In Mass Effect 3, is it possible to reach max level, 60, in one playthrough?

Solution 1:

yes. if you imported a character at level 30 you can certainly reach 60 on the first playthrough.

FROM THE LEAD DESIGNER: "You cannot reach level 60 without an ME2 import or NG+ in ME3"

Solution 2:

I hit level 60 right at the final battle, and I was level 30 when I started the game. The trick was that I never used ANY medi-gel the entire game, so I got xp instead. That's about 150-450 xp per medi-gel you find, which really adds up over time. My final xp gain actually was from medi-gel, as a matter of fact. I did every mission in the game, plus the day 1 DLC.

Solution 3:

I managed to reach level 59 during the final mission; finishing the game gives a certain amount of XP, which was enough to bump me up to level 60 and earn the achievement.

However, that level 60 is only useful during a New Game + playthrough; the post-finale save point the game creates (for playing DLC) puts you at the same level you were before you went to the point of no return (in my case I believe it was level 56).

I don't believe that it's possible to hit level 60 before the point of no return, even without using Medigel (I didn't use any), so you need to do a second playthrough if you want to play the forthcoming DLC at the level cap.

Solution 4:

Yes, it is possible to reach level 60 on your first playthrough. Pretty much like Jason, I hit level 60 right on the final battle arena.

Requirements:

• Import a level 30 character from ME2;
• Play on Insanity (to get the most bonus from medi-gel containers)
• Refrain from using medigel, instead rely on reviving your squadmates manually, or even better don't letting them get killed, so that you get the most experience bonus from medi-gel containers;
• Playing the day 1 DLC is essential because of the extra XP.

Still, it's not so bad going through the game a 2nd or 3rd time. In fact, if you're aiming to get all of the achievements, you have to play it again anyway, because of the "Veteran" achievement (you know, the 5.000 kills milestone. Yep.)