Last Epoch begins with Last Epoch gold five base classes,each with its own identity and combat role:
Acolyte
Mage
Primalist
Rogue
Sentinel
Each of these base classes branches into three mastery classes,allowing you to specialize further as you progress through the game. But when you're starting out,choosing a base class that complements your preferred combat style can set the tone for a much smoother experience.
Top Beginner-Friendly Classes
While all base classes have their merits,three stand out as particularly friendly for newcomers: Mage,Rogue,and Sentinel.
Mage – High Damage,Low Risk (From Afar)
If you love classic spellcasters,the Mage is a great choice. Mages in Last Epoch are capable of dishing out incredible amounts of elemental damage using powerful spells. Their offensive potential is unmatched in early levels,able to melt down enemies before they even get close.
Pros:
Devastating ranged attacks
Excellent for crowd control
Doesn't rely heavily on gear
Cons:
Fragile and vulnerable in melee
Requires good positioning and awareness
According to GameSpot,players who can manage spacing and timing will find the Mage both rewarding and lethal in the right hands.
Rogue – Agile,Versatile,and Tactical
For players who enjoy fast,flexible combat,the Rogue offers a great balance between melee and ranged fighting. Rogues can engage enemies from a distance with bows or get up close with daggers—all while utilizing stealth and mobility skills to avoid danger.
Pros:
Stealth and mobility-based gameplay
Access to both melee and ranged options
Great survivability through evasive skills
Cons:
Requires active movement and planning
Can be gear-dependent at higher levels
If you like having multiple tools at your disposal and thrive in a tactical playstyle,Rogue may be your ideal class.
Sentinel – The Tanky All-Rounder
Sentinel is a highly durable class built for players who want to take hits and hold the front lines. With high base health and strong armor,this class allows more room for error,making it a top pick for beginners who want to focus on learning mechanics without constantly worrying about dying.
Pros:
High survivability
Access to both melee and ranged builds
Beginner-friendly with room to specialize
Cons:
Slower gameplay pace
Damage output can feel lower early on
Sentinels also have access to powerful masteries like Forge Guard and Paladin,adding more depth with healing,spellcasting,or minion-based gameplay.
Early Game Standout: The Minion Necromancer
While the Acolyte might seem intimidating at first,the Minion Necromancer is actually one of the most powerful and accessible builds for new players. This mastery class focuses on summoning minions to do your fighting for you—perfect if you prefer a more strategic and commanding role.
Why It Works:
Your minions tank damage and deal it too,keeping you safe in the backline.
You can summon skeletons,golems,and other undead allies to swarm enemies.
It scales well in the early game and remains strong through much of the campaign.
According to Sportskeeda,the Minion Necromancer combines high survivability with solid damage output,making it an ideal beginner option.
Caveat: Managing minions can get tricky. You'll need to keep an eye on your summons and be ready to resummon them if they're overwhelmed or outpaced.
The Other Base Classes: Primalist & Acolyte
Even though they might not be the top beginner recommendations,both Primalist and Acolyte offer unique and enjoyable playstyles.
Primalist – Nature's Fury
The Primalist connects with the wild to summon beasts,unleash spells,and even shapeshift into powerful forms. It's one of cheap Last Epoch gold the most flexible base classes in the game,with access to totems,companions,elemental powers,and werebear transformations.