"Last Epoch": "Diablo" competitor leaves Early Access and is a real alternative
With "Last Epoch", another hack-and-slay game is now going into full release. Based on the reactions so far, it seems to be a good compromise between "Diablo 4" and "Path of Exile".
Hack-and-slay top dog "Diablo 4" has new competition: After almost five years in Early Access, the action role-playing game "Last Epoch" from indie developer Eleventh Hour Games is going into full release today. It has received around 4,500 Steam reviews in the past 30 days alone, 89 per cent of which are positive.
Lull with "Diablo 4" and "Path of Exile"
"Diablo 4" has been in full release since June 2023, with the first DLC announced for the end of 2024. The release of "Last Epoch" could now lead to some fans turning their backs on "Diablo" - at least temporarily. The much older "Path of Exile" from 2013 has also proved to be a welcome change from "Diablo". Players are currently waiting for part 2, which is likely to be released in 2025, and could also be interested in "Last Epoch".
Reactions to "Last Epoch"
On Steam, many players recommend "Last Epoch" because it has more depth compared to "Diablo 4", but is said to be easier to learn than "Path of Exile". There are also some reviews from players who were not satisfied with "Diablo 4" and see "Last Epoch" as the better alternative. A few negative reviews criticise bugs and connection losses. Due to the hype surrounding the release, some players' expectations were also too high.
The gaming magazine Gamestar also praises the game's easy accessibility. The character development and the motivating endgame also come off well. The story, on the other hand, leaves a lot to be desired: there are nine chapters so far, which should take around 15 hours to complete.
IGN Germany particularly emphasises the skill and crafting system of "Last Epoch" and also the endgame. The editorial team also likes the design of characters and enemies, "beautifully crafted creatures".
This is what it's all about: Time travel, dungeons and loot
"Last Epoch" is set on the world of Eterra, which is threatened by a god, an immortal emperor and the Void. You can travel through time and visit five different epochs. Your actions in other timelines will influence the present. The studio has already announced that there will be regular updates and new content in the future. Further story chapters are already in development.
The central element of "Last Epoch" are dungeons full of enemies from which you can obtain valuable loot. As a role-playing game, "Last Epoch" offers you 15 different character classes. The class determines your play style. You can further refine each class with three subclasses. Two subclasses, the falconer and the warlock, have been added for the full release. Also new in the 1.0 version of the game is a faction system: you can join one of two factions and improve your reputation there.
In single-player mode, you don't need to be online to play. If you play online, you can find up to three other players to battle through the enemy hordes with you. There is no PvP (player versus player). "Last Epoch" is currently only available on Steam. However, a later port for consoles is not ruled out.
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