Builds & Skills

Curse

Curses are Debuffs that apply a certain downside on the recipient, weakening them. By default, the player can apply a maximum of one Curse on an enemy, which

3 min read·Updated 2026-07-10·Editor score 88/100
Gem requires strength
Editor's TakeMedium88/100

Everything you need on Curse in one scan: core mechanics, priority actions, and common mistakes to skip.

Best for: Builders optimizing damage, defense, or clear speed

⚡ Pro Tips

  • All curses create Runic Inscriptions.
  • Link your main damage skill first — a 2-link beats two unlinked 1-links.
  • Spirit costs gate your aura count; check the spirit bar before adding buffs.

✓ Quick Checklist

  • Review the core curse mechanics in this guide
  • Check requirements for your current character level
  • Apply one upgrade before your next boss or map push
  • Explore related guides in the same category

Curses are Debuffs that apply a certain downside on the recipient, weakening them. By default, the player can apply a maximum of one Curse on an enemy, which can be increased. Curse skills can only apply the curse on enemies within a certain monster level, which increases with gem level.

Special Interactions

  • All curses create Runic Inscriptions.
  • Decaying HexDecaying HexSupport, Trigger, Chaos, Duration, CurseCategory: Decaying HexTier: 3Cost & Reservation Multiplier: 130%Support Requirements: +5 IntSupports Curse skills. Supported skill Trigger Profane Decay on each target they curse to inflict a damaging Debuff.SupportSupported Skills trigger Profane Decay on each target CursedProfane DecayLevel: (1-20)This Skill will copy the Level of the Gem it is Socketed inCost: 0 ManaCast Time: 1.00 secInflicts Decay on the target, dealing Chaos Damage over timeDecay deals (5.9-287) Chaos damage per secondDecay duration is 8 secondsPlace into a Skill's Support Gem socket in the Skills Panel to apply its effects to that Skill. You cannot have multiple Support Gems of the same Category socketed within one Skill.: If a curse is supported by Decaying Hex, it can be spread via the use of Contagion, as its Chaos Damage qualifies it as a non-ailment chaos debuff.

Related skills

The following skills have the Curse gem tag or are related to curses:

GemTier
ContagionContagionSpell, AoE, Chaos, Duration, RepeatableTier: 1Level: (1-20)Cost: (8-83) ManaCast Time: 1.00 secAfflict a single enemy with a Debuff that deals Chaos damage over time. If the enemy di1
EnfeebleEnfeebleSpell, AoE, Duration, Curse, RepeatableTier: 3Level: (1-20)Cost: (41-178) ManaCast Time: 0.70 secCurse all targets in an area after a short delay, making them deal less damage.Curse ap3
Elemental WeaknessElemental WeaknessSpell, AoE, Lightning, Cold, Fire, Duration, Curse, RepeatableTier: 7Level: (1-20)Cost: (41-178) ManaCast Time: 0.70 secCurse all targets in an area after a short d7
Temporal ChainsTemporal ChainsSpell, AoE, Duration, Curse, RepeatableTier: 7Level: (1-20)Cost: (41-178) ManaCast Time: 0.70 secCurse all enemies in an area, Slowing them and making other effects on th7
VulnerabilityVulnerabilitySpell, AoE, Physical, Duration, Curse, RepeatableTier: 7Level: (1-20)Cost: (41-178) ManaCast Time: 0.70 secCurse all targets in an area after a short delay. making Hits again7
DespairDespairSpell, AoE, Chaos, Duration, Curse, RepeatableTier: 9Level: (1-20)Cost: (41-178) ManaCast Time: 0.70 secCurse all targets in an area after a short delay, lowering their Chaos Resistance.9
Hand of ChayulaHand of ChayulaAttack, AoE, Melee, Strike, Chaos, MetaTier: 9Level: (1-20)Cost: (11-79) ManaAttack Speed: 89% of baseAttack Damage: (67-209)% of baseRequires: QuarterstaffDash to an ene9
HexblastHexblastSpell, AoE, Chaos, Payoff, RepeatableTier: 11Level: (1-20)Cost: (12-127) ManaCast Time: 1.00 secCritical Strike Chance: 7.00%Detonate a Curse on every enemy in an area, causing explosi11

