Background

The First Descendant Conquest Best Builds: DPS, Support, and Survivability

The best Conquest builds balance damage with enough defense to survive Karel’s Mothership. Use these DPS, support, and survivability templates to choose modules, reactors, components, and weapons for a reliable clear.

September 12, 202612 min read

What Makes a Good Conquest Build?

Conquest increases the attack power and health of every Vulgus enemy. It also adds tougher Commanders, more Elites, altered enemy groups, and Champion effects.

A standard farming build may clear weaker content quickly but collapse once enemies survive the opening attack. Conquest builds need sustained performance across long fights.

Every effective loadout should provide:

  • Enough HP or Shield to survive unavoidable damage

  • DEF or another reliable source of damage reduction

  • Cooldown reduction for important skills

  • MP, custom-resource, or ammunition sustain

  • Area damage for enemy groups

  • Focused damage for Elites, Commanders, and Karel

  • A weapon that remains useful when skills are unavailable

  • At least one flexible module slot for the current problem

This guide focuses on loadout construction. Read the Karel’s Mothership Conquest walkthrough for the complete route

the first descendant conquest best builds,karel's mothership builds,conquest dps build,conquest support build,conquest survivability build,yujin conquest build,

Best Conquest Builds at a Glance

The following setups provide strong starting points:

  • Best hybrid DPS build: Nightfall Raven with cooldown, range, skill critical damage, and additional HP

  • Best firearm DPS build: Gley with full Increased Sensory uptime, high HP, and a fully upgraded weapon

  • Best dedicated support build: Yujin or Ultimate Yujin with frequent healing, MP sustain, and personal durability

  • Best damage-support build: Ultimate Yujin with Battlefield Medic

  • Best durable damage build: Safety Training Harris with high HP, cooldown reduction, and Toxic skill damage

  • Best defensive support build: Ajax with DEF scaling, cooldown reduction, and party protection

These are templates rather than inflexible loadouts. Reactor rolls, Ancestor Modules, weapon investment, and squad roles can change the final modules.

The Basic Conquest Build Template

Use this framework when adapting any Descendant for Karel’s Mothership.

Defensive Core

Start with two defensive module slots.

Recommended options include:

  • Increased HP

  • HP Amplification

  • Stim Accelerant

  • Increased DEF

  • Spear and Shield

  • Shield Conversion (DEF)

  • A Shield module for Descendants specifically designed around Shield

Use external components with base stats that support the same defensive strategy. An HP build gains little from components that provide mostly Shield, while a Shield-focused Descendant should not sacrifice every Shield roll for unrelated set bonuses.

Skill Uptime

Most Conquest builds need at least two sources of cooldown reduction.

Common choices include:

  • Nimble Fingers

  • MP Conversion

  • Focus on the Descendant’s attribute

  • Focus on the skill type used by the main ability

Duration-based builds may also need:

  • Skill Extension

  • Maximize Duration

  • Battle of Stamina

Cooldown and duration should support the required combat loop. Adding more after reaching consistent uptime may provide less value than another survival or damage module.

Damage Modules

Select damage modules according to the Descendant’s real scaling.

Useful categories include:

  • Attribute Skill Power

  • Skill Type Power

  • Skill Power Modifier

  • Skill Critical Hit Rate

  • Skill Critical Hit Damage

  • Firearm ATK

  • Weak Point Damage

  • Elemental firearm damage

Do not automatically install four skill-critical modules. A low-base-critical build may gain more from direct Skill Power or Skill Power Modifier.

Utility Slot

Keep one module slot flexible until the build has been tested inside Conquest.

This slot can provide:

  • More HP or DEF

  • Additional range

  • Skill-cost reduction

  • MP recovery

  • HP recovery

  • Attribute resistance

  • Resource generation

  • Faster revival or movement utility

A flexible slot makes one build usable for both regular Combat Zones and the final encounter.

Best Raven Conquest DPS Build

Nightfall Raven offers fast movement, strong area control, and sustained Non-Attribute damage. Her normal endgame setup can be fragile, so the Conquest version should trade one offensive slot for additional survivability.

Raven Module Priorities

Use the following modules as the core:

  • Nightfall

  • Increased HP

  • Nimble Fingers

  • MP Conversion

  • Skill Expansion

  • Focus on Non-Attribute

  • Skill Concentration

  • Emergency Measures

  • Non-Attribute Integration

  • Mid-Air Maneuvering

Then choose the remaining slots according to your equipment:

  • Skill Insight for more critical consistency

  • Power Increase for direct scaling

  • Skill Extension if your rotation loses important effects

  • HP Amplification for a safer clear

  • Spear and Shield for DEF with additional Skill Power

  • An Ancestor Module with useful critical damage, Singular, Non-Attribute, cooldown, or HP rolls

Do not copy a maximum-damage mobbing setup without adjustment. Raven can recover HP through active combat, but that recovery does not help if a heavy Conquest attack immediately places her in DBNO.

