Last Epoch: Cycle Character explained

One of the many features in Last Epoch 1.0 is the addition of Cycles and therefore Cycle Characters. At first it can be a little confusing deciding between creating a Legacy Character or a Cycle Character. But, once you know what Cycles are and how they work, it may be easier to decide which is best for you. Here’s everything we know about Last Epoch Cycle Characters and how they work.

What are Last Epoch Cycles and Cycle Characters?

In Last Epoch, you can essentially think of Cycle Characters like Seasonal Characters from other ARPGs. Each Cycle will bring new features and mechanics but also require you to create a new character specifically for that Cycle. While that means you’ll have to go through the leveling up process with each new character, it also creates a new playing field every Cycle.

If you’ve played similar ARPGs you’re probably already familiar with this mechanic. The Diablo series has Seasons, including Diablo 4. Another popular ARPG Path of Exile has Leagues that follow the same sort of format, with each big update bringing new mechanics and an all-new league.

When a new Cycle starts, you will have to choose to create a Cycle Character in order to experience the new content of the Cycle as well as participate in its Ladder. At the end of the Cycle, your Cycle Character will be transferred to the Legacy servers and become a Legacy Character. You’ll always be able to play that character as a Legacy Character but never again as a Cycle character. At the start of a new Cycle, you’ll have to create a new character.

How long are Cycles?

According to developer Eleventh Hour Games, they plan for Cycles to run for 3-4 months before a new one begins. This is pretty standard for the genre, and typically gives the developers enough time to implement new features and a special mechanic for each Cycle launch.

However, with Last Epoch 1.0 bringing the first Cycle to the game, it’s possible it will run a little longer than others as the developers will surely also be splitting its time with bug fixes and updates.

Now that you know how Last Epoch Cycle Characters work, you can decide which type of character is best for you. If you’re new to Last Epoch, we recommend starting with a Cycle Character as there’s not really much reason not to.