PoE 2 Bleed Witch Hunter Build: Snipe/Volley

Time: 2025-01-30 by mmojugg Game: Path of Exile 2 Guide Tags: PoE 2 Bleed Witch Hunter

In Path of Exile 2, the Bleed Witch Hunter build with Snipe and Spiral Volley offers a unique approach to dealing massive damage through precision and area control. This guide outlines the mechanics, gear choices, and strategies to maximise the potential of this build.

Build mechanics

Snipe: A channeling skill that guarantees a critical strike when released at the optimum moment, potentially dealing up to ten times the damage of a normal strike. This skill is key for single-target damage, especially in boss fights where timing is critical.

Spiral Volley: By consuming Frenzy Charges, Spiral Volley sends arrows in a spiral pattern, chaining them to nearby enemies and dealing increased damage. This skill is perfect for clearing packs of enemies, making it essential for mapping.

Bleed: This build uses the Bleed affliction to inflict consistent damage over time, which is particularly effective against enemies that may survive the initial snipe burst.

Ascendancy choices

Witch Hunter: Provides damage bonuses, extends enemy ability cooldowns, and includes a Culling Strike effect to increase the build's burst damage and control over the battlefield.

Deadeye: Provides speed boosts, improved Frenzy Charge generation, and the chance to double these effects, which can greatly increase the effectiveness of Spiral Volley.

Gear recommendations

Amulet: The Serpent's Egg is ideal for generating Frenzy Charge, though not essential. Look for items that support Frenzy Charge accumulation and critical strikes.

Boots: Start with bushwhack boots for longevity, but upgrade to rare boots that increase movement speed, durability, and resistances for better survival.

Bow and quiver: Focus on a bow with high physical DPS and critical strike bonuses. The quiver should ideally have a chance to inflict Bleeding as well as damage or speed boosts.

Rings, gloves and helm: These should primarily increase damage (attack speed, crit), but also contribute to defence with health, resistances, and evasion.

Body armour: Emphasise evasion, maximum health and resistances to compensate for the build's inherent lack of durability.

Jewels: Look for modifiers that increase crit damage, bleed effectiveness, and projectile damage.

Skill gems and support

Snipe should be supported by gems that improve critical strikes, mana management, and damage output.

Spiral Volley benefits from supports such as Pin and Perpetual Charge for Frenzy Charge management.

Barrage for additional burst damage when fully charged.

Sniper's Mark for guaranteed critical hits on tagged enemies, aiding Frenzy Charge generation during boss fights.

Gameplay Strategy

Positioning: Sniping requires stationary channeling, so strategic placement is key, especially during boss mechanics.

Frenzy Charge Management: Use skills and equipment to maintain or quickly generate Frenzy Charges for both damage and utility.

Timing: Mastering the timing of snipe releases is crucial to maximising damage output.

Defence

Despite its offensive focus, this build relies on evasion, life stealing, and capped resistances. Incorporate dodging and health regeneration through gear and the passive tree to mitigate incoming damage.

Leveling and Progression

Start with basic skills such as Lightning Arrow for early leveling, then progress to Snipe and Spiral Volley as you gain the necessary equipment and skill points.

Use areas such as the Valley of the Titans for Charm and the Venom Crypts for Stun and Freeze resistance.

Thank you for reading

This Snipe/Spiral Volley Bleed Witch Hunter build in Path of Exile 2 combines high damage potential with strategic gameplay. By focusing on critical hits, bleed application, and Frenzy Charge management, players can navigate through content with both efficiency and style. Remember, success with this build depends on perfect timing and positioning.