Raven Reactor and Components

Use a Non-Attribute and Singular reactor for Nightfall.

Prioritize:

  • Singular Skill Power Boost

  • Non-Attribute Skill Power Boost

  • Skill Critical Hit Damage

  • Skill Cooldown

  • Skill Effect Range

External components should supply Max HP, DEF, recovery, and any missing resistance. A full offensive set is worthwhile only after Raven can survive while repositioning.

Raven Weapon Setup

ATR-0 Prototype can improve Raven’s Non-Attribute skill output when properly built. If that option is unavailable, equip a reliable firearm that can remove priority targets while Raven’s Claws are being repositioned.

Carry:

  • A fast weapon for regular enemies

  • A stable single-target weapon for Commanders and Karel

  • A utility weapon or different attribute for troublesome Champion effects

Raven should not depend entirely on stationary skill damage. Conquest frequently forces movement.

Best Gley Conquest Firearm Build

Gley is one of the strongest choices for players who want sustained weapon damage. Her Conquest build focuses on keeping Increased Sensory active while stacking enough HP and DEF to handle extended combat.

Gley Module Priorities

Use the following foundation:

  • Predator Instinct or the Transcendent Module suited to your chosen weapon

  • Focus on Dimension

  • Focus on Non-Attribute

  • Nimble Fingers

  • MP Conversion

  • Maximize Duration

  • Skill Extension

  • Increased HP

  • Stim Accelerant

  • Shield Conversion (DEF)

  • Mid-Air Maneuvering

Use the final slot for:

  • HP Collector during enemy-heavy sections

  • Additional HP or DEF

  • Attribute resistance

  • A well-rolled Ancestor Module

  • More duration if Increased Sensory still expires

Focus on Dimension and Focus on Non-Attribute can be used primarily for their cooldown effects in a weapon-based setup. Skill damage is not the main objective.

The build is ready when Increased Sensory can be refreshed without creating a meaningful ammunition gap. Test the rotation before replacing duration or cooldown with extra damage.

Gley Weapon Priorities

The weapon determines most of this build’s damage.

Prioritize weapon modules that improve:

  • Firearm ATK

  • Fire rate

  • Weak Point Damage

  • Critical stats when the weapon has suitable base critical values

  • Elemental damage

  • Damage against the relevant enemy category

Restored Relic is a practical option for mixing area and single-target damage. A properly upgraded machine gun, tactical rifle, or other sustained weapon can also work.

Thunder Cage remains useful for clearing grouped enemies, but bring a second weapon with stronger focused damage for Commanders and Karel.

Gley Survivability

Gley spends HP as part of her gameplay and does not rely on Shield like a normal Descendant. Max HP, DEF, and reliable recovery are essential.

Do not activate an aggressive damage window when:

  • A large enemy attack is about to land

  • The squad is separated

  • Recovery resources are unavailable

  • Karel is entering a mechanic that forces movement

  • The support player is reviving someone else

Continuous firing only helps when Gley remains alive.

Best Yujin Conquest Support Build

Yujin is the safest dedicated support choice for Conquest. His healing, damage reduction, debuff removal, and fast revives help stabilize mistakes without removing his ability to contribute firearm damage.

Duty and Sacrifice Yujin Build

Duty and Sacrifice is the straightforward option for frequent emergency healing.

Recommended module priorities are:

  • Duty and Sacrifice

  • Increased HP

  • Battle of Stamina

  • Nimble Fingers

  • MP Conversion

  • Skill Extension

  • Skill Expansion

  • Maximize Conservation

  • Maximize Duration

  • Focus on Non-Attribute

  • Focus on Fusion

  • Mid-Air Maneuvering

Possible flex options include:

  • Medical Support

  • Increased DEF

  • Spear and Shield

  • Additional MP recovery

  • Passionate Sponsor

  • A cooldown, HP, duration, or recovery Ancestor Module

Cooldown and MP sustain come before damage. A heal that is unavailable during a dangerous mechanic has no value.

Battlefield Medic Ultimate Yujin Build

Battlefield Medic is a strong alternative for Ultimate Yujin when the group wants healing combined with offensive support.

Build around:

  • Battlefield Medic

  • Increased HP

  • Nimble Fingers

  • MP Conversion

  • Skill Extension

  • Skill Expansion

  • Focus on Non-Attribute

  • Focus on Fusion

  • Battle of Stamina

  • Maximize Conservation

  • Maximize Duration

Use the final position for personal DEF, healing output, MP sustain, or an optimized Ancestor Module.

