Why Playing Last Epoch’s ES Void Knight Ruined Off-Meta Builds for One Player

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In the action RPG known as Last Epoch, there’s been quite a bit of heated debate about the effectiveness of various character builds. Recently, one player shared their personal struggle with an identity crisis stemming from their use of the Energy Shield (ES) Void Knight class. At first, they were dedicated to an unconventional build featuring a Shield Throw Forge Guard, but things changed dramatically when they encountered the overwhelming power of a popular build. This revelation has left them questioning whether it’s worth sticking with off-meta choices, as the rewards seem scant compared to the excitement of mastering the game and dominating at high corruption levels.

Summary

  • The player transitioned from an off-meta Shield Throw Forge Guard to a more popular Energy Shield Void Knight build, which they found overwhelmingly powerful.
  • The frustrations of hunting for perfect gear and feeling a sense of burnout led them to question their commitment to off-meta builds.
  • Commenters shared their own experiences and perspectives on the viability of both meta and off-meta builds, with some advocating for the value of creativity while others pointed to balance issues.
  • The discussion raised awareness about the balance (or lack thereof) within Last Epoch’s diverse class system.

The Thrilling Power of the Meta

Based on this player’s story, it’s evident that meta builds, particularly the ES Void Knight, exert a strong attraction. They effortlessly sailed through content with “over 90% fast movement speed” and overcame seemingly impossible challenges. This demonstrates a common feeling among gamers: when you discover something that lets you easily defeat enemies, the monotonous struggle of non-meta builds appears less appealing. The Void Knight’s knack for dishing out high damage while maintaining mobility makes it an enticing selection, especially when seeking end-game challenges like Uber Abby.

It’s clear that this player has an infectious passion for the Void Knight. They blurt out “By Jove! This setup is overpowered!” which seems to echo the sentiments of numerous other players seeking immediate satisfaction. Truth be told, why labor over a unique build that might require an equal amount of time to set up when you can swiftly conquer content as easily as a hot knife slices through butter? The thrill of diving into a functioning build provides an instant rush of dopamine, leaving players ADDICTED (and, as a side note, rather vexed if they attempt to switch things up).

The Joy of Creativity vs. The Meta Grind

Contrasting sharply, there’s been a flood of comments emphasizing the role of creativity in crafting on the internet. A user named AtticaBlue eloquently reminds us that “it’s just a game and it doesn’t have to be so serious,” suggesting players should appreciate their unconventional builds, as experimenting creatively with the game tends to produce the most enjoyable and memorable moments. In essence, no one wants their cherished pastime to become repetitive or routine, do they?

It’s intriguing to note that many gamers who ventured off the regular path encountered a surprising obstacle – corruption levels that were disappointingly low compared to the formidable Void Knight. One player shared his experience with a Frost Claw Sorcerer, struggling to advance beyond 400 corruption, despite having previously reached 1,000 corruption as an ES Void Knight. This underscores the impact of balance issues: when one playstyle is significantly easier and more profitable, it can discourage players seeking novelty.

The Balance Question: Is The Game Slightly Imbalanced?

A significant issue that some gamers have highlighted is the perceived inequality among the character classes due to an apparent lack of balance. As one player put it, “One class has been overpowered, outclassing everything else,” expressing exasperation about how certain energy shield mechanics make other playstyles seem insignificant. The community as a whole is eager for upcoming updates that will rectify this disparity and promote a wider range of effective end-game builds across various classes.

Developers such as Sufficient_Art2594 underscore the opportunity they have to adjust game elements to ensure fairness and maintain engaging gameplay for all players. This idea implies that with 14 masteries available, there’s no need for a single one to dominate, sparking frustration among those hoping to showcase their unique, creative builds. It raises an intriguing question about the developers’ obligation to foster a wide range of options beyond the currently strongest ones.

Finding Your Path: Navigating The Meta Maze

Caught between the dilemma of sticking with what’s popular or venturing into uncharted territory, I find a road paved with exploration. One fellow gamer jokingly suggested that we should break free from the shackles of copying build guides and instead let the joy of crafting our own distinct gaming journey lead us. Some suggest experimenting with different classes, steering clear of the exhaustion that comes with adhering to specific gear paths. Another player recounted their experience of keeping off-meta builds exciting by setting themselves challenges, rekindling the excitement of creating something extraordinary.

The charm of Last Epoch comes from its open-ended exploration—players follow diverse objectives, and each character they create mirrors their unique preferences and imagination. One user shared their wish to initiate the next season without build blueprints, preferring a “let’s play” approach instead, which can unexpectedly lead to an engaging adventure, capturing the excitement of experimentation and adaptation in the face of the unknown.

In the world of action role-playing games (ARPGs), there’s a great sense of fulfillment in creating your unique path, despite the strong pull of popular or “meta” builds. Though a player might eventually feel disappointed with their gameplay and regret giving up on unconventional strategies, there’s still room for optimism. Making sense of various build options can remain enjoyable if you embrace the process—it’s all about enjoying the adventure, isn’t it?

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2025-05-27 00:28