Persistent skills

GemTier
BlasphemyBlasphemyBuff, Persistent, AoE, Aura, MetaTier: 8Level: (1-20)Turn socketed Curse skills into vile Auras, applying their effects to all nearby enemies.Socketed Curse Skills apply in an Aura a8
Time of NeedTime of NeedBuff, PersistentTier: 8Level: (1-20)Reservation: 30 SpiritWhile active, periodically invokes divine blessings to heal you and remove Curses and Elemental Ailments from you.(10-8

Support gems

GemTier
Atziri's AllureAtziri's AllureSupport, Lineage, CurseCategory: Atziri's AllureRequires Level 65Support Requirements: +5 IntSupports Curse Spells you cast yourself, causing those Curses to ignore the u0
Doedre's UndoingDoedre's UndoingSupport, Lineage, Spell, AoE, Trigger, Chaos, CurseCategory: Cursed GroundRequires Level 65Support Requirements: +5 IntSupports Curse Skills. Supported Curse Skills cre0
Hayoxi's FulminationHayoxi's FulminationSupport, Lineage, Spell, AoE, Trigger, Physical, Lightning, Cold, Fire, Chaos, CurseCategory: Cursed GroundRequires Level 65Support Requirements: +5 IntSupports0
Kalisa's CrescendoKalisa's CrescendoSupport, LineageCategory: Kalisa's CrescendoRequires Level 65Support Requirements: +5 IntSupports Curse Skills. Enemies Cursed by Supported Skills are Pacified for 0
Heightened CurseHeightened CurseSupport, CurseCategory: Heightened CurseTier: 1Cost & Reservation Multiplier: 140%Support Requirements: +5 IntSupports Curse Skills, magnifying their power.Supported Cu1
Impending DoomImpending DoomSupport, Spell, AoE, Trigger, ChaosCategory: Impending DoomTier: 1Cost & Reservation Multiplier: 130%Support Requirements: +5 IntSupports Curse skills you cast yourself, ca1
Abiding HexAbiding HexSupport, CurseCategory: Abiding HexTier: 2Support Requirements: +5 IntSupports Curse Skills you cast yourself. Supported Skills will consume Power Charges on use, gaining signifi2
Focused CurseFocused CurseSupport, CurseCategory: Focused CurseTier: 2Cost & Reservation Multiplier: 120%Support Requirements: +5 IntSupports Curse skills, causing them to Curse enemies more quickly a2
Cursed GroundCursed GroundSupport, CurseCategory: Cursed GroundTier: 3Support Requirements: +5 IntSupports Curse Skills. Supported Curse Skills create areas which Curse Enemies so long as they are wit3
Decaying HexDecaying HexSupport, Trigger, Chaos, Duration, CurseCategory: Decaying HexTier: 3Cost & Reservation Multiplier: 130%Support Requirements: +5 IntSupports Curse skills. Supported skill Trigg3
Hex BloomHex BloomSupport, AoE, CurseCategory: Hex BloomTier: 3Cost & Reservation Multiplier: 120%Support Requirements: +5 IntSupports Curses, spreading their effects when a Cursed enemy dies.Curses f3

Related unique items

The table below lists unique items that are related to curses:

