Last Epoch Expansion Update: New Content and Paid Classes Revealed

Big news has arrived for Last Epoch, and it’s already stirring strong reactions across the community. Following a newly revealed roadmap from Eleventh Hour Games (EHG) and publisher Craftton, players finally have clarity on future seasons, the long-awaited expansion, and—most controversially—the introduction of paid Paradox Classes.

The announcement came as a surprise to many, including content creators who had no advance notice. With emotions running high online, it’s worth breaking down exactly what was revealed, what it means for existing and new players, and why opinions are so divided.

A Quick Recap: Craftton and the State of Last Epoch

Back in August, Craftton acquired Eleventh Hour Games, making Last Epoch fully owned by the publisher. While the financial details were never publicly confirmed, it’s widely assumed to be a significant investment. Since then, EHG has continued developing the game, with Craftton providing additional resources and support.

Importantly, EHG previously stated that they did not plan to charge for expansions or new classes. That promise now sits at the center of the current controversy—because while the expansion itself is free, new classes will not be. Having plenty of Last Epoch gold would be very helpful.

Is the Expansion Free?

Yes—with conditions.

Existing PC players who own Last Epoch before the expansion launches will receive it as a free update.

New players, including those on PlayStation 5, will purchase Last Epoch as a single, updated package that includes all current content and the expansion.

There will not be a separate expansion purchase for new players; it’s bundled into the base game going forward.

In short, the expansion itself is not being sold as a standalone paid DLC, which is good news for long-time fans.

Introducing Paid Paradox Classes

Where monetization enters the picture is with the reveal of Paradox Classes—entirely new playable classes built on systems that differ from anything currently in Last Epoch.

The first Paradox Class will launch alongside the expansion and will be offered as paid downloadable content. According to EHG, these classes are designed to explore new mechanics and playstyles in more experimental ways.

This announcement immediately sparked backlash, largely because:

EHG previously stated that new characters wouldn’t be monetized

The classes are described as “experimental.”

Players fear power creep or pay-to-win design

Despite the controversy, EHG emphasized that Last Epoch will continue receiving free updates, seasons, and long-term support.

The Roadmap: Seasons and Expansion Timing

Beyond monetization, the roadmap outlines a busy future for the game:

Season 4 is planned for early 2026

At least two more seasons will arrive before the expansion

The expansion itself is expected in late 2026

Seasonal cadence will be tightened over time

New seasonal mechanics, quests, and systems are in development

EHG also confirmed that they are expanding their team and improving internal tools—something they previously stated would be possible after the Craftton acquisition.

Addressing AI and Development Concerns

Craftton’s recent public messaging about being “AI-first” raised alarms for some players. However, EHG has been clear: their development approach is not changing. The same team continues to build Last Epoch, and there are no plans to alter the game’s creative direction or rely heavily on AI-driven design.

For now, Last Epoch remains very much an EHG-led project.

Why Monetization Was Probably Inevitable

While the backlash is understandable, the shift isn’t entirely surprising. Last Epoch’s previous monetization relied almost entirely on cosmetics, with no paid stash tabs or gameplay-affecting purchases. Compared to competitors like Path of Exile, the shop has been relatively modest—and likely insufficient to sustain long-term development at scale.

From a business perspective, Craftton will expect a return on its investment. That revenue has to come from somewhere:

Increased base game sales (especially on console)

Paid optional content like Paradox Classes

Expanded cosmetic offerings

Seen through that lens, paid classes may be the least intrusive option—especially since the expansion itself remains free.

Power and “Pay-to-Win” Fears

One of the biggest concerns is whether Paradox Classes could be significantly stronger than existing ones. Players point to examples like Diablo IV’s Spiritborn class, which launched massively overpowered.

While that situation stemmed largely from bugs, the fear remains: what if paid classes become the new meta?

For now, there’s no indication this will happen intentionally. Historically, EHG has done a strong job balancing the game, and the same development team remains in charge. Still, if Paradox Classes launch clearly superior, trust will erode quickly.

The “Experimental” Label and Player Anxiety

Another flashpoint is the use of the word “experimental.” Many players are tired of paying for content that feels unfinished or under-tested.

EHG does have internal testing teams, and there’s no reason to believe Paradox Classes will launch completely untested. Still, the wording has raised eyebrows in a gaming landscape where early access monetization has burned players before.

Final Thoughts: Cautious Optimism

The reaction to this announcement ultimately comes down to trust. EHG has built goodwill over the years through strong systems, excellent crafting, and consistent quality-of-life improvements. That track record buys them some patience—but not unlimited patience.

If Paradox Classes are fairly priced, well-balanced, and genuinely interesting, many players may come around. If they’re buggy, expensive, or clearly stronger than everything else, the backlash will intensify fast. A large amount of cheap Last Epoch gold would be very helpful.

For now, judgment is best reserved until more details are revealed. One thing is certain: Last Epoch is entering a new era, and how EHG and Craftton handle monetization from here will define the game’s future just as much as any expansion or season ever could. Another flashpoint is the use of the word “experimental.” Many players are tired of paying for content that feels unfinished or under-tested.