by theygamesThe early access launch of Path of Exile 2 was an excellent conclusion to a year of extremely fun ARPGs. But prior to both that and Diablo 4 Vessel of Hatred, Last Epoch kicked off 2024 with its full 1.0 launch, and proved itself a fantastic choice for anyone who loves smashing through hordes of enemies and getting stacks of loot. As special as PoE 2 feels, it’s still got a lot of work ahead of it, and right now I’d actually recommend Last Epoch to a new player wondering what to buy first. As it looks to Season 2 in 2025, EHG’s list of changes promise to ensure it stays a real contender.
Path of Exile 2 will undoubtedly give Last Epoch its toughest challenge yet, but Eleventh Hour’s offering is one of the best games like Diablo in years, as my Last Epoch review evaluates, and it boasts some features that might still keep it one step ahead of the competition in 2025. Its boss fights, while not as numerous as PoE2’s, can reach similar highs in quality. Its campaign is robust and, crucially for those eager to keep replaying each season, offers clever ways to fast-track your progress to endgame without requiring you to replay the full thing each time.
Then you have the quality-of-life options. Last Epoch’s immense stash system gives you more space than you’ll ever need right from the off, complete with full customization and sorting tools. Its in-game loot filter is robust and much more intuitive to newcomers than wrapping your head around Path of Exile’s third-party solutions. The crafting is much more player-defined; gear is tweaked and improved by stripping bonuses off items you don’t want to put onto those you do, and it feels much more within your control than the relatively random nature of PoE 2’s equivalent.
As for what’s next, Last Epoch Season 2 promises plenty, as a new year’s developer blog from EHG details. Upgrades to the endgame Monolith of Fate, improvements to the Dungeons that offer unique reward mechanics such as the ability to combine two pieces of gear into a super-item, and a whole range of additional enemies from regular joes to significant endgame bosses. As the Weaver’s influence spreads, we’ll be getting a new variety of ‘Woven Echoes’ to explore, as well as a new Weaver faction tree that allows you to augment your Monolith timelines (and sounds much like Path of Exile’s Atlas tree).
EHG also reveals some additional features. You’ll be able to unlock Waypoints to both The Bazaar and The Observatory (the hub areas for the game’s two factions, the Merchant’s Guild and Circle of Fortune). While these can’t be used as campaign skips, they’ll allow you to visit the areas early on before you reach Maj’Elka in the story. You can also expect an overhaul for controller play, with particular focus on how targeting is handled for different skills “based on what the player is likely actually trying to accomplish.”
The team also teases some of the new features coming to the Sentinel, which is getting a rework to bring it in line with other Last Epoch classes. Shared Divinity lets your Divine Bolt skill fire more projectiles. Temporal Velocity makes your Devouring Orb create a Void Rift. Siege Barrage turns your Javelin into an area-of-effect rain. Divine Essence stacks up while you’re at high health, boosting your armor and healing. Finally, Sword of Rahyeh causes your ignite stacks on enemies to deal more damage when you use Holy Aura.
Last Epoch certainly promises to make a case for your time in 2025, then, even as other options shine. We’ll bring you more on Season 2 as it comes, but for now, you can enjoy more of the best RPGs and the best action games on PC.
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