The Witch's skill kit in PoE 2 offers a powerful mix of damage-over-time, crowd control, and explosive clears. Here's a detailed breakdown of the key skills for leveling a Witch, along with their recommended support gems and tips to maximize their effectiveness. Plus, remember that as you progress, investing your POE 2 currency in better gear and upgrades will help maintain your damage output and survivability.

Lightning Arrow

Overview:

The first skill you'll obtain, Lightning Arrow is a versatile projectile attack that chains to nearby enemies and applies shock.

Shock Effect: Shocked enemies take 20% increased damage (this bonus can be further boosted with passives).

Synergy: Works seamlessly with Herald of Thunder, triggering extra lightning effects on kills.

Recommended Support Gems:

Martial Tempo - Increases attack speed for rapid spamming.

Tip:

Use Lightning Arrow consistently throughout the game to chip away at enemies and set up secondary effects.

Poisonburst Arrow

Overview:

This skill applies poison-a damage-over-time effect that bypasses energy shields-making it particularly effective against bosses, elites, and high-HP enemies.

Poison Stacking: Since you can only have one stack by default, you'll need to invest in ways to increase stacks via passives and support gems.

Recommended Support Gems:

Comorbidity - Allows stacking up to two poison stacks.

Persistence - Increases poison duration, helping maintain maximum stacks.

Tip:

Keep firing Poisonburst Arrow continuously to maintain poison stacks, which will deal consistent damage even when you're not actively attacking.

Escape Shot

Overview:

An early-game skill that can freeze enemies, useful for crowd control.

Usage:

While not used frequently (since you often kill enemies before they get too close), it provides an extra layer of control by slowing down foes.

Lightning Rod

Overview:

This skill deals area lightning damage by launching an upward arrow that lands randomly within a target area.

Role:

Can enhance subsequent Lightning Arrow attacks if you've invested in lightning-related passives.

Tip:

Consider leading with Lightning Rod before using Lightning Arrow if you're following a lightning elemental path in your passives. Otherwise, Lightning Arrow and Poisonburst Arrow usually suffice early on.

Stormcaller Arrow

Overview:

Designed for bosses, Stormcaller Arrow has a high chance to apply shock, keeping targets debuffed with increased damage taken.

Key Consideration:

Pierce Chance: High Pierce Chance may cause the arrow to bypass the target (if it pierces through and hits a wall), preventing shock application.

Tip:

Keep your Pierce Chance low when using this skill to ensure shocks are consistently applied.

Snipe

Overview:

Snipe is a fun, high-damage skill that requires precise charge timing.

Mechanics:

A perfectly timed charge shot guarantees a critical AOE hit, making it ideal as a lead-off attack before enemies close in.

Synergy:

Pairs well with Herald of Ash-its massive damage and guaranteed crits can trigger significant ignite effects.

Recommended Support Gems:

Scattershot or Window of Opportunity to reduce the charge time and boost damage.

Tip:

Practice the timing in safer environments, as pressure during fights can make charging difficult.

Barrage

Overview:

A cooldown-based skill that provides extra burst damage periodically.

Mechanics:

The cooldown depends on your attack speed; faster skills shorten its cooldown.

Synergy:

More effective when combined with Frenzy Charges-if you have a buff like Combat Frenzy, it can be even more impactful.

Tip:

Slot Barrage in your action bar and use it whenever it's off cooldown for an occasional boost in damage.

Gas Arrow

Overview:

A potent AOE poison skill that applies poison across a wide area without the need for multiple casts of Poisonburst Arrow.

Role:

Ideal for initiating fights by coating large groups of enemies in poison, saving both time and mana.

Tip:

Lead with Gas Arrow to saturate enemies with poison, then follow up with either Poisonburst Arrow for continued DoT or switch to Lightning Arrow if you're favoring the lightning route.

Alternatives:

While skills like Scatter Shot or Bursting Plague can complement Gas Arrow, it often covers your needs for broad poison application.

Investing POE 2 Currency and Items

Gear Upgrades:

Use your POE 2 currency to trade for or craft better gear that enhances your primary attributes (Dexterity for accuracy and evasion, plus some Intelligence for mana and area effects).

Efficiency:

Upgrading your weapon is critical, as your DPS scales directly with it. Ensure you periodically check the trade market for high-quality upgrades.

Budgeting:

Invest in high-value POE 2 items gradually-vendor gear can carry you early on, but as you accumulate more currency, aim for rare and unique items that significantly boost your damage and survivability.

Conclusion

With these core skills-Lightning Arrow for consistent damage, Poisonburst Arrow for sustained poison DoT, and a mix of utility skills like Snipe and Gas Arrow-you'll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of leveling as a Witch in Path of Exile 2. Alongside smart investments in POE 2 currency and gear, this skill setup will help you maximize damage output and keep enemies under control throughout the campaign.