This is especially helpful if you're targeting specific stats. For example, if you're looking for "+Critical Strike Multiplier," set your loot filter to Last Epoch gold highlight it. Pick up every item with that affix, shatter them, and stockpile the shards for crafting on better bases later.

Viewing Your Materials

Press F to open the Forge, then click the Crafting Materials tab (top left). Here you can:

Search for affixes like "Health" or "Minion."

See which shards you own.

Learn which gear slots each affix can apply to.

This is incredibly useful when planning a build or hunting for missing shards.

Why Crafting Matters
Unlike many RPGs where crafting feels random or punishing, Last Epoch's system is deterministic. You choose exactly what to add. RNG mostly affects FP consumption and rare critical successes.

That means crafting isn't about gambling-it's about shaping items to fit your build. From leveling gear to early endgame setups, crafting is one of the most reliable ways to power up quickly.

Final Tips

Always use Glyph of Hope to maximize FP efficiency.

Don't ignore shattering-it fuels your shard supply.

Use Chaos when you need a different stat.

Save Despair glyphs for high-value items.

Exalted bases with high FP are where true endgame gear begins.

Conclusion

Crafting in Last Epoch looks intimidating at first, but it's actually one of the most accessible systems in the ARPG genre. With just a handful of glyphs, runes, and shards, you can take a plain item and transform it into something tailored for your build.

Start small-add a couple of useful affixes, upgrade them carefully, and practice shattering unwanted items for shards. Before long, you'll not only be less afraid of crafting-you'll be excited every time an exalted base drops, because you'll know exactly what to do with it.

That's the basics of Last Epoch crafting. Once you're comfortable, you can move on to advanced techniques like legendary items and sealed affixes. Having enough cheap Last Epoch gold will also help you learn advanced techniques. But for now, you've got everything you need to start making awesome gear and powering up your character.

For years, action RPGs have leaned heavily on the "builder–spender" archetype-a design where one skill exists solely to generate a resource, while another consumes that resource to unleash real damage. It's a pattern many of us have come to expect, and just as many have grown tired of. Last Epoch used to fall squarely into this camp, but the game has steadily evolved. Today, the builder–spender label no longer defines its endgame. In fact, many of the strongest and most enjoyable builds have broken free from that limitation, and I think that's one of the best shifts we've seen in the game's design.

What Exactly Is a Builder–Spender?

The term refers to a setup where your main skill isn't actually the star of the show. Instead, you first use a "builder" ability that generates mana or another resource, and then switch to a "spender" skill that consumes that resource for big effects-damage, area clearing, or utility. The cycle repeats endlessly: build, spend, build, spend.

In theory, it balances power and resource management. In practice, it often feels restrictive and dull. Many ARPG fans dislike it because it forces them into a loop that prioritizes resource juggling over creativity or flow. Path of Exile is the classic example: you start off caring about mana costs, but with enough investment-through gear, rings, leech, or flasks-mana becomes a non-issue. Last Epoch didn't have those workarounds in its early years, so almost every build defaulted into builder–spender territory.

Why It Was a Problem in the Last Epoch's Early Days

When Last Epoch was still young, mana management wasn't diverse enough to give players real options. Most viable setups required using one ability just to refuel another. Sorcerers defaulted to Focus, melee builds leaned on basic attacks, and hybrid archetypes felt boxed in. Having a lot of Last Epoch gold will be of great help.

The gameplay loop worked, but it lacked depth. Spending hours clicking through a rotation that only existed to keep your mana afloat doesn't exactly scream excitement. Players don't log into Last Epoch gold for sale an ARPG to feel like they're running a spreadsheet-they want fluid combat, powerful choices, and builds that express creativity.