Last Epoch, the indie-developed time-traveling ARPG, just announced a major change. Initially, developers Eleventh Hour Games wanted players to acquire gear through drops only. This decision split the community and led to discussions on how to keep things balanced. But now, the game will try to accommodate different ways to get gear. Just in time too, ahead of its open multiplayer beta.
Last Epoch Balancing Out Trade
In early February, EHG sent out a survey to its community. In the survey, they wanted to take the temperature to see how they could incorporate a trading system and gifting options into the game. Now, it seems they took their survey results to heart and are trying to balance out a fair trade system.
Introducing Item Factions
Last Epoch will feature a new Item Factions system that should appease different types of players. There are two factions: The Merchants Guild and Circle of Fortune.
The Merchants Guild is where you can trade gear using the Bazaar. While the Circle of Fortune is focused on increasing better drops while you’re out slaying demons.
It is a smart move to accommodate different types of players.
Check out Faction-specific rewards below:
Additional Details and Open Beta
EHG also posted additional information regarding Item Factions:
- You can have different characters in the same Cycle in different factions
- Faction reputation is shared account-wide
- Faction reputation resets each Cycle
- When a Cycle ends and characters are transferred to the permanent non-Cycle environment, their Faction progress will be carried over
The game’s free open beta period runs from February 23-27. So, if you’ve been on the fence, you have a chance to check it out.
The game will enter version 0.9 on March 9, 2023.
Last Epoch is currently in Early Access and is available on Steam for an MSRP of $34.99.
