Witch · Essence Drain / Contagion

All skills in acquisition order, with the level/act breakpoint and role. Roles: [C]=clear, [ST]=single-target, [B]=buff/aura/herald, [M]=mobility, [U]=utility/debuff.

Level 2 (Act 1, after Bloated Miller)

• Chaos BoltS [ST] — Main single target ability; stacks Wither on enemies to amplify single target damage (granted by the Withered Wand base).
• Flame WallS [C]/[ST] — Main clear ability and single target amplifier (especially for Skeletal SniperS's Command: Gas Arrow).
• UnearthS [C] — Secondary clear ability. Removed at Mud Burrow when ContagionS is acquired.
• Use on wolf corpses during Beira of the Rotten Pack to prevent her raising wolves, and for extra damage.

Clearfell (Act 1)

• Skeletal SniperS [ST] — Secondary single target via Command: Gas Arrow (created from the Abandoned Camp). Optional link: Fire Attunement+.

Mud Burrow (Act 1)

• Fire Attunement+ [B] — Support gem, linked to Skeletal SniperS.
• ContagionS [C] — Comboed with Essence DrainS for pack clear (proliferates the Essence DrainS DoT).

Grelwood (Act 1)

• Zenith (I) [B] — Support gem (created in Grelwood, linked to ContagionS; upgraded to Zenith II+ later). Grants a damage multiplier when Mana is at 90% or higher.

Red Vale / Level 6 (Act 1)

• Essence DrainS [C]/[ST] — The build's primary clear AND single target ability, mained from level 6 onward (created from the Uncut Skill Gem Level 3 dropped by The Rust King).
• Linked supports at this stage: Chain I+ (clear) + Zenith I+ (damage).

Freythorn (Act 1, from Gembloom Skull)

• Withering PresenceS [B] — Presence aura that applies Wither, providing additional damage. Disabled at Azak Bog (Act 3) once BlasphemyS is equipped; re-enabled at Kriar Village (Interlude 3).

End of Act 1 Final Links

• Chaos BoltS — Unleash+ [support]
• Essence DrainS — Chain I+ — Zenith I+ (optional: swap Swift Affliction I+ for Chain I+ on bosses)
• ContagionS — Rapid Casting I+ — Magnified Area I+ [supports]
• Withering PresenceS — Prolonged Duration I+ [support]
• Optional: Skeletal SniperS — Fire Attunement+; Flame WallS.

Level 22 (Act 2)

• Temporal ChainsS [U] — Curse/debuff for additional survivability. Linked with Slow Potency+ [support]. Later moved into the BlasphemyS aura at Azak Bog (Act 3).

Level 25 (Act 2)

• Sigil of PowerS [B] — Single target damage amplifier. Paired with the Chiming Staff in Weapon Set 2 (all other skills set to Weapon Set 1).
• Sigil of PowerS breakpoints: Level 7 = 11% more Spell Damage per Stage; Level 9 = 12%; Level 13 = 13%; Level 17 = 14%; Level 21 = 15% more Spell Damage per Stage.

Level 31 (Act 3)

• Dark EffigyS [ST] — Additional single target damage, linked with Withering Touch+ and Poison II+ [supports].
• DespairS [U] — Self-cast curse debuff for single target, linked with Decaying Hex+ and Heightened Curse+ [supports]. Temporarily replaces Temporal ChainsS as the self-cast curse.

Azak Bog (Act 3, from Gemrot Skull)

• BlasphemyS [B] — Curse aura (BlasphemyS + Temporal ChainsS + Slow Potency+). Dual-cursing enemies requires the Whispers of DoomP keystone.

Act 3 (Sandswept Marsh)

• Adds Swift Affliction II+ to Essence DrainS using a Lesser Jeweller's Orb; optional: swap Considered Casting+ in place of Chain on bosses.

FAQ mention

• ConvalescenceS [U] — Optional cooldown-based skill that instantly recharges Energy Shield and prevents ES recharge interruption (can replace Withering PresenceS or BlasphemyS Temporal ChainsS).

