If you’re looking for an ARPG to sink your teeth into, you may come across two games that caught your attention. At this point, you’re at a crossroads, looking through Reddit and YouTube to find which is better: Last Epoch or Diablo 4.
Although ARPGs have a lot of skills, and mechanics in common, one stands out among the other. In this article, I’ll be providing my definitive take on which game is better, Last Epoch or Diablo 4.
Gameplay
Winner:Last Epoch
Oh boy, I may trigger some Diablo die-hards here. To explain my choice here concisely without having to write an entire thesis, Diablo 4 has a strong and fun campaign. The problem lies in the endgame, where Last Epoch just overtakes Diablo 4 in terms ofaccessibilityandquality-of-life features.
Loot filters and stash tabsare two of the most obvious things missing in Diablo 4, which can impact the fun aspect of the endgame, where it becomes the most tedious portion of the game due to the gear-grinding and farming you’ll do to maximize your character.
Last Epochis easily themost accessible ARPGI have ever played. According to one of the top Steam Reviews in Last Epoch, the game doesn’t insult your intelligence like Diablo 4, and you don’t need a Ph.D. for ARPGs like in Path of Exile. It’s funny, but it’s a statement I wholeheartedly agree with.
Visuals
Winner:Diablo 4
In terms of graphical Fidelity, Diablo 4 takes the cake without a doubt. Diablo 4 is a Triple-A title, compared to a game made by an indie studio, Last Epoch. By no means am I saying Last Epoch is a bad-looking game; it’s justDiablo 4 has more polish in the visual aspect, and you’re able to clearly see the difference in the environmental quality.
Diablo 4also has ableaker color palette(i.e. grayish undertones) than Last Epoch, which may understandably turn people off.Last Epochexcels in implementing awider variety of color toneswithout making the game look too cartoonish. But once again, with overall polish and implementation of effects,Diablo 4 slightly edges Last Epochin this category.
Itemization
Winner: Last Epoch
Itemization has always been a bit weak in Diablo 4.Damage on Tuesdays(i.e. Conditional Affixes) on Diablo 4 are so complicated that a newbie will most likely get overwhelmed with the options and get lost on how to proceed with their character build.
Comparing that to my experience with Last Epoch, upon creating my Rogue character, I immediately understood that I neededcritical strike chance, critical damage, and physical damage to make my character work. Right then and there, I got equipment with a critical strike chance increase, which I know will make my character stronger; that’s calledaccessibility.
This also applies in the endgame for both games. EvenLast Epoch’s endgame itemizationhas conditional affixes (i.e. Lifesteal on hit, Duskshroud on-hit Proc, Weaver), but they are not asoverly complexasDiablo 4’s system(i.e. 10.5% Damage Reduction while Fortified, 12.0% Reduction from Poisoned enemies).
Build Flexibility
Last Epochis aplaygroundwhen it comes to build flexibility.Diablo 4, on the other hand, has atight limitation on its skill tree, wherein you can take one or two passives for your skills, and you’re done with the skill tree.
The freedom in the skill tree and specialization in Last Epoch is so diverse to the point where you canmix and match two mastery buildsto create a new hybrid one that works off the bat. An example of this is myRogue build and leveling guide, which essentially sets you up for mastery as you can easilyrespec any specializations or passive skillsyou obtained throughout the early game to match your late-to-end game build.
The set and stone archetypes of Diablo 4 made the game feel stiff and fell flat compared to Last Epoch, so LE takes the win in build flexibility.
Related:How to claim the bee pet in Last Epoch
Pricing
One of the most important aspects of a video game, at least for me, is pricing. With the amount of new andfree contentcoming toLast Epochin the future, it’s definitely worth taking a look at if you’re looking for a fun and decent ARPG.
Diablo 4 has a higher price than Last Epoch, and rightfully so. For the price, you get a much morestable server, afun campaign,more platformsto choose from, and evencrossplay. You also get a full game with better graphics, atmosphere, and NPC interaction.
Since Diablo 4 has been out for quite a while now, and it seemingly hit its stride in the first season, I’d vote onLast Epochfor this category as it feels much more refreshing to play, and the developers actually listen to the fanbase.
Overall Winner: Last Epoch
For more guides in Last Epoch, check outExplosive Trap Falconer Build Guide – Last Epochright here at Pro Game Guides.
