Last Epoch boasts an impressive array of 15 Mastery classes, each serving as a specialized subclass that enhances specific aspects of your character build. From the traditional Sorcerer to the unique Falconer, who utilizes a bird companion for damage and mobility, the variety can be overwhelming. To help you navigate these options, we've compiled a **Last Epoch Mastery tier list** that ranks each mastery based on their strengths and synergies.
In Last Epoch, you're not restricted to a single mastery. It's common to diversify your build by investing in multiple masteries, especially when optimizing your character. You can allocate points into the initial half of any mastery's passive tree and switch your primary mastery at the Respec NPC in the End of Time.
How We Ranked the Best and Worst Masteries in Last Epoch
The ranking of Masteries in Last Epoch hinges on their ability to fulfill key roles in builds, particularly in terms of clear speed, bossing efficiency, and defensive capabilities. The effectiveness of a Mastery is determined by its access to crucial stats like 'more' damage multipliers, critical hit chances, and defensive options like damage reduction and resistances. Masteries that provide these elements efficiently rank higher on our list.
Mastery skills are evaluated based on their damage output and utility for both clearing and bossing, with some consideration for playability. Even if a skill has high potential, a clunky gameplay experience might lower a Mastery's overall ranking.
Last Epoch Season 2 Masteries Tier List
S-Tier: Paladin, Void Knight
- Best overall clear, bossing, and defense, with no significant weaknesses
A-Tier: Falconer, Bladedancer, Shaman, Druid
- Strong clear, bossing, and/or defense. Lacking significantly in one area
B-Tier: Marksman, Lich, Beastmaster
- Good clear, bossing, and/or defense. Lacking significantly in one or more areas
C-Tier: Necromancer, Forge Guard, Runemaster
- Decent to good clear, bossing, and/or defense. Lacking significantly in one or more areas
D-Tier: Spellblade, Warlock, Sorcerer
- Poor to good clear, bossing, and/or defense. Lacking significantly in multiple areas
For detailed insights into each Mastery, we'll highlight example builds from Maxroll.gg, a trusted resource for Last Epoch strategies.
S-Tier Last Epoch Masteries
S-Tier: Void Knight
If you're looking to dominate screens with a colossal purple sword and maintain near invincibility, the Void Knight is your choice. This Mastery excels with skills like Erasing Strike and transitions smoothly into World Splitter. The Warpath variant is equally effective and friendly for new and casual players.
Void Knight boasts enhanced mobility and effective HP, alongside exceptional clear speed and solid bossing damage. The ability to move and attack simultaneously boosts DPS significantly, while the passive tree offers a range of beneficial stats like damage penetration, leech, and resistance. Key nodes like Sorrow & Steel, Void Corruption, and Mortal Cleave enhance its already robust capabilities.
For more build options, consider the Smite Void Knight for a fast, tanky, long-range approach, or the Time Rot Void Knight for high sustain and burst damage.
S-Tier: Paladin
Following a powerful Sentinel rework, the Paladin has solidified its place in S-Tier, especially with the Judgement skill dominating the Terminate Uber Abberoth race. This Mastery not only delivers high damage but also ensures survival through potent healing and defensive abilities.
Paladin's passive tree is packed with resistances, recovery options, and damage boosts. Standout nodes like Covenant of Light and Covenant of Protection provide substantial buffs to both offense and defense. While Judgement is the star, other builds like Bleed Hammerdin and Smite offer compelling alternatives.
A-Tier Last Epoch Masteries
A-Tier: Falconer
Once overpowered, the Falconer has been balanced to remain highly effective. This Mastery excels in movement speed and damage, particularly through critical hit multipliers and Dexterity scaling. Aerial Assault allows for seamless mobility and damage delivery, though defense remains a weak point.
To compensate, players often rely on Dodge and Silver/Dusk Shrouds. Notable builds include the Zero HP Ballista Falconer, which maximizes damage at the cost of defense, and the Umbral Blades build, which leverages Shadow Daggers and Dexterity stacking for a dynamic playstyle.
A-Tier: Bladedancer
Offering a blend of high DPS, reliable clear, and strong defensive options, the Bladedancer is a formidable choice for those seeking a fast melee class. Key skills like Lethal Mirage provide iframes and support high damage output.