• Clear: At Level 6+, cast ContagionS and then Essence DrainS to clear packs. Group large packs of enemies before casting and pull packs toward each other so ContagionS proliferates. If only a few enemies, cast just Essence DrainS (when linked with Chain).
• Basic Single Target (L6-L30): Cast Essence DrainS, ContagionS, then stack Wither with Chaos BoltS.
• Level 25+: Same combo, but activate Sigil of PowerS before attacking the enemy.
• Level 31+: Same combo, but activate both DespairS and Dark EffigyS before attacking the enemy.
• DoT / Mana management: Essence DrainS is the primary single target DoT; after casting your damaging abilities recover Mana to 90% or higher for the Zenith II+ damage multiplier — use a Mana Flask charge or wait to regenerate as necessary.
• Survivability: BlasphemyS + Temporal ChainsS keeps distance and lets you weave in and out of combat to recharge Energy Shield; Withering PresenceS adds damage. Playstyle is "Don't Get Hit" — large ES pool, dodge-roll into and between packs while clearing.

• Level 2: Withered Wand + Rattling Sceptre — the starting weapons; in most scenarios not worth crafting.
• As soon as possible — Withered Wand: any Magic or Rare Withered Wand with + to Level of All Spell/Chaos Skills or Increased Damage. Frequently check Caster Vendors; Transmutate and Augment Withered Wands for upgrades. Withered Wands grant Chaos BoltS (the Wither stack amplifier).
• + to Level of all Spell/Chaos Skills breakpoints (by Item Level):
• Item Level 2 = +1 to Level of all Chaos Skills
• Item Level 5 = +1 to Level of all Spell Skills
• Item Level 18 = +2 to Level of all Chaos Skills
• Item Level 25 = +2 to Level of all Spell Skills
• Item Level 36 = +3 to Level of all Chaos Skills
• Item Level 55 = +3 to Level of all Spell Skills, +4 to Level of all Chaos Skills
• Item Level 78 = +4 to Level of all Spell Skills
• Item Level 81 = +5 to Level of all Chaos Skills
• As soon as possible — Focus: any Magic or Rare Focus with + to Level of All Spells or Increased Damage; check vendors, Transmutate/Augment.
• + to Level of all Spell Skills breakpoints (by Item Level):
• Item Level 10 = +1 to Level of all Spell Skills
• Item Level 41 = +2 to Level of all Spell Skills
• Level 25 — Chiming Staff: any Magic or Rare Chiming Staff with Increased Cast Speed, equipped in Weapon Set 2 (all other skills in Weapon Set 1); it carries Sigil of PowerS. Consider an Arcanist's Etcher for 20% Quality.
• After Dark EffigyS (Level 31+): any Wand or Staff is fine if it significantly increases DPS; for the Focus equip whichever gives the most DPS (small consideration to increased Cast Speed).
• Vendor Regex: "\d+% i.+mov|d Spell D|os D|ell s|Lif|m En|red w" — searches for: Movement Speed, Increased Spell Damage, Increased Chaos Damage, +# to Level of All Spell/Chaos/Fire/Cold/Lightning Skills, Life Regen, Maximum Life, Maximum Energy Shield, Withered Wands.
• Flask upgrades (Life and Mana): Level 10 = Greater; Level 16 = Grand; Level 30 = Colossal; Level 40 = Gargantuan; Level 50 = Transcendent.

