I'm level 36 and i got all the story missions done all the way to sol now I'm just trying to figure out the best way to gain levels. Any advice?
At Level 36, you’ve arrived in the Sol System very early on. Starting at Level 34 (previously 35), standard Mizar ships are unlocked. Standard Sol ships aren’t available until Level 44, and later Sol ships aren’t available until Level 56. You’re lucky here that the requirements have been lowered. Previously, the first standard Sol ships were available at Level 45, and the later ones at Level 60.
Your leveling zones should be Baumar and Molikar. Harvesters give a bit more experience but are also more time-consuming. Back then, I had good results shooting down rocket ships and Pyros. On Molikar, I also destroyed a lot of Mantis parasites back then, which was worth it. If it gets too boring, I’d throw in some standard white missions.
Later on, it makes sense to shoot down weaker Mantis on Mars, near the landing zone.
Otherwise, the other tips are spot on. If other players are firing more at a ship than you are, you’ll get less experience. Always shoot yourself, or contribute as much damage as possible.