Understanding the basics
- Simulacrum is a Delirium-infused, 15-wave endurance encounter that can yield some of the game’s best endgame loot. Access requires gathering Splinters, which are earned through Delirium encounters and used to unlock the Simulacrum run. Depth and difficulty of waves directly influence loot quality and currency drops.
- Rewards scale with difficulty and depth. Deeper runs and higher delirium intensity increase the likelihood of rarer items, crafting components, and significant currency drops, but also demand stronger defenses and more precise play.
- Build resilience first: Cap resistances for the encounter, ensure substantial health or energy shield, and secure reliable flask uptime. A sturdy defense buffer allows longer, safer runs and more opportunities to capitalize on damage windows.
- Reliable damage cadence: Use a consistent DPS setup that remains effective amid delirium effects and adds. Have a plan for ramping during safe windows and a fallback for chaotic moments.
- Crowd control and positioning: Large waves with adds demand strong control. Equip tools to stun, freeze, or disrupt packs and position yourself to funnel enemies into favorable patterns.
- Inventory discipline: Between waves, quickly assess loot and stash high-value drops. An efficient loot plan minimizes downtime and keeps momentum.
- Early waves (1–5): Establish your rhythm. Focus on clean clears, resource conservation, and stabilizing defenses rather than brute-force DPS.
- Mid waves (6–10): Density and modifiers ramp up. Use crowd control strategically, time defensive cooldowns for predictable spikes, and maintain consistent uptime.
- Late waves (11–15): The hardest stretch. Prioritize survivability during delirium bursts while exploiting safe DPS windows for major damage. Save resources for clutch moments and elite encounters.
- Boss-like moments: Treat elites within waves as DPS peaks capped by mechanics. Master repositioning, target prioritization, and defensive use when mechanics demand.
- Learn the telegraphs: Recognizing boss tells and delirium patterns lets you dodge big hits and maximize DPS uptime.
- Balance risk and reward: If a wave pushes you toward the brink, it’s often wiser to reset and reapproach with refined tactics rather than pushing through at high personal risk.
- Practice consistently: Regular practice on a few representative waves improves timing, movement, and resource management, translating into more reliable progress over time.
- Consider group dynamics: In a team, coordinate target priorities, share loot expectations, and synchronize cooldowns to maximize efficiency and reduce downtime.