• Artificer's Orbs & Salvage Bench: use Artificer's Orb on your best weapon (ideally a Withered Wand) and socket the Lesser Iron Rune (Act 1). Weapon runes: Lesser Iron Rune, Iron Rune, Greater Iron Rune (increased Spell Damage); Iron Runes in Energy Shield gear increase the effective hit pool. As base ES rises, it can be optimal to socket an Iron Rune instead of a Resist Rune on Magic/Rare items.
• Artificer's Orbs come from monster drops, Secrets, or salvaging socketed items (Salvage Bench) for Artificer's Shards. The Salvage Bench is unlocked by returning Renly's Smithing Tools to Renly in Act 1. It also converts Superior Items (Quality) into Arcanist's Etcher / Armourer's Scrap.
• Energy Shield gear priority (survivability + Eldritch EmpowermentP 30% more Damage uptime): Body Armour (largest ES source) > Helmets (second largest) > Gloves > Boots (prioritize Movement Speed). Secondary considerations: Resists, Sockets.
• Crafting — Disenchanting & Exalt Slamming: on a 1-2 mod Magic item with desirable mods, use a Regal Orb (Regal Shards from disenchanting Rare items at a Disenchant Vendor, usually the Potion Seller; note disenchanting gives no Gold). If the Regal hits a desirable modifier, use an Exalted Orb to add more (in trade leagues it may be better to save Exalteds and buy an upgrade).
• Vendor Checks & Gambling: check vendors for a guaranteed upgrade, or Gamble for a random item when you have spare Gold.
• Reforging Bench: unlocked after defeating Mektul, the Forgemaster (Act 3); combines 3 Magic or 3 Rare Items into 1 random Magic/Rare Item — save "failed crafts" and poorly rolled drops for this.
• Farming: if a boss is hard, farm a prior zone for character levels, gear, and higher-level Uncut Skill Gems (e.g. farm the Dreadnought until Level 31 while looting Level 9 Uncut Skill Gems). Plan the passive tree for steep gem attribute requirements.
• Charms: Resist Charms for elemental damage, Amethyst Charm for Chaos damage, Stone Charm for Stuns, Thawing Charm for Freeze.

• Eldritch EmpowermentP — priority node: prioritises early-game damage, granting 203% Increased Damage and 48% Increased Skill Effect Duration in 23 points.
• After Eldritch EmpowermentP, take Energy Shield DelayP / faster-start of ES recharge nodes, MeldingP, and Dampening ShieldP to reduce ES recharge delay and increase total ES pool.
• Next: VoidP for more damage and Whispers of DoomP to enable self-cast DespairS and BlasphemyS Temporal ChainsS (dual cursing).
• Conclude by filling out remaining damage nodes, increased maximum Energy Shield nodes, and faster start of Energy Shield Recharge nodes (see planner).
• Attributes: depending on your rare items, you may need to allocate Strength, Dexterity, or Intelligence from Attribute nodes; plan ahead as skill gems can have steep attribute requirements.
• Ascendancy: Lich (this is an Essence DrainS Lich guide; Infernalist and Bloodmage are not covered). Note: respeccing in endgame requires a bunch of Gold per node.
• Consider rushing faster start of Energy Shield Recharge passives if survivability is an issue.

