The Gauntlet of Strife represents more than just another tough fight. It's a gear refinement system wrapped in Last Epoch gold a high-skill challenge. Instead of relying solely on lucky drops, players now have agency to improve their equipment through both combat mastery and smart resource use.

For min-maxers, this means endless possibilities. For casual players, it provides a structured way to make gradual improvements. And for everyone, it's one of the most exciting additions to Last Epoch's already rich endgame.

So, if you think your build is ready, dive into the Gauntlet of Strife. Just don't forget: in Last Epoch, victory is only half the reward-the real prize lies in what you create at the altar afterward. Having enough cheap Last Epoch gold will help you a lot.

If you're looking for a melee powerhouse that combines simplicity, tankiness, and high damage, the Druid Werebear Lightning Swipe build is one of the strongest and most enjoyable options available in Last Epoch. This guide breaks down every part of the build-from skills and passives to gear and leveling-so you can recreate it and dominate endgame content with ease.

Overview

This build transforms your Druid into a melee monster that relies on Lightning Swipe while in Werebear form. The gameplay is straightforward:

Rampage for movement.

Swipe for damage.

Automated Maelstrom, Warcry, and Earthquake for extra damage and defenses.

Even at 764 corruption, this setup clears large packs quickly and can face tank most bosses with minimal dodging. Having a lot of Last Epoch gold will help you deal with bosses more easily. Thanks to strong AoE, excellent sustain, and heavy stun chance, it feels both powerful and lazy to play-perfect for players who want to smash enemies without constant micromanagement.

Core Skills

Werebear Form

This transformation is the centerpiece of the build. Important nodes to prioritize:

Storm Node – Automates Maelstrom when using Swipe.

Invigoration – Helps sustain Werebear form.

Automated Warcry – Activates whenever you Rampage.

Insatiable – Provides global critical strike chance, boosting all damage.

Earthquake

Used primarily through idols that automate Aftershocks. Key upgrades:

Increased Area & Multiplicative Damage – Especially effective against chilled enemies.

Stun Chance – Creates frequent interrupts against bosses.

Warcry

Another automated ability that boosts survivability and damage.

Shallow Breath – Reduces cooldown, syncing perfectly with Rampage.

Berserker – Increases attack speed and damage.

Bringer of Winter – Ensures 100% chill chance, which synergizes with Earthquake's damage bonus.

Maelstrom

Provides Frenzy, Haste, a slow chance, and health scaling. With high attack speed, you can easily stack 10–15 Maelstroms for massive stun chance and defensive buffs.

Swipe (Lightning Variant)

The main damage dealer. Focus on nodes that enhance lightning scaling and crit:

Wrath of the Wild & Storm – Multiplicative lightning damage and penetration.

Aspect of the Panther & Twin Fangs – Seven stacks provide attack speed, regen, and critical strike multiplier (up to 168% while dual wielding).

Multiplicative Damage vs. Slowed Enemies – Synergizes perfectly since nearly all enemies are slowed by Last Epoch gold for sale Earthquake or Maelstrom.