Last Epoch

Developer: Eleventh Hour Games
Release: Feb 21st 2024
Platforms:
Action
Adventure
Indie
RPG
Addictive
Customizable
Accessible
Optimization
Grinding
Last Epoch Poster

" Deep action RPG with extensive skill trees and crafting but suffers from optimization issues "

Last Epoch Review

Last Epoch is a well-received action RPG praised for its deep gameplay mechanics, extensive build variety, and quality of life features that appeal to both casual and hardcore players. The game offers a solid campaign that serves as an extended tutorial, leading into challenging endgame content like Empowered Monoliths. Crafting is noted as intuitive yet engaging, allowing meaningful customization without overwhelming complexity. The developers actively update the game, improving endgame systems and addressing player feedback.

Players appreciate the game's balance between accessibility and strategic depth, particularly highlighting the skill trees, class specializations, and solo self-found viability. However, some technical issues such as server disconnections, bugs, and optimization problems, especially in high-density endgame areas, have been reported. The campaign and story receive mixed reviews, often described as generic and lacking challenge. Despite these criticisms, the game is considered a strong contender in the ARPG genre, offering rewarding gameplay and a fair price point.

Highlights

Players praise Last Epoch's build variety and deep skill customization with unique mastery trees for each skill. The crafting system stands out as intuitive and rewarding, enabling players to tailor gear effectively. The game balances complexity and accessibility, making it enjoyable for newcomers and veterans alike. Its offline mode with seasonal content and smooth gameplay flow receive positive mentions. The endgame, especially the Empowered Monoliths, provides a challenging and engaging experience for those seeking progression beyond the campaign.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include server stability issues such as frequent disconnections and lag, impacting online play. Optimization problems cause significant frame drops in dense endgame areas even on high-end rigs. The campaign is often described as boring, overly easy, and lacking narrative depth, failing to motivate some players to continue. The endgame grind, particularly with certain crafting mechanics like imprinting, can be lengthy and frustrating for players with limited time. Additionally, some players report balance issues with specific classes and persistent bugs that remain unfixed for extended periods.

Pros

  • Extensive build variety with unique skill mastery trees for deep customization.
  • Intuitive and engaging crafting system allowing meaningful gear customization.
  • Quality of life features make solo self-found play viable and rewarding.
  • Offline mode includes seasonal content, enhancing accessibility and flexibility.
  • Smooth gameplay flow with balanced complexity and accessibility.
  • Active developer support with frequent updates improving endgame content.
  • Empowered Monoliths provide challenging and scalable endgame difficulty.

Cons

  • Frequent server disconnections and lag hinder online multiplayer experience.
  • Poor optimization causes severe FPS drops in high-density endgame zones.
  • Campaign is generally considered bland, easy, and lacking engaging story.
  • Endgame grind can be excessively long and frustrating for casual players.
  • Class balance issues leave some builds underpowered or less viable.
  • Persistent bugs remain unfixed, including soft lock and collision issues.
  • Loot quantity can be overwhelming, leading to inventory management fatigue.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Uncover the Past, Reforge the Future. Ascend into one of 15 mastery classes and explore dangerous dungeons, hunt epic loot, craft legendary weapons, and wield the power of over a hundred transformative skill trees. Last Epoch is being developed by a team of passionate Action RPG enthusiasts.

Release Date Feb 21st 2024
Publisher Eleventh Hour Games
Developer Eleventh Hour Games
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (55,418)
86% Positive 14% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
80