In Last Epoch, players are constantly seeking ways to optimize their builds, enhance their efficiency, and Last Epoch Gold level up faster—especially when pushing through the endgame or experimenting with new characters. One of the most potent tools to assist in this process is the Elixir of Knowledge. This consumable item boosts your experience gain significantly, but it must be used strategically to truly reap its benefits.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Elixir of Knowledge, including what it does, where to get it, when to use it, and how to integrate it into your leveling and farming routines for maximum advantage.

What is the Elixir of Knowledge?

The Elixir of Knowledge is a rare utility consumable that provides a temporary boost to experience (XP) gain. When used, it grants:

+50% Increased Experience Gain

Duration: 10 minutes (in real-time, not in-game time)

Cooldown: Shared with other elixirs

One-time use (per elixir)

This effect increases the XP earned from killing monsters, completing objectives, and potentially from other sources (like quest turn-ins), making it invaluable for speeding up progression.

How to Obtain the Elixir of Knowledge

There are a few key methods to acquire this elixir:

1. Loot Drops

The Elixir of Knowledge can occasionally drop from monsters, chests, and rare bosses in both the campaign and endgame content.

Drop rates are relatively low, making them somewhat rare unless you're grinding consistently.

2. Arena and Monolith Rewards

High-tier Monolith of Fate timelines (especially Empowered ones) may offer Elixirs of Knowledge as random rewards.

You may also find them in Arena caches, where item quality and rarity are often better.

3. Merchants and Factions (Planned Features)

While not currently standard in every build, future systems involving faction vendors or specialized traders may allow for the purchase of elixirs using favor or other currencies.

When to Use the Elixir of Knowledge

Using this elixir at the right time is crucial. Because it lasts only 10 minutes, you want to make sure you're in a situation that maximizes the XP potential.

Ideal Times to Use the Elixir:

During Campaign Speedruns: If you’re leveling alts or rushing through chapters, use it before long zones with high monster density.

In Monolith Farming: Activate it before beginning a chain of echo nodes, especially if your modifiers are adding monster density.

While Farming Dungeons: If you're confident in clearing several rooms quickly, use it to speed-level through dungeon tiers.

During Arena Pushes: Use it before entering high-round Arenas where mob density (and XP) is abundant.

When NOT to Use It:

During Town Time or Crafting: Since the timer runs in real-time, wasting minutes in menus or traveling devalues the buff.

If You're Underleveled for the Zone: You may die more frequently and gain less XP, reducing efficiency.

If You Plan to AFK or Take Breaks: Use elixirs only when you can fully commit for the full duration.

Tips for Maximizing Elixir Efficiency

To make the most of each Elixir of Knowledge, plan your play session around it. Here are tips to enhance its value:

1. Pre-Plan Your Route

Before activating the elixir, know exactly where you’re going. Whether that’s a linear campaign path or a chain of echo nodes in the Monolith, minimize downtime and loading screens.

2. Stack XP Modifiers

Choose Echoes/Maps with Increased Enemy Density

Use gear with +XP gain or +Monster Density

Activate Blessings that grant XP boosts if applicable

Combining multiple XP buffs will scale the Elixir’s value exponentially.

3. Use on Builds That Clear Quickly

Glass cannon builds or fast AoE setups shine here. Use the elixir on characters that can clear quickly and safely without needing to slow down for recovery.

4. Pair with Double XP Events

If Last Epoch is running a double XP weekend, Elixir of Knowledge effects stack additively, giving you even faster returns.

Strategic Use in Character Progression

Early Game

In the early campaign, XP gains are already high, so using the elixir might not be optimal unless you're racing to a level requirement for a skill or gear piece.

Mid to Late Campaign

This is a great time to use the elixir—areas have more mobs, and buy Last Epoch gold leveling slows down naturally. Use it during:

The Ruined Era

Chapters with Siege Camps or Swarming Invasions

Endgame Monoliths

This is where the elixir shines:

Run 3–4 echoes within 10 minutes, especially if they're high-density or crit zones.

Consider combining with Web of Echoes modifiers that increase enemy counts.

How to Store and Track Elixirs

Elixirs are stored in your inventory or crafting stash.

You can hotkey them from your consumables bar, or manually activate them from the inventory.

They do not stack (buff-wise), so wait until one expires before using another.

Tip: Assign a keybind to quickly activate an elixir, like “5” or “T,” so you can pop it mid-run without menu delays.

Future Considerations: Crafting or Upgrading Elixirs?

While not currently a feature, many players speculate that future patches or expansions of Last Epoch may include:

Elixir crafting systems

Quality modifiers or tiered elixirs

Faction rewards or recipes

Keep an eye on patch notes and community updates for changes that could expand the role of utility consumables like Elixir of Knowledge.

Conclusion: Knowledge is Power—Literally

The Elixir of Knowledge is more than just a simple XP boost—it’s a tactical tool that can significantly accelerate your leveling journey when used correctly. With thoughtful planning, strategic timing, and the right builds, you can maximize its 10-minute window to leapfrog through levels, skill points, and progression milestones.

Whether you’re pushing for your first empowered Monolith, rerolling a new alt, or fine-tuning a leveling route for a challenge league, make the Elixir of Knowledge a core part of your strategy.