Torchlight: Infinite is a fast‑paced, free‑to‑play ARPG inspired by Path of Exile and Diablo, but designed to be more accessible while still offering deep build customisation. This guide covers everything new players need to know to start strong and avoid costly mistakes.
✅ What Kind of Game Is Torchlight: Infinite?
Torchlight: Infinite is built around:
- Heroes + Traits (your “class” and sub‑class)
- Skill links that define how abilities behave
- Pact of Darkness crafting, a semi‑deterministic gear system
- Seasonal leagues (every few months) with new mechanics
- God of Hunting endgame (maps, bosses, scaling difficulty)
Unlike traditional ARPGs, your Trait choice matters more than the hero itself, as Traits massively change how skills function.
🧙 Choosing Your First Hero (Beginner Picks)
For new players, these heroes are widely recommended due to smooth levelling and forgiving mechanics:
✅ Best Beginner Heroes
- Gemma (Spellcaster) – Strong AoE spells, excellent crowd control
- Rehan (Berserker) – Melee “spin‑to‑win”, high sustain via life leech
- Youga (Summoner / DoT) – Safe playstyle with damage‑over‑time builds
These heroes transition well from campaign into endgame without expensive gear.
🧬 Hero Traits – The MOST Important System
Each hero has multiple Traits (e.g. Thea 3, Rosa 2). Your Trait:
- Determines scaling (spell damage, minions, erosion, mana stacking, etc.)
- Changes how core skills behave
- Defines your entire build identity
👉 Tip: Commit to ONE Trait path early. Splitting points weakens synergy and slows progression.
⚔️ Skills & Links (How Damage Really Works)
Torchlight: Infinite follows a main skill + support skills model:
- One main damage skill
- Linked supports modify damage type, triggers, AoE, projectiles, etc.
- Energy on gear limits how many supports & auras you can run
Your damage is driven more by correct links and scaling stats than raw weapon DPS.
🛠️ Crafting & Gear – Pact of Darkness Explained
Torchlight: Infinite avoids pure RNG crafting:
Pact of Darkness Basics
- You can lock key modifiers on gear
- Reroll remaining affixes
- Gradually improve items instead of hoping for drops
Early Gear Tips
- Prioritise Elemental Resistances (75% cap) before endgame
- Energy on gear is critical for more auras and supports
- Tier 2 affixes (item level ~82) are the early endgame sweet spot
🗺️ Progression Flow (Campaign → Endgame)
- Campaign – Fast, forgiving, teaches systems
- Netherrealm / Void Chart – Mapping system
- God of Hunting – Endgame scaling difficulty & loot
- Season Mechanics – Lunaria, Vorax, Arcana, etc.
The campaign is short; the real game begins after it ends.
💰 Currency & Trading Tips
- Currency devalues over time → spend early
- Trade for build‑enabling items instead of farming them
- Use loot filters early to save time
- Some seasonal mechanics are far more profitable than raw farming
🚫 Common Beginner Mistakes (Avoid These)
❌ Ignoring resistances
❌ Not committing to a Trait path
❌ Hoarding currency early
❌ Relying only on dropped gear
❌ Copying endgame builds without understanding scaling
✅ First 5‑Hour Checklist
- Pick ONE Trait and stick to it
- Cap elemental resistances
- Upgrade Energy on gear
- Link your main skill properly
- Use Pact of Darkness crafting early
