Queen's Domain Hempie's SVT 38 XP Not Increasing? Patch Fix & Level 25 Guide

Updated November 11, 2026

Hempie's SVT 38 is one of the more unusual weapons in Queen's Domain, but leveling it can be confusing. You might fire several shots at enemies, check the weapon's experience bar, and find that it has barely moved—or appears completely stuck.

Before spending time grinding, there's an important detail to know: Queen's Domain update 1.01.03 included a fix for XP and resource generation on Hempie's SVT.

If your game is already updated, normal combat can still level the weapon. Spirit Oil provides another way to gain experience, while repeatable enemy encounters can help you work toward the gun's reported level-25 cap.

This guide explains how to unlock Hempie's SVT 38, check whether its XP is working, use Spirit Oil, and troubleshoot a weapon that refuses to level.

Quick Answer: Why Is Hempie's SVT 38 Not Gaining XP?

If Hempie's SVT 38 XP is not increasing, first check that Queen's Domain is updated. Version 1.01.03 addressed an earlier issue affecting the weapon's XP and resource generation.

Then try these steps:

  1. Check the weapon's level. If Hempie's SVT 38 is already level 25, it may have reached its maximum.
  2. Test normal combat XP. Record the XP bar's position, defeat several enemies using the gun, and check again.
  3. Use Spirit Oil if available. It adds weapon experience directly rather than boosting future combat XP.
  4. Try repeatable enemies. The Tower of Knowledge offers a useful weapon XP farming route.
  5. Restart and retest. If the bar remains unchanged below level 25, restart the updated game and try another encounter.

Important: Slow XP progression does not automatically mean the gun is bugged. Hempie's SVT 38 can level through normal combat, although its exact XP calculation is not established.

1. Check the Hempie's SVT XP Patch Fix First

Queen's Domain version 1.01.03 addressed an XP and resource-generation issue involving Hempie's SVT.

If you're running an older build, update the game before assuming the weapon's experience system is still broken.

How to Check for Updates on Steam

  1. Close Queen's Domain completely.
  2. Open Steam and go to your Library.
  3. Select Queen's Domain.
  4. Check whether an update is waiting to download.
  5. Install any available update.
  6. Restart the game and load your save.
  7. Equip Hempie's SVT 38 and test its XP again.

You can also right-click the game in Steam, select Properties → Updates, and check its automatic update settings.

Does the Patch Fix Every XP Problem?

The update addressed a specific problem with Hempie's SVT, but an XP bar that appears stationary does not necessarily mean that problem has returned.

For example, a small amount of experience may be difficult to notice when the weapon needs substantially more XP for its next level.

The best way to investigate is to compare progress before and after several encounters.

If your game is updated and the weapon still gains no visible experience, continue with the tests below.

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2. How to Get Hempie's SVT 38 in Queen's Domain

Hempie's SVT 38 is a secret firearm obtained through the Witch's Grimoire.

Use the code:

HEMPIE

The weapon provides a different combat option from the swords and other melee equipment available throughout Queen's Domain.

Hempie's SVT 38 Weapon Details

Feature Details
Weapon Hempie's SVT 38
Unlock method Witch's Grimoire
Unlock code HEMPIE
Magazine 10 rounds
Special attack Reload-related attack
Reported maximum level 25

Once you have the gun, equip it and check its current level before beginning your XP tests.

If you already own Hempie's SVT 38, you can skip directly to the next section.

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3. Does Hempie's SVT 38 Gain XP From Normal Shots?

Yes. Hempie's SVT 38 can gain weapon experience through normal combat.

You do not need to rely exclusively on Spirit Oil.

However, firing a few shots and immediately checking the experience bar may not give you a clear picture of its progress.

How to Test Whether Your Gun Is Gaining XP

Follow this simple test:

  1. Equip Hempie's SVT 38.
  2. Open the equipment screen and check its current level and XP bar.
  3. Find a group of enemies you can defeat safely.
  4. Attack and defeat them using Hempie's SVT 38.
  5. Return to the equipment screen.
  6. Compare the XP bar with its earlier position.

For a clearer result, test the gun across several encounters rather than judging its progress after a single shot.

If the bar moves, the weapon is gaining experience.

If it remains unchanged, try another enemy group and confirm that the game is updated.

Does More Damage Give More Weapon XP?

Damage dealt may influence weapon XP gains, but the exact calculation is not established.

For practical leveling, focus on dealing effective damage and clearing enemies efficiently.

Attacks that hit multiple enemies may help you complete encounters faster, but they should not be treated as a guaranteed XP multiplier.

Tip: If Hempie's SVT 38 barely damages a particular enemy, try another group instead of repeatedly attacking a target that takes too long to defeat.

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4. How Spirit Oil Works in Queen's Domain

Spirit Oil adds weapon experience directly.

This is different from an item that increases the XP earned from future attacks.

When used for weapon progression, Spirit Oil provides an immediate experience benefit without requiring additional enemy kills to activate that benefit.

That makes it useful when Hempie's SVT 38 is leveling slowly.

Does Spirit Oil Instantly Level Hempie's SVT 38?

