Released: April 17, 2025
Developer: Eleventh Hour Games
Reviewed on: PC
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Last Epoch has quietly matured into one of the most compelling action RPGs in recent memory. With its second major seasonal update, Tombs of the Erased, Eleventh Hour Games pushes the envelope again—delivering a bold blend of endgame innovation, class overhauls, and long-requested quality-of-life improvements. This patch is more than a seasonal refresh; it’s a strategic evolution that gives both new and veteran players a reason to return to Eterra.
A Grim Yet Gorgeous Expansion of Lore
Tombs of the Erased introduces a deeply thematic expansion centered around the mysterious Woven, a secretive faction connected to the forgotten tombs and fractured time itself. These lore-rich additions serve as more than just narrative flavor—they’re tightly interwoven with the game’s revamped Monolith of Fate endgame system, giving story-driven players a new thread to unravel and mechanically-minded players new systems to master.
The design of the tombs is as darkly beautiful as it is brutal. Atmospheric lighting, new enemy models, and haunting music set a somber tone that fits perfectly within Last Epoch’s fractured timeline concept. Eleventh Hour’s attention to aesthetic storytelling continues to impress.
The Woven Echoes: Endgame That Reacts to You
At the heart of Season 2 lies the Woven Echoes, a dynamic twist on the Monolith system. These are specialized modifiers that let players customize timelines and craft more specific, challenging encounters. Want a loot-focused run with tougher mobs? Woven Echoes allow for that. Craving a fast XP grind with lower risk? You can build toward that, too.
This system gives Last Epoch something many ARPGs lack: granular control over your endgame experience. It’s clear that Eleventh Hour is listening closely to its players and crafting features that respect their time and creativity.
Sentinel Class Rework: Reinvention Done Right
One of the most impactful changes in this patch is the complete overhaul of the Sentinel class. Previously known for being tanky but slow, the Sentinel now boasts a faster, more fluid combat style with retooled passives and several new abilities.
The rework includes:
- Improved mobility: Dash-like moves and cooldown resets make Sentinel feel more responsive.
- Build variety: Whether you prefer bleeding enemies out with two-handers or buffing allies with auras, the tree now supports multiple viable archetypes.
- Visual clarity: New animations help distinguish each skill more clearly during the chaos of combat.
These updates breathe new life into the class, making it a competitive and fun pick across all game modes.
Endgame Bosses and Champion Affixes
The endgame doesn’t just stop at Echoes. Tombs of the Erased introduces Champion enemies with randomized affixes that require real-time adaptability. You’ll encounter bosses that shatter your resistances, force movement, or summon waves of additional threats.
Some new fights include multi-phase bosses in the Tombs that mix telegraphed mechanics with randomized modifiers—a concept more familiar to ARPGs with MMO-lite endgames like Path of Exile or Diablo IV. The result is a welcome layer of depth and urgency that raises the skill ceiling without alienating casual players.
QoL Overhauls: Finally, an ARPG That Gets It
In perhaps its most universally praised move, Eleventh Hour added several long-requested quality-of-life features, including:
- Mastery Respecialization: You no longer need to roll a new character to explore a different mastery path. This promotes experimentation without punishing time investment.
- WASD Movement (Beta): A niche but appreciated feature for ARPG fans who prefer keyboard movement.
- New Inventory Tabs and Dungeon Key Storage: These may seem minor, but anyone deep into mapping will appreciate the tidier interface and faster access to essential items.
It’s clear the developers are focused not only on expanding content but on refining the core experience.
Community Support & Twitch Drops
Season 2 was launched with a successful promotional campaign that included Twitch Drops, developer livestreams, and a growing presence on social media platforms. Eleventh Hour Games has steadily cultivated an active and constructive community, which continues to set Last Epoch apart from its more volatile ARPG rivals.
Final Verdict: 4.5/5 – A Confident Step Forward
Tombs of the Erased isn’t just a seasonal update—it’s a confident stride into the ARPG elite. Between its flexible endgame structure, deeper build customization, and community-centric development, Last Epoch continues to justify the hype and stand toe-to-toe with genre giants like Path of Exile and Diablo IV.
Pros:
- Innovative Woven Echoes system
- Sentinel class overhaul is excellent
- New bosses add real challenge
- Excellent quality-of-life additions
- Strong community engagement
Cons:
- WASD movement still in beta and clunky
- Some loot drop rates feel a bit stingy
- Minor performance hiccups in new zones
Recommendation:
Whether you’re a lapsed player or a curious newcomer, there’s no better time to dive into Last Epoch. Tombs of the Erased has reshaped the game’s endgame in ways both thoughtful and exciting.
📥 Wishlist or download Last Epoch on Steam today and experience Season 2 firsthand.
