The First Cycle Ends, Welcome to Last Epoch’s Second Chapter
Eleventh Hour Games has wrapped up the first Cycle for Last Epoch, introducing a plethora of new features and content for players to enjoy. The game’s second Cycle has been shaped by community feedback, leading to the implementation of new systems and mechanics for Harbingers of Ruin. This patch aims to improve user experience and accessibility by overhauling existing systems and introducing exciting new elements. Let’s delve into the details of each new mechanic and what it means for the world of Last Epoch.
New Class-Agnostic Skill: Evade
Last Epoch now features a new evade skill, inspired by the dodge roll mechanics found in many modern ARPGs. This skill allows players to swiftly dodge boss attacks and area-of-effect damage, adding a layer of skill to combat encounters. Unlike traditional evades, this skill lacks invulnerability frames and doesn’t mitigate damage, making it a strategic tool rather than a guaranteed safety net. Players start with two charges of Evade, each with a four-second cooldown.
Available to all classes from level 1, Evade aims to enhance the gameplay experience by providing a default movement option for classes that unlock traversal skills later on. As characters level up, classes without powerful traversal skills will benefit from reduced cooldown on Evade. It’s important to note that Evade should not be confused with Dodge, which is a passive stat determining the likelihood of taking damage when hit. While Evade doesn’t have its own skill tree, the game will introduce new Affixes that can enhance its effects and provide bonuses.
New Enemy Type: Nemesis
To enrich the endgame experience, Last Epoch now introduces the Nemesis enemy type. These formidable bosses spawn randomly in the player’s current level, offering challenging encounters and deterministic loot drops. Players interacting with a Nemesis’ corpse can choose between Banishing, Challenging, or Empowering the boss, each option leading to different outcomes and rewards. The Nemesis system adds depth to gameplay and provides players with diverse challenges as they progress through the game.
The Forgotten Knight Faction, Harbingers, and Aberoth
Players can now immerse themselves in the storyline by joining The Forgotten Knight faction, a new addition to Last Epoch. By clearing a level 90 timeline in the Monoliths of Fate and defeating a specific boss, players can access challenging Harbinger fights, unlocking Empowered Timelines in the process. The faction ties into the new Pinnacle boss, Aberoth, requiring players to embark on Empowered Timelines and face powerful adversaries to progress. Aberoth’s boss mechanics evolve based on the Era of the encounter, promising unique and engaging battles for players in both Online and Legacy modes.
Overhauls to the Dynamic Damage Resistance System
Last Epoch addresses player feedback by revamping the Dynamic Damage Resistance system, replacing it with the Boss Ward system. This transparent approach introduces visible Ward mechanics that absorb damage during boss encounters, enhancing gameplay and providing players with clear feedback on their progress. The system incentivizes high DPS builds while ensuring that all players, regardless of their playstyle, can engage with boss fights effectively. Additionally, bosses now have increased resistance to stun and freeze effects, balancing combat dynamics and creating a more engaging gameplay experience.
New Glyph: Glyph of Envy
Introducing the Glyph of Envy, this new item offers players the ability to upgrade affixes on items while reshuffling other item attributes. By destabilizing the item, players can transfer it between Timelines, expediting progression and enhancing gameplay in level 100 zones. The Glyph of Envy adds a strategic element to item customization and acquisition, balancing power distribution and gameplay mechanics.
New Idol: Harbinger’s Needle
Providing a faster path to powerful loot, the Harbinger’s Needle allows players to expedite the Gaze of Orobyss process by granting additional Gaze stacks to timelines with high Corruption. By strategically using the Harbinger’s Needle in conjunction with defeating Timeline Bosses, players can accelerate their progress and access coveted items more efficiently.
More Unique Gear
Expand your arsenal with 30 new Unique items, including exclusive drops from Harbingers and bosses. From Quivers to Maces, each item offers unique bonuses and effects to enhance your gameplay experience. Chase after these exclusive items and discover new strategies to conquer the challenges that await in Last Epoch.
Quality of Life Changes
Enhancing the overall gameplay experience, Last Epoch introduces a range of Quality of Life updates for players to enjoy. From improved search functions to updated skill mechanics, these changes aim to streamline gameplay and provide a more immersive and engaging gaming experience. Stay tuned for more updates and refinements as Last Epoch continues to evolve and grow.