Spirit Oil increases weapon experience, but you should not assume that one bottle will automatically grant a full level.

The amount of visible progress depends on the item's effect and the weapon's current XP requirements.

There is no established fixed number of Spirit Oils needed to reach level 25.

Best approach: Check the weapon's XP bar before and after each use. This allows you to measure the benefit without wasting additional supplies.

Where Can You Get Spirit Oil?

Spirit Oil can be obtained during gameplay, and additional supplies may become available through merchant inventory as you progress.

If you have unlocked the relevant duck-shop inventory, check whether Spirit Oil is available for purchase.

Merchant availability can depend on progression, so don't assume every shop sells it from the beginning.

If you cannot obtain Spirit Oil yet, Hempie's SVT 38 can still gain experience through combat.

Should You Save Spirit Oil for Another Weapon?

That depends on your current goal.

Spirit Oil is useful for Hempie's SVT 38 if you enjoy using the gun and want to reduce the time spent farming.

However, if you are working toward Ending 2, you may want to prioritize the weapon upgrades required for that route before spending limited resources on optional equipment.

Spirit Oil is a leveling shortcut, not a confirmed repair for an XP-generation bug.

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5. How to Level Hempie's SVT 38 to 25

Hempie's SVT 38 has a reported maximum level of 25, and reaching that level through ordinary weapon use is possible.

The most practical approach combines combat XP with Spirit Oil when available.

Step 1: Update and Check Your Weapon Level

Make sure Queen's Domain has installed its available updates.

Equip Hempie's SVT 38 and check its current level.

If it is already level 25, you may have reached its cap.

Step 2: Confirm Normal Combat Grants XP

Fight several enemies using the gun and compare the XP bar before and after combat.

If the bar increases, continue leveling.

If it does not move, try another encounter before spending time on a long farming session.

Step 3: Farm Repeatable Enemies

Choose a location with enemies that are easy to reach and defeat.

Good farming spots minimize travel time and allow you to repeat encounters without lengthy interruptions.

The Tower of Knowledge is a useful option because of its repeatable Book Bug encounters.

Step 4: Use Spirit Oil to Reduce Grinding

Apply Spirit Oil when you have spare supplies and want additional weapon experience.

Check your progress after each use, then return to combat farming as needed.

Continue until Hempie's SVT 38 reaches level 25.

Remember: There is no confirmed fixed amount of combat time or Spirit Oil required to reach the cap.

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6. Best Weapon XP Farming Methods for Hempie's SVT 38

If you prefer combat leveling, choosing the right enemy group can save time.

The best farming method is not necessarily the location with the most enemies. It is the one where Hempie's SVT 38 can deal enough damage to complete encounters efficiently.

Method 1: Tower of Knowledge Book Bug Farm

The Tower of Knowledge contains a numbered gargoyle puzzle that can be used to trigger repeatable Book Bug encounters.

Instead of completing the puzzle normally, incorrect gargoyle interactions can spawn Book Bugs.

This provides additional enemies to fight without constantly searching the map for new targets.

For the complete route, puzzle instructions, and encounter reset method, see our Queen's Domain Weapon XP Farm: Fast Book Bug Levels & Reset Guide.

For Hempie's SVT 38: Use the gun against the spawned enemies and check whether its XP bar increases.

The Book Bug farm is a reliable place to test repeatable weapon XP, but its efficiency with Hempie's SVT 38 depends on how quickly you can defeat the spawned enemies.

If the gun performs poorly against Book Bugs, another enemy group may be more practical.

Method 2: Skeleton Groups Near the Tower of Knowledge

Skeleton groups around the Tower of Knowledge provide another option for testing weapon experience.

This approach is useful if you prefer straightforward combat without repeatedly interacting with the gargoyle puzzle.

Fight several enemies, check your XP progress, and decide whether the route is worth repeating.

Method 3: Enemies With Exploitable Weaknesses

Enemies that are vulnerable to your available attacks may be more efficient farming targets.

Focus on encounters you can finish quickly rather than spending too much time fighting highly resistant enemies.

A smaller group of weak enemies can be more practical than a tougher group that requires a lengthy battle.

Which Weapon XP Method Should You Use?

Method Best For Limitation
Tower of Knowledge Book Bugs Repeatable enemy encounters Requires the gargoyle puzzle
Tower of Knowledge skeletons Straightforward combat Depends on enemy availability
Other vulnerable enemies Quick, efficient fights Results vary by weapon effectiveness
Spirit Oil Direct XP without combat Requires consumable supplies

Recommended approach: Start with the Book Bug farm if you already have access to it. If Hempie's SVT 38 cannot clear those encounters efficiently, try skeletons or another suitable enemy group.

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7. Hempie's SVT 38 XP Still Stuck? Troubleshooting

If the gun still appears not to gain experience, use the following checks before assuming your save is damaged.

Problem What to Check
No XP after normal attacks Update the game and test several encounters
XP increases very slowly Compare progress before and after multiple fights
Spirit Oil is unavailable Check inventory and unlocked merchant stock
Spirit Oil gives little progress Check the XP bar after each use
Weapon stops leveling at 25 Check whether it has reached the level cap
XP remains unchanged after updating Restart the game and test again
Game installation may be damaged Verify files through Steam

Fix 1: Restart Queen's Domain

Close the game completely and launch it again.

