The world of Last Epoch is a brutal, ever-shifting battleground where only the strongest survive. Whether you’re facing the corrupted horrors of the Monolith of Fate, dueling the Harbingers in their twisted Void domains, or pushing beyond 700 Corruption, your build isn’t just a collection of skills—it’s your lifeline.
But with so many classes, masteries, and gear combinations, how do you know which builds truly dominate in Season 2? This guide isn’t just a dry list of meta picks; it’s a deep dive into the strongest, most engaging builds—backed by lore, community insights, and hard-earned strategies from players who’ve conquered the game’s toughest challenges.
What Defines a Top Build in 2025?
Since the launch of Season 2: Tombs of the Erased, the meta has evolved dramatically. The introduction of Weaver’s Will Uniques, revamped faction systems, and the brutal Uber Abberoth fight have reshaped what makes a build “S-tier.” The best builds in 2025 share three traits:
- Versatility – Can they clear maps efficiently and boss?
- Survivability – Do they have layered defenses (Endurance, Block, Leech)?
- Scalability – Can they push 700+ Corruption or defeat Uber Abberoth?
Let’s break down the builds that meet these criteria—and why they’re so powerful.
1. Ballista Falconer: The Off-Screen Annihilator
Why It Dominates
The Ballista Falconer Build isn’t just strong—it’s obscene. By stacking piercing projectiles and attack speed, your turrets transform into machine guns that delete enemies before they even reach you. The “Zero Hitpoint” (ZHP) variant sacrifices defense for unmatched damage, melting bosses like Uber Abberoth in seconds.
- “This build trivializes the game. I cleared a Tier 4 Dungeon without moving.”
- Key Tip: Level with Bleed Puncture early, then transition to Ballistas by Level 40 for smoother progression.
The Falconer’s mastery ties into the Avian Aerie, a faction of sky-bound assassins who once served the Osprix. Their ballistas mimic ancient Osprix siege weapons—now repurposed against the Void.
2. Abomination Necromancer: The Undead Juggernaut
Why It Dominates
The Abomination Necromancer Build is a walking apocalypse. Once summoned (around Level 56), this monstrous minion one-shots packs and tanks bosses effortlessly. The Plague variant fixes its only weakness—AoE—by spreading disease like a necrotic wildfire.
- “It’s like having a raid boss on your team. I face-tanked Abberoth’s slam thanks to its taunt.”
- Key Tip: Farm Plague Idols early via Circle of Fortune prophecies to maximize damage.
The Abomination is a failed experiment by the Blood Chieftains, who sought to weaponize Void corruption. Now, Necromancers wield it as a double-edged sword—powerful, but always at risk of turning on its master.
3. Smite Warpath Paladin: The Unkillable Spin-to-Win
Why It Dominates
Imagine a whirlwind of holy fire that heals you with every spin. That’s the Smite Warpath Paladin Build—a build so tanky it’s reached 1,000+ Corruption while still dishing out top-tier damage.
- “Iva Markova was able to take it beyond 1400 corruption. This build doesn’t die—ever.”
- Key Tip: Stack Ignite Chance to trigger Throne of Ambition, boosting damage exponentially.
Paladins draw power from the Argent Hand, an order of zealots who believe “Mercy is a weakness.” Their Smite ability channels the fury of their fallen saints.
4. Heartseeker Marksman: The Precision Nuke
Why It Dominates
The Heartseeker Marksman Build skill (unlocked at 30 Marksman points) is a single-target delete button. With crit multipliers and attack speed, it shreds bosses faster than any other Rogue build.
- “It’s click-intensive, but oh boy, watching Abberoth’s health bar vanish is worth it.”
- Key Tip: Use Puncture for leveling, then swap to Heartseeker at Level 50+.
Marksmen of the Outcast Hunters guild perfected Heartseeker to assassinate Void-touched nobles during the Fall of Imperial Erlica.
5. Storm Crows Beastmaster: The Tempest on Wings
Why It Dominates
Storm Crows Beastmaster Build are flying lightning storms that scale insanely with minion damage and crit. Though snapshotting (a soon-to-be-patched exploit) currently boosts their damage, even without it, they’re S-tier.
Community Insights
- “I one-shot a Tier 3 Julra. This build is stupid.”
- Key Tip: Prioritize Minion Critical Strike Chance on gear to maximize burst.
The crows are descendants of Zerrick’s Stormcallers, druids who bonded with avian spirits to fight the Void Legion.
Tips from the Community
- Faction Choice Matters:
- Circle of Fortune is best for target-farming Uniques (e.g., Plague Idols for Necromancer).
- Merchant’s Guild is ideal for trading high-end gear.
- Don’t Ignore Defenses:
Even glass cannons like the ZHP Falconer need Endurance or Block to survive past 500 Corruption. - Weaver’s Will Uniques Are Game-Changers:
Items like “The Mask of the Forgotten Knight” unlock hidden synergies (e.g., doubling minion damage for Necromancers).
Which Build Is Right for You?
- New Players: Thorn Totem Shaman Build (easy, tanky, starts strong at Level 4).
- Hardcore Fans: Smite Warpath Paladin (unkillable) or Scorpion Beastmaster Build (DoT tank).
- Speedrunners: Ballista Falconer Build (clears screens in seconds).
The beauty of Last Epoch is that nearly any build can succeed—if you master its mechanics. So pick your favorite, dive into Eterra’s shattered timelines, and carve your legend.