Patch 0.2.0 may have flipped the script on Path of Exile 2, nerfing builds left and right, but the Witch still stands tall. If you're jumping into Dawn of the Hunt looking for a leveling setup that's simple, effective, and scales like a beast, this hybrid Witch build is your golden ticket. Mixing minions with damage over time (DoT) chaos, it's perfect for newbies and veterans alike. Enjoyed this? Be sure to bookmark our site for more PoE 2 tips, and check out our PoE 2 Currency & Items Shop to support your journey!  

Kicking Off with Wand and Minions

You start by grabbing a wizard wand from the first enemy—a guaranteed drop. Equip it and you'll unlock Unearth, which summons creepy head-crab minions from corpses. These little horrors swarm packs and bosses alike, making early play a breeze. Next, loot a chest for a scepter - double wield it with your wand for extra spirit and minion power. Renley's Starter Bonus gives you two free Skeletal Warriors (100 Spirit), setting the stage for a Minion-DoT hybrid that avoids the pitfalls of either the Minion-only or DoT-only builds in this patch.  In Clearfell Camp, Renley hands you an uncut Skill Gem. Visit the abandoned camp in Clearfell for another, and cut it into Contagion and Skeletal Snipers. Contagion spreads a weak DoT that explodes on death, infecting nearby enemies, while Skeletal Snipers fire poison arrows for stacking damage. Against the Mud Burrow Worm Boss, tag it with Contagion, let your snipers shoot and wand it down - easy pickings, including a level 2 uncut Skill Gem.  

Scaling with Support Gems and Flame Wall

Back in town, Renley gives you an uncut support gem. In Graewood, touch the Cauldron checkpoint to spawn a witch - beat it for another. Cut your level 2 gem into Flame Wall, which increases fire damage on projectiles (including sniper arrows). Support gems? Cut Arcane Tempo (faster Flame Wall casts) and Spell Cascade (three Flame Walls at once - toggle Show All for options). For Contagion, use Swift Affliction to boost DoT damage. This combo - Flame Wall, Contagion, and Sniper Shot - takes out packs effortlessly.  Add Merciless Temper (attack speed) and Scattershot (three arrows) to Skeletal Snipers, and Concentrated Effect to Contagion for boss fights. Minions die quickly from AoE (a Minion weakness), but your DoT and wand keep the pressure on while they respawn. In Hunting Grounds, defeat the Ritual Boss for a level 3 Uncut Skill Gem that turns it into Essence Drain. Pair it with Swift Affliction and Profanity (or Magnified Effect on Contagion). Contagion spreads the powerful DoT of Essence Drain and scales with the chaos or spell damage on your equipment.  

Spirit Power and Late-Game Potential

The Hunting Grounds boss drops a skull, unlocking Spirit and a spirit gem. Slice it into Raging Spirits - Flame Wall now spawns two fiery minions per cast (nerfed from five, but still solid). Support them with Fire Infusion if you grab extra gems. With 30 base Spirit (more from gear), your army grows. The passive tree is a breeze: grab spell and minion damage nodes, veer left for minion health and cost reduction, and skip pure chaos or physical paths early. Search for "minion" to locate nodes.  Prioritise your gear for spirit, spell damage and minion life. Use shop search scripts (such as "extra spirit" or "spell damage") to highlight winners - Discord has plenty. This setup clears Acts 1-3 with basic gear, relying on DoT and minions to get around boss mechanics. Ascendancy? Leech, Blunt Mage, or Infernalist all work - Infernalist shines early without gear.  

Why This Build Rules

Pure minion builds falter when AoE wipes your crew; pure DoT lacks punch post-nerfs. This hybrid - Unearth, Contagion, Essence Drain, Flame Wall, and Raging Spirits - combines safety with power. Minions tank and respawn, DoT kills over time, and you're never gear-dependent. It's forgiving for new players and flexible for late game pivots (chaos or minion focus).  

Thanks for Reading

This Witch build is your Dawn of the Hunt MVP—simple, strong, and ready to roll. Keep an eye on MMOJUGG for more PoE 2 guides and gear tips. Happy summoning, exiles!