This version works best when players remain close enough to receive Yujin’s effects. If the squad constantly spreads across the arena, Duty and Sacrifice may be easier to use.

Yujin Reactor and Components

Use a Non-Attribute and Fusion reactor.

Prioritize:

  • Skill Cooldown

  • Skill Duration

  • Skill Cost

  • Healing-related performance

  • Non-Attribute or Fusion power when support uptime is already comfortable

Choose components with Max HP, DEF, Max MP, and MP recovery. Yujin must be one of the hardest players to eliminate because a support player in DBNO cannot save the squad.

Yujin Weapon Setup

Support does not mean ignoring weapon upgrades.

Equip a stable firearm with:

  • Strong Firearm ATK

  • Reliable accuracy

  • Good ammunition economy

  • Useful Weak Point Damage

  • Enough range to attack while observing the team

Use the weapon between support casts. Avoid long animations or aggressive close-range positioning that prevents you from reacting to a falling teammate.

Best Harris Conquest Survivability Build

Safety Training Harris combines durability, area damage, mobility, and useful protection. She is a good choice for players who want to survive heavy pressure without becoming a passive tank.

Harris Module Priorities

A durable Harris setup can use:

  • Safety Training

  • Increased HP

  • Stim Accelerant

  • Shield Charge

  • Nimble Fingers

  • MP Conversion

  • Skill Extension

  • Skill Expansion

  • Toxic Amplification

  • Power Increase

  • Mid-Air Maneuvering

Use the remaining slot for:

  • Increased DEF

  • Veteran Tactics

  • Another HP module

  • Pioneer’s Resolution with useful rolls

  • A utility module for the current Combat Zone

High-end Safety Training builds commonly aim for roughly 28,000 HP to maximize important HP-based scaling. Treat that as a target rather than a requirement. A slightly lower HP total with better cooldown and damage can still produce a more functional build.

Harris needs to cycle her skills to generate and consume Toxin while maintaining her passive effects. Excessive cooldowns make the build feel slow and can reduce both damage and durability.

Harris Reactor and Components

Use a Toxic reactor.

Recommended substats include:

  • Skill Cooldown

  • Fusion Skill Power Boost for general clearing

  • Tech Skill Power Boost for relevant single-target abilities

  • Toxic Skill Power Boost

  • Skill Effect Range

The Plague component set suits Toxic Harris builds, but defensive base stats remain important. Prioritize Max HP and DEF cores before chasing a perfect offensive set bonus.

Harris Weapons

Useful options include:

  • Secret Garden for Tech-skill synergy

  • Nightmare Launcher for Toxic skill amplification and area damage

  • Thunder Cage as an accessible mob-clearing weapon

  • A strong single-target firearm or melee weapon for Commanders

Harris can fight at close range, but Conquest still punishes reckless positioning. Use mobility to leave dangerous zones instead of assuming Safety Training will absorb everything.

Best Ajax Defensive Support Build

Ajax provides a durable alternative when a squad needs protection, debuffs, and a stable player for revives.

A defensive support setup can prioritize:

  • Matrix Recomputation

  • Increased DEF

  • HP Amplification

  • Shield Conversion (DEF)

  • Nimble Fingers

  • MP Conversion

  • Maximize Range

  • Agony

  • Midair Fire

  • Arche Concretion

  • Mid-Air Maneuvering

Battering Ram is a strong Trigger Module option when the build has enough DEF to support its scaling. Guardian’s Resolution can occupy the Ancestor slot when its rolls improve DEF or cooldown.

Ajax should still equip an upgraded weapon. Barriers and defensive stats keep the team active, but the group loses too much damage if Ajax contributes nothing between support casts.

How to Build External Components for Conquest

External components provide much of a build’s real survivability.

Prioritize these stats:

  • Max HP for HP-based builds

  • Max Shield for dedicated Shield builds

  • DEF

  • MP recovery in combat

  • MP recovery out of combat

  • HP recovery modifier

  • Shield recovery modifier

  • Useful attribute resistance

Avoid mixing HP and Shield without a reason. Concentrating on the resource supported by the Descendant’s kit and modules usually creates a stronger effective health pool.

Set bonuses are secondary to usable base stats. A perfect four-piece offensive bonus will not compensate for components that leave the Descendant unable to survive an Elite attack.

How to Choose a Conquest Reactor

Start by matching the reactor to the Descendant’s attribute and primary skill type.