Act 1

• Level 2 (after Bloated Miller): acquire Chaos BoltS, Flame WallS, UnearthS.
• Clearfell: find the Abandoned Camp, create Skeletal SniperS (Command: Gas Arrow). Defeat Beira of the Rotten Pack; Consume the Head of the Winter Wolf for +10% to Cold Resistance (tip: use UnearthS on wolf corpses).
• Mud Burrow: defeat the Devourer; create Fire Attunement+ (link to Skeletal SniperS); create ContagionS, remove UnearthS.
• Grelwood: defeat Areagne, Forgotten Witch; create Zenith I+, link to ContagionS.
• Red Vale: defeat The Rust King; loot the Uncut Skill Gem Level 3; create Essence DrainS and, at Level 6, swap to Essence DrainS + ContagionS.
• Grim Tangle: optional — defeat Ervig, Rotted Druid for an Uncut Support Gem Level 1.
• Cemetery of the Eternals: Ancient Ruin secret — interact with the Sarcophagus for a guaranteed Ring; find the Tomb of the Consort and Mausoleum entrances.
• Tomb of the Consort: optional Haunted Treasure secret (Uncut Support Gem Level 1); defeat Asinia, Praetor Consort.
• Mausoleum: optional Forgotten Riches secret (Gold and Rare Items); defeat Draven, Eternal Praetor.
• Cemetery of the Eternals (return): defeat Lachlann of Endless Lament.
• Hunting Grounds: optional — follow/defeat the Spirit to complete The Hunt Begins; defeat The Crowbell for 2 Weapon Set Passive Skill Points; grab the Freythorn waypoint, progress ahead to Ogham Farmlands; optional Dyadic Ritual (Uncut Support Gem Level 1).
• Ogham Farmlands: find Una's Lute and return it to Una in town for 2 Weapon Set Passive Skill Points.
• Level 10: equip Greater Life Flask and Greater Mana Flask.
• Ogham Village: find Renly's Smithing Tools; interact with the Blacksmith's Chest for a Blank Rune and guaranteed Artificer's Orb; speak to Renly in town to unlock the Salvage Bench and receive a Lesser Iron Rune; use the Salvage Bench on stashed socketed gear for more Artificer's Orbs; use an Artificer's Orb on your best weapon (ideally Withered Wand) and socket the Lesser Iron Rune. Defeat The Executioner. Speak to Leitis for an Uncut Skill Gem Level 5.
• Freythorn: clear the 3 Rituals and defeat The King in the Mists; Consume the Gembloom Skull to create Withering PresenceS; speak to Finn for a Sapphire or Ruby Charm.
• The Manor Ramparts: optional Gallows secret (Uncut Support Gem Level 1).
• Oghman Manor: defeat Candlemass; Consume Candlemass' Essence for +20 to Maximum Life; equip a Sapphire Charm before Count Geonor; defeat Count Geonor.
• End of Act 1 link review (see Skills section).

Act 2

• Mawdun Quarry: optional Faridun War Cache (Artificer's Orb); optional farming zone for levels, Gold, Blacksmith's Whetstones, Armourer's Scraps, weapon upgrades; equip a Ruby Charm before Rudja, the Dread Engineer.
• Level 16: equip Grand Life Flask and Grand Mana Flask.
• Traitor's Passage: kill Balbala, the Traitor for the quest Djinn Barya (ascension); ascend now if confident, or at Level 27+ before entering the Dreadnought.
• Level 22: equip Temporal ChainsS + Slow Potency+.
• Mastodon Badlands: complete the Runes of Aldur league mechanic for a guaranteed Lesser Jeweller's Orb.
• Bone Pits: find the Sun Clan Relic (defeat Hyena-like enemies).
• Keth: defeat Kabala, Constrictor Queen for 2 Weapon Set Passive Skill Points; find the Kabala Clan Relic (Snake-like enemies).
• Buried Shrines: optional Elemental Shrine secret for a Magic Ruby/Sapphire/Topaz Ring.
• Valley of the Titans: place the Sun Clan and Kabala Clan Relics at the altar for a choice of: 30% increased Charm Charges Gained +1 Charm Slot, OR 30% increased Charm Effect Duration +1 Charm Slot.
• Titan Grotto: optional Titan's Sword secret for a guaranteed Lesser Rune.
• Level 25: IMPORTANT — equip a Chiming Staff in Weapon Set 2; set all other skills to Weapon Set 1; start using Sigil of PowerS in the single target rotation.
• Deshar: find the Fallen Dekhara for 2 Weapon Set Passive Skill Points; optional The Unremembered secret (Artificer's Orb).
• Spires of Deshar: find the Sisters of Garukhan for +10% Lightning Resistance.
• Trial of the Sekhema: before entering the Dreadnought, complete the Trial for your first 2 Ascendancy Points; craft and equip relevant Energy Shield gear to pair with Eldritch EmpowermentP and faster-start ES Recharge passives.
• The Dreadnought: optional farming for levels, Gold, and a weapon upgrade; optional Topaz Charm and/or Lightning Resistance gear; defeat Jamanra, the Abomination.

