Last Epoch and the PoE2 Effect: Why ARPG Players Are Returning

As someone who has been following the ARPG scene since its inception, I must admit that the recent release of Path of Exile 2 has stirred up some nostalgic feelings within me. It’s like opening an old photo album and finding pictures of games long forgotten, only to be reminded of their charm and appeal.

After getting hooked on Path of Exile 2 (PoE2), I found myself drawn back to Last Epoch – a game I’ve been keeping tabs on since its Kickstarter days. You see, life got in the way before, and my initial experience with the game didn’t last. But now, with PoE2 rekindling my love for ARPGs, I find myself contemplating diving back into Last Epoch.

So PoE2 makes me want to play LE again…
byu/Zenithity inLastEpoch

Summary

Zenithity’s experience highlights a wave of nostalgia for Last Epoch triggered by PoE2’s release.
Players commend Last Epoch for its unique crafting systems and character builds despite concerns over its slower content updates.
While enthusiasm for Last Epoch is palpable, some players express frustration with its endgame content and bugs.
Overall, this discussion reveals that ARPG fans are eager for games that offer a sense of progression and enjoyment.

The Impact of PoE2 on Last Epoch

The launch of Path of Exile 2 has sparked a wave of players revisiting Last Epoch, as they fondly recall the aspects that made it attractive during its early access period. On Reddit, Zenithity mentioned feeling renewed interest in Action Role-Playing Games (ARPGs) after playing PoE2. This sentiment is shared by many others, like Low_Singer_5832 and captnlenox, who found that their enthusiasm for ARPGs was rekindled by PoE2, leading them to return to Last Epoch. It seems that competition in the gaming world can sometimes stir up nostalgia, causing players to revisit old favorites while critically comparing them with newer titles.

Differentiating Features: Crafting vs. Gameplay

In the case of Last Epoch, its crafting system is widely admired by players, often referred to as exceptional and desired in other games like PoE2. The crafting mechanics in LE offer a significant level of depth and adaptability that allows players to design their preferred builds. Additionally, there’s a sense of achievement as abilities improve throughout gameplay. However, some concerns about the endgame content have surfaced, with players like StartWooden9031 commenting that it can become repetitive and dull quickly. This feedback reflects a shared concern among ARPG enthusiasts who seek compelling content post-main story completion.

Content Pace and Development Expectations

In a thread discussing Last Epoch on Reddit, users praised the game but also voiced worries over its update speed, noting that it doesn’t seem as fast as the progress of PoE2. User hvanderw commented that although Last Epoch is a good game, updates come at a glacial pace. Players appreciate the small team developing Last Epoch, but this might mean less frequent releases, which can be frustrating for those eager for more content. Vireca shared information about Season 2 of Last Epoch, scheduled for release in 2025. The gradual release of content may cause players to worry about the game’s long-term appeal if there isn’t enough fresh material to keep them engaged, potentially leading them to turn to other games.

Balancing Nostalgia and Frustration

In the discussion forum, it was clear that both fond memories and irritation were present, as gamers shared their affection for Last Epoch while simultaneously highlighting its flaws. User Videogamesgobrrr praised the game’s freedom to experiment with various classes without feeling compelled to rush towards endgame content, showcasing how Last Epoch can offer a relaxed gaming atmosphere. This sentiment was mirrored by others who admired the game’s potential, stating that it “still has potential.” However, user JCarterMMA expressed that their experience with Last Epoch left them feeling more exhausted than any other ARPG. Importantly, this varied feedback underscores a dilemma within the community: passionate players yearn for more in-depth exploration of their favorite game elements but encounter obstacles such as bugs and insufficient endgame content.

Since the release of POE2, the community is deeply engrossed in reflecting on their experiences with Last Epoch and exchanging opinions. The competitive spirit inherent in the ARPG genre ignites conversations and passion among players. They eagerly await updates for Last Epoch, hoping for prompt fixes to bugs as well as enhancements to the endgame content that keeps them hooked. With POE2 stirring up excitement, Last Epoch stands poised to leverage this momentum by addressing community concerns and introducing new features and content, which could rekindle player interest.

2024-12-13 05:59