As Path of Exile 2 draws closer, theorycrafters and veteran players are eagerly analyzing every detail to predict the evolving endgame meta. The Witch, a central figure in intelligence-based spellcasting and summoning, is expected to remain a dominant choice. With fundamental changes to the socketing system, the addition of the Spirit resource, and a redesigned combat pace, the most successful Witch builds will be those that adapt seamlessly to this new environment. Players aiming for top-tier performance will find that mastering these mechanics—especially resource balancing—will be key. For those looking to prepare early, exploring PoE 2 Currency options can help secure the gear needed for these builds.

One of the most impactful changes is the new gem system. Support gems are now socketed directly into Skill gems, meaning a 6-link is tied to the skill itself rather than the gear. This allows for multiple fully-supported skills to be used interchangeably, with weapon swapping offering distinct setups for area clearing and single-target encounters. A Witch could, for example, wield a staff for wide-area elemental destruction and switch to a wand and shield for focused boss damage. Additionally, the Spirit resource introduces a new dimension to skill reservation and instant-cast abilities, requiring builds to balance Mana for casting and Spirit for utility and buffs. This favors versatile builds with strategic skill selection.

Elementalist: The Primal Force Sorceress

The Elementalist remains a master of elemental devastation, with strengths in Golems, elemental ailments, and high-impact spellcasting. In PoE 2’s slower combat tempo, precision in casting becomes more valuable than sheer spam. By leveraging shocks, freezes, and ignites, the Elementalist gains both offensive and defensive power.

• Core Playstyle: Chain spells to trigger elemental proliferations, supported by Herald skills for damage amplification.
• Primary Skill: Arc with supports like Ignite Proliferation, Combustion, Unbound Ailments, Spell Echo, and Controlled Destruction.
• Secondary Skills: Wave of Conviction for exposure, Flame Wall for fire boosts, Tempest Shield for defense.
• Auras: Herald of Thunder, Herald of Ash, and Determination.
• Pros: Exceptional clear speed, strong visual effects, versatile ailment application.
• Cons: Single-target damage may require optimization; mana management is critical.

Occultist: The Master of Wither and Decay

The Occultist thrives on curses, Chaos damage over time (DoT), and energy shield manipulation. With tactical combat, DoT builds allow damage application while focusing on survival and mechanics. The Occultist’s curse stacking provides immense boss debilitation.

• Core Playstyle: Apply multiple curses and Chaos DoTs to control and melt enemies.
• Primary Skills: Bane linked with Despair, Temporal Chains, Enfeeble; Essence Drain for single-target DoT with supports like Void Manipulation and Efficacy.
• Utility: Wither totems for damage amplification, Shield Charge for mobility.
• Auras: Malevolence for DoT scaling, Discipline for energy shield boosts.
• Pros: High survivability, excellent bossing potential, safe playstyle.
• Cons: Slower damage application; requires balanced gearing for damage and defense.

Necromancer: The Undead Army Commander

The Necromancer commands a diverse army of undead, with minion AI improvements and the gem system enabling multiple powerful 6-link setups. This ascendancy emphasizes active army management and corpse-based skill synergy.

• Core Playstyle: Maintain a steady force of Zombies, Skeletons, and Spectres, supported by offerings and curses.
• Minion Skills: Raise Zombie, Summon Skeletons, Raise Spectre.
• Support Skills: Desecrate for corpse generation, Flesh Offering for speed buffs, Elemental Weakness applied via gear or brands.
• Auras: Determination for defense, Zealotry for spell damage boosts.
• Pros: Safe playstyle, strong scalability, minimal gear dependency.
• Cons: Passive feel for some players, occasional minion AI issues, visual clutter.

Ultimately, the optimal Witch build depends on personal playstyle. The Elementalist provides a visually stunning, high-impact casting approach. The Occultist offers a defensive, methodical playstyle with devastating DoTs. The Necromancer delivers safe, scalable minion-based dominance. As more details emerge about Path of Exile 2, these build concepts will evolve, but their core strengths remain solid foundations for endgame success. For players aiming to prepare their gear and resources ahead of time, exploring PoE 2 Currency for sale can be a strategic move to ensure readiness for the new meta.