In Last Epoch, player progression and gear acquisition are heavily influenced by the two primary factions: the Merchant's Guild and the Circle of Fortune. Choosing which faction to al with is a critical decision that impacts your endgame experience, particularly regarding how you obtain and trade for items.
The Merchant's Guild is the faction for players who prefer a more direct, gold-driven approach to acquiring gear. Joining the Merchant's Guild allows you to trade items with other players through the Bazaar. This means you can sell unwanted loot for gold and use that gold to purchase specific items you need, whether it's a piece of gear with perfect affixes or a rare unique. The Bazaar offers a dynamic marketplace where prices fluctuate based on supply and demand. This faction is ideal for players who enjoy the economic aspect of ARPGs, are adept at identifying valuable items, and want the flexibility to directly purchase desired gear upgrades.
Conversely, the Circle of Fortune caters to players who enjoy the thrill of the drop and the satisfaction of self-found gear. This faction does not allow trading with other players. Instead, it provides sificant bonuses to your loot drops. As you gain favor with the Circle of Fortune, you'll unlock passive bonuses that increase the rarity, quantity, and quality of items you find. This includes a higher chance for exalted items, unique items, and even legendary items. The Circle of Fortune also offers unique vendors that sell items with specific affixes, allowing for a more targeted, albeit still RNG-dependent, way to find gear. This faction is perfect for players who relish the hunt for loot, enjoy the excitement of a rare drop, and prefer a more self-sufficient gearing path.
The choice between these two factions is permanent for a given character. Therefore, consider your preferred playstyle before making your decision. If you want to trade and buy your way to power, the Merchant's Guild is your path. If you prefer to earn your power through diligent farming and the luck of the drop, the Circle of Fortune is the better choice.
Faction Comparison:
| Feature | Merchant's Guild | Circle of Fortune |
|---|---|---|
| Trading | Allows player-to-player trading via the Bazaar. | No player-to-player trading. |
| Primary Benefit | Gold-based item acquisition and selling. | Increased drop rates for rare and unique items. |
| Ideal For | Players who enjoy economic gameplay and direct gear purchases. | Players who prefer self-found loot and the thrill of the drop. |
| Vendor Access | Standard vendors. | Specialized vendors with affix-focused items. |