Build a Single Loot Filter That Works for All Builds Last Epoch Season 5
This guide shows how to design a single, efficient, and flexible loot filter that supports several character archetypes in Last Epoch Season 5. It blends practical filter-writing techniques, performance-minded rules, and playstyle-aware priorities so you can stop juggling multiple filters and start focusing on gameplay. The approach is modular: build a core filter, layer build-specific exceptions, and use testing and metrics to refine.
Why one filter for many builds works better than many filters
Players often create separate filters per build, which seems tidy but creates friction: switching filters mid-session, inconsistent priorities, and duplicated rule maintenance. A single, well-structured filter reduces cognitive load and ensures consistent loot visibility across characters.
Benefits
Consistency: Same item priorities across builds.
Speed: Fewer context switches; less time editing.
Maintainability: One place to update for patch changes or Season 5 item shifts.
Performance: A single optimized filter can be faster than many unoptimized ones.
Core design principles
Modularity: Keep a core rule set for universal priorities and separate layers for build-specific needs.
Clarity: Use clear naming and comments inside the filter so you can quickly find and edit rules.
Performance first: Avoid overly complex checks that slow down the client; prefer simple attribute checks and tiered priorities.
Fail-safe visibility: Always include a low-priority “catch-all” that shows rare or unique items in a subdued way so nothing important is missed.
Playstyle-aware: Balance what you see with how you play—speedrunners want different visibility than hoarders.
Planning the filter: what to include
Start by listing the builds you want the filter to support. For Season 5, common archetypes include melee tank, caster, minion, and hybrid. For each build, note:
Primary affixes (e.g., +spell damage, +attack speed)
Core uniques and set items
Crafting bases (weapon types, armor bases)
Stat thresholds (e.g., +% critical strike chance > X)
Playstyle priorities (speed vs. survivability)
Create a short table mapping builds to their top priorities.
| Build Type | Top item priorities | Typical bases |
|---|---|---|
| Melee DPS | +physical damage; attack speed; crit | Two-handed swords; axes |
| Caster | +spell damage; mana; cast speed | Wands; staves |
| Minion | Minion damage; minion health; minion speed | Staves; wands |
| Tank/Support | Health; resistances; block | Shields; heavy armor |
Structure your filter: core, layers, and exceptions
Design the filter in three logical parts.
Core rules
Universal item rarity handling (show uniques, rares above a threshold).
Currency and crafting materials prioritized.
Quality-of-life rules (hide common trash; show sockets and links).
Layered build rules
A small block per build that raises visibility for that build’s core affixes and uniques.
Use priority tags so the engine evaluates important rules first.
Exceptions and catch-all
Low-priority rule to show any unique or high-rarity item not matched earlier.
Quiet display for items that are rare but not immediately useful.
Writing rules that scale across builds
Use attribute groups rather than single affix checks. For example, instead of checking for “+spell damage” only, check for a group: spell damage; cast speed; mana on hit.
Implement thresholds: show items with stat X above Y. Thresholds should be conservative to avoid clutter.
Use base-type filters sparingly. Prefer affix-based rules unless a base is uniquely valuable to many builds.
Avoid long chains of nested conditions. Keep each rule focused and fast.
Prioritization and color coding
A single filter must still let you spot the important items at a glance. Use a small palette of colors and sizes:
High priority: Bright, large text for build-agnostic uniques and top-tier currency.
Medium priority: Distinct color for build-specific items (one color per build).
Low priority: Muted color for catch-all uniques and high-rarity rares.
Color and size choices should be consistent and minimal—too many colors defeat the purpose.
Performance tuning
Season 5 introduced new items and affix distributions that can affect filter performance. Keep these tips in mind:
Place the most frequently matched rules near the top.
Avoid regex or expensive string operations if the filter language supports them.
Limit the number of checks per rule; combine related checks into a single condition when possible.
Test in high-density areas (dungeons, boss rooms) to measure frame impact.
Example rule logic (pseudocode)
Below is a conceptual example of how to structure a rule block. This is reworded and generalized so you can adapt it to the filter syntax you use.
Core block
If item is currency → show with highest priority.
If item is unique and on the universal keep list → show large bright text.
If item is rare and has sockets or links → show medium priority.
Build layer (Caster)
If item has any of: spell damage, cast speed, increased mana and base is wand or staff → show with caster color and medium-high priority.
If item is unique and matches caster unique list → show high priority.
Catch-all
If item is unique → show small muted text.
Else if item is rare and item level > X → show small muted text.
How to combine build-specific rules without conflicts
Use priority numbers: assign numeric priorities so that universal rules don't get overridden by lower-priority build rules.
Use mutual exclusivity where needed: if a rule matches multiple builds, prefer the universal or highest-priority rule.
Keep build-specific lists short and focused on the most impactful items.
Testing and iteration
Testing is essential. Use these steps:
Run the filter in a controlled environment (a map or dungeon with predictable drops).
