Should You Create a Character Under Standard or Season Game Mode?
Seasons in Last Epoch are a way to introduce new content and give players a fresh start. They run for a few months before ending and starting over again. In this guide, we will walk through what Seasons actually are, what happens when one ends, and how they are different from the regular Standard (Legacy) realms.
Introduction
Last Epoch is a "time-traveling" game that offers various systems and challenges. One of the most anticipated features of Last Epoch is the introduction of Seasons, which will add a new layer of challenge and variety to the game. They will bring new content, mechanics, and rewards that will change the game every few months, creating a fresh start for players who are interested in participating.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Seasons and how they work.
What Are Seasons?
Seasons, previously known as Cycles, are the equivalent of leagues in other games. They will last for a few months (approximately 3 to 4 months), and then the game will switch to a new Season. Each Season will come with new additions, such as new mechanics, items, mastery updates, endgame systems, challenges, and rewards.
For example, a Season might introduce new Dungeons in addition to the Monolith of Fate and the Arena, and add new leaderboards for players to compete.
Seasons will also reset the economy, so you can start new trades without affecting the standard game. Talking about trades: the system that allows players to trade between each other, is called the Bazaar. You can access the Bazaar when you join the Merchant's Guild Faction.
You can access Seasons from the main menu of Last Epoch, where you can choose to create a new character on the new Season or continue playing your existing character on the Legacy (Standard) realm.
Legacy vs Season
Legacy, or Standard, is where your character will transfer to when a Season ends. You will still be able to access your existing characters there, on the Legacy realm. The game will also add most of the modifications and systems from new Seasons to the Legacy realm. This way, you can keep playing on your existing characters without missing out on the new mechanics and rewards. The only things you will not be able to access are the new leaderboards, the exclusive rewards and achievements linked to them, and season-restricted content or items.
Players who participate in Seasons, will have to start a character from scratch and will have the opportunity to compete with other players who are playing in the same Season. Any reward linked to competing for a rank in the leaderboard will transfer with your character once the Season ends.
Seasons are designed to offer a fresh and exciting experience for players who want to try something new and different in Last Epoch, while also having the possibility to compete with others for exclusive rewards. They also provide a fresh start for everyone else, since you will begin from scratch and have to adapt to the new content together. This means that new players have the perfect opportunity to jump into the game and start anew, together with everyone else.
Seasons will also give you the opportunity to experiment with different builds and strategies, since the meta and class balance will most likely change with each Season.
Offline or Online Mode
You can choose to play in offline or online mode in each Season. Playing in offline mode will prevent you from playing with other people, as well as participating in any leaderboard, even when creating a new character on a new Season. You cannot change between offline and online modes once your character is created, so be careful during character creation. Playing in online mode will allow you to interact with other players, trade items, and place yourself on the leaderboards.
Hardcore or Normal
On top of choosing whether your character will be Seasonal or Legacy, you also have the choice between different game modes and challenges.
One of them is the previously mentioned Offline or Online Mode, but you also have to pick between Normal and Hardcore. Normal and Hardocre characters do not share stashes between each other, even inside the same Season.
If you play on hardcore, when your character dies, it will become a normal season character.
What Happens When a Season Ends?
When a Season ends, all your characters, items, and currency that were created or obtained in that Season, will transfer to the Legacy game mode, where they will merge with your existing characters, items, and currencies.
In the future, some things may not transfer. We will keep this section updated accordingly.
Once the Season ends, a new one will begin, with new content and mechanics that will offer a fresh and exciting experience for anyone who wants to participate. You can then choose to either continue playing your existing character on the Legacy realm, or create a new one on Season.
Summary
Seasons are an exciting feature that offer a dynamic experience of the game. They will allow you to explore new content, experiment with new builds, and compete with others on the leaderboards or for exclusive rewards. Seasons will also give you the option to play in offline or online mode, or Legacy or Season, depending on your preferences and possibilities. It does not matter if you are an ARPG veteran or a newcomer; this system will provide you with additional challenges and a new way to enjoy Last Epoch!
Changelog
- 24 Mar. 2025: Guide up-to-date as of Season 2.
- 15 Nov. 2023: Guide Added.


This guide was written by Neviriah, a longtime Diablo and World of Warcraft fan with thousands of hours spent in both worlds. She covers news and guides for various games, with a passion for ARPGs, progression systems, and deep lore. If you have any questions, you can find her on YouTube, Twitch, and X/Twitter.
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