Alex "Raoom" Sukhanov Last Epoch has emerged as a gift for all ARPG aficionados. The game was in early access for many years, but managed to shock with its success upon release. "This is exactly what Diablo IV should have been!" — such comments are found in almost every review of Last Epoch. Indeed, Blizzard should reconsider the future of their legendary series.
However, the phenomenon of Last Epoch is not merely because ARPG fans laud the game. The situation is much more interesting, as the project has started to attract the attention of those unfamiliar with the genre. There are quite a few similar games, but they do not match in quality.
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Before Last Epoch's release, there were two titans in the ARPG genre. The first was Diablo, which became too casual, expensive, and even boring with the release of its fourth part. The second was Path of Exile, playing which almost requires a degree in mathematics and build strategy. Last Epoch serves as the golden mean, making it the best game in the genre to get acquainted with ARPG.
Leveling System
Before discussing classes, it's important to mention how leveling is structured in Last Epoch. Before investing 20 points in passive skills, you will have a base class. Afterwards, you will choose a specialization by completing a simple quest.
At the same time, you can easily change your build by resetting the skill you have leveled up. Don't be afraid to experiment. The weakest skill will level up faster than the others, so you can quickly make it top-notch.
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It's worth noting that in Last Epoch, you can level some passive skills from other specializations. This actually opens up vast possibilities for creating a unique build.
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However, beyond the boundaries of the passive skill tree, you cannot level another specialization. It is marked by a chain.
Classes in Last Epoch
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The developers did not "reinvent the wheel". The game features 5 standard classes, familiar to all fans of any RPG. Each class is divided into 3 specializations, which is much more interesting. Each will offer new gameplay experiences, and some may even change your approach to the game entirely. Now, we will examine each class and its specialization.
Sentinel
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At the beginning of its journey, this is a classic guardian. It can use either one-handed weapons with a shield or two-handed weapons. If desired, even throwing spears can be utilized. The class has good survivability as it wears plate armor, allowing one to boldly charge into crowds of enemies. The Sentinel also employs magic, and in some specializations, spellcasting plays a significant role.
Forge Guard
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A classic "tank", clad in armor. This specialization boasts impressive defense stats. In attack, it primarily uses physical damage but also combines it with fire damage. This allows the Forge Guard to deliver area-of-effect attacks, which are very useful in any ARPG. The build is easy to construct, making it a good choice for beginners.
Paladin
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No game of this kind would be complete without this guy. He uses not just steel in battle but also the energy of light. He crushes hordes of enemies, heals himself, enhances his stats, and punishes heretics. Strong buffs can assist not only against hordes but also bosses. A good choice for beginners.
Void Knight
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This warrior has chosen the perilous path of darkness. This specialization is the most distinct from the Sentinel you might be familiar with. The Void Knight uses the void to deal massive area damage and can teleport both themselves and enemies. This is the fastest variant of the Sentinel, but managing it requires more skill as it has less defense. Building a proper build for this specialization should also be approached with care.
Rogue
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A formidable warrior, boasting one of the highest DPS rates in the game. An incredibly mobile class for adrenaline enthusiasts. At the start, equally adept at long-range attacks with a bow and close combat with daggers. Strikes well both in area and single target but has poor defense.
Bladedancer
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This specialization prefers close combat. It combines high damage, incredible mobility, and decent survivability. It's not advisable to stay under attack for long, but your abilities will allow you to dive into a crowd of enemies, deal significant area damage, and safely withdraw. A good choice for beginners.
Marksman
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The bow and arrows are your tools of choice. The Marksman inflicts tremendous damage on both hordes of enemies and single targets. Elemental damage predominates here, enabling you to destroy everything alive on the map. This specialization has excellent mobility but less impressive defense, so caution is advised. Nonetheless, you'll have good evasion modifiers. Also suitable for a beginner.
Falconer
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An unusual specialization suitable for fans of tactics. Your arsenal includes not just a bow and arrows but also a trained falcon. Gameplay revolves around traps, shooting, and bird management. The falcon can attack enemies and empower you. A real game of chess, so it's better to gain some experience first.
Mage
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A wise wizard suspiciously similar to Tywin Lannister from Game of Thrones. A classic mage who unleashes the power of the elements upon his enemies. In Last Epoch, this standard class shines anew thanks to its specializations.
Sorcerer
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The embodiment of pure magic. Rain meteors on your enemies, turn them into ice, or strike them with lightning. An excellent choice for beginners, as the mage has good survivability due to a protective dome and incredible damage. It's nearly impossible to mess up a build for Sorcerer. It might seem boring for ARPG veterans.
Spellblade
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Looking for an unconventional approach to magic? Spellblade is a full-fledged battle mage who slashes enemies with melee weapons. He uses elemental forces to enhance his defense and damage. It's the perfect choice for those wanting to combine two classes into one.
Runemaster
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A unique specialization that has caught the attention of many players. It's the Runemaster who unveils the full power of magic in this game. You will need to combine elemental runes in the correct sequence to inflict tremendous damage. This requires skill, so beginners shouldn't rush into this choice, but Runemaster is definitely worth exploring in the future.
Primalist
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A rugged warrior from the north, capable of surprising you with his specializations. The class combines elements of a barbarian and a mage, with the ability to become a full-fledged druid and fight in the form of a beast. Overall, an interesting class with high defense, good damage, and useful buffs and totems. A good choice for beginners.
Beastmaster
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Summons beasts for assistance but also enjoys charging into enemy crowds with an axe. Can summon a bear, cat, snake, and scorpion for various needs. A very interesting class, as companion management in Last Epoch is excellently implemented. Also, the skill tree for each beast is highly customizable.
Druid
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Want to personally become a fearsome beast? Then choose the Druid. You can transform into a bear, a tree, or, for example, a terrifying fly. Leveling this build can turn you into a real monster, capable of absorbing damage and hitting back very hard.
Shaman
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Can become either a combat mage or a full-fledged shaman utilizing the forces of nature. A mobile and very powerful subclass capable of dealing massive area damage. Thanks to totems and spells, it can also survive on the battlefield for a long time. Recommended for beginners.
Acolyte
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A very interesting class for lovers of dark magic. Its power is striking, and right from the start, it can summon skeletons, cast curses, and deal massive damage in close combat. The choice of specializations here is most intriguing.
Necromancer
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A classic necromancer summons various skeletons, ghosts, zombies, flesh constructs, and bone golems. Flexible leveling allows you to improve your companions in various ways, survive through them, and annihilate enemies without even engaging in battle. An excellent choice for beginners, as your companions fight for you and take the hits.
Warlock
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A more complex but also more interesting specialization. Your weapon—frightful curses that inflict damage over time and weaken enemies in various ways. No one revels in the suffering of enemies like a Warlock. Be cautious, as the Acolyte, in general, does not have high survivability.
Lich
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An extremely interesting and complex specialization that will delight fans of the genre. The Lich can take on the form of death itself and pass through crowds of enemies, slicing them with its scythes. This subclass specializes in vampirism and curses, but many powerful skills will consume your HP. You need to constantly balance between draining life from enemies and dealing colossal damage.
In the future, the developers promise to actively support the game by adding new classes and other content. As you can see, Last Epoch already offers a build for every taste, allowing you to develop it without fear of making a mistake. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with ARPGs!
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