Then select substats based on the role:

DPS Reactor Stats

Prioritize:

  • Attribute Skill Power Boost

  • Skill Type Power Boost

  • Skill Critical Hit Damage

  • Skill Cooldown

  • Damage against the relevant boss or enemy category

Support Reactor Stats

Prioritize:

  • Skill Cooldown

  • Skill Duration

  • Skill Cost

  • Range

  • Healing-related performance

Survivability Reactor Stats

Prioritize:

  • Skill Cooldown

  • Duration

  • Range

  • The Skill Power type used by defensive abilities

A reactor with one excellent and one useful roll is normally better than forcing a technically perfect combination with the wrong weapon condition.

Best Weapon Loadout for Conquest

Bring weapons for different jobs instead of three versions of the same role.

A complete loadout should include:

  • One weapon for grouped enemies

  • One weapon for Elites, Commanders, and Karel

  • One utility weapon, alternate attribute, or stat stick

Firearm builds should prioritize a fully upgraded primary weapon. Skill builds can use a weapon that improves their skills, but they still need enough independent firearm damage to handle periods when abilities are unavailable.

Before entering, verify:

  • Weapon level

  • Unique Ability level

  • Module enhancement

  • Firearm ATK

  • Critical scaling

  • Weak Point scaling

  • Elemental module

  • Ammunition economy

A strong Descendant build cannot rescue an unfinished weapon during a long damage check.

How to Convert a Farming Build for Conquest

Most farming builds can become Conquest-ready without a complete rebuild.

Make these changes:

  • Replace one range module with Increased HP or HP Amplification

  • Replace one critical module with DEF if the Descendant has poor critical scaling

  • Add Nimble Fingers or MP Conversion

  • Equip components with better defensive base stats

  • Replace a pure mobbing weapon with a single-target option

  • Add recovery or MP sustain

  • Keep one alternate attribute available

  • Test the build against Elites before attempting a serious clear

Start with a safe setup. Remove a defensive module only after completing the dungeon consistently without repeated DBNO states.

Ranking attempts reward speed, but a failed run has no completion time.

Common Conquest Build Mistakes

Avoid these common loadout problems:

  • Entering with a zero-defense farming build

  • Copying a boss build that has no area damage

  • Copying a mobbing build that cannot damage Karel

  • Stacking critical modules on a low-critical Descendant

  • Adding range after reaching the useful cap

  • Ignoring cooldown breakpoints

  • Building Yujin for damage before healing uptime

  • Giving Gley insufficient HP or duration

  • Running a fragile Raven build without mastering her movement

  • Stacking Harris HP while ignoring her skill rotation

  • Equipping four offensive component pieces with poor base stats

  • Bringing three weapons that use the same ammunition and combat range

  • Depending entirely on skill damage

  • Refusing to change one module after repeated deaths

The best build is the one that performs through the entire dungeon, not the one that produces the largest number in a controlled test.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best overall build for Karel’s Mothership Conquest?

A durable hybrid build is the safest general answer. Combine two defensive modules, reliable cooldown reduction, area damage, single-target damage, and an upgraded firearm.

How many defensive modules should a Conquest build use?

Start with two. Add a third if normal enemy or Elite attacks regularly place you in DBNO. Experienced ranking players can remove one after the route becomes consistent.

Should I build HP or Shield for Conquest?

Follow the Descendant’s kit. Gley and Harris favor HP, while Descendants with strong Shield scaling can build around Shield. Avoid dividing resources evenly without a specific synergy.

What is the best Conquest DPS build?

Nightfall Raven is a strong hybrid option, while Gley provides excellent sustained firearm damage. The better choice depends on your reactor, weapons, modules, and preferred playstyle.

What is the best Conquest support build?

Yujin is the most direct support choice. Duty and Sacrifice provides dependable healing, while Ultimate Yujin can use Battlefield Medic for a more offensive support style.

What is the best survivability build?

Safety Training Harris combines survival and damage. Ajax is the better option for players who want maximum DEF, barriers, debuffs, and safe revives.

Can I use my normal farming build in Conquest?

You can use it as a starting point, but replace at least one offensive or range module with HP, Shield, or DEF. Conquest enemies survive longer and deal more damage than their Hard-difficulty versions.

Do I need an Ancestor Module?

No. A standard module with reliable stats is better than an Ancestor Module with poor rolls. Equip one only when its primary value replaces an existing module without weakening the build.

Can one loadout handle the full dungeon and Karel?

Yes, if it contains both area and single-target damage. Highly optimized players may use separate presets, but a balanced hybrid setup is more practical for a first clear.

Prepare Your Conquest Loadout

Start with survival, establish consistent skill uptime, and then increase damage. Raven, Gley, Yujin, Harris, and Ajax all provide strong Conquest options when their modules, reactors, components, and weapons support their intended roles.

Players who want help with character progression, modules, weapons, or mission completion can compare offers from independent sellers under The First Descendant boosting. Check each seller’s exact offer scope before ordering and follow all game rules.