From Ultimate Into Endgame

Preparing to Enter Ultimate

• ▸Ultimate applies -50% to primary and -25% to secondary resistances. Check your key resistances on the character sheet before moving, filling gaps with resist components and augments.
• ▸A character who jumped ahead with a Savior's Merit already has the lower difficulties' points, riftgates, and bags. v1.2.0.0 eased levels 1-50, but the -50% penalty applies from the start - resistance prep is mandatory.
• ▸Climbing normally from Elite? Sorting faction reputation (Honored/Revered) and augments in the Elite band first makes the jump smoother (see The Elite Transition Checklist).

To 94, Then 100

• ▸Clear Ultimate's main and side quests toward 94. Point-reward quests cleared here also grant the skipped lower-difficulty copies.
• ▸Level 94 is the central requirement of the top Mythical band (with exceptions such as 84) - gear options open up massively here.
• ▸The XP from 94 to 100 accumulates naturally while farming gear; 100 itself needs no rushing (details in XP to 100).
• ▸Collect Ultimate's shrines too, closing in on the devotion cap.

The On-ramp Into Endgame

• ▸SR (requires FG) is the main arena from 94. The first run starts at shard 1; progressing to the designated shard and claiming rewards earns the Waystone blueprint, after which you start directly at unlocked depths.
• ▸Monster Totems (FG) are cleared as encountered during progression and farming - no dedicated route needed.
• ▸Rogue-like dungeons pay dense one-lap rewards for a single Skeleton Key - a major gear-upgrade avenue in the Ultimate band.
• ▸Nemesis hunting unlocks at 20,000 infamy, anchoring targeted farming with guaranteed unique MIs and high legendary rates.
• ▸For the five-track comparison (purpose, DLC, entry), see Endgame at a Glance.

The Ongoing Loop and Your Next Character

• ▸The farming axis: run an SR depth you clear reliably within the timer, fast - treat ceiling-pushing as separate from gearing (see Endgame Money).
• ▸The two big expenses are full augment refits (Revered tier) and craft-rolling - budget the latter before you start.
• ▸Rolling an alt? Pre-staging a Savior's Merit, a Mandate, and Lokarr's Spoils makes the start dramatically faster (see Mid XP and Faction Reputation Farming).
• ▸Vendor the loot, keep materials and unlearned blueprints - the rule never changes.

1. Grim Dawn Japanese Wiki: GameMode, Difficulty — Confirms Ultimate's resistance penalties (-50% primary / -25% secondary).
2. Official Crate Forum: Grim Dawn v1.2.0.0/1/2/3 Hotfixes — Confirms the point-quest catch-up and the eased levels 1-50 for Merit users.
3. Grim Dawn Japanese Wiki: Legendary Weapons — Confirms the Mythical band centering on level 94 (with 84 exceptions).
4. Grim Dawn Japanese Wiki: Shattered Realm — Confirms the first-run SR flow (from shard 1), Waystone blueprint unlocks, and reward mechanics.
5. Grim Dawn Japanese Wiki: Glossary (Nemesis) — Confirms Nemesis unlocking at 20,000 infamy with guaranteed MIs and high legendary rates.
6. Official Grim Dawn Game Guide: Exploration — Confirms Monster Totems as an FG feature activated as found.
7. Official Crate Forum: Grim Dawn v1.2.1.6 + Hotfix — Official patch notes for the verified version.