and use an Upgrade Point to purchase your reward. As you go along the branch, the Upgrades available to you are better, useful and more practical to use in combat. Of course, you have to go through the branch from beginning to end before being able to access later Upgrades.
