Can’t wait to trade items in Last Epoch? Dreading the mere thought of it? Good news! Last Epoch has an innovative solution for both types of players in the form of its faction system. Your choice between the Merchant’s Guild or Circle of Fortune alters the way you obtain loot.
The Merchant’s Guild unlocks the in-game trading system, while the Circle of Fortune is there for players who wish to stick to their guns and farm in solitude. Both factions have pros and cons, and this guide aims to help you choose the best Last Epoch faction for you.
Should you choose the Circle of Fortune or Merchant’s Guild in Last Epoch?
The Faction you choose in Last Epoch entirely depends on your preferences and play style. It’s essentially the choice between unlocking in-game trading (Merchant’s Guild) or a loot-targeting system (Circle of Fortune).
As a solo player and loot hoarder, I chose the Circle of Fortune, and so far, I’m happy with my choice. Although there have been times when I’ve been itching to sell a juicy weapon I can’t use, the bonus to loot drops and the loot-targeting system is well worth the sacrifice.
After throwing on a loot filter, the treasure goblin in me is delightfully satisfied as I smite enemies with my javelin and reap the rewards. How you like to earn loot may be entirely different, so let’s check out the pros and cons of both factions.
Circle of Fortune
The Circle of Fortune is an Item Faction aimed at players with no interest in trading or those who enjoy loot farming. Aligning with the Circle of Fortune gives you access to the Observatory, where Prophecies can be obtained that increase the drop rate of specific items.
Players can also purchase Lenses from the Observatory to enhance Prophecies and make target farming even more specific. No need to splash all your gold when you can find the item you need yourself, right?
Lastly, the Circle of Fortune also has perks unlocked through Ranks (more on that later) that increase the amount and quality of loot that drops from enemies. Just keep in mind that these items can’t be traded if you decide to switch Factions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Target farming | No access to global trading |
| Increases loot gain | Cannot use items previously obtained through Merchant’s Guild |
| Still allows trading between friends | Items obtained while aligned with Circle of Fortune cannot be traded |
Merchant’s Guild
The Merchant’s Guild is an Item Faction for players interested in purchasing and selling gear with others. Aligning with The Merchant’s Guild gives players access to the Bazaar, which serves as a typical ARPG auction house.
Need a specific item for your build? Found an item that’d fetch a pretty penny for another class? The Merchant’s Guild’s got you. Your only limitation is your current Rank — which determines what items you can sell — and being unable to trade items obtained while aligned with Circle of Fortune.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Global in-game trading | Cannot target farm items |
| Easily obtain gear and weapons needed for your build (for the right price) | No loot buffs |
| Opportunity to make heaps of gold | Entirely reliant on a player-driven economy |
| No need to spend Favor on anything other than gear | Cannot sell items bought from other players or obtained through the Circle of Fortune |
| Requires max rank before all item types can be traded |
How to join a Faction in Last Epoch
During Chapter Nine of Last Epoch’s campaign, the dashing Zerrick will offer the Merchants and Fortune Tellers side quest. As soon as you have this quest, you can choose a faction immediately following his dialogue or press Y to pick later.
Can you change Item Factions?
You can change your Last Epoch faction at any time by pressing Y and clicking Leave Faction. You will lose any current Favors and can’t use items obtained while in your current Faction, but there’s otherwise no penalty for switching.
Sticking to one Faction is the ideal choice, as gaining the max rank takes a considerable amount of time. That being said, feel free to try both Factions when you first unlock the option if you’re still unsure.
Item Factions Ranks, Favors, and Vendors
Once you’ve chosen an Item Faction in Last Epoch, you’ll begin to earn Favors by killing monsters and completing quests. This currency is used to purchase goods from your Faction Vendor and increases your Rank as they are spent.
Ranks unlock perks in Item Factions, such as unlocking a loot buff or the ability to buy and sell a new item type. Merchant’s Guild items also gain Faction Rank Requirements, which, as the name suggests, requires a specific rank to use.
Faction Ranks are account-wide and shared between characters in the same game mode. The Merchant’s Guild’s auction house also works the same way, with regular players using a different economy to Hardcore players, for example.
If you’re hungry for more loot, check out our guide on Weaver’s Will and Legendary Potential to learn about Last Epoch’s best gear.