The passive tree offers essential stats like damage reduction, Dexterity stacking, and leech. Builds such as Shadow Daggers, Shadow Cascade, and Chakrams are viable, with the latter being suitable for Uber Abberoth challenges.
A-Tier: Beastmaster
As a summoner-focused Mastery, Beastmaster leverages powerful summons like Storm Crows and Summon Wolf to deliver top-tier DPS. While not as tanky as S-Tier options, it remains competitive, especially in races like Uber Abberoth.
The Poison Nova Scorpion build showcases its versatility, though it may suffer from lower movement speed. The passive tree offers damage reduction, health, and healing, though damage support may need to be supplemented elsewhere.
A-Tier: Shaman
A versatile Mastery that excels in melee and elemental damage, Shaman is renowned for its high Arena performance, reaching Wave 500-700+. Tornado is a standout skill with strong damage and vacuum effects, while Summon Storm Totem serves as a useful decoy.
The passive tree provides penetration, cooldown reduction, and elemental damage buffs, with nodes like Fist of Stone and Lagon’s Answer enhancing both offense and defense.
A-Tier: Druid
The Druid Mastery shines with the Storm Werebear build, offering great DPS and eHP. It's well-suited for challenging content like Abberoth and high Arena waves, though it may be slower at farming.
Key skills like Rampage and Maul combine movement with competitive damage, while Roar adds control and sustain. The passive tree supports a range of stats, from health and mana to critical hit multipliers and damage reduction.
B-Tier Last Epoch Masteries
B-Tier: Lich
Embracing the classic 'sacrifice for power' theme, Lich holds its own with skills like Reaper Form and a robust passive tree. Drain Life and Aura of Decay have niche uses, while Death Seal offers a significant damage boost at a risk.
The passive tree provides Intelligence stacking, mana, and recovery options, with nodes like Dance With Death and Hollow Lich enhancing its damage potential.
B-Tier: Marksman
A classic Archer subclass, Marksman excels with skills like Hail of Arrows and Heartseeker. It offers strong HP on hit and supports multiple damage types, though defense is less robust.
The passive tree enhances dodge, crit, and movement speed, with standout nodes like Heightened Senses and Thief’s Quiver bolstering both offense and survival.
C-Tier Last Epoch Masteries
C-Tier: Necromancer
Focused on undead summons, Necromancer is effective for Arena challenges, reaching 200-400 Waves. Summon Skeletal Mage and Dread Shade are key skills, supported by a versatile passive tree that caters to various damage types.
While personal damage support is weak, the Mastery excels in minion-based strategies, with nodes like Elixir of Hunger and Rite of Undeath enhancing overall performance.
C-Tier: Runemaster
A unique caster archetype, Runemaster offers spell combination through Rune of Invocation, providing high damage and versatility. Skills like Hydrahedron and Flame Rush are highlights, supported by a passive tree that enhances Ward, mana, and elemental debuffs.
Though defense is a concern, builds like Focus Autobomber offer tankiness and ease of play.
C-Tier: Forge Guard
While not as potent as higher-tier Masteries, Forge Guard offers unique build options. Manifest Armor and Shield Throw provide defense and offense, while Smelter’s Wrath and Forge Weapon offer high damage effectiveness.
The passive tree is solid but not exceptional, with nodes like Guardian enhancing health and regen.
D-Tier Last Epoch Masteries
D-Tier: Spellblade
Despite its lower ranking, Spellblade remains viable with strong DPS and speed, though defense can be challenging. Flame Reave and Firebrand offer mid-game potential, while Enchant Weapon boosts damage significantly.
The passive tree provides Ward support and some intriguing nodes like Flame Walker, but lacks standout features to compete with top tiers.
D-Tier: Warlock
Focused on damage over time and curses, Warlock is accessible for new players but struggles with defense. Cthonic Fissure and Profane Veil are key skills, supported by nodes like Spiteful Decay and Spirit Leech.
While damage is competitive, the lack of robust defensive options holds it back.
D-Tier: Sorcerer
A classic caster class, Sorcerer offers viable builds like Frostbite Frostclaw, but struggles to stand out. Skills like Static Orb and Ice Barrage provide strong stats, though mana management can be an issue.
The passive tree offers Ward support and damage buffs, but lacks the comprehensive package of higher-tier Masteries.
For more detailed guides on Last Epoch 1.2, including strategies for Tombs of the Erased, visit our Last Epoch 1.2 builds page.
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