Traits stack, so after several evolutions, the Rift Beast becomes a terrifying opponent with layered abilities-extra heads, wings, elemental breaths, or even minion summoning. Alongside added difficulty, each evolution guarantees at least one Primordial Material drop linked to the chosen trait. These materials function as bounty Last Epoch gold, essential for crafting or acquiring Primordial Uniques.

Torn Rifts and Lineage Progression

Once you select an evolution, you'll start finding Torn Rifts-green portals that instantly spawn ambushes by the evolved Rift Beast in your current zone. These fights skip the cave segment and thrust you straight into combat. After several Torn Rift battles, the next encounter will again be a full Mysterious Rift, allowing you to pick the next evolution in the lineage.

This cycle repeats until the lineage reaches its evolution cap. At that point, your only option is to end the lineage, finalizing its growth and claiming special rewards.

Ending a Lineage

You can end a lineage at any point, either because the beast is too dangerous or you've already secured the materials you want. Ending a lineage at max evolutions rewards a guaranteed unique item called Evolution's End, in addition to the usual Primordial drops.

Ending early skips that bonus but allows you to reset and start fresh with a new lineage. Either way, every finished lineage moves you closer to long-term rewards, such as unlocking the expanded evolution cap.

Choosing Evolutions: Strategy and Loot Goals

The biggest challenge in the system is not just surviving stronger Rift Beasts-it's choosing evolutions that match your goals. With over 60 possible traits, knowing the categories helps you target the right materials:

Horn Evolutions → Drop Primordial Horns. Add horns, armor, or charging attacks.

Wing/Feather Evolutions → Drop Primordial Feathers. Add aerial mobility and dive-bombs.

Head/Fang Evolutions → Drop Primordial Fangs and Bones. Add elemental breath attacks and raw damage.

Plant Evolutions → Drop Primordial Petals. Add poison pools, vines, or area denial.

Some of the rarest rewards, like Crystallized Hearts, come from either finishing full lineages or special encounters. These materials are vital for high-end Primordial Uniques and represent the ultimate goal for dedicated hunters.

Balancing Power and Survivability

Each new trait makes the Rift Beast harder. A well-chosen evolution can align with your build's strengths, while a poor choice might create a nearly impossible encounter. For example:

If you struggle with summoner mechanics, avoid plant evolutions that spawn adds.

If direct AoE damage is your weak point, you may prefer handling swarms of weaker enemies over a beast with devastating area attacks.

Success comes from balancing loot farming goals with cheap Last Epoch gold practical survival. Sometimes the smartest play is skipping an appealing material drop if it means facing a fight your build isn't equipped to handle.