ItemBase itemStats
Doedre's DamningDoedre's DamningLazuli Ring+(20-30) to maximum Mana+(5-15)% to all Elemental ResistancesGain (1-10) Mana per enemy killedYou can apply an additional CurseWhere her mouth should have beLazuli Ring1+(20-30) to maximum Mana+(5-15)% to all Elemental ResistancesGain (1-10) Mana per enemy killedYou can apply an additional Curse
Rondel de EzoRondel de EzoPlated BucklerBucklerChance to Block: 20%Evasion: (39-65)Requires Level 11, 18 DexGrants Skill: Parry(50-150)% increased Evasion Rating+(10-20) to Dexterity5 Life RegeneratioPlated Buckler11(50-150)% increased Evasion Rating+(10-20) to Dexterity5 Life Regeneration per second100% increased Block chance against ProjectilesCurse Enemies with Enfeeble on Block
Shackles of the WretchedShackles of the WretchedAged CuffsArmour: (35-40)Energy Shield: (13-15)Requires Level 16, 13 Str, 13 Int(30-50)% increased Armour and Energy ShieldYou cannot be Chilled for 6 sAged Cuffs16(30-50)% increased Armour and Energy ShieldYou cannot be Chilled for 6 seconds after being ChilledYou cannot be Frozen for 6 seconds after being FrozenYou cannot be Ignited for 6 seconds after being I
VeilpiercerVeilpiercerAmethyst RingRequires Level 20+(7-13)% to Chaos Resistance+(60-100) to maximum Mana+(15-25) to IntelligenceCurses you inflict can affect Hexproof EnemiesCurses you inflict spreadAmethyst Ring20+(7-13)% to Chaos Resistance+(60-100) to maximum Mana+(15-25) to IntelligenceCurses you inflict can affect Hexproof EnemiesCurses you inflict spread to enemies within 3 metres when Cursed enemy diesGa
Thief's TormentThief's TormentEmerald RingRequires Level 26+(120-160) to Accuracy Rating(30-40)% increased Rarity of Items found+(10-15)% to all Elemental ResistancesGain 25 Life per Enemy Hit with AtEmerald Ring26+(120-160) to Accuracy Rating(30-40)% increased Rarity of Items found+(10-15)% to all Elemental ResistancesGain 25 Life per Enemy Hit with AttacksCan't use other RingsGain 15 Mana per Enemy Hit with A
CursecarverCursecarverAcrid WandWandRequires Level 33Grants Skill: Level (9-20) Decompose(80-100)% increased Spell Damage(10-20)% increased Cast SpeedLose 10 Life per enemy killed(30-50)% increased MaAcrid Wand33(80-100)% increased Spell Damage(10-20)% increased Cast SpeedLose 10 Life per enemy killed(30-50)% increased Mana Regeneration Rate+4 to Level of <Random Curse> Skills+4 to Level of Despair Skills+4 t+4 to Level of <Random Curse> Skills+4 to Level of Despair Skills+4 to Level of Elemental Weakness Skills+4 to Level of Enfeeble Skills+4 to Level of Temporal Chains Skills+4 to Level of Vulnerability Skills
+4 to Level of <Random Curse> Skills
+4 to Level of Despair Skills+4 to Level of Elemental Weakness Skills+4 to Level of Enfeeble Skills+4 to Level of Temporal Chains Skills+4 to Level of Vulnerability Skills
WindscreamWindscreamFeathered SandalsEnergy Shield: (57-76)Requires Level 33, 45 Int(10-20)% increased Movement Speed(50-100)% increased Energy Shield+(10-20) to IntelligenceCurse Skills have (10-20)%Feathered Sandals33(10-20)% increased Movement Speed(50-100)% increased Energy Shield+(10-20) to IntelligenceCurse Skills have (10-20)% increased Cast SpeedCurses have no Activation Delay
Soul MantleSoul MantleSacrificial MantleArmour: (288-352)Energy Shield: (86-105)Movement Speed: -4.0%Requires Level 36, 33 Str, 33 Int(80-120)% increased Armour and Energy Shield+75 to Spirit+10 to StSacrificial Mantle36(80-120)% increased Armour and Energy Shield+75 to Spirit+10 to Strength+15 to Intelligence+1 to maximum number of Summoned TotemsInflicts a random Curse on you when your Totems die, ignoring Curse li
Grip of KulemakGrip of KulemakAbyssal SignetRequires Level 40Inflict Abyssal Wasting on Hit(30-20)% reduced Presence Area of Effect(30-20)% reduced Light Radius<Can gain 0-4 custom Desecrated ModifierAbyssal Signet40Inflict Abyssal Wasting on Hit(30-20)% reduced Presence Area of Effect(30-20)% reduced Light Radius<Can gain 0-4 custom Desecrated Modifiers> (Hidden)(60-100)% increased Magnitude of Abyssal Wasting y<Can gain 0-4 custom Desecrated Modifiers> (Hidden)(60-100)% increased Magnitude of Abyssal Wasting you inflictAbyssal Wasting you inflict has Infinite DurationAbyssal Wasting also applies -(8-6)% to Fire Resistance+(20-30)% of Armour also applies to

