The Tomb of the Erased update for Last Epoch introduced a new challenge that has quickly become one of the most exciting pieces of endgame content: the Gauntlet of Strife. This special Woven Echo is designed for players who want to Last Epoch gold push their builds to the limit while earning some of the best loot and crafting opportunities in the game. More than just another boss encounter, the Gauntlet provides a unique reward loop through the newly added Sacrificial Altar, making it a must-play for anyone aiming to perfect their gear.
Whether you're chasing better Uniques, grinding out Legendary Potential, or simply testing your survival skills, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know: what the Gauntlet is, how to unlock it, strategies for clearing it, and how to use the Altar to maximize your rewards.
What Is the Gauntlet of Strife?
At its core, the Gauntlet of Strife is a boss rush Echo found in the Monolith of Fate. Unlike standard Echoes, which usually pit you against packs of enemies or a single major foe, this Woven Echo stacks the deck heavily against you:
Seven empowered bosses appear in sequence.
Each boss fight is immediately followed by a champion enemy, leaving you little room to recover.
Completing the Echo rewards you with two identical copies of a random Unique item. These duplicates are not just collector's items-one of them will be consumed at the Sacrificial Altar to reroll the affix values on the other. This mechanic creates a risk-reward loop: the stronger the sacrifice, the better your chances of refining an even more powerful item. Having enough Last Epoch gold will help you seize opportunities.
In other words, the Gauntlet of Strife isn't just about bragging rights. It's a direct path to optimized gear, and a new layer of endgame progression built around Legendary Potential.
How to Get the Gauntlet of Strife Echo
There are several ways to obtain this Echo, though some rely on RNG while others provide guaranteed access:
Random Drops
The Gauntlet of Strife Woven Echo can appear as loot in Tombs or Cemeteries of the Erased.
Both locations are part of the Monolith's endgame rotations, so farming them repeatedly increases your odds.
Echo Rewards
Certain Echoes may include the Gauntlet as a reward option. Keep an eye on objectives and reward markers while progressing through the Monolith.
Faction Vendor Purchase
Once you reach Rank 9 with The Woven, you can buy the Echo directly from Masque at the Haven of Silk.
The cost is 3,000 Memory Amber, making this the most reliable method if RNG hasn't been kind.
After acquiring the Echo, you'll need to slot it into your Timeline using the Woven Echo device at the end of Tombs or Cemeteries. One important detail: your Timeline must have a Corruption level of 200 or higher before the Gauntlet becomes available.
Boss Lineup and Strategy Tips
The Gauntlet pits you against some of the toughest names in Last Epoch's roster:
Pontifex Aurelus – heavy elemental damage and arena control.
Admiral Harton – summons waves of minions; burst damage is key.
Primeval Dragon – massive fire AoEs, best handled with high mobility.
Crystal Lotus – punishes stationary players; avoid lingering in attacks.
Frostroot Warden – resilience and freezing abilities; stack resistances.
Architect Liath – multi-phase mechanics requiring patience.
Voidfused Forge – dangerous void zones that demand spatial awareness.
Each boss is followed by a champion enemy, compounding the pressure. Since there are no breaks between fights, resource management is critical.
Survival Build Recommendations
High Single-Target DPS: burn down bosses quickly to conserve resources.
Reliable AoE Damage: clear champion enemies without dragging fights.
Mobility Skills: abilities like Lunge or Teleport are essential for dodging telegraphed attacks.
Strong Defenses: prioritize Ward generation, resistances, and life leech to withstand back-to-back encounters.
Cooldown Reduction: ensure defensive skills are ready when needed most.
Players who underestimate the endurance aspect of the Gauntlet often falter. Think of it less as seven individual fights and more as a single marathon encounter.
The Sacrificial Altar Explained
Defeating the Gauntlet unlocks the Sacrificial Altar, a brand-new crafting mechanic that takes Uniques and Legendaries to the next level. Here's how it works:
Place your two duplicate Uniques on the altar.
One item is sacrificed, and its power fuels a reroll of the affix values on the other.
All affixes reroll within their possible ranges, while Legendary affixes retain their current tier.
The sacrificial item must have equal or higher Legendary Potential (LP) than the target item.
This system allows players to repeatedly refine powerful items, searching for the perfect stat distribution to fit their builds. It also synergizes beautifully with the Nemesis system, which is ideal for farming low-LP versions of Uniques to feed the altar.
Why the Gauntlet Matters
The Gauntlet of Strife represents more than just another tough fight. It's a gear refinement system wrapped in 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 buy Last Epoch gold the build-from skills and passives to gear and leveling-so you can recreate it and dominate endgame content with ease.
