In Path of Exile, combining league mechanics can lead to some of the most intense and rewarding gameplay experiences. One such challenge is to defeat a Harbinger while you are in a Breach. This task, part of the "Cross Contamination" challenge, requires strategy, skill, and a bit of luck to accomplish successfully. Here’s a guide to help you conquer this challenge.
Understanding Harbingers and Breaches
Harbingers: These are powerful enemies that summon waves of minions and drop currency shards. They don’t attack directly but can overwhelm players with the sheer number of minions they summon.
Breaches: These are timed events that, when activated, open portals to another dimension, spawning waves of monsters. The goal is to keep killing monsters to extend the timer and reach the boss within the Breach.
Combining these two encounters means facing a continuous onslaught of enemies from the Breach while also dealing with the minions summoned by the Harbinger.
Preparation
Gear Up: Ensure your gear is optimized for survival and damage output. High resistances, life, and damage mitigation are crucial.
Flasks: Carry flasks that provide instant recovery, as well as immunities to ailments like bleeding, freeze, and curses.
Skills: Use skills that offer area damage and mobility. AOE skills are essential for dealing with large groups of enemies, and mobility skills like Flame Dash or Leap Slam will help you maneuver through the chaos.
Finding the Encounters
Map Choice: Choose maps that are not overly complex in layout. Open maps can give you more room to maneuver.
Breach Scarabs: Use Breach Scarabs to guarantee a Breach encounter in your map.
Harbinger Scarabs: Similarly, using Harbinger Scarabs can ensure that a Harbinger will appear in the map.
Strategy During the Encounter
Activate the Breach: Once you locate the Breach in your map, activate it and start clearing the waves of monsters. Keep an eye out for the Harbinger.
Identify the Harbinger: Harbingers are often surrounded by a distinctive blue aura and will summon waves of minions. Once you spot the Harbinger, position yourself to manage both encounters simultaneously.
Focus on the Breach: Since Breaches are timed, prioritize clearing Breach monsters to keep the timer going. Use your AOE skills to maximize damage output.
Manage Harbinger Minions: While focusing on the Breach, don’t ignore the Harbinger’s minions. They can quickly overwhelm you if left unchecked. Clear them out periodically to maintain control of the battlefield.
Stay Mobile: Use your mobility skills to dodge attacks and reposition yourself. Avoid getting cornered by the waves of enemies.
Defeating the Harbinger
Once you’ve managed to clear enough Breach monsters, shift your focus to the Harbinger. It’s essential to take it down quickly to stop the constant summoning of minions. Use your highest damage skills and flasks to burst it down while maintaining awareness of your surroundings.
Completing the Challenge
After defeating the Harbinger while within the Breach, ensure you finish clearing the Breach itself to maximize your loot. The combination of rewards from both encounters can be highly lucrative, providing a mix of currency shards and other valuable items.
Tips for Success
Build Synergy: Choose skills and gear that synergize well with dealing high area damage and sustaining in prolonged fights.
Practice: If you’re unfamiliar with managing multiple league mechanics simultaneously, practice in lower-tier maps before attempting higher tiers.
Team Up: If possible, team up with other players. This can make managing the chaos easier and more enjoyable.
By preparing adequately and employing smart tactics, you can successfully defeat a Harbinger while in a Breach, completing the "Cross Contamination" challenge and reaping the rewards. Good luck, Exile, and may your efforts be well rewarded!