Path of Exile 2 has introduced incredible challenges and opportunities for creative builds, and the Infernalist Witch stands out as a versatile and powerful choice for minion-based gameplay. If you're looking to level efficiently while melting through hordes of enemies, this guide has you covered with optimized tips and strategies to carry you from Act 1 through the campaign.
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Early Game (Act 1): Laying the Foundations
The Infernalist journey begins in Act 1. Despite being a minion-focused class, you'll initially avoid using minions as your primary damage source. Instead, focus on Essence Drain and Contagion for efficient area-of-effect clearing. These skills synergize well, allowing you to spread chaos damage across enemy groups effectively.
Key Steps:
- Equip a scepter with Skeletal Warriors if available. Use them as meat shields while relying on Essence Drain and Contagion for damage.
- Head to Hunting Grounds and locate the entrance to Freay Thorn. Here, defeat the King of the Mist to earn a skull that provides +30 Spirit.
- Use the skull to unlock an uncut skill gem. Choose the Summon Raging Spirits (SRS) gem from the Sorcerer options. This marks the beginning of your minion playstyle.
Transition to Minions: Flame Wall and SRS Synergy
Once you obtain Summon Raging Spirits, your primary strategy will revolve around combining it with Flame Wall. Casting Flame Wall creates fiery zones that amplify the damage of SRS as they pass through.
Setup:
SRS: Focus on leveling this gem and linking it with support gems like Fire Infusion or Marshal Tempo for early damage boosts.
Flame Wall: Cast it strategically to optimize minion pathing. If possible, support it with Arcane Tempo or Inspiration for reduced mana cost.
Skeletal Arsonist: Use this minion with Scatter Shot and Increased Area of Effect for effective crowd control.
Act 2 and Beyond: Building Momentum
By Act 2, your Spirit pool and gear upgrades will determine your efficiency. Focus on acquiring Spirit-enhancing items, such as:
Weapons: Look for mods that add Spirit or minion bonuses.
Body Armor: Unique options like Enfolding can provide Spirit boosts but may need replacing later.
Amulets: A base amulet with Spirit enhancements is essential.
Minion Management:
- Use Hellhound as a debuffer, equipping it with supports like Ruthless, Splinter, and Culling Strike.
- Add Skeletal Cleric at level 13 with Cooldown Reduction for minion sustainability.
- Prioritize Skeletal Arsonist upgrades for clearing large packs.
Skill Support Priorities:
SRS: Feeding Frenzy > Fire Infusion > Fire Mastery > Elemental Focus.
Flame Wall: Consider Fortress for better minion summoning in tight spaces.
Curses: Apply Flammability with Ritualistic Curse for debuffing.
Skill Tree Progression
Your passive skill tree will evolve as you level up. Begin by traveling upward to unlock key nodes for minion and Spirit efficiency.
Recommendations:
Focus on minion nodes that boost Fire Damage, Minion Life, and Mana Efficiency.
If needed, grab Strength or Dexterity nodes temporarily to meet gem requirements.
Prioritize nodes like Mind Over Matter, which helps convert damage to your Spirit or Energy Shield pool.
Jeweler Orbs and Gear Optimization
To maximize damage, use your first Jeweler Orbs on linking gear for Skeletal Arsonist or SRS. As your Spirit pool grows, reallocate resources to minion-related supports.
Crafting Tips:
Craft early-game items without hesitation. You'll find plenty of crafting materials later.
Enhance gear to improve survivability with Energy Shield and Life Regeneration.
Ascendancy Choices
The Infernalist offers unique ascendancy paths to boost your effectiveness. Start with Hellhound, which debuffs enemies, and move to Altered Flesh for additional damage output. Consider branching into the Mind Over Matter path for Spirit sustainability.
Leveling Tips and Tricks
Vendors: Regularly check town vendors for upgrades, especially weapons and rings. Gamble sparingly.
Hooded One: Use this NPC after Act 1 to identify items efficiently.
Re-spec Options: If you make mistakes in the passive tree, refund points cautiously. Costs rise with level, so plan wisely.
FAQs
Q1: Can I level efficiently with minions right from the start?
A: No. Minions become viable after acquiring SRS and additional Spirit in Act 1. Use Essence Drain and Contagion for early leveling.
Q2: How important is Spirit for this build?
A: Spirit is crucial. Gear and nodes that increase Spirit should be a top priority as they allow you to summon more minions and use buffs.
Q3: Should I craft gear during the leveling process?
A: Absolutely. Early-game crafting significantly boosts your performance and progression. Resources are plentiful later in the game.
Q4: What support gems should I prioritize for SRS?
A: Focus on Feeding Frenzy, Fire Infusion, and Fire Mastery for damage scaling.
Q5: Is Enfolding a good body armor for this build?
A: It's useful early on but quickly becomes obsolete. Replace it as soon as better options become available.
Leveling as an Infernalist Witch in Path of Exile 2 is both engaging and rewarding. By following this guide, you'll seamlessly transition from a chaos-damage playstyle to a devastating minion-based powerhouse. With careful Spirit management, efficient crafting, and strategic passive tree progression, you'll dominate the campaign and prepare yourself for the endgame challenges ahead.
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