Eleventh Hour Games has released a fully loaded offline mode for Last Epoch 1.0. With the option of undertaking the campaign as a solo adventurer, you might be wondering how the Last Epoch online mode differs from the offline mode and which one fits your needs better.
What’s The Difference Between Last Epoch Online And Offline Modes?
These are the major differences between Last Epoch online vs offline mode:
| Feature | Online Mode | Offline Mode |
| Pausing the game | No | Yes |
| Access to trading | Yes | No |
| Character Modification/Transfer | No | Yes |
| Access to Cycles | Yes | No |
| Access to gear bought through online store | Yes | No |
| Access to leaderboards | Yes | No |
Online Mode
Online mode requires you to log onto the Last Epoch server to play the game. This mode offers multiplayer experience, and you can play with and against other players. However, since it relies on internet connection, you might experience connectivity-related issues.
If you have an unstable internet connection or a low-speed connection, you might face some latency. When engaged in a tough battle or a stuck in a particularly tricky situation, even a moment’s lag can be deadly, or at least very annoying. With massive influx of players, you might also experience several issues to log into Last Epoch server.
Related: Is Last Epoch Down? How To Check Server Status
Furthermore, all the characters and data in Last Epoch online mode is saved on servers. This means you won’t be able to copy or transfer the characters, nor modify them after creation. You also won’t be able to pause the game while playing in online mode.
However, there are several benefits of playing in online mode. First of all, trading systems via Merchant’s Guild are only accessible to online players in Last Epoch. Since offline mode doesn’t let you play with others, it has no one to trade your items with. Through online mode, you will be able to access the Bazaar – the central trading hub. Bazaar is a great help when you are looking to fortify your character build and acquire new and unique items.
Playing Last Epoch in online mode also grants you access to Cycles. Cycles are equivalent to Seasons or Chapters in live service games. Each Cycle offers new content through which you can try out new mechanics, quests, and items. This will be available only through online mode, whereas offline mode will feature only the content of the base game.
Currently, Eleventh Hour Games has offered temporary three-month content Cycles, and we can expect more of these to drop slowly.
Offline Mode
As the name suggests, Last Epoch Offline mode does not need internet connection to play. You just need to download the game and you’re good to go. This means no server connectivity issues, no “online play unavailable” errors.
Since there is no need for an internet connection, you can expect your gameplay to be faster and highly responsive as compared to online mode. In Last Epoch’s offline mode, you can even pause the game. You just have to hit Escape key and the game will be paused.
The characters you created will be saved locally. This means you can copy them and modify them even after playing a while. See a build that you like and want it for your own? Offline mode can accommodate that.
That being said, it doesn’t mean this is the best mode for Last Epoch. While you gain some benefits, you also miss out on certain crucial in-game features. First and foremost, you won’t be able to play with other players. You will have to undertake the entire game as a solo player.
Secondly, you won’t be able to access the in-game Bazaar. Trading is a great way to acquire new gear and trade off items in your inventory that you don’t want to use. With offline mode, you will have to simply discard these items. You won’t be able access many wonderful items that other players might have stumbled upon or unlocked after hours of grinding.
Lastly, you won’t be able to access Last Epoch leaderboards in offline mode. This also means you won’t be able to participate in the game’s online community at any level.
Last Epoch Online Vs Offline: Which One Should You Choose?
Online mode will offer more content, ability to play with your friends or strangers, and exciting updates whenever developer launches them. Playing in online mode will grant you access to the game’s growing community and offer more exciting avenues for gameplay.
However, if you plan on playing the game strictly in solo mode or have a subpar internet connection, offline mode will be the ideal choice.
