Diablo 4 is still waiting, but the action RPG Last Epoch is receiving thousands of positive reviews on Steam. The title resembles a mix of Path of Exile and Diablo. Last Epoch is now even starting the first test for multiplayer.
What is Last Epoch? Last Epoch is a “Hack & Slash” action RPG from the American development studio Eleventh Hour Games. In addition to 15 master classes and a variety of customizable skills, Last Epoch is particularly distinguished by its time travel mechanics.
In addition to the currently available single-player mode, there will also be a multiplayer mode in the future, which the team at Eleventh Hour Games is currently working on. Furthermore, an in-game shop with microtransactions is planned, where skins, pets, and spell effects can be purchased.
Last Epoch is currently in early access and is available on Steam. At this time, there is no information on a possible console version for examples like Xbox Series S/X and PlayStation 5.
Here we show you the Last Epoch overview trailer for 2021:
Why does Last Epoch feel like a mix of Diablo and Path of Exile?
Last Epoch is a classic hack and slash and therefore reminds one of well-known representatives of the genre. MeinMMO shows you which aspects of Diablo or Path of Exile you can recognize in Last Epoch:
- Scope of classes and skill trees (Path of Exile)
- Crafting and equipment system (Path of Exile)
- The design of the classes (Diablo 2)
- The skills and the structure of the skills (Diablo)
If you want to read more about why Last Epoch feels like a mix of Diablo and Path of Exile, MeinMMO editor Benedict Grothaus has provided an overview:
What distinguishes Last Epoch? Last Epoch stands out mainly due to the way the classes function compared to other action RPGs.
There are five starter classes, from which you can choose one. Each of these five starter classes has three specializations for further development. In total, this gives you 15 specializations, each with its own unique skills.
Thousands of positive reviews on Steam
How do players rate Last Epoch? With over 10,000 positive reviews, 87% of all reviews that Last Epoch received on Steam as of May 17, 2022, are positive. This is also reflected in the wording of the players. MeinMMO shows you a selection of Steam reviews:
- greekgoddessofsky via Steam: “Very similar to Diablo and Path of Exile, but much better graphics. […] Well done.”
- Taumaril via Steam: “This is already a strong game, with clearly more potential. […] I think the game is better than Diablo 3.”
- manituan via Steam: “It lacks variety in terms of viable builds and options for the endgame, but I think it’s better than any other action RPG currently on the market. The potential is huge.”
- XPXVIIl via Steam: “This is Diablo 4!”
- djoudimalika0 via Steam: “I find this game amazing, especially considering that it is in beta phase.”
- Lensflare via Steam: “One of the best action RPGs out there! There are innovations and fresh ideas and concepts that bring this genre forward.”
- trevorcrowley40 via Steam: “This game is worth your time if you are a fan of action RPGs. It is refreshing and nice to have a modern game that will eventually be able to be played online or offline.”
First community test for the multiplayer
What information do we have about multiplayer? The team at Eleventh Hour Games recently released an update on the development status of the Last Epoch multiplayer. It states that the team is extending the current development cycle to September 2022 and starting the first community test for multiplayer.
In the extended development cycle until September, the focus is on refining the multiplayer, performance, and combat. The team aims to no longer split attention between single-player and multiplayer in this cycle, but to work efficiently on “large and branched tasks”.
Recently, the team revised the loading process in Last Epoch to ensure that traveling back and forth is a “fast and seamless experience”.
Furthermore, the developers announced progress regarding diagnostics and fixing bugs in the multiplayer. Problems can now be identified and resolved more quickly.
Can you participate in the multiplayer test? Eleventh Hour Games asks in the update not to submit applications for participation in community tests.
The participants of the current first test are already determined, and if it should be possible to apply for a test in the future, this will be announced.
Even in 2022, “Hack and Slash” fans are still waiting for Diablo 4. However, the upcoming installment of Blizzard’s popular game series certainly has competition in the genre that can sweeten the waiting time for you.
MeinMMO editor Benedict Grothaus has compiled a list of five new “Hack and Slash” titles you can play while you wait for Diablo 4:
5 new Hack and Slashes coming in 2022 while you wait for Diablo 4
