The ‘Witch’ class has become a beloved choice among players of Path of Exile 2, particularly due to the popularity of minion builds associated with her abilities. However, in the challenging landscape of the Update 0.2.0 campaign, many players are finding it difficult to pinpoint the ideal mix of abilities, passive skills, and Ascendancies necessary to progress to the endgame effectively.
This guide aims to provide an optimal league starter build for the Witch, allowing players to smoothly transition from Act I all the way to early mapping phases.
Note: This article excludes listings for endgame gear specific to the Witch class.
Essential Mechanics and Skills for Leveling a Witch in Path of Exile 2
When most players mention ‘Witch’, the immediate association is with her minions. This class was specifically designed to leverage the power of allies in battle, complemented by various supportive skills. Despite this, the recent Update 0.2.0 has created some hurdles for the Witch, as many of her minions have faced reductions in their early-game effectiveness.
To counter these challenges, we recommend focusing on a spell damage-over-time (DOT) build that excels in clearing crowds of enemies and also effectively tackles single-target bosses. Importantly, the choice of Ascendancy for the Witch significantly influences the build’s damage output.
Your primary skills should consist of Essence Drain and Contagion. Essence Drain becomes available at level 3, while Contagion can be acquired as early as level 1. Once these skills are in your arsenal, you’ll be able to power through adversaries in various zones. Subsequently, incorporate Unearth to create minions that can absorb damage, along with Despair and Withering Presence.
For defeating bosses, the strategy involves casting Contagion initially, followed by a steady stream of Essence Drain to maximize your damage output.
Recommended Skills and Support Gems
Here’s a concise breakdown of the recommended skills and their respective support gems:
- Contagion: Support with Persistence and Unleash.
- Essence Drain: Enhance with Swift Affliction, Controlled Destruction, and Considered Casting.
- Withering Presence aura: Pair with Clarity.
- Unearth: Augment with Brutality.
- Despair curse spell: Use Heightened Curse and Decaying Hex.
- Dark Effigy: Improve with Envenom and Arcane Tempo.
After acquiring Despair and Dark Effigy, maintain the following skill rotation for optimal efficiency: Despair > Essence Drain > Dark Effigy > Contagion > repeat.
Itemization Considerations for Witch Leveling in Path of Exile 2 Version 0.2.0
For league starter builds, specific unique items may not be common, thus we’ll focus on essential rare armor pieces with crucial modifiers:
- Wand: Look for enhanced spell damage, chaos spell level boosts, and improved cast speed.
- Focus: Aim for increased chaos damage and spell skill level enhancements.
- Helmet: Seek an increase in energy shield, maximum life, and desired resistances.
- Body Armor: Prioritize maximum life and resistance attributes.
- Gloves: Focus on maximum life and appropriate resistances.
- Boots: Opt for enhanced movement speed for better mobility.
- Rings: Look for resistances and bonuses to cast speed.
- Belt: Feature maximum life, mana, and resistance boosts.
- Amulet: Prioritize spell skill levels and spell damage enhancements.
Ensure that all armor pieces have Energy Shield as their base intrinsic stat.
Choosing Your Ascendancy: Lich vs Infernalist vs Bloodmage
When it comes to your Ascendancy choice, the Lich Ascendancy is your best bet. This new passive node aligns beautifully with the skills we’re utilizing and enhances the performance of minions in the endgame. Its Necromantic Conduit grants Unholy Might, converting 100% of physical damage into chaos damage.
Optimal Passive Node Progression for Leveling Your Witch
For an effective passive skill setup as you level your Witch, consider following the progression illustrated in the image below:
To enhance your performance, prioritize the Entropy node first, followed by Potent Incantation and Lingering Horror. Before reaching your Ascendancy choices, aim for the Open Mind and Pure Energy nodes, accompanied by the two minor mana regeneration nodes nearby.
After obtaining the Lich Ascendancy, don’t forget to pick up the Necromantic Conduit. As you pursue your second Ascendancy, focus on acquiring the Soulless Form passive. Between your first and second Ascendancy, navigate towards the top of the passive tree to secure the Dark Entries passive before further investing in other nodes.
With these strategies in hand, you’re equipped to embark on your journey through Path of Exile 2 with the Witch class, ensuring a robust and enjoyable leveling experience.