Last Epoch Season 3 brings significant balance changes that have reshaped the meta, with Void Knight and Beastmaster emerging as top-tier masteries for endgame content. This comprehensive tier list ranks all 15 masteries and specific builds based on their performance in high-corruption monoliths, bossing, and speed farming scenarios.
| Tier | Masteries | Top Builds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| S Tier | Void Knight, Beastmaster | Warpath VK, Bear Beastmaster | Endgame, Bossing, Speed Farming |
| A Tier | Paladin, Falconer, Runemaster, Marksman, Lich, Necromancer | Judgement Paladin, Ballista Falconer | Versatile Performance |
| B Tier | Bladedancer, Warlock, Shaman, Sorcerer, Spellblade | Shadow Cascade BD, Totem Shaman | Niche Specialization |
| C Tier | Forge Guard, Druid | Shield Bash FG, Frostbite Druid | Casual Play |
Last Epoch features 5 base classes, each with 3 specialized masteries, creating 15 unique playstyles. Our tier list evaluates these masteries based on several key factors:
Contents
Important Note: All masteries in Last Epoch are viable for endgame content. Tier rankings reflect relative performance differences, not absolute viability. Your personal playstyle and preferences should ultimately guide your choice.
Overall Rating: S Tier Last Updated: September 15, 2025
Void Knight stands as the undisputed king of Season 3, combining exceptional damage output with unparalleled survivability. The Season 3 balance changes, while nerfing some Sentinel aspects, left Void Knight's core strengths intact.
Strengths:
Top Builds:
Why S Tier: Void Knight's combination of damage, defense, and mobility creates a near-perfect mastery that excels in all endgame scenarios. The recent nerfs were targeted but didn't break the mastery's core strengths.
Overall Rating: S Tier Last Updated: September 15, 2025
Beastmaster has risen dramatically in Season 3, thanks to significant buffs to summon skills and the introduction of new primal hunt mechanics. This mastery now dominates both clear speed and bossing scenarios.
Strengths:
Top Builds:
Why S Tier: Season 3's primal hunt content and minion buffs catapulted Beastmaster to the top tier. The mastery now offers multiple competitive builds that excel in all endgame content.
Overall Rating: A Tier Last Updated: September 15, 2025
Paladin remains a formidable force in Season 3, though slightly toned down from its previous dominance. The mastery still offers incredible defensive capabilities while maintaining strong damage output.
Strengths:
Top Builds:
Why A Tier: While Paladin received some nerfs in Season 3, it remains one of the most well-rounded masteries. The combination of defensive power and solid damage keeps it in the upper echelon.
Overall Rating: A Tier Last Updated: September 15, 2025
Falconer dropped from S to A tier following Season 3 nerfs, but remains an excellent choice for players who enjoy high-mobility, high-damage gameplay.
Strengths:
Top Builds:
Why A Tier: The Season 3 nerfs brought Falconer down from its overpowered state, but it remains a top-tier mastery for players who master its mechanics. The mobility and damage potential are still exceptional.
Overall Rating: A Tier Last Updated: September 15, 2025
Runemaster continues to be Mage's strongest mastery option, offering incredible versatility and damage potential through various spell combinations.
Strengths:
Top Builds:
Why A Tier: Runemaster's versatility and strong spell options keep it firmly in A tier. While it requires more skill to play optimally, the damage potential is exceptional.
Overall Rating: A Tier Last Updated: September 15, 2025
Lich received significant improvements in Season 3, making it a much more viable option for endgame content. The mastery now offers multiple competitive builds with strong damage output.
Strengths:
Top Builds:
Why A Tier: Season 3's quality-of-life improvements and balance changes made Lich much more competitive. The mastery now offers multiple builds that can handle high-end content effectively.
Overall Rating: A Tier Last Updated: September 15, 2025
Marksman maintains its position as a solid A-tier mastery, offering strong ranged damage capabilities with multiple playstyle options.
Strengths:
Top Builds:
Why A Tier: Despite some nerfs to popular builds, Marksman remains a strong choice for players who enjoy ranged combat. The mastery offers good damage output and versatility.
Overall Rating: A Tier Last Updated: September 15, 2025
Necromancer continues to be a strong summoner option, offering unique gameplay mechanics with good damage output and survivability.
Strengths:
Top Builds:
Why A Tier: Necromancer offers a distinct playstyle that's both effective and enjoyable. The mastery performs well in most endgame scenarios and provides good build diversity.
Overall Rating: B Tier Last Updated: September 15, 2025
Bladedancer offers solid melee combat capabilities with good damage output and defensive options, though it falls slightly short of the top tiers.
Strengths:
Top Builds:
Why B Tier: While Bladedancer is a solid mastery, it lacks the raw power and versatility of the higher-tier options. It's still very capable but requires more optimization to compete at the highest levels.
