If you’ve ever ventured into the world of Path of Exile—whether you’re diving into the original free-to-play version or exploring the paid sequel—you’ve likely run into numerous players opting for the iconic Witch class.
This character shines through its powerful minion builds that effortlessly clear zones and vanquish foes.
Yet, for those just starting, guiding a Witch to the end-game demands thoughtful skill choices right from the beginning.
Let’s delve into the essential skills you’ll want as you embark on your journey in Path of Exile 2.
Looking back at my own experience, I find myself wishing I had made these choices during my first playthrough.
Choosing the Best Early-Game Skills for Your Witch
In Path of Exile 2, skills are organized in tiers, ranging from Tier 1 to Tier 13.
To build a solid foundation for your Witch, let’s highlight the most effective skills across Tiers 1, 3, and 5.
Tier I: Skeletal Sniper
Right off the bat, during the prologue on the beach, players can use the area-of-effect skill called Unearth for free.
However, to enhance your area damage, it’s wise to opt for Skeletal Sniper as your Tier I skill.
This powerful minion spell summons a skeletal archer, armed with a poisonous bow, to assist you in battle.
Tier III: Skeletal Arsonist
As you progress, your next skill choice should be Skeletal Arsonist at Tier 3.
This ability enables you to summon a group of skeletons that hurl explosives, making it a strategic option for controlling space during optional boss fights.
Tier V: Raise Zombie
When you reach Tier 5, selecting Raise Zombie is a must.
This summoning skill allows you to conjure up to ten zombies for a limited time, creating a formidable horde that rushes enemies up close.
By combining Raise Zombie with the enhancements you’ve gained from your Skeletal Sniper, you’ll manage a powerful undead army capable of conquering any map.
Essential Passive Skills for Your Witch
Clearly, the skills we’ve discussed lay the groundwork for a minion-focused playstyle in Path of Exile 2.
For newcomers, the passive skill tree might seem intimidating, but it’s more straightforward than you might think.
The tree is identical across all classes, so your focus will narrow to your specific section as you grow through the game.
Start by concentrating on the left side of the passive tree, where you’ll find upgrades for Spell and Minion Damage.
The first node in this area can provide up to an 8 percent increase in both spell damage and minion damage—this boost can be pivotal early on.
After you’ve made some progress, direct your attention to the right side of the tree to bolster your character’s survivability.
While your Witch might begin as a delicate glass cannon, investing in enhancing your minions will allow them to absorb a significant amount of enemy fire.
If you prefer a more calculated strategy, consider exploring the newly introduced Mercenary class, which has garnered praise during the Early Access phase of Path of Exile 2.
For now, players can access Path of Exile 2 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S by purchasing one of the supporter packs.
Now is the perfect time to embrace your inner goth and thrive as a Witch in this captivating universe!
Source: Kotaku