Making your video game a hit is harder than it looks. You can craft a masterpiece — an innovative, polished game — but if no one hears about it, it won’t reach the success it deserves. Many indie titles face this exact problem: amazing gameplay, minimal exposure.
That’s why games like Last Epoch, developed by Eleventh Hour Games, deserve attention. It’s an action role-playing game (ARPG) that stands proudly beside Path of Exile and Diablo, yet brings its own time-bending twist to the genre.
This guide breaks down everything a new player needs to know — what Last Epoch is about, what to expect, how to choose your class and subclass, and which beginner builds will help you dominate early on.
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What Is Last Epoch About?
At its heart, Last Epoch combines fast-paced ARPG combat with an intricate time-travel storyline. You’ll explore different eras — past, present, and future — fighting to reshape history and prevent the end of the world.
It features:
→ Five base classes, each with deep specialization trees
→ Extensive skill customization
→ Loot-based progression
→ Both single-player and multiplayer modes
While the core formula of “kill enemies, get loot, grow stronger” feels familiar, Last Epoch adds unique depth through crafting, time travel, and build flexibility.
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What to Expect as a Beginner
As a beginner, expect a deep yet approachable experience. Last Epoch borrows the best mechanics from Diablo and Path of Exile but removes early-game complexity.
When you start, you’ll select one of five base classes — each representing a distinct combat style.
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Sentinel | A heavily armored fighter skilled in melee combat, shields, and auras. Great for tanky playstyles. |
| Mage | A ranged caster mastering elemental powers — fire, lightning, and ice. |
| Primalist | A nature warrior who summons beasts or shapeshifts into animals. |
| Acolyte | A dark spellcaster controlling death, decay, and undead minions. |
| Rogue | A swift assassin who fights with blades or bows. Agile and precise. |
The early game is smooth and forgiving. The challenge grows naturally as you progress, introducing new systems at a steady pace.
Subclass Progression System
Around level 25, you unlock your Mastery system, which lets your base class evolve into one of three subclasses — each offering unique mechanics and skills.
Sentinel Subclasses
| Subclass | Playstyle | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Paladin | Holy / Support | Uses light and auras to heal and smite. Great for survivability. |
| Void Knight | Offensive / Dark | Harnesses Void energy for burst damage and fast combat. |
| Forge Guard | Tank / Fire | Focused on molten armor and fiery weaponry. |
Mage Subclasses
| Subclass | Playstyle | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sorcerer | Pure Caster | High-DPS spellcaster using elemental mastery. |
| Spellblade | Hybrid | Combines melee and magic attacks through enchanted weapons. |
| Runemaster | Arcane Control | Uses runes and glyphs for tactical spellcasting. |
Primalist Subclasses
| Subclass | Playstyle | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Beastmaster | Summoner / Hybrid | Commands animals and fights alongside them. |
| Shaman | Elemental Caster | Uses totems and storms to damage enemies. |
| Druid | Shapeshifter | Transforms into animals for tanky, sustained fights. |
Acolyte Subclasses
| Subclass | Playstyle | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Necromancer | Summoner | Raises undead armies for overwhelming power. |
| Lich | Self-Damage Caster | Sacrifices health for high burst magic. |
| Warlock | Curse / DoT | Drains enemies with curses and dark energy. |
Rogue Subclasses
| Subclass | Playstyle | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bladedancer | Melee Assassin | High agility and combo-based melee. |
| Marksman | Ranged Archer | Long-range precision and trap-based attacks. |
| Falconer | Hybrid | Commands a falcon companion for support and offense. |
Beginner Tips for Success
- Pick a forgiving class. Sentinel and Primalist are ideal for newcomers due to their durability.
- Specialize in five skills only. Mastering a few focused abilities yields faster results.
- Craft early and often. Use runes and glyphs to upgrade gear instead of waiting for rare drops.
- Keep moving. Learn enemy attack patterns and use movement skills to dodge efficiently.
- Experiment with builds. You can respec later, so don’t fear trying different setups.
Best Starter Builds for Each Class
Sentinel Starter Build – “Smite Paladin”
Playstyle: Durable melee with light-based ranged attacks
Core Skills: Smite, Rive, Lunge, Holy Aura, Ring of Shields
How It Works: This build uses Smite as your main ranged attack while Rive handles close-range combat. Holy Aura boosts defense and damage, while Ring of Shields protects you. It’s the perfect blend of offense and survivability — ideal for solo play.
Tip: Stack fire damage and mana regeneration early.
Mage Starter Build – “Fireball Sorcerer”
Playstyle: Pure ranged caster with high area damage
Core Skills: Fireball, Flame Ward, Teleport, Focus, Elemental Nova
How It Works: Fireball remains your bread-and-butter spell — strong, consistent, and scalable. Flame Ward grants survival. Focus regenerates mana, while Teleport offers mobility.
Tip: Prioritize Intelligence and cast speed for faster clears.
Primalist Starter Build – “Wolf Beastmaster”
Playstyle: Summoner / pet-based combat
Core Skills: Summon Wolf, Swipe, Fury Leap, Summon Sabertooth, Warcry
How It Works: Your pets do most of the damage while you provide buffs and positioning. Swipe for personal defense and Fury Leap for quick escapes or engagements.
Tip: Summon Wolf is your best early-game ally — scale its damage through passive points.
Acolyte Starter Build – “Skeleton Necromancer”
Playstyle: Minion army commander
Core Skills: Summon Skeleton, Bone Golem, Rip Blood, Transplant, Dread Shade
How It Works: You stay behind your undead army, using Rip Blood to heal minions and Dread Shade to empower them. Bone Golem tanks, while Skeletons shred enemies.
Tip: Early on, invest in minion damage and minion health nodes for smoother scaling.
Rogue Starter Build – “Marksman Bow Build”
Playstyle: Ranged precision and trap-based combat
Core Skills: Detonating Arrow, Multishot, Shift, Smoke Bomb, Puncture
How It Works: You’ll rely on Detonating Arrow for massive AoE bursts and Multishot for sustained ranged pressure. Use Smoke Bomb for survivability and Shift to reposition fast.
Tip: Build critical chance and dodge to stay alive while dishing out big hits.
Conclusion
Last Epoch delivers everything ARPG fans love — loot, depth, and build freedom — while staying beginner-friendly. By understanding how classes evolve, picking the right subclass, and following these starter builds, you’ll have a smooth and rewarding first playthrough.
Each of the builds listed above offers balance, damage, and survivability — three pillars that make your early experience enjoyable while setting you up for late-game success.
Start simple, craft consistently, and experiment often. Once you master the basics, the rest of Eterra is yours to conquer.
FAQs
Which class should I pick as a beginner?
Sentinel or Primalist — both are forgiving and versatile.
When do I unlock my subclass?
At around level 25 after completing your mastery quest.
Is crafting worth it early on?
Absolutely. Crafting gives reliable gear upgrades far faster than random drops.
Can I respec my skills later?
Yes. You can freely adjust your skill specializations as you progress.