Condition Harbinger

August 2023

Introduction

Condition Harbinger is a strong Torment-based DPS build.

Unlike Death Shroud, Harbinger Shroud does not protect the Harbinger’s health pool while it is active. Harbinger benefits from self-inflicted Blight stacks by utilizing Shroud skills that consume Blight in exchange for more damage.

This build uses a Jade Bot Core: Tier 10 to gain extra Expertise via Dark Gunslinger. If you are not using a Jade Bot Core: Tier 10, you will see a small DPS loss.

Build Fundamentals

Use Harbinger Shroud, Elixir of Promise and Elixir of Bliss to stack up Blight on yourself. You gain 2 stacks of Blight every second while in Harbinger Shroud.

To utilize your Blight stacks, use Voracious Arc and Devouring Cut in Harbinger Shroud. If you have more than 5 stacks of Blight, these skills will consume that Blight to apply extra Torment.

Make sure to transfer the self-inflicted conditions from Blood Is Power by using Deathly Swarm. Be quick, or else your teammates will cleanse your conditions before you can transfer them to the enemy. If necessary, move out of the group to avoid being cleansed.

Always use Elixir of Ambition while above 10 stacks of Blight, as this doubles the duration of the conditions it applies to enemies! Generally, Harbinger Shroud and your basic Elixirs generate enough Blight that meeting this threshold isn’t an issue, but be careful during your opener and any phase transitions.

Build Specifics

On Pistol, use Weeping Shots twice before weapon swapping or re-entering Harbinger Shroud; once at the start of the loop and once at the end.

If you have 2 charges of Blood Is Power, use both charges before transferring the conditions to maximize DPS. You can typically fill the downtime between casts with another skill by following this sequence: Blood Is Power Vile Blast Blood Is Power Deathly Swarm.

Elixir of Ambition gives you every boon in the game, including Stability, Aegis, and Resistance. While it’s never worth it to delay this skill just for this, sometimes it will line up nicely with a mechanic and allow you to block or ignore an important attack.

Crowd Control

• Vile Blast
• Voracious Arc
• Vital Draw
• Wail of Doom

Alternatives

Skills

• Signet of Spite is a flexible slot and can be replaced if the encounter requires something specific.
  • Spectral Grasp – if you need CC or add control.
  • Epidemic – if you need cleave.
  • Corrosive Poison Cloud – if you need to block projectiles.
  • Summon Flesh Wurm – for some niche cases. For example, this can help defend a friendly Reaper from adds while fighting Dhuum.