In Last Epoch, players have the opportunity to align themselves with two primary factions that offer unique pathways to enhance their character’s strength. The Circle of Fortune and the Merchant’s Guild each provide distinct methods for acquiring powerful items, catering to different playstyles and preferences.
Choosing a faction can significantly accelerate your gear progression in the game, but it’s essential to select one that aligns with your gaming experience goals. Below, we’ll explore the mechanics of each faction and help you understand what to expect upon joining.
Choosing Between the Circle of Fortune and the Merchant’s Guild
To summarize, the Circle of Fortune is tailored for players who prefer to acquire items through active gameplay, whereas the Merchant’s Guild caters to those who enjoy trading with fellow players. Access to either faction is granted once you reach Act 9 and successfully complete one of Zarrick’s quests.
It is worth noting that if you join a faction with one character, all your future characters can also join either faction from the very start, specifically at the Keeper’s Camp.
Understanding the Circle of Fortune
By becoming a member of the Circle of Fortune, players can expect a substantial improvement in their loot acquisition. The bonuses provided by this faction enhance item drops in several ways. For instance, it can lead to enemies dropping double the usual amount of loot or even entire Item Sets instead of just one item.
Additionally, the Circle of Fortune offers Prophecies, which are specific tasks that players can complete to earn extra rewards. Achieving certain objectives, such as defeating designated bosses or elite enemies, can guarantee lucrative rewards, including Unique weapons.
This faction is especially beneficial for new players, as it enriches the looting experience and highlights the gameplay itself. To manage the influx of items effectively, employing a loot filter is recommended, as the volume of drops can be quite overwhelming.
Exploring the Merchant’s Guild
The Merchant’s Guild functions as the auction house within Last Epoch, enabling players to buy and sell items among themselves. This system presents players with a straightforward way to obtain specific items necessary for their character builds.
While the guild does not provide active faction bonuses, its ranks serve as licenses that grant players access to purchase various types and tiers of gear. It’s important to note that new members cannot buy Legendary items immediately; they must first increase their faction reputation to unlock these high-end purchases.
For experienced players, the Merchant’s Guild can be particularly advantageous as high-value items tend to come at a premium price. Many players find it strategic to initially join the Circle of Fortune to gather a solid inventory of goods before transitioning into the Merchant’s Guild for trading and selling the items they have farmed.