Overall Rating: B Tier Last Updated: September 15, 2025
Warlock received some attention in Season 3 but remains a specialized option with specific strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths:
Top Builds:
Why B Tier: Warlock is a mastery that excels in specific scenarios but lacks the overall versatility of higher-tier options. It's capable but requires specific build paths to be truly effective.
Overall Rating: B Tier Last Updated: September 15, 2025
Shaman offers elemental spellcasting capabilities with good area damage, though it struggles somewhat with single-target damage compared to other options.
Strengths:
Top Builds:
Why B Tier: Shaman is a solid mastery with good area damage but falls short in single-target scenarios compared to higher-tier options. It's viable but requires more investment to compete at the highest levels.
Overall Rating: B Tier Last Updated: September 15, 2025
Sorcerer remains Mage's most straightforward spellcasting option, offering good damage output but lacking some of the versatility of other masteries.
Strengths:
Top Builds:
Why B Tier: Sorcerer is a capable mastery but lacks the unique mechanics and versatility of higher-tier options. It's straightforward and effective but doesn't offer the same level of optimization potential.
Overall Rating: B Tier Last Updated: September 15, 2025
Spellblade combines melee and spellcasting mechanics, offering a unique playstyle that's both complex and rewarding.
Strengths:
Top Builds:
Why B Tier: Spellblade offers a unique and interesting playstyle but requires significant optimization to compete at the highest levels. It's capable but more challenging to play effectively than higher-tier options.
Overall Rating: C Tier Last Updated: September 15, 2025
Forge Guard is the most defensive Sentinel mastery, offering incredible survivability but lacking the damage output of other options.
Strengths:
Top Builds:
Why C Tier: While Forge Guard offers incredible defensive capabilities, it struggles to match the damage output of other masteries in high-end content. It's viable but requires significant investment to be competitive.
Overall Rating: C Tier Last Updated: September 15, 2025
Druid offers transformation mechanics with unique gameplay options, though it struggles to compete with other masteries in terms of raw performance.
Strengths:
Top Builds:
Why C Tier: Druid offers unique and interesting mechanics but struggles to match the performance of higher-tier masteries. It's viable for casual play but requires significant optimization for high-end content.
The Season 3: Beneath Ancient Skies patch brought significant balance changes that affected the tier list:
For players looking for specific build recommendations, here's a detailed breakdown of the top-performing builds in Season 3:
While tier lists provide valuable guidance, the best mastery for you depends on several personal factors:
Stay updated with the latest Last Epoch news and community discussions through these official channels:
S-tier masteries excel in multiple areas simultaneously: high damage output, strong defensive capabilities, good clear speed, and multiple viable build options. They can handle 200+ corruption monoliths efficiently and perform well in all endgame scenarios.
The tier list typically changes with major patches, which occur every 3-4 months. Season 3's balance changes were particularly significant, affecting multiple masteries and builds.
Yes, all masteries are viable for endgame content. C-tier rankings indicate relative performance differences, not absolute viability. With proper gear and optimization, any mastery can complete high-end content.
Void Knight and Paladin are generally considered the best for hardcore due to their strong defensive capabilities and multiple survival layers. Forge Guard is also a solid choice for maximum defense.
Primal hunt mechanics particularly benefit summoner masteries like Beastmaster and Necromancer, as well as transformation builds. This contributed to Beastmaster's rise to S-tier in Season 3.
While tier lists provide valuable guidance, personal enjoyment should be your primary consideration. All masteries are viable, and playing something you enjoy will lead to better performance and more fun.
Void Knight is generally considered the most beginner-friendly due to its straightforward mechanics, strong defensive options, and forgiving gameplay. Paladin is also an excellent choice for new players.
Gear is crucial for maximizing any mastery's potential. However, S-tier masteries tend to perform well even with mediocre gear, while lower-tier masteries may require more specific gear optimization to compete.
This Last Epoch tier list for Season 3 reflects the current meta following the significant balance changes in patch 1.3. Void Knight and Beastmaster emerge as the top-tier masteries, offering exceptional performance across all endgame scenarios. However, the beauty of Last Epoch lies in its diversity - all 15 masteries are viable and capable of completing the game's most challenging content.
Remember that tier lists are guidelines, not absolute rules. The best mastery for you is the one that matches your playstyle, preferences, and goals. Whether you prefer the tanky resilience of Void Knight, the summoning mechanics of Beastmaster, or the spellcasting versatility of Runemaster, Last Epoch offers a mastery that will provide an engaging and rewarding experience.
Stay tuned for future updates as the meta continues to evolve with new patches and balance changes. For the most current information, always check the official channels and community resources listed above.