The highly-anticipated action RPG Last Epoch is gearing up for its grand debut with an official release date set for February 21, 2024. Having first graced the screens in 2019, Last Epoch has been crafted as a homage to the isometric action RPG genre, offering a treasure trove of customizable skills, loot, and a plethora of adversaries for players to conquer.
Game Features and Development
Last Epoch is poised to deliver a full-fledged gaming experience with its 1.0 release, which is considered the complete version of the game. Players can look forward to diving into the roles of the Warlock and Falconer classes, each offering unique abilities and playstyles to master. Additionally, the game introduces an innovative Item Factions system, which allows players to choose their preferred method of acquiring gear—whether by collecting loot on their own or by engaging in a dynamic marketplace to trade with others.
Post-Release Update Plan
The developers at Eleventh Hour have also outlined a post-release update plan known as “Cycles.” These updates are scheduled to occur every few months and will include a variety of new content and improvements:
- End-game content to challenge even the most seasoned players
- New skills to discover and master
- Unique items to collect and utilize
- Gameplay systems that enhance the overall experience
- Quality-of-life features to streamline play
These updates are designed to keep the game fresh and engaging, ensuring that players have new challenges and experiences to look forward to as they continue their journey through the world of Last Epoch.
Critical Reception and Updates
The skill system of Last Epoch has garnered high praise for its innovation and depth, drawing favorable comparisons to the intricate upgrades of Path of Exile and the rune modifications of Diablo 3. The game’s music has also been highlighted as a standout feature, contributing to the immersive experience it offers.
In 2023, Last Epoch demonstrated its growth and evolution at Gamescom, where it showcased four years’ worth of updates. Among the highlights were the introduction of the runemaster, one of the game’s 15 classes, which added even more diversity and strategic options for players. These updates have been part of the game’s continuous improvement, ensuring that the gameplay remains engaging and fresh for the community.
Multiplayer Complexity
Developing a multiplayer component for action RPGs is a task of considerable complexity, as explained by Eleventh Hour CEO Judd Cobler. Unlike simple matchmaking systems, ARPG-style multiplayer requires a persistent, drop-in, drop-out experience that allows players to interact in communal spaces like towns. This level of complexity is second only to that of MMORPGs, making it one of the most intricate forms of multiplayer to create. Cobler noted that the launch of Last Epoch’s multiplayer feature “has gone phenomenally well,” indicating a successful implementation of this complex system.
Availability and Purchase Incentives
Gamers eager to delve into the world of Last Epoch can find the game on Steam, priced at $35. Those who purchase the game before its official release date of February 21, 2024, will be rewarded with an exclusive cosmetic pet, adding a unique flair to their gaming experience.
Why Pre-Order Last Epoch?
- Early access to the game
- Exclusive cosmetic pet for pre-orders
- Support the development of the game
| Product Name | Price | Release Date | Exclusive Offer | Link to Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Last Epoch | $35 | February 21, 2024 | Exclusive Cosmetic Pet | Buy on Steam |
The development team behind Last Epoch, Eleventh Hour, is a collective of passionate game developers who initially met on the r/gamedev subreddit in 2017. United by a shared vision to create “the perfect ARPG,” they successfully funded their project through Kickstarter in 2018. The game was subsequently released on Steam Early Access in 2019, and has since achieved impressive sales, with over 800,000 copies sold to date.