Load your save, equip Hempie's SVT 38, and test its experience against another enemy group.

This is a general troubleshooting step, not a guaranteed weapon-specific fix.

Fix 2: Verify Game Files on Steam

If you suspect that an update did not install correctly:

  1. Open Steam.
  2. Right-click Queen's Domain.
  3. Select Properties.
  4. Open Installed Files.
  5. Click Verify integrity of game files.
  6. Wait for Steam to complete the check.
  7. Restart the game and test Hempie's SVT 38.

File verification can repair missing or corrupted installation files, but it does not guarantee a fix for every XP problem.

Fix 3: Compare Spirit Oil With Combat XP

If you have Spirit Oil available, compare the gun's experience gains from the item with those from normal attacks.

Possible results include:

  • Combat increases XP: Normal weapon progression is working.
  • Spirit Oil increases XP: Direct item-based experience is working.
  • Both increase XP: You can use either method.
  • Neither increases XP below level 25: The problem may require further investigation.

This test can help narrow down the issue, although it does not identify every possible cause.

Fix 4: Report a Persistent XP Problem

If Hempie's SVT 38 remains below level 25 and gains no experience despite an updated installation, record the following details:

  • Installed game version.
  • Current weapon level.
  • Whether normal combat grants XP.
  • Whether Spirit Oil changes the XP bar.
  • Whether the issue persists after restarting.

A screenshot showing the weapon's level and XP bar can also help.

Avoid deleting your save or starting a new game solely because Hempie's SVT 38 appears stuck.

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8. Is Hempie's SVT 38 Worth Leveling?

Hempie's SVT 38 is worth experimenting with if you enjoy using firearms in Queen's Domain.

Its 10-round magazine and reload-related special attack provide a different combat style from the game's conventional melee weapons.

However, whether it is worth leveling depends on how effectively you can use it against the enemies you encounter.

If you enjoy the weapon and have access to a convenient XP farm, leveling it to 25 is a reasonable goal.

If your priority is completing the story, focus first on equipment required for progression.

For example, players pursuing Ending 2 need to upgrade Holy Sword Endu and eventually obtain True Holy Sword Akunra.

Our Queen's Domain After Ending 1: What to Do Next & How to Get Ending 2 explains the required upgrades, Sipeha seals, and final steps.

Hempie's SVT 38 is an optional weapon to experiment with rather than a replacement for the sword required along that ending route.

Bottom line: Level Hempie's SVT 38 if you enjoy its attacks and have a reliable XP source. If you're focused on Ending 2, prioritize the required Endu upgrades first.

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9. Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Hempie's SVT 38 not gaining XP in Queen's Domain?
An earlier issue affected Hempie's SVT XP and resource generation, and version 1.01.03 included a fix. If your game is updated, compare the gun's XP bar before and after several enemy encounters. Slow progression does not automatically mean the weapon is bugged.

Did the developers fix Hempie's SVT 38 XP bug?
Queen's Domain version 1.01.03 included a fix addressing XP and resource generation on Hempie's SVT. Install the available updates before troubleshooting further. The patch does not establish that every later report of missing or slow XP has the same cause.

Can Hempie's SVT 38 reach level 25?
Yes. Level 25 is the reported maximum level for Hempie's SVT 38. The gun can gain experience through normal combat, and Spirit Oil provides another way to increase its XP.

Does Hempie's SVT 38 gain XP from normal shots?
Hempie's SVT 38 can gain XP through normal combat. If its experience bar appears stationary, compare progress across several encounters rather than checking after one or two shots. Make sure the game is updated before treating the behavior as a possible bug.

Does Spirit Oil instantly increase weapon XP?
Spirit Oil adds weapon experience directly. However, one use should not be assumed to grant an entire level. Check the weapon's XP bar after using the item to see how much progress you received.

How do you unlock Hempie's SVT 38?
Hempie's SVT 38 is obtained through the Witch's Grimoire using the code HEMPIE. Once acquired, equip the firearm and level it through combat or available weapon XP items.

What is the fastest way to level Hempie's SVT 38?
Repeatable enemy encounters and Spirit Oil are practical options. The Tower of Knowledge Book Bug farm is worth testing, but its efficiency depends on how quickly Hempie's SVT 38 can defeat the spawned enemies.

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Final Tips: Getting Hempie's SVT 38 Leveling Again

If Hempie's SVT 38 appears stuck, start by checking your game version and the weapon's current level.

Version 1.01.03 addressed an earlier XP-generation issue, while level 25 is the gun's reported maximum.

If the weapon is below that cap, test normal combat experience across several encounters. If XP increases but leveling is slow, use Spirit Oil when available or try the Tower of Knowledge Book Bug farm.

If the bar remains completely unchanged on an updated game, restart, verify the installation if necessary, and document the problem.

The key takeaway: Hempie's SVT 38 can gain experience through normal combat. Spirit Oil offers a direct XP alternative, while checking the game's installed updates is the best first step when the weapon appears not to level.

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