In Action RPGs like Last Epoch, the thrill of slaying hordes of enemies is often met with the overwhelming flood of loot they drop. Your inventory quickly fills with a bewildering array of armor, weapons, and trinkets. So, what's a budding adventurer to do with all this "junk loot" Last Epoch Gold?

The Obvious Paths: Selling, Wearing, or Discarding

When you acquire an item, your initial reaction is frequently to determine whether it represents an upgrade. If it features superior statistics or unique affixes that align with your build, you will equip it without hesitation. This represents the most straightforward and immediate application of new gear.

For items that do not qualify as upgrades, the most prevalent options are:

Selling for Last Epoch Gold: Each significant settlement in Last Epoch includes an Armorer's Shop. Here, you can sell any unwanted items in exchange for Last Epoch Gold. Gold is crucial for a variety of in-game transactions, such as respecing skill points, purchasing crafting materials, or even obtaining powerful unique items from vendors or the Auction House (once it is implemented). Selling high-value rare or exalted items can rapidly increase your wealth.

Dropping on the Ground: Occasionally, an item is so completely worthless – with poor base statistics, irrelevant affixes, or simply being too low in level – that it does not justify occupying inventory space or making a trip to a vendor. In these instances, the quickest method to clear your inventory is to drop the item on the ground. This action is typically reserved for white or low-tier magic items that provide minimal gold.

The Hidden Gem: Salvaging for Crafting Materials

Beyond the straightforward options lies a powerful fourth choice: salvaging. As GameSpot highlighted, this method is often overlooked by new players but is absolutely vital for long-term character progression. Instead of selling an item for Last Epoch Gold for sale, you can break it down to receive valuable crafting materials, specific affixes, and more.

How does it work? 

While often done via a specific interface (e.g., the crafting window or a dedicated vendor function), salvaging essentially deconstructs the item. What you gain from salvaging depends on the item type and its affixes:

Crafting Materials: You'll acquire shards (often called "Affix Shards") corresponding to the specific affixes on the item. For example, salvaging a dagger with +Strength will yield a Strength Shard. These shards are the backbone of Last Epoch's robust crafting system, allowing you to add, remove, or improve affixes on other items.
Glyphs and Runes: Occasionally, you might also receive Glyphs or Runes, which are essential modifiers used in crafting to influence the outcome of your crafting attempts.

Mastering efficient loot management in Last Epoch, especially understanding the power of salvaging, is key to unlocking the full potential of its deep crafting system and ensuring your adventurer is always equipped for the challenges ahead.