Best Hardcore Builds for Last Epoch

Last Epoch has a variety of classes to choose from in its class system. And this means that you can have a very wide selection of builds while playing. But if you’re a grinder planning to play in Hardcore mode with permanent death then you’ll need to be extra careful and ready. Hardcore mode demands extra effort from players in that you need to build for both damage and survivability. Here are the best hardcore builds in Last Epoch that excel in both aspects.

5 Hardcore Builds You Should Try in Last Epoch

1. Age of Undeath Abomination Necromancer

Playstyle: Summoner
Link to Full Guide: LastEpochTools

Overview:
This Necromancer build works with the main gimmick being the permanent use of Assemble Abomination. This allows the player to deal large amounts of damage while keeping you safe. It requires no specific items to get started and has been tested up to empowered monoliths.

Pros:

• Safe playstyle, allowing focus on mechanics

• No item requirements, suitable for SSF (Solo Self-Found)

• Makes use of the Necromancer's capstone skill, Assemble Abomination

Cons:

• Slow initial setup

• Not compatible with Wraithlord's Harbour

Gameplay Mechanics:

• Setup involves a rotation of skills to maximize the abomination's damage

• It relies on multiple minion types and buffs for the abomination

Skills: Assemble Abomination, Infernal Shade, Dread Shade, Bone Curse, Transplant

2. Chakram Falconer

Playstyle: Ranged DPS
Link to Full Guide: LastEpochTools

Overview:
The Chakram Falconer build is mainly based on lightning damage and high block chance. This allows the player to be extra tanky while still having respectable damage output. It's a top-tier build capable of handling all content in the game.

Pros:

• Very high single-target damage and fast clear speed

• Very tanky, with multiple defensive mechanics

• The perfect all-rounder for any content in the game

Cons:

• Requires decent gear until Chakrams deal high damage in the endgame

• Requires management of various mechanics

Gameplay Mechanics:

• Relies on Chakrams for damage and mana sustain

• Utilizes Falconry and Aerial Assault for additional damage and mobility

Skills: Chakrams, Synchronized Strike, Aerial Assault, Umbral Blades, Smite

3. Warpath Spellslinger Paladin

Playstyle: Melee
Link to Full Guide: LastEpochTools

Overview:
This Paladin build is for Hardcore and HCSSF (Hardcore Solo Self-Found) players. The build features a smooth transition into the midgame with its leveling priority and can also tackle any endgame challenge. But given it’s no legendary nature, expect the damage to be a bit lacking

Pros:

• There is no dependency on legendary items

• Easy leveling with high survivability

• Plentiful sources of health gained on block

Cons:

• Mid-DPS, slower boss kills

• Vulnerable to boss damage over time abilities

Gameplay Mechanics:

• Relies on Warpath for damage and triggering spells

• Utilizes Smite, Flame Burst, and Divine Bolt for damage

Skills: Warpath, Smite, Flame Burst, Divine Bolt, Javelin

4. 2-Handed Axe Fire Judgment Paladin

Playstyle: Melee
Link to Full Guide: LastEpochTools

Overview:
This Paladin build focuses on fire damage and high survivability. It's a tanky build with good defenses and decent damage output, suitable for Hardcore players.

Pros:

• Tanky build with no mandatory unique items

• Easy to build and level

• League starter friendly

Cons:

• Slower clearing speed

• Relatively low DPS compared to other builds

Gameplay Mechanics:

• Uses Warpath for clearing and Rive for mana sustain and damage

• It relies on Holy Aura for buffs and defenses

Skills: Warpath, Rive, Holy Aura, Lunge, Judgement

5. Vial of Volatile Ice Explosive Trap Falconer

Playstyle: Trap-based
Link to Full Guide: LastEpochTools

Overview:
This Falconer build uses the Vial of Volatile Ice and Acid Flask to apply Frostbite. This not only helps with damage but also complements the fast-paced gameplay of the Falconer well. 

Pros:

• Very mobile and fast-paced gameplay

• Strong damage output with proper gear

• High defensives with capped dodge and glancing blow chance

Cons:

• Relatively low initial damage without specific items

• Requires specific gear to maximize potential

Gameplay Mechanics:

• Relies on Explosive Trap and Acid Flask for damage

• Utilizes specific gear for maximum effectiveness

Skills: Explosive Trap, Acid Flask, Flurry, Shift, Decoy

These builds offer a unique playstyle and approach to the game with the different classes involved. They also cater to different preferences and playstyles while being viable for hardcore gameplay. Remember to adapt the builds to your own preferences and gear availability