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Last Epochencourages build experimentation with its myriad of progression systems, deep crafting mechanics, and unique Legendary system. But as with most ARPGs, leveling a new character can be a tedious process that takes far too much time.
Fortunately, Last Epoch features alternate leveling paths that give alternate characters a fast track through the campaign. Players that have a surplus of dungeon keys can use them while leveling to access unique leveling paths, bypassing entire Chapters in the campaign. This guide will explain how alternate leveling paths work, where to find them, and when you should use each leveling path.
What Are Alternate Leveling Paths?
As the name implies,alternate leveling paths are side dungeons that may be cleared to bypass sections of Last Epoch’s campaign.During certain Chapters in the campaign, you can find a side branch on your map that’s labeled as an “Alternate Leveling Path.” Following this path will take you to the entrance of a dungeon.If you clear the dungeon, you will skip a large portion of the campaign.
There are three alternate leveling paths you’re able to find in the campaign, all of which lead you to an endgame dungeon.You will need a dungeon key to access the leveling path.For example, if you take the alternate path in Chapter 2 that takes you to the Lightless Arbor, you’ll need a Lightless Arbor dungeon key. Should you die in the dungeon, you will be sent back to the dungeon’s entrance and lose your key.
Alternate leveling paths are multiple levels higher than your average zone. Be sure your character is geared to handle the increase in difficulty.
All Alternate Leveling Path Locations
Three alternate leveling paths can be found in Last Epoch’s campaign. If your character has a key for each dungeon, it’s possible to skip a majority of the campaign. All alternate leveling paths are shown below.
The Radiant Dunes
Lightless Arbor Path
The Lightless Arbor path can be found inChapter 2 during the Ruined Era timeline.Once you reach The Surface, head north until you find an optional path that leads to The Shrouded Ridge. Follow that path tolocate the Lightless Arbor dungeon.
Lightless Arbor is a Level 22 dungeonwith a fairly simple final boss. Characters that are using crafted leveling gear or Legendary items should have little issue clearing it. Upon finishing the dungeon, you’ll be taken to The Corrupted Lake. Clear that zone, and you’ll end up inThe Risen Lake in Chapter 4,located in the Thetima region during the Imperial Era.
you’re able to choose to either play Chapter 4 and continue as normal, or you can rush to the Soulfire Bastion skip at the northern end of the zone. In general,all alternate characters can make great use of this path.
Soulfire Bastion Path
Soulfire Bastion can be found inChapter 4, which is set during the Imperial Era.The dungeon is located on the northern edge of Thetima and northwest of Welryn. Soulfire has a larger difficulty spike than the Lightless Arbor skip, featuring enemies at Level 45+. If your character isn’t geared to the teeth, it’s arguably better to play the campaign as normal.
If you can best the horrors within the dungeon, you’ll end up inKolhem Pass in Chapter 7,located in Heoborea during the Divine Era. This zone is filled with side quests and houses a unique Arena activity.If you leveled through the Monolith of Fate, the Soulfire Bastion skip lets you catch up on missed Idol slots and passive points.It’s also a great pick for those who wish to speedrun the campaign.
Temporal Sanctum Path
The Temporal Sanctum skip is the strangest of the bunch due to its placement. You’ll find this path inChapter 5 next to The Shining Cove, a zone that can be accessed in the Imperial Era.You’ll need to open a door on the eastern edge of the shore to unlock a hidden time rift. Enter it, clear the Ruined Coast, and you should find the Temporal Sanctum dungeon. Beware thatthis dungeon is Level 55; be careful.
Clearing the Temporal Sanctum will unlockThe Radiant Dunes in Chapter 8, a zone that’s adjacent to Maj’Elka city in the Divine Era. While it seems strange that you’re able to’t access this skip right away from Soulfire Bastion, Temporal Sanctum’s placement is meant to give players a way to skip the difficult boss fights in Chapters 6 and 7,notably Lagon.If you leveled via Monoliths or hate the Lagon fight, use the Temporal Sanctum skip.
When Should You Use Alternate Leveling Paths?
There is a specific use case for every leveling path in Last Epoch:
