MMOexp Last Epoch: Passive Tree Setup
MMOexp Last Epoch: Passive Tree Setup
Shield Throw – The Forge Guard's bread-and-butter single-target option. Specialize in Siege Breaker, Defender's Rage, Throwing Arm, and Colossus for raw damage, while Aeroplates and Vampiric Steel add sustain. Fleet of Last Epoch gold Foot provides movement speed after casting, making it useful for kiting.
Smite – A supportive skill that helps with both sustain and damage. Key nodes include Desperate Measures (free casts when out of Mana), Soothing Balm (restores Health and Mana), and Righteous Flurry for damage scaling.
Symbols of Hope – A late unlock after investing points in the Paladin passive tree. Specialize in Iron Symbols, Enduring Hope, Tetragram, and Sign of the Guardian for strong buffs and survivability. Later nodes like Quiet Mind and Heavenly Justice push your sustain even further.
Passive Tree Setup
You'll use all three Sentinel trees to maximize your build: Sentinel, Forge Guard, and a splash of Paladin.
Sentinel Tree – Invest in Juggernaut for Strength, Armour Clad for damage reduction, and Time and Faith for sustain. These foundational nodes enhance both offense and defense.
Forge Guard Tree – Focus on key nodes like Fresh from the Forge, Siege Captain, and Hammer and Anvil for throwing damage. Defensive options like Walls of Solarum and Iron Reflexes significantly boost your survivability.
Paladin Tree – Place 15 points here to unlock Symbols of Hope. Prioritize Conviction for damage, with some points in Defiance and Honor for extra durability.
For added resistance, splash into the Void Knight's Abyssal Endurance, which is extremely efficient for plugging gaps in your defenses.
Stats, Idols, and Gear
Offensive Stat Priority:
Throwing Damage
Throwing Attack Speed
Level of Hammer Throw
Dexterity
Strength
Critical Strike Chance
Critical Strike Multiplier
Defensive Stat Priority:
Health
Block Chance
Endurance
Resistances (especially Physical during campaign)
Idols – Look for Adorned Rahyeh Idols with "Chance to Cast Smite on Throwing Hit." This dramatically boosts both sustain and DPS. For extra offense, slot Large Rahyeh Idols with Throwing Crit Multiplier and Armor Shred on Hit.
Unique Items to Look Out For
While this build doesn't require Uniques, several can elevate it:
Firestarter's Torch – Drops as early as level 1, inflicting Spreading Flames on hit and reducing Mana costs for Fire abilities like Smite.
Bleeding Heart – Provides strong sustain early until Smite is available.
Thorn Slinger and Riverbend Grasp – Boost Throwing attack effectiveness.
Sigeon's Reprisal – A game-changer shield that auto-triggers Shield Throw when you're hit. Pair it with "Damage Reflected to Attackers" on idols to massively scale Shield Throw damage.
Final Thoughts
The Forge Guard may not have the flashy Void damage of buy Last Epoch gold the Void Knight or the holy scaling of the Paladin, but it makes up for it with sheer durability and unique throwing-based gameplay. This leveling build is straightforward, forgiving for new players, and extremely effective at clearing packs throughout the campaign.
Smite – A supportive skill that helps with both sustain and damage. Key nodes include Desperate Measures (free casts when out of Mana), Soothing Balm (restores Health and Mana), and Righteous Flurry for damage scaling.
Symbols of Hope – A late unlock after investing points in the Paladin passive tree. Specialize in Iron Symbols, Enduring Hope, Tetragram, and Sign of the Guardian for strong buffs and survivability. Later nodes like Quiet Mind and Heavenly Justice push your sustain even further.
Passive Tree Setup
You'll use all three Sentinel trees to maximize your build: Sentinel, Forge Guard, and a splash of Paladin.
Sentinel Tree – Invest in Juggernaut for Strength, Armour Clad for damage reduction, and Time and Faith for sustain. These foundational nodes enhance both offense and defense.
Forge Guard Tree – Focus on key nodes like Fresh from the Forge, Siege Captain, and Hammer and Anvil for throwing damage. Defensive options like Walls of Solarum and Iron Reflexes significantly boost your survivability.
Paladin Tree – Place 15 points here to unlock Symbols of Hope. Prioritize Conviction for damage, with some points in Defiance and Honor for extra durability.
For added resistance, splash into the Void Knight's Abyssal Endurance, which is extremely efficient for plugging gaps in your defenses.
Stats, Idols, and Gear
Offensive Stat Priority:
Throwing Damage
Throwing Attack Speed
Level of Hammer Throw
Dexterity
Strength
Critical Strike Chance
Critical Strike Multiplier
Defensive Stat Priority:
Health
Block Chance
Endurance
Resistances (especially Physical during campaign)
Idols – Look for Adorned Rahyeh Idols with "Chance to Cast Smite on Throwing Hit." This dramatically boosts both sustain and DPS. For extra offense, slot Large Rahyeh Idols with Throwing Crit Multiplier and Armor Shred on Hit.
Unique Items to Look Out For
While this build doesn't require Uniques, several can elevate it:
Firestarter's Torch – Drops as early as level 1, inflicting Spreading Flames on hit and reducing Mana costs for Fire abilities like Smite.
Bleeding Heart – Provides strong sustain early until Smite is available.
Thorn Slinger and Riverbend Grasp – Boost Throwing attack effectiveness.
Sigeon's Reprisal – A game-changer shield that auto-triggers Shield Throw when you're hit. Pair it with "Damage Reflected to Attackers" on idols to massively scale Shield Throw damage.
Final Thoughts
The Forge Guard may not have the flashy Void damage of buy Last Epoch gold the Void Knight or the holy scaling of the Paladin, but it makes up for it with sheer durability and unique throwing-based gameplay. This leveling build is straightforward, forgiving for new players, and extremely effective at clearing packs throughout the campaign.
