The upcoming Season 2, titled Tombs of the Erased, is scheduled to launch on April 2nd, just 60 days away from the time of writing. This announcement comes after a quiet period for Last Epoch, during which the game was largely out of the spotlight following its 1.0 launch last year. But with Season 2 on the horizon, the game is primed for a big return. In this article, we'll dive into everything we know about Tombs of the Erased, how it fits into the larger action RPG (ARPG) scene, and why this release is shaping up to be a perfect storm for Last Epoch.

A Long Wait: The Journey So Far

It's hard to believe that nearly a full year has passed since Last Epoch launched its 1.0 version. While the game had a strong start, bringing in a wave of new players, it's been seven months since the last major update, which included the introduction of Harbingers and the pinnacle boss Aboth. That update was a solid addition to the game, but it's safe to say that Last Epoch has been relatively quiet in the months that followed. While the devs have kept the community engaged with minor bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements, there's been a palpable sense of waiting for something bigger, something more substantial. That moment is now fast approaching with the release of Tombs of the Erased.

What We Know About Season 2

Last Epoch Season 2 is bringing a host of new features, changes, and improvements to keep both new players and veterans engaged. Here's a breakdown of some of the most exciting elements of the upcoming season:

1. Monolith of Fate Overhaul

The Monolith of Fate is getting a major upgrade, with new completion objectives, new enemies, and reworked old objectives. The goal here is to add more variety to the Monolith runs, preventing them from feeling repetitive and stale. The addition of a new type of Echo, the Woven Echo, will introduce fresh challenges and rewards, likely spicing up the monotony that players have sometimes felt in the Monolith endgame content.

2. A New Faction: The Weaver

A new faction called The Weaver will be introduced in Season 2, and it will allow players to gain a reputation and augment their Monolith timelines. The faction's power will likely provide new rewards and challenges, adding depth to the Monolith system and encouraging players to engage with the content in different ways.

3. Dungeon Improvements

Dungeons are getting some much-needed love, particularly in terms of improving the new player experience. Dungeons are a critical part of the endgame in Last Epoch, and these changes will hopefully explain their importance to players who are new to the game or unfamiliar with the benefits they offer in the late stages of progression. Community feedback has been taken into account, ensuring that these changes align with what players have been asking for.

4. Sentinel Overhaul

The Sentinel class will receive an overhaul to its passive trees and skills. Many players have expressed a desire for changes to the Sentinel, so this rework is likely to be a welcome addition. With new synergies and more powerful builds, the Sentinel will be able to better compete with other classes, making it a more attractive option for players.

5. New Enemies and Side Zones

To keep things fresh, new side zones will be added to the Monolith, including Tombs and Cemeteries. These new areas will add additional variety to each Echo and make the endgame content more engaging. Additionally, a new type of enemy, the Champion, will be introduced. Champions are said to be more formidable than rare enemies and will offer better rewards for overcoming these tougher encounters. This could lead to a more rewarding gameplay loop, especially for players who enjoy challenging fights.

6. Endgame Crafting Improvements

The devs have hinted at improvements to endgame crafting, though specifics are still unclear. Given how important crafting is in Last Epoch, any changes here will have a significant impact on progression, particularly for players looking to build their perfect gear.

7. New Endgame Bosses

Last Epoch has always been about challenging endgame bosses, and Season 2 promises to deliver more of them. The update will hopefully address some of the concerns players had with the limited number of endgame bosses, such as the repetitive nature of fights against Lagone. More variety and new encounters will be key to keeping the endgame content exciting for seasoned players.

8. UI Updates and Quality of Life Improvements

Last Epoch has already seen improvements to its game engine, allowing it to run more smoothly on various systems. Season 2 will also bring additional UI updates and quality-of-life changes. These will likely address lingering bugs and improve the overall gameplay experience, something players have been eagerly awaiting.

The Perfect Timing: Season 2's Moment in the Spotlight

While the updates and new content in Tombs of the Erased are exciting, the timing of this release is arguably the most important factor. With other major ARPGs like Path of Exile and Diablo 4 having had their major updates or expansions, Last Epoch Season 2 is perfectly positioned to capture the spotlight.

    • Path of Exile 2 released in early December, and as of April 2nd, players will have had five months to experience everything it has to offer. With no major new Path of Exile 1 content in sight (due to all hands being on deck for Path of Exile 2), many PoE players will be looking for something new to sink their teeth into, and Last Epoch may just be the game they flock to.

    • Diablo 4 just launched its Season 7 content in January, but its next major season isn't likely to drop until May. This gives Last Epoch a month of solo dominance before D4 Season 8 arrives, ensuring that it has some time to shine in the spotlight without direct competition from its bigger rivals.

Moreover, with no major updates from Grim Dawn until at least May (with the release of Fangs of Astra Kar), there's a real opportunity for Last Epoch to capitalize on the space between major content drops from other games.

The Road Ahead

While Last Epoch has had its fair share of criticisms, particularly regarding the time between major updates, the upcoming Season 2 promises to address many of the concerns players have had. The addition of new content, enemies, and crafting systems, combined with the strategic timing of the release, means that Last Epoch is primed for a resurgence in the ARPG space. Prepare for the new season by purchasing Last Epoch Gold from MMOexp.

For players like me, who have always loved the unique mechanics and deep systems Last Epoch offers, the anticipation for Season 2 is palpable. It's not just about a new update—it's about the future of the game and its potential to finally claim the attention it deserves.

If you've been waiting for a reason to jump back into Last Epoch, this may be the perfect time. With a solid content update and a strong chance to capture new players, Tombs of the Erased could very well be the turning point the game needs to establish itself as one of the premier ARPGs in the genre.

The next two months are going to be crucial. As we countdown to April 2nd, it's exciting to think about the future of Last Epoch and how it will evolve in the ARPG landscape. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, Season 2 promises to deliver an experience that will keep you coming back for more.

MMOexp Last Epoch Team