Related passive skills

The following passive skills are related to curses:

NameStats
Curse Activation Speed and Effect3% increased Curse Magnitudes10% faster Curse Activation
Curse Area10% increased Area of Effect of Curses
Curse Duration20% increased Curse Duration
Curse Effect6% increased Curse Magnitudes
Curse Effect on Self15% reduced effect of Curses on you
Curse Effect on you10% reduced effect of Curses on you
Curse Effect on you and Life Regeneration Rate5% reduced effect of Curses on you5% increased Life Regeneration rate
Decrepifying Curse20% increased duration of Ailments you inflict against Cursed Enemies
Draiocht CleansingRemove a Curse after Channelling for 2 secondsChannelling Skills deal 20% increased Damage
Fated End30% increased Curse DurationEnemies you Curse cannot Recharge Energy ShieldTargets Cursed by you have 50% reduced Life Regeneration Rate
Impending DoomYour Curses have 20% increased Magnitudes if 50% of Curse Duration expired40% faster Curse Activation

Ascendancy passive skills

The following Ascendancy passive skills are related to curse:

AscendancyClassNameStats
Abyssal LichRupture the FleshCursed Enemies Killed by you, or by Allies in your Presence, have a 33% chance to Explode, dealing a quarter of their maximum Life as Physical Damage
Blood MageCurse Effect6% increased Curse Magnitudes
Blood MageBlood BarbsBleeding you inflict on Cursed targets is AggravatedElemental Damage also Contributes to Bleeding Magnitude
Blood MageWhispers of the FleshTargets Cursed by you have at least 15% of Life ReservedTargets Cursed by you have 100% reduced Life Regeneration Rate
ChronomancerInevitabilityGrants Skill: Inevitable Agony
LichCurse Area15% increased Area of Effect of Curses
LichIncessant CacophonyYou can apply an additional CurseCurses you inflict have infinite Duration
LichRupture the SoulCursed Enemies killed by you, or by Allies in your Presence, have a 33% chance to explode, dealing a quarter of their maximum Life as Chaos damage

Keystones

The following Keystones are related to curse:

NameStats
Whispers of DoomYou can apply an additional CurseDouble Activation Delay of Curses

Version history

VersionChanges
0.4.0Curse Area passive skills on the Passive Tree have been halved, now granting 10% Curse Area of Effect (previously 20%). The Zone of Control Notable skill now grants 20% increased Curse Area of Effect
0.3.0Curse skills and skills that apply Elemental Exposure now can't apply those debuffs to enemies that are significantly higher level than the skill's own level requirement. This requirement is fairly le
0.2.0bAll Curse Skill Gems now have a higher growth of radius per Level. Starting at 1.5 metres at Level 1, Growing to 3.1 metres (from 2.1 metres) at Level 20.
0.2.0Modifiers to curse effect have been changed to instead apply to curse magnitude. This means that they are additive with any other modifiers to the effect of the debuff on the target. For example, curs
0.1.0dAuras and Curses that affect ally or enemy resistances now display values in the Skill popout panel.
0.1.0Introduced to the game.
Gem requires strength
Gem requires strength
Gem requires dexterity
Gem requires dexterity
Gem requires intelligence
Gem requires intelligence
No
No

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