I don't get Harness Magicka. At all.

DigiAngel

So a lot of Magicka Necro DPS have this slotted. I've tried it a few times and I don't get it. Usually it just sucks down more of my magicka...am I missing something on why this is beneficial?

Maythor

It's a shield and helps against incoming magical damage .. returning some of those resources used to cast it when it does the job.

DigiAngel

Thanks....I've read the description a number of times..I just....I don't see much in practice. I'm betting I'm using it wrong...I generally hit every skill on the back bar, swap, and hit every skill on the front bar. Is this only to be used in the event of taking damage, or to be used all the time?

tsaescishoeshiner

You only use it when you are taking damage, or when you are about to take damage. The benefit of Harness Magicka over healing is that the damage shield effectively gives you more health for a short period of time. So you can gain an 8,000 point damage shield then just use damaging abilities and not worry as much about healing or taking damage for a while. The advantage over a heal is that you can use it ahead of time. But yes, it is expensive to use.

So, yes. You only use it when you need it. Also using each skill once and then swapping bars to do the same is not the best rotation, but that's a separate discussion : p

DigiAngel

LoL....thanks...yes I did simplify it a bit...didn't want to go into the gritty details Well shoot....I'll try it out again I guess....and see how it works. Thanks to you both for the advice.

DigiAngel

Welp, I ran it and now, coupled with Iceheart....yea NOW I get it...when you know the hammer is coming down, then engage this. Won't run it in normal PVE, but ya....vDungeons/Trials/Arena's you bet. Thanks again!

Athan1

Note that if your armor needs repair then Harness Magicka will not work. Also, I would recommend considering the other morph for the stronger shield.

DigiAngel

Good tip thank you

GreenHere

Also worth noting is that it scales up based on your max magicka and max health; so if your build has relatively low pools of both/either you'll get less out of this skill. Meaning the cost:mitigation ratio isn't universal, so building for shields does affect how useful it is to some extent. It might very well be that the skill just isn't great with your current setup, if it's got a high cost and gives a tiny shield!