Quest: The Void's Advance

Welcome, Exile, to the perilous world of Eterra! The Void's Advance is your very first quest in Last Epoch, serving as a crucial introduction to the game's core mechanics, narrative, and the ever-present threat of the Void. This guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you're well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

Quest Giver and Initial Objective

You awaken in the Ruined Era, specifically within the Echo of the Void area. Your immediate objective is to navigate this corrupted landscape and reach the safety of the Last Refuge.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Awakening and First Steps:
Upon loading into the game, you'll find yourself in a desolate, Void-scarred environment. The path forward is generally linear. Begin by moving along the designated route. This initial segment is designed to familiarize you with basic movement, which includes walking, running, and utilizing your character's innate dodge ability (default key: 'Spacebar' or 'Shift' depending on settings). Movement skills, if your class has access to them early, can also be used to traverse the environment more quickly.
Encountering Void-Corrupted Creatures:
As you progress, you will inevitably encounter your first enemies: Void-Corrupted Thralls and Void-Corrupted Aberrations. These are the most basic Void-tainted creatures.
- Void-Corrupted Thralls: These are primarily melee attackers, slow-moving but capable of dealing moderate physical damage. They often appear in small groups.
- Void-Corrupted Aberrations: These creatures are also melee-focused but can sometimes have a short-range, slow-moving projectile attack that applies a minor Void damage-over-time debuff. They are slightly more resilient than Thralls.
Focus on learning your character's basic attack and any starting skills. Pay attention to enemy attack patterns and practice dodging out of harm's way. Don't be afraid to experiment with your abilities.
Locating Elder Erza:
Continue following the path. You'll soon come across a small, makeshift encampment. Here, you will find Elder Erza, a key NPC. Approach her and initiate a conversation. She will explain the dire situation regarding the Void's advance and your unexpected arrival, setting the stage for your heroic journey. She will also direct you towards the Last Refuge, a bastion of humanity against the encroaching darkness.
Journey to the Last Refuge:
After speaking with Elder Erza, proceed through the exit she indicates. The path to the Last Refuge is still fraught with danger. You'll encounter more Void-Corrupted Thralls and Aberrations. Keep practicing your combat and movement skills. The Last Refuge is a significant hub, and reaching it marks the completion of this introductory quest.

Quest: The Void's Advance - Last Epoch screenshot — The desolate landscape of the Ruined Era, your starting point in Last Epoch.

Rewards

Completing "The Void's Advance" primarily serves as an introduction and unlocks subsequent quests. While there isn't a direct item reward from the quest giver, you will gain valuable experience points (XP) from defeating enemies along the way, helping you level up your character and unlock new skills.

Experience Points: Gained from defeating Void-Corrupted Thralls and Aberrations.
Unlocks: Access to the Last Refuge hub and the next main story quest.

Strategy Tips for New Players

Learn Your Skills: Experiment with your starting skills. Understand their range, damage, and any associated effects.
Dodge is Key: The dodge ability is invaluable. Use it to avoid incoming attacks, especially from larger groups of enemies or when an enemy winds up a more powerful strike.
Health Potions: You start with a few health potions. Don't be afraid to use them if your health drops low. They have a cooldown, so use them strategically.
Loot Everything: Pick up all dropped items. Even common gear can be an upgrade in the very early game. You can sell unwanted items to vendors later for gold.
Check Your Inventory: Regularly open your inventory (default key: 'I') to equip better gear. Look for items with higher armor, resistances, or damage for your weapon.
Understand Void Damage: Void damage is a common damage type in this area. While you won't have specific resistances yet, understanding that these enemies deal Void damage can be helpful for future gear choices.

Common Pitfalls & Missables

Ignoring Basic Movement: Some players rush through without getting comfortable with dodging. Mastering basic movement now will save you frustration in later, more challenging encounters.
Not Speaking to Elder Erza: While the path is linear, ensure you fully exhaust Elder Erza's dialogue. She provides crucial lore and context for the game's story.
Underestimating Early Enemies: Even basic Thralls can overwhelm an unprepared player in groups. Always be aware of your surroundings.

By following this guide, you'll successfully navigate the initial dangers of the Ruined Era, understand the basics of combat and movement, and be well on your way to becoming a formidable force against the Void in Last Epoch!