Act 3

• Sandswept Marsh: Orok Campfire secret — use the Lesser Jeweller's Orb on Essence DrainS, add Swift Affliction II+; optional: swap Considered Casting+ with Chain on bosses.
• Level 30: equip Colossal Life Flask and Colossal Mana Flask.
• Level 31: equip Dark EffigyS + Withering Touch+ + Poison II+; equip DespairS + Decaying Hex+ + Heightened Curse+; temporarily set aside Temporal ChainsS and use DespairS as the self-cast curse.
• Jungle Ruins: defeat Mighty Silverfist for 2 Weapon Set Passive Skill Points; optional Troubled Camp secret for a Secret Vendor and guaranteed Rare item.
• Venom Crypts: find the Corpse-snake Venom and return it to Servi for an Artificer's Orb and a permanent character buff choice: 25% increased Stun Threshold (RECOMMENDED), 30% increased Elemental Ailment Threshold, or 25% increased Mana Regeneration Rate (cannot change later).
• Jiquani's Machinarium: defeat Blackjaw, the Remnant; Consume the Flame Core for +10% to Fire Resistance.
• Matlan Waterways: near the Azak Bog entrance, interact with the Ravaged Corpse and speak to Servi for a guaranteed Rare Belt.
• Azak Bog: defeat Ignagduk, the Bog Witch; Consume the Gemrot Skull to create BlasphemyS; disable Withering PresenceS; equip BlasphemyS + Temporal ChainsS + Slow Potency+ (dual cursing requires Whispers of DoomP).
• Molten Vault: optional Molten Flow secret (Rare loot); optional Mektul, the Forgemaster to unlock the Reforging Bench + Artificer's Orb — he has significantly more HP, consider delaying the fight.
• Utzaal (Past): defeat Viper Napuatzi (challenging — consider farming the zone for gear and levels first).
• Aggorat (Past): bigger monsters can drop a Sacrificial Heart; use it at the Blood Sacrifice secret for 2 Weapon Set Passive Skill Points.
• The Black Chambers (Past): defeat Doryani, Royal Thaumaturge (see Act 3 Boss Guide if needed).

Act 4

• Level 40: equip Gargantuan Life Flask and Gargantuan Mana Flask.
• Isle of Kin: Abandoned Delving Site secret for a Lesser Jeweller's Orb; defeat the Blind Beast for a Blank Greater Rune; optional Rare Beast in the Beast Pen for an Uncut Support Gem Level 4.
• Journey's End: defeat Omniphobia for 2 Weapon Set Passive Skill Points.
• Abandoned Prison: find a Chapel Key for the Chapel secret; interact with the Goddess of Justice for a choice: 30% increased Life Recovery from Flasks OR 30% increased Mana Recovery from Flasks.
• Whakapanu Island: defeat the Great White One; deliver the Shark Fin to Kaimana in Ngakanu for a permanent reward: Kaom's Lesson (30% increased Armour, Evasion and Energy Shield) OR Rakiata's Lesson (15% of Armour also applies to Elemental Damage, Deflection Rating equal to 12% of Evasion Rating, 12% faster start of Energy Shield recharge). Optional Dread Crab secret (Uncut Support Gem Level 4).
• Singing Caverns: defeat Diamora, Song of Death and rescue Matiki to unlock the Eye of Hinekora; optional Beckoning Clam secret — bring the Humming Pearl to Rog for a Rare Pearlescent Amulet.
• Eye of Hinekora: Silent Hall secret — Pay your Respects for +5% Maximum Mana.
• Halls of the Dead: complete the 3 Tests for an Ancestral Tattoo (+5 Attribute or +5% Resistance): Tawhoa's Test = +5 Dexterity or +5% Lightning Resistance; Tasalio's Test = +5 Intelligence or +5% Cold Resistance; Ngamahu's Test = +5 Strength or +5% Fire Resistance (cannot change later). Defeat Yama, the White; speak to Navali in the next zone for 2 Weapon Set Passive Skill Points.
• Arastas: interact with the Morning and Evening Bells for 3 Regal Orbs and 3 Exalted Orbs.
• Ngakanu: optional Meeting House — a room lined with chests for extra loot and potential upgrades.

Interlude 1: The Curse of Holten

• Level 50: equip Transcendent Life Flask and Transcendent Mana Flask.
• Holten: find the Ferryman and purchase his supply of Greater Runes.
• Wolvenhold: defeat Oswin, the Dread Warden for 2 Weapon Set Passive Skill Points.

