The Witch class of Path of Exile 2 can be classified as a ranged tank with burst damage capability. Keeping in mind the Bam Blood Mage concept which will now return with the Infernalist build, players will have plenty of room for experimentation when it comes to builds that rely on dealing chaos damage and summoning minions. This guide looks into the skills and combos that can enable the Witch class to be incredibly strong in both the early and late stages of the game.

• Key Skills & Combos
• Blood Mage
• Infernalist Ascendancy

↖ Key Skills & Combos

Contagion & Essence Drain

• Combination: A classic from POE1, ideal for Chaos Damage over time builds.
• Features: Spreads Chaos DOT debuffs to nearby enemies upon death.
• Advantages: Excellent for clearing large packs with Essence Drain as the main damage source.

Skeletal Minions

• Types: Skeletal Warrior, Skeletal Cleric, Skeletal Arsonist.
• Usage: Basic minions for frontline defense and ranged damage.
• Special Abilities: Clerics can heal and revive other skeletons.

Skeletal Frost Mage + Skeletal Storm Mage

• Comparison: Both offer great AoE; Storm Mages are more cost-effective.
• Benefits: Lightning Damage from Storm Mages can shock enemies for increased damage.

Skeletal Reaver

• Role: Ideal for melee-oriented minion army.
• Mechanics: Can enrage for significantly stronger hits.
• Drawbacks: Health loss makes them less consistent but offers high damage bursts.

Hexblast

• Potential: A promising Chaos skill with high damage output.
• Combination: Works well with Blasphemy Aura for constant curses.
• Limitation: Cast Time of 1 second may feel high.

Detonate Dead

• Interaction: Works with corpses alongside Unearth and Profane Ritual.
• Strengths: Historically strong low-budget skill from POE1.
• Consideration: Choose one corpse-related skill as they remove corpses upon use.

Curses: Vulnerability, Enfeeble, Despair

• Purpose: Improve Chaos or Phys damage or enhance survivability.
• Strategy: Choose one or two based on build; combine with Blasphemy for aura effect.

Dark Effigy

• Functionality: Provides a Totem that attacks enemies affected by DOT effects.
• Complementary Skills: Supports Contagion and Essence Drain combinations.

↖ Blood Mage

Essential Skills and Passives

Summary: Excels in critical hit strategies, Life stacking improves durability, Requires solutions for life and mana regeneration issues, Opportunity for minion-related enhancements.

↖ Infernalist Ascendancy

Essential Skills and  Passives

Summary:  There is no better build than ignite builds as it focuses on fire damage and igniting. Less suited to non-ignite builds, restricting it to a very unique specialization within the Witch class.

The Witch class in Path of Exile 2 combines both dark magic and life stacking which makes them both deadly and somewhat difficult to control. If you want to deal Chaos Damage, dislike minion management, or use curses, Witch can accomplish it all in PoE 2 for you!