As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the arrival of Last Epoch‘s first major expansion, Orobyss, developer Eleventh Hour Games (EHG) has unveiled a modest roadmap that outlines its plans leading into 2026. In a notable shift from earlier statements asserting that the game would remain free of paid content, EHG has recently acknowledged the need to adapt its strategy due to financial challenges. While the expansion itself will be complimentary for existing players, the introduction of a new class available as paid downloadable content (DLC) has sparked considerable backlash among fans.
Balancing Between Giants
In the competitive landscape of action RPGs, Last Epoch has carved out a unique niche, positioning itself between industry heavyweights like Diablo 4 and Path of Exile 2. The game has captivated players like Ken, who have found themselves drawn to its blend of accessibility and depth, reminiscent of the famed meme where one turns away from the familiar to embrace something new.
In a recent update from CEO Judd Cobler, it was confirmed that Orobyss will be available for free to all current players upon its release, expected in late August or early September 2026, following the conclusion of Seasons 4 and 5. New players entering the game post-expansion will need to purchase an updated base game bundle. While details about the upcoming seasons remain somewhat vague, Cobler hinted that Season 4 will introduce a new seasonal mechanic along with several highly requested updates.
The Controversial Paid Class
However, the announcement of the first paid class type, dubbed ‘Paradox Classes,’ has ignited a firestorm of criticism within the community. Described as “a fully alternate playable class built on systems that work differently from anything else in the game,” these classes aim to provide innovative gameplay experiences. Yet, the decision to monetize entire classes has left many players feeling uneasy, raising concerns about potential balance issues reminiscent of other titles that have introduced paid content.
In his blog post from October 3, Cobler explained the rationale behind this shift towards paid content, citing that the first three seasons of Last Epoch had not been profitable. He elaborated on the necessity of exploring alternative revenue streams to support ongoing development costs. “Years ago, when we were a significantly smaller team formed on Reddit, our goal was to not charge for any content,” he noted, acknowledging that cosmetic sales alone have not sufficed to sustain the studio’s financial health.
Community Response and Future Concerns
The community’s reaction has been swift and vocal, with many expressing their discontent over the introduction of paid classes. Comments range from skepticism about the potential balance implications to outright disappointment in the direction the game is taking. The review section on Steam has reflected this sentiment, with a noticeable uptick in negative reviews leading to a shift from ‘Mostly Positive’ to ‘Mixed’ ratings.
In addition to community backlash, EHG faces another challenge following its acquisition by Krafton, the developer behind PUBG. This transition has raised concerns about potential changes in monetization strategies, especially in light of Krafton’s recent emphasis on an AI-first approach. Cobler has sought to reassure players that EHG’s commitment to its hands-on design philosophy remains unchanged, despite the corporate shift.
While the introduction of paid classes may be the focal point of current discussions, it is essential to recognize that EHG is navigating a complex landscape in which financial sustainability is paramount. As the studio seeks to balance innovation with community expectations, the future of Last Epoch will undoubtedly be closely watched by both fans and industry observers alike.
Diablo 4 challenger confirms paid DLC classes are coming, and its Steam reviews have taken a massive hit
As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the arrival of Last Epoch‘s first major expansion, Orobyss, developer Eleventh Hour Games (EHG) has unveiled a modest roadmap that outlines its plans leading into 2026. In a notable shift from earlier statements asserting that the game would remain free of paid content, EHG has recently acknowledged the need to adapt its strategy due to financial challenges. While the expansion itself will be complimentary for existing players, the introduction of a new class available as paid downloadable content (DLC) has sparked considerable backlash among fans.
Balancing Between Giants
In the competitive landscape of action RPGs, Last Epoch has carved out a unique niche, positioning itself between industry heavyweights like Diablo 4 and Path of Exile 2. The game has captivated players like Ken, who have found themselves drawn to its blend of accessibility and depth, reminiscent of the famed meme where one turns away from the familiar to embrace something new.
In a recent update from CEO Judd Cobler, it was confirmed that Orobyss will be available for free to all current players upon its release, expected in late August or early September 2026, following the conclusion of Seasons 4 and 5. New players entering the game post-expansion will need to purchase an updated base game bundle. While details about the upcoming seasons remain somewhat vague, Cobler hinted that Season 4 will introduce a new seasonal mechanic along with several highly requested updates.
The Controversial Paid Class
However, the announcement of the first paid class type, dubbed ‘Paradox Classes,’ has ignited a firestorm of criticism within the community. Described as “a fully alternate playable class built on systems that work differently from anything else in the game,” these classes aim to provide innovative gameplay experiences. Yet, the decision to monetize entire classes has left many players feeling uneasy, raising concerns about potential balance issues reminiscent of other titles that have introduced paid content.
In his blog post from October 3, Cobler explained the rationale behind this shift towards paid content, citing that the first three seasons of Last Epoch had not been profitable. He elaborated on the necessity of exploring alternative revenue streams to support ongoing development costs. “Years ago, when we were a significantly smaller team formed on Reddit, our goal was to not charge for any content,” he noted, acknowledging that cosmetic sales alone have not sufficed to sustain the studio’s financial health.
Community Response and Future Concerns
The community’s reaction has been swift and vocal, with many expressing their discontent over the introduction of paid classes. Comments range from skepticism about the potential balance implications to outright disappointment in the direction the game is taking. The review section on Steam has reflected this sentiment, with a noticeable uptick in negative reviews leading to a shift from ‘Mostly Positive’ to ‘Mixed’ ratings.
In addition to community backlash, EHG faces another challenge following its acquisition by Krafton, the developer behind PUBG. This transition has raised concerns about potential changes in monetization strategies, especially in light of Krafton’s recent emphasis on an AI-first approach. Cobler has sought to reassure players that EHG’s commitment to its hands-on design philosophy remains unchanged, despite the corporate shift.
While the introduction of paid classes may be the focal point of current discussions, it is essential to recognize that EHG is navigating a complex landscape in which financial sustainability is paramount. As the studio seeks to balance innovation with community expectations, the future of Last Epoch will undoubtedly be closely watched by both fans and industry observers alike.