Last Epoch is a time-traveling, action-packed ARPG developed by Eleventh Hour Games. It blends the complex build customization of Path of Exile with the polished combat of Diablo, all while introducing a unique time-based narrative and class system that sets it apart. Whether you’re new to ARPGs or a seasoned veteran, Last Epoch offers an exceptional experience with endless replayability and strategic depth. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this phenomenal title.
What is Last Epoch?
Last Epoch is a hack-and-slash action RPG set in the world of Eterra, where players traverse through multiple timelines to stop a cataclysmic event known as “The Void.” The game features deep character progression, rich loot systems, and a highly customizable skill specialization tree. Released officially in 2024 after a successful Early Access phase, it has quickly established itself as one of the best modern ARPGs on the market.
Key Features of Last Epoch
- 5 Base Classes, 15 Mastery Classes
- Skill Specialization Trees
- Offline & Online Modes
- Time Travel Storyline
- Loot Filter & Item Crafting
- Endgame Monolith System
- Extensive Modifiers & Affixes
With constant developer support and a dedicated community, Last Epoch is designed for long-term engagement and build experimentation.
Classes and Masteries: Build Diversity at Its Best
Players begin by selecting one of five base classes:
- Acolyte – Masters of necromancy and dark arts.
- Mage – Harness elemental forces like fire, lightning, and time magic.
- Primalist – A nature-driven warrior with beast companions.
- Rogue – Agile, stealthy, and deadly with bows and daggers.
- Sentinel – Armored champions of melee combat and defense.
Each class can specialize into three distinct Mastery classes, totaling 15 unique archetypes. For example:
- Acolyte can become a Lich, Necromancer, or Warlock
- Mage can become a Spellblade, Sorcerer, or Runemaster
Each Mastery unlocks exclusive skills, passives, and playstyles. Whether you prefer summoner builds, melee warriors, or high-damage spellcasters, there’s an option for every playstyle.
Skill Specialization: The Ultimate Customization System
In Last Epoch, you can specialize up to 5 active skills, each with its own dedicated skill tree. This allows you to significantly modify how each ability works. For example:
- Transform a fireball into a chain lightning orb.
- Turn minions into suicide bombers.
- Convert healing spells into damaging holy novas.
Every point invested reshapes how the skill behaves, making builds feel distinct and personalized. The freedom is astonishing and is one of the most compelling features of the game.
Itemization and Loot System: Deep, Rewarding, and Transparent
Loot is the lifeblood of any ARPG, and Last Epoch nails it. Items come with affixes and suffixes that impact stats and mechanics. The game includes:
- Uncommon, Rare, Set, Unique, and Legendary gear
- Shard-based crafting system to upgrade or reroll item stats
- Empowered drop filters to hide junk and highlight valuable loot
The Crafting System uses runes and glyphs to manipulate gear, while the Legendary system allows combining exalted and unique items for top-tier equipment. With deterministic crafting and no trade economy (currently), everything you earn is what you create or loot yourself.
Time Travel Storyline: Epic and Engaging
Last Epoch’s plot unfolds across multiple timelines:
- Ruined Era – Post-apocalyptic world consumed by Void.
- Divine Era – Ancient gods wage wars with mortals.
- Imperial Era – Political chaos and dark experimentation.
- Ancient Era – Primal beginnings of civilization and magic.
You’re not just fighting enemies—you’re unraveling time itself. Story missions are interwoven with gameplay mechanics and even alter the world visually and structurally. It’s a rare narrative approach that enhances immersion without being overly cinematic.
Monolith of Fate: The Endgame Loop
After finishing the main campaign, players gain access to the Monolith of Fate, Last Epoch’s signature endgame system. It consists of:
- Randomized Echoes (maps)
- Blessings (permanent buffs)
- Corruption Scaling for harder encounters
- Unique and Set Item Hunts
Each Monolith timeline has its own theme and boss, offering infinite progression and loot farming. With Empowered Monoliths, the difficulty scales for hardcore players seeking a challenge.
Multiplayer and Online Play
Multiplayer is now fully live and robust, featuring:
- Online Characters separate from Offline
- Group Play with up to 4 players
- No pay-to-win systems
- Secure, server-based progression
You can form parties to synergize builds or run solo for the full ARPG lone wolf experience. Lag-free, smooth netcode and community interaction enhance the game’s long-term appeal.
Graphics, UI, and Performance
While not pushing boundaries like Unreal Engine 5 games, Last Epoch boasts crisp textures, fluid animations, and highly readable combat. Visuals are functional rather than flashy, allowing players to focus on action and loot. UI is customizable and includes:
- Advanced loot filter editor
- Real-time DPS tooltips
- Crafting panel with history
- Quest and Map tracking
The game runs well on mid-tier systems and offers excellent performance even during chaotic fights.
Community and Developer Support
Eleventh Hour Games has built a loyal community with:
- Frequent patches and updates
- Transparent roadmaps
- Player-driven feedback forums
- Regular balance adjustments
The developers are passionate gamers themselves, and it shows. They communicate openly, prioritize QOL features, and continually expand the content without predatory monetization.
Pricing and Monetization Model
Last Epoch is a buy-to-play game, currently priced at a fair rate with no subscriptions or pay-to-win mechanics. Future monetization will focus solely on cosmetic MTX, with no power advantages for real-money spenders. This keeps the competitive environment healthy and skill-based.
Beginner Tips to Get Started Fast
- Pick a simple Mastery like Sorcerer or Paladin to learn the basics.
- Use the loot filter templates to clear up your screen.
- Specialize in one main skill early and scale your gear around it.
- Farm early Monoliths to unlock powerful blessings.
- Avoid hoarding—shard your unused gear and focus on smart crafting.
Why Last Epoch is a Must-Play ARPG
Last Epoch successfully merges the best of both worlds: the depth and theorycrafting of complex ARPGs like PoE, with the approachability and polish of Diablo. Its innovative class system, rich loot mechanics, and meaningful endgame make it a standout in a saturated genre.
Whether you’re chasing loot, crafting the perfect build, or exploring time-altered storylines, Last Epoch delivers hours of compelling content that continues to grow with every patch.