Interlude 2: The Stolen Barya

• Khari Crossing: Molten One's Gift for +5% to Maximum Life; defeat Akthi and Anundr for 2 Weapon Set Passive Skill Points.
• Sel Khari Sanctuary: find Rangeen's Barya and Yoon's Barya; place them in the respective altars for a Rare Ring, Rare Amulet or Rare Jewel.
• Qima: Orbala's Pillar buff choice — 3% Increased Movement Speed (RECOMMENDED), 15% Increased Global Defences (RECOMMENDED), +5% to Elemental Resistances, +5 to all Attributes, 20% increased Presence Area of Effect, 12% increased Cooldown Recovery Rate, 5% Increased Experience + inversion of all the above. You can change your choice at any time.
• Qimah Reservoir: optional — find the Vial of Sacred Water to fill the Sacred Wells for loot; defeat Azmadi, the Faridun Prince (especially lethal fight).

Interlude 3: Doryani's Contingency

• Kriar Village: defeat Lythara, the Wayward Spear for +40 Spirit; re-enable Withering PresenceS.
• Howling Caves: defeat the Abominable Yeti for 2 Weapon Set Passive Skill Points.
• Kriar Peaks: speak to Elder Madox for a free Unique Item.

Endgame: The Ziggurat Refuge

• Complete all 3 Interludes for 2 Weapon Set Passive Skill Points.

From the FAQ (the exact suggested permanent buffs):

• Act 2 Relic (Valley of the Titans): 30% increased Charm Charges Gained
• Act 3 Venom Drought (Venom Crypts): 25% increased Stun Threshold (Permanent)
• Act 4 Chapel (Abandoned Prison): 30% increased Mana Recovery from Flasks
• Act 4 Tattoos (Halls of the Dead): +5% Resistance (Permanent)
• Interlude 2 Orbala's Boon (Qima): 3% increased Movement Speed

Note: reference your endgame build guide/plan before selecting a permanent buff, as choices cannot be changed.

• To scale damage: upgrade Wand & Focus, upgrade Skill Gems, and use combos correctly. Prioritise on the Wand: + to Level of all Spell/Chaos Skills, Increased Spell Damage and/or Increased Chaos Damage. On the Focus: + to Level of all Spell Skills, Increased Spell Damage and/or Chaos Damage, Cast Speed (QoL).
• Common damage mistakes to avoid: casting Essence DrainS under 90% Mana; not swapping Chain for another damage support; not buffing with Sigil of PowerS; forgetting Chaos BoltS Wither stacks; forgetting to re-cast Dark EffigyS or DespairS; missing or mistiming DespairS.
• To die less: continuously upgrade Energy Shield gear (Body > Helm > Gloves > Boots); use BlasphemyS Temporal ChainsS to keep distance; weave in and out of combat to recharge ES; rush faster start of ES Recharge if needed; optionally swap Withering PresenceS or BlasphemyS Temporal ChainsS for ConvalescenceS.
• Aggressive play requires dodge-rolling into packs; if that's difficult, cast ContagionS + Essence DrainS from a distance.
• Item Filter: follow Havoc_ChaosES_Campaign_0.3 (Havoc6-1629) on pathofexile.com — created with Neversink's Filterblade.
• The run acquires all Passive Skill Points & Permanent Stats: Yes (FAQ).
• Consider saving Exalted Orbs in trade leagues to buy upgrades instead of slamming.

Jeder Eintrag verlinkt auf poe2db.tw (Datenbank) und die offizielle poe2wiki.net. Badges im Fließtext: S=Skill, + =Support, I=Item, U=Unique, P=Passive, A=Ascendancy, B=Buff, C=Charm, R=Rune.

Witch hat mit Essence Drain einen druckfreien, zähen Twink – kaum Waffen-Druck, Blasphemy + Temporal Chains. Twink: Everlasting Gaze, Midnight Braid, Enfolding Dawn (Minion-Hybrid).