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The Action RPG (ARPG) genre is often synonymous with Diablo, a series that has set the standard for decades. However, recent entries in the Diablo franchise have left some players wanting. This has opened the door for contenders like Path of Exile and Last Epoch to vie for the attention of ARPG enthusiasts. Developed by Eleventh Hour Games, Last Epoch offers a compelling blend of customization and engaging gameplay, but does it live up to its potential?

Last Epoch presents a promising alternative, but some key areas need improvement. Let’s explore the game’s strengths and weaknesses.

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Deep Customization and Engaging Gameplay

Last Epoch initially offers five base classes: Sentinel, Mage, Primalist, Acolyte, and Rogue. While this may seem standard, the game’s depth lies in its extensive customization options. Each class features a Passive Skill Tree, allowing for personalized builds as you level. Active skills unlock upon reaching specific levels or allocating enough passive points, requiring mana for activation.

The real customization begins with the choice of three Master Classes, each offering a new Passive Tree and a unique skill. While specializing in one Master Class is encouraged, you can still invest points in the other two, albeit with limitations.

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Further personalization is achieved through the Specialization system, allowing you to select up to five skills for enhanced customization. Each specialized skill has its own level and progression, granting additional points for further upgrades. This system, while not as complex as Path of Exile or Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem, provides a satisfying level of depth without being overwhelming.

Experimentation is encouraged, with numerous active skills available early on. Respeccing passive points is also affordable, allowing for flexibility in build crafting. Specialized skills can be swapped, though re-leveling is required. This is a minor inconvenience compared to rerolling an entire character.

Innovative Itemization and Endgame Content

Last Epoch’s itemization system is a standout feature. Like other ARPGs, items have varying stats. However, Last Epoch allows you to modify and enhance these stats using Forging Potential. You can even transform ordinary items into unique ones with the right materials, incentivizing resource gathering and crafting.

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Endgame content revolves around the Monolith of Fate, a series of independent timelines similar to Rifts in Diablo 3 or Maps in Path of Exile. Conquering these Monoliths grants Blessings, which provide significant character bonuses. The Monoliths are designed for quick completion, minimizing travel time and maximizing farming efficiency.

Later in the campaign, you can join factions like the Merchant’s Guild for trading or the Circle of Fortune for boosted drop rates and Prophecies, which allow targeted item farming. Offline play is also supported, a welcome feature for solo players. The extensive and customizable stash system further enhances the player experience.

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Balance Issues and Room for Improvement

Despite its potential, Last Epoch suffers from significant balance issues. Newer Master Classes, like the Falconeer and Warlock, outperform their predecessors, making them the preferred choice for challenging content. For instance, the Runemaster’s Rune of Disintegration grants significantly more Ward (a defensive layer) than the Sorcerer, highlighting the disparity.

The Merchant’s Guild feels underwhelming compared to the Circle of Fortune, especially for casual players. The trading interface is also clunky and lacks detailed search functionality. Adding more benefits to the Merchant’s Guild could improve its appeal.

A Disappointing Narrative and Lackluster Presentation

Perhaps the most significant flaw is the abrupt and underwhelming ending. The story, involving a time-traveling war between gods, starts strong but falters in its execution. The dialogue is clunky and exposition-heavy, often overwhelming players with terminology and lore. The narrative abruptly ends just as the plot thickens, leading into the Monolith of Fate endgame. While ARPGs aren’t known for their narratives, a more satisfying conclusion would be appreciated.

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Visually, Last Epoch is competent but lacks a distinct artistic style. Character and enemy designs are generic, and environments feel disconnected, even within the same era. The audio design is similarly unremarkable, lacking impactful sound effects for skills, boss encounters, and item drops.

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Conclusion

Last Epoch shows great promise with its deep customization, innovative itemization, and engaging gameplay loop. However, balance issues, a disappointing narrative, and lackluster presentation hold it back. Addressing these shortcomings could elevate Last Epoch to become a true contender in the ARPG genre. With continued development and refinement, Last Epoch has the potential to carve its own niche in the world of ARPGs.