Xal'atath's Guile is the final affix that players encounter at Keystone levels +12 and above, radically increasing the group's penalty for each death. This added difficulty is felt especially painfully at the highest level of Mythic+ — and in the article below, you'll find everything you need to know about Xal'atath's Guile, Xal'atath's Bargains, and how to counter them.
Xal'atath's Guile Affix Overview
As we've already mentioned, Xal'atath's Guile comes into play only at Mythic+ difficulty level +12 and above. And while this is the last level that gives maximum character value in the form of the highest number of Myth Dawncrest (16 per run), the Xal'atath's Guile affix can largely be considered a challenge for enthusiasts of the mode who are ready to push high keys without tangible rewards beyond seasonal achievements and cosmetics.
And these players have it rough — once Xal'atath's Guile takes effect, the penalty for a character's death during a Mythic+ dungeon run increases from 5 seconds to 15, punishing you brutally for any mistakes, even though 90 extra seconds are added to the timer at the same time. However, before you face the Harbinger's unveiled wrath, she'll have a chance to rattle your nerves with the flip side of Xal'atath's Guile.
Xal'atath's Bargains Overview
The affixes from the Xal'atath's Bargains series look like a game played by the Harbinger — one whose rules only she herself fully understands: each one makes your dungeon run harder, but at the same time gives you a chance to earn a buff for your group that can be extremely useful in the moment.
There are four Xal'atath's Bargains affixes in total, active from Keystone levels +5 to +11, and they rotate weekly. Let's take a closer look at each one.
- Ascendant: Every minute, the Harbinger summons 10 Ascension Spheres that immediately begin casting Cosmic Ascension. If they manage to complete the cast, all active enemies gain 20% increased movement speed and Mastery per sphere per cast. If players succeed in interrupting the cast, your group receives the Xal'atath's Gift as a bonus — 2% increased movement speed and Mastery per interrupted sphere per cast, up to a total of +20% movement speed and Mastery for 30 seconds.
- Voidbound: While your group is in combat, the Harbinger periodically summons a Void Emissary one at a time, which immediately begins empowering nearby mobs with Dark Prayer. Each successful cast of Dark Prayer applies a stacking buff to mobs that reduces incoming damage. However, once players kill the Void Emissary, they receive the Xal'atath's Gift, granting 20% Versatility and 30% increased spell and ability cooldown recovery rate for 30 seconds.
- Pulsar: During combat, the Harbinger periodically summons pulsars that begin orbiting around players. After 15 seconds, each Void Pulsar releases energy, granting enemy creatures the Xal'atath's Gift, which increases their damage dealt by 10% and reduces damage taken by 20% for 20 seconds (effect stacks). However, if players come into contact with the pulsars, they can buff the group with 4% Mastery and 2% self-healing for 30 seconds (the effect also stacks, obviously).
- Devour: From time to time, the Harbinger applies Devouring Rift to each member of your group, hindering your ability to restore health to the target for 15 seconds. If the debuff is not removed (through dispel or healing) before the time expires, the rift explodes, granting nearby creatures the Xal'atath's Gift buff, which increases their damage dealt by 10% and reduces damage taken by 20% for 20 seconds (effect stacks). If you manage to remove Devouring Rift before the time runs out, your players receive the Xal'atath's Gift, granting 4% Critical Strike and 2% maximum health for 30 seconds (once again, effect stacks).
In some of these themed affixes, you might recognize affixes from past Mythic+ seasons — and you wouldn't be wrong. That said, a reminder on how to deal with them won't hurt, which is exactly what we'll cover in the next section of the guide.
Xal'atath's Bargains Tactics
Without a doubt, each of the Harbinger's minor affixes makes your life miserable in the moment and forces you to shift focus from mobs to the mechanics of her making. However, the bonuses you can get in return are definitely worth it — so in most cases, the best move is to immediately switch to dealing with the Xal'atath's Bargains tasks.
So, what exactly should you do in each case? Well, let's take a look.
- Ascendant: Preparation should begin even before the key run starts: make sure that all players in the group have enough talents for interrupts, crowd control, or offensive dispels to counter the Ascension Spheres. On top of that, it won't hurt to discuss in advance which players will handle the first wave of 3 spheres, the second wave of 3 spheres, and finally the last wave of 4 spheres.
- Voidbound: A Void Emissary has appeared on the battlefield? Immediately drop everything and switch to it, interrupting every Dark Prayer cast and dealing maximum damage to prevent enemies from quickly stacking the Gift of Xal'atath effect.
- Pulsar: Spread out into melee and ranged DPS spots so that all players can collect the buff while saving as much time as possible.
- Devour: If you have powerful spells like Cloak of Shadows to remove the debuff — use them to save your healer's sanity. Also, don't forget that abilities like Poison Cleanse or Curse Cleanse can be used twice while the debuff is on a player, if you time it right.
In most cases, if your reaction time and coordination are on point, Xal'atath's Bargains will bring you more benefit than discomfort.
Xal'atath's Guile Tactics
At Keystone levels +11 and +12, players are forced to deal with Xal'atath's Bargains affixes simultaneously with both Tyrannical and Fortified, which significantly buff both dungeon mobs and bosses (you can find more details in our Tyrannical affix and Fortified affix guides). This is a great time to get comfortable with near-maximum difficulty before the debut of Xal'atath's Guile, where a single mistake can cost you the entire timed run. So, what tips can we share for successfully countering Xal'atath's Guile:
- Don't die. Sure, it's obvious, but don't even think that dying and quickly respawning will be the better play at any point in the fight — 15 seconds is far too heavy a penalty.
- Don't rely solely on your healer. If you realize your healer is struggling and you have defensive abilities off cooldown, use them. Especially when you can tell that enemies are about to dish out a massive amount of damage.
- Coordinate cooldowns. Distribute your major cooldowns in sync with the rest of the group's rotation. Set a dedicated window for Bloodlust as well — this can save you a considerable amount of time.
That said, if you've made it to a +12 Keystone, you should already have a solid grasp of what's required of you in Mythic+. We're confident you'll quickly get the hang of the new affixes.
So, we've told you everything you need to know about the Fortified Affix. Good luck conquering M+ dungeons, and don't forget to check out our Mythic+ Timer guide to learn even more useful details.
