Welcome to a comprehensive exploration of the highly anticipated Last Epoch Item Faction system. In this article, we will delve into the intricate details of both the Merchant’s Guild and the Circle of Fortune factions, their unique mechanics, and how players can join and progress within each faction. Prepare to embark on a thrilling journey through the realms of trade and prophecy in the world of Last Epoch.
The History of Trade in Last Epoch
To truly appreciate the significance of the Item Faction system, we must first understand the historical context of trade in Last Epoch. From the early stages of the game’s development, the developers recognized the importance of a robust trade system in a loot-based ARPG. Balancing such a system, however, posed a significant challenge, as it could profoundly impact the item hunt experience for players.
The Last Epoch community, divided into two camps – those who desired a trade economy and those who preferred a purely self-found experience – provided invaluable feedback during the game’s development. In response to this feedback, the developers introduced the Item Gifting System as a means of trading items among friends. However, the community’s demand for more trade options led to the development of the Item Factions system.
Introducing Item Factions
Item Factions represent a groundbreaking solution to the trade debate in ARPGs. These factions are fully integrated into the lore and mechanics of Last Epoch, offering players the ability to make meaningful choices that empower their loot hunt in the world of Eterra. On the eve of February 21st, two Item Factions will emerge – the Merchant’s Guild and the Circle of Fortune.
The Merchant’s Guild
The Merchant’s Guild, helmed by Nama, stands as a beacon of trade in the bustling city of Maj’Elka. This faction provides players with the power of trade, allowing them to buy and sell items with other players through the Bazaar and via player-to-player transactions. The Bazaar, located north of Maj’Elka’s city center, boasts numerous stalls specializing in various equipment types, including Helmets, Amulets, Weapons, Rings, and more.
While the Merchant’s Guild facilitates trade, it operates under certain limitations and rules. The guild exclusively deals in worldly wares, meaning items acquired through the Circle of Fortune cannot be traded. Additionally, once an item is purchased from the Merchant’s Guild, it becomes bound to the buyer and cannot be traded again. Finally, certain ranks within the guild are required to trade specific item types or rarities, ensuring a gradual progression of trade privileges.
The Circle of Fortune
For those who seek guidance from the stars, the Circle of Fortune offers a unique path to item acquisition. As a member of this faction, players gain access to Prophecies that enhance their item-finding potential. The Circle of Fortune’s primary hub is the Observatory, situated in the northern part of Maj’Elka. Here, Faction Leaders and Telescopes allow players to trade Favor for Prophecies.
Prophecies, represented by constellations, provide insights into specific item drops or increase the chances of obtaining higher-tier affixes. Each telescope within the Observatory specializes in different item types, such as Armor, Weapons, Idols, and Accessories. Completing the requirements outlined in a Prophecy triggers the corresponding event and rewards players with carefully guided treasures.
Joining an Item Faction
To embark on your journey with an Item Faction, you must first arrive at the Upper District of Maj’Elka, where Zerrick awaits to introduce you to the Merchant’s Guild and the Circle of Fortune. After making your selection, you will be guided to the Faction’s Central Hub – the Bazaar for the Merchant’s Guild and the Observatory for the Circle of Fortune.
Item Faction Panel
Upon joining an Item Faction, you will have access to a new panel in your UI that provides detailed information about your chosen faction. This panel displays your current Favor, Faction Rank, progress towards the next Rank, faction benefits, and, in the case of the Circle of Fortune, any active prophecies. The Item Faction panel also allows you to leave your current faction and quickly navigate to your faction’s central hub.
Rank and Reputation
Your Rank within an Item Faction determines the benefits and privileges you can access. To increase your Rank, you must earn Reputation through various means, such as defeating enemies, completing quests, and actively participating in faction-specific mechanics. Reputation is shared across your account within the same game mode, allowing progression across multiple characters.
There are ten Ranks to achieve within each faction, with each Rank unlocking progressively more powerful benefits. It is important to note that while you have the freedom to change factions at any time, sticking with a single faction and reaching higher Ranks will grant access to the most potent and sought-after benefits.
Favor
Favor serves as the primary currency within Item Factions. It is earned by slaying enemies and completing quests, and is used to interact with faction mechanics. With the Merchant’s Guild, Favor is required to list items for sale or purchase items from other players. In the Circle of Fortune, Favor is used to acquire Prophecies. Excess Favor can be spent with Faction Vendors for additional rewards.
Item Faction Rank Requirements
As a member of an Item Faction, you will encounter items with Faction Rank Requirements. These requirements indicate the minimum Rank needed to equip or trade an item. For example, purchasing a Rank 4 Idol through the Bazaar requires a Rank 4 with the Merchant’s Guild to equip. Similarly, items obtained through the Circle of Fortune will have Rank Requirements based on the player’s current Circle of Fortune Rank at the time of item drop.
Faction Vendors
Both the Merchant’s Guild and the Circle of Fortune offer Faction Vendors where players can trade Favor for various rewards. These vendors sell items with base item types exclusive to each faction and can even generate Exalted items. While Faction Vendors in the Bazaar resemble the Gambler Artem, there are some differences in terms of available item types. Circle of Fortune members can also purchase Lenses from their Faction Vendor, enhancing their telescope’s capabilities.
Gifting Faction Items
Items obtained within an Item Faction may have Faction Rank Requirements. These items can be gifted to other players, provided they meet the item’s requirements. To gift an item, players must be in the same party, and the recipient must be present when the item drops. Alternatively, a relevant Resonance can be used to make an item eligible for gifting. Resonances, which come in Obsidian and Golden variants, drop when players have played together for an extended period.
Conclusion
The Last Epoch Item Faction system introduces a revolutionary approach to trading and item acquisition in the world of Eterra. With the Merchant’s Guild and the Circle of Fortune, players can choose their preferred path to empower their loot hunt. Whether through trade or prophecy, the Item Faction system offers a wealth of options and rewards. Prepare to embark on an epic adventure and shape the destiny of your Last Epoch journey.