Last Epoch, the action RPG praised for its deep crafting system and intricate itemization, offers players a wealth of possibilities when it comes to building powerful characters. One key element of this system is the Rune of Ascendance, a powerful consumable that can significantly alter the properties of your gear. But with so many options, knowing the best use for a Rune of Ascendance in Last Epoch can be daunting Last Epoch Gold.

Understanding the Power of Ascendance

Before diving into specific strategies, let's recap what the Rune of Ascendance actually does. In essence, this rune transforms a normal or magic item into a unique item. This can be incredibly powerful, offering the chance to acquire chase uniques that would otherwise be difficult to obtain. The unique item created is entirely random from a pool of possibilities based on the item type used. This inherent randomness adds an element of risk and reward, making careful planning crucial.

Strategic Considerations Before Ascending

Before you start slapping Runes of Ascendance on every piece of gear you find, consider these crucial factors:

Item Level: The level of the base item plays a crucial role in determining the unique items you can obtain. Higher item levels provide access to a broader selection of powerful uniques. Avoid using a Rune of Ascendance on a low-level item; reserve it for something of greater worth.

Item Type: Certain item types offer a more appealing selection of unique outcomes compared to others. It is advisable to concentrate on item types that are recognized for their strong uniques, which can enhance your build.

Affix Level: The affixes found on the base item do not carry over to the unique item that is created. The affixes on the unique item will be generated at random upon its creation.

Budget: Runes of Ascendance, along with the Last Epoch Gold needed to obtain them, can represent a considerable investment. Therefore, it is essential to plan your crafting strategy with care. If you frequently find yourself lacking Last Epoch Gold, explore alternative farming methods before depending heavily on Ascendance.

Top Uses for the Rune of Ascendance

Now, let's explore the most effective ways to utilize your Runes of Ascendance:

Target Farming Specific Unique Slots: Certain uniques are absolutely crucial for particular builds. Identify the item types associated with these uniques (e.g., boots for certain movement-based builds, rings for specific ailment stacking). Focusing your Runes of Ascendance on these item types significantly increases your chances of acquiring the desired unique.

Addressing Equipment Shortcomings: If your character is well-equipped yet lacks a crucial unique item in a particular slot (for instance, an amulet or belt), the Rune of Ascendance provides a means to potentially address that deficiency. This becomes especially beneficial when alternative methods of acquiring the unique item (like boss farming) are not yielding satisfactory results.

Crafting for Builds that Depend on Multiple Uniques: Certain formidable builds are constructed around the synergies of several unique items. In such scenarios, the Rune of Ascendance serves as a vital resource for obtaining the essential components needed to fully unlock the build's capabilities.

Late-Game Gambling: After establishing a dependable source of Last Epoch Gold and refining your primary item slots, employing Runes of Ascendance on high-tier bases can serve as a method to gamble for exceedingly rare and potent unique items that could significantly enhance your build. While this is more of a luxury than a requirement, it can provide an enjoyable way to pursue the elusive "god roll" unique.

Experimentation and Discovering New Builds: Don't be afraid to experiment! Sometimes, the most unexpected unique items can inspire new and exciting build ideas.

Alternatives and Considerations

While the Rune of Ascendance can be a powerful tool, it's not always the only or even the best solution. Consider these alternatives:

Dedicated Boss Farming: Many unique items are specifically tied to certain boss encounters. If you're targeting a particular unique, dedicated farming of the relevant boss might be more efficient than relying solely on Runes of Ascendance.
Trading with Other Players: Trading can be a great way to acquire specific unique items, especially if you have Last Epoch Gold for sale to spare.
Leveraging the Item Filter: A well-configured item filter can help you identify valuable bases and unique items that may have been overlooked.

The Rune of Ascendance is a potent tool in Last Epoch, capable of transforming low-rarity items into potentially build-defining uniques. By understanding the factors influencing its effectiveness, prioritizing needs, and considering alternatives, you can maximize its value and significantly enhance your character's power.