The Forge Guard is one of the Sentinel's three Mastery choices in Last Epoch, standing out with Last Epoch gold its unique combination of heavy armor, fiery attacks, and summoned weapons. While Paladin and Void Knight are often considered more popular choices, Forge Guard offers a distinct playstyle that blends durability, throwing attacks, and fire-based abilities. With the right setup, this Mastery can become both a tanky frontline fighter and a deadly pack-clearing machine. It would be even safer if there were sufficient Last Epoch gold support.

If you're looking for a beginner-friendly build to take you through the campaign efficiently, this Forge Guard leveling guide covers everything you need-from skills and passives to gear and idols.

Build Overview

The core of this Forge Guard leveling setup revolves around two Throwing Skills: Hammer Throw and Shield Throw. Together, they provide consistent area damage and reliable single-target DPS. With Forge Guard's natural tankiness and sustain tools, you'll have no trouble surviving even tough encounters while clearing groups of enemies at a rapid pace.

Pros:

Easy to gear with strong performance even without rare Uniques

Excellent area-of-effect damage for campaign progression

Very tanky with strong block chance and sustain options

Cons:

Single-target damage lags behind other Masteries

Boss fights may feel slower compared to elite builds

Your general playstyle involves dashing between enemy packs using Shield Rush for mobility, then unleashing waves of hammers with Hammer Throw. Early on, hammers will orbit around you, damaging nearby foes. Later, with proper specialization, you'll fling them outward in wide waves for stronger clearing potential.

Against bosses or tanky enemies, Shield Throw becomes your main single-target option, supported by buffs, healing, and utility from Smite and Symbols of Hope.

Skills and Specializations

Hammer Throw – Your primary damage skill, unlocked at level 3. Early specialization focuses on spiraling and orbiting hammers through nodes like Catapult, Avatar of the Spire, and Iron Spiral. Eventually, pick Enra's Technique to switch to a fan-shaped spread that deals more direct damage. Take Mana Starved Forging, so Hammer Throw costs no Mana when you're empty.

Shield Rush – Your mobility skill and secondary damage tool. Specialize in Rush Mastery to reduce Mana cost, then invest in Protective Speed and Unstoppable Charge for survivability. Damage nodes like Consuming Path and Warrior's Entrance make it an effective opener when engaging packs.

Shield Throw – The Forge Guard's bread-and-butter single-target option. Specialize in Siege Breaker, Defender's Rage, Throwing Arm, and Colossus for raw damage, while Aeroplates and Vampiric Steel add sustain. Fleet of Foot provides movement speed after casting, making it useful for kiting.

Smite – A supportive skill that helps with both sustain and damage. Key nodes include Desperate Measures (free casts when out of Mana), Soothing Balm (restores Health and Mana), and Righteous Flurry for Last Epoch gold for sale damage scaling.