Experimental items are among the most innovative systems in Last Epoch, offering rare hybrid modifiers that open up new layers of build customization. When paired with advanced crafting tools like the Rune of Research and Glyph of Insight, experimental gear becomes essential for optimizing endgame performance.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

·What experimental items are

·How to find and craft them

·How experimental affixes work

·Tiering strategies and practical crafting tips

What Are Experimental Items?

Experimental items are gear pieces that feature at least one experimental affix, 1 unique modifier not found on standard gear. These affixes often provide highly specific or build-defining effects, such as:

·Gain Ward on potion use

·Summon volatile zombies after movement skills

·Convert Health to Ward

Minions teleport to you after using a movement skill

These affixes aren't limited to niche builds 1 once you reach endgame content (Empowered Monoliths, Dungeons, Arena), they become core to pushing your character’s potential.

Experimental affixes don't replace Uniques or Set Items 1 they enhance traditional crafting by offering new hybrid options.

How to Obtain Experimental Items

You won’t find experimental gear from random mobs. Instead, you’ll need to hunt Exiled Mages, mini-bosses found in Rune Prisons.

Rune Prisons:

·Appear randomly during the campaign and the Monolith of Fate runs.

·Defeating the Exiled Mage inside guarantees one experimental item drop.

·Can drop Rune of Research and Glyph of Insight for advanced crafting.

Tip: Increase your odds of encountering Rune Prisons by running Monoliths with high stability rewards.

Crafting Experimental Items: Advanced Methods

Once you hit Level 70+, you’ll gain access to two powerful crafting materials:

Rune of Research

·Locks the experimental affix in place.

·Frees up one affix slot for regular prefixes/suffixes.

·Ideal for Legendary or Exalted crafting strategies.

Glyph of Insight

·Replaces a random prefix with an experimental affix.

·Can be used on normal, rare, or exalted items.

·Great for targeting specific experimental effects when combined with planning.

How Experimental Affixes Are Determined

Each item slot (belt, boots, gloves) uses a different system to determine its experimental affix when using the Glyph of Insight:

Belts: Based on Item Level Modulo 4

Remainder: Affix Example

·Gain Ward on potion use

·Gain Mana on potion use

·Cooldown reduction after potion use

·Summon Volatile Zombies on potion use

Boots: Based on Forging Potential Modulo 4

Remainder: Affix Example

·Gain Haste after using a movement skill

·Gain Frenzy after using a movement skill

·Gain Ward after using a movement skill

·Teleport minions to you after using the movement

Gloves: Based on Affix Tier Count Modulo 4

Remainder: Affix Example

·+Dodge & +Endurance Threshold if not hit recently

·Health converted to Ward

·Armor applies to DoTs, but less effectively

·Gain Ward on kill

How to Increase Experimental Affix Tiers

You can craft higher-tier experimental affixes by meeting these conditions before using Glyph of Insight:

Conditions That Boost Tier:

·Exalted item: Guarantees a higher base tier.

·T7 prefix: Adds a solid tier bonus.

·Sealed affix (T2+): Grants a bonus to the outcome.

·Two same-tier affixes: Ensures a higher-tier affix.

Meet all 4 conditions, and you’re guaranteed a T5 experimental affix, the highest craftable tier.

T6–T7 affixes can only drop naturally from Exiled Mages or in Exalted drops 1 they cannot be crafted.

Practical Crafting Tips by Gear Slot

Belts:

·Great for potion builds, especially those relying on Ward, mana, or minion triggers.

·Level the item to match the modulo value for your desired affix.

·Watch the item level carefully!

Boots:

·Best for mobility builds (especially Rogue, Falconer, or Spellblade).

·Manipulate Forging Potential to match the desired remainder.

·Use as endgame speed-boosters or minion-control tools.

Gloves:

·Tailored for defensive or hybrid builds.

·Control the affix tier totals to trigger the right effect.

·Great synergy with Dodge, Ward on Kill, or DoT mitigation.

Pro Crafting Tips

Target Experimental Items with low affix count and high FP for best results.

·Seal high-tier affixes before using the Rune of Research to optimize slot efficiency.

·Use Glyph of Insight last, only when the item’s base and affix totals align with your desired outcome.

·Arm Rune Prisons consistently 1 they are the only reliable source of Experimental loot and crafting runes.

Conclusion: Why Experimental Items Matter

Experimental items in Last Epoch are not just another gear layer 1; they are a keystone of high-end optimization and build expression.

·Enable unique playstyles (e.g., minion warps, potion-based damage boosts).

·Enhance Legendary crafting through precise affix targeting.

·Let you fine-tune performance for Monolith pushes, Arena clears, and Dungeon progression.

With Season 2 introducing even more affix combinations and crafting enhancements, now is the perfect time to master experimental gear and take your build to the next level.

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