Record what you miss and what clutters the screen.
Adjust thresholds and priorities based on observed misses and false positives.
Repeat until the filter reliably surfaces the items you care about.
Practical tips for Season 5 item meta
Season 5 shifted some affix importance and introduced new uniques. To keep a single filter relevant:
Keep a short, editable universal unique list for items that matter to most builds.
Maintain a build-specific quick list for the top 5–10 uniques per build.
Update thresholds for newly buffed or nerfed affixes.
Use the catch-all to avoid losing newly added uniques you haven’t yet categorized.
Managing crafting bases and vendor recipes
Some builds rely on specific bases for crafting. Include a small base-priority block:
Show bases that are commonly used for crafting (e.g., certain two-handed weapon types).
Highlight bases with high implicit values or those used in popular Season 5 recipes.
Sharing and version control
Keep a version header in the filter with date and Season 5 notes.
Use a short changelog inside the filter file for quick rollbacks.
If you share the filter, include a small README describing which builds it supports and how to toggle build layers.
Quick toggle system inside one filter
Implement a simple toggle mechanism using comments or a lightweight flag system (if the filter language supports it). This lets you enable or disable build layers without rewriting rules.
Toggle approach
Add a small boolean-like flag at the top for each build (e.g.,
enable_caster = true).Wrap build rules in a conditional that checks the flag.
Toggle flags when switching characters.
If the filter language doesn't support flags, keep each build block clearly commented and copy/paste the block you need—still better than maintaining separate full filters.
Visual comparison: single filter vs multiple filters
| Aspect | Single Universal Filter | Multiple Build Filters |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | Low; one file to update | High; many files to sync |
| Switching builds | Quick toggles or same filter | Must load different file |
| Performance | Optimized once | Risk of inconsistent optimization |
| Visibility | Consistent priorities | Tailored but inconsistent |
| Sharing | Easier to share one file | More files to manage |
Stats table: what to measure while testing
| Metric | Why it matters | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Missed uniques per hour | Shows false negatives | < 1 per hour |
| Screen clutter events | Times you had to manually inspect drops | < 5 per session |
| Average FPS drop in dense areas | Performance impact | < 5% drop |
| Time to find desired item | Efficiency | < 30 seconds per item type |
Example workflows for common playstyles
Speedclear players
Prioritize movement and clear speed items (attack/cast speed).
Keep currency and high-value uniques visible.
Use muted catch-all for rares.
Hoarders and crafters
Lower thresholds for rare affixes.
Highlight crafting bases and high-ilvl rares.
Show more item details on screen.
Multiboxers or alt-runners
Use toggles to quickly switch build layers.
Keep universal currency and unique rules at top.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Too many colors: Use a minimal palette to avoid confusion.
Overly broad affix checks: Leads to clutter; tighten thresholds.
Deep nested conditions: Slows the client; flatten rules.
Ignoring new Season 5 items: Keep the universal unique list updated.
How to maintain the filter across patches
Keep a short changelog at the top.
After each patch, run a quick test in a high-drop area.
Update thresholds and unique lists as the meta shifts.
If a patch introduces many new items, temporarily increase catch-all visibility to capture them.
Tools and utilities that help
In-game testing areas for high drop density.
Community filter editors or syntax checkers (if available).
Simple text diff tools for tracking changes between versions.
Example color and priority scheme (suggested)
Priority 100: Currency and universal uniques — bright gold, large.
Priority 80: Build-specific uniques — distinct color per build, medium-large.
Priority 50: Crafting bases and high-ilvl rares — muted blue, medium.
Priority 10: Catch-all uniques — gray, small.
FAQ
How do I start building a universal filter if I have no filter-writing experience? Begin with a minimal core: show currency, show uniques, hide common whites. Add one build layer at a time and test. Keep rules simple and readable.
Will a single filter slow my game? Not if you optimize it. Place frequent checks near the top, avoid complex string operations, and test in dense areas. A single optimized filter is usually faster than multiple unoptimized ones.
How do I handle items that are useful to only one niche build? Keep a small build-specific list for niche items and mark it as optional. Use toggles or comments so you can enable it when playing that build.
What if Season 5 adds many new items and I miss something? Use a temporary higher-visibility catch-all for uniques and high-ilvl rares, then refine the lists as you identify what matters.
Can I share my single filter with friends who play different builds? Yes. Include a README that explains the build layers and how to toggle them. Keep the universal unique list and currency rules intact.
How often should I update the filter? After major patches or balance changes, test and update. Minor tweaks can be done weekly or as you notice misses.
Should I prioritize base types or affixes? Affixes first. Base types are useful for crafting and some uniques, but affix-based rules are more flexible across builds.
How do I test filter performance? Measure FPS in dense areas, count missed uniques per hour, and track screen clutter events. Adjust rules that cause slowdowns.
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