Build Variants and Progression

The leveling guide is structured around two main stages of progression:

1. Initial Setup (Act 1-2) - Early Chaos Spell foundation using Contagion, Unearth, and Essence Drain.
2. Mid-Leveling Setup (Act 2-5) - Transition to stronger Chaos scaling, incorporating Despair, Dark Effigy, and Path of Exile 2 Currency Sigil of Power for bossing.

You'll notice at this stage that better POE2 Items - especially wands with +Chaos Skill Levels - greatly enhance your damage output. If you want to skip RNG crafting, buy POE2 Items with these specific affixes from eld.gg to streamline your progression.

Equipment Priorities

While this build can function on self-found gear, focusing on a few key stats drastically improves performance:

Weapon: Withered Wand, +Spell/Chaos Skill Levels, Spell Damage, Cast Speed
Focus/Offhand: Antler Focus, +All Spell Levels, Chaos Damage, Spell Damage
Helmet: Wicker Tiara, Energy Shield, Resistances
Boots: Wrapped Sandals, Movement Speed (10-25%), Life, Resistances
Body Armor: Hexer's Robe, Energy Shield, Life
Gloves: Somber Gloves, Cast Speed, Attributes
Rings: Ruby & Topaz Rings Resistances, Chaos Damage, Cast Speed
Amulet: Amber Amulet, Attributes, +Level to Chaos/Projectile Skills

Weapon upgrades are your highest priority. Regularly replace your wand with a better-tier Withered Wand base and craft using Transmutations and Augmentations.

Sockets and Runes

Always insert Iron Runes into your weapon to increase spell damage.
Armor and jewelry can use Elemental or Defensive runes to boost resistances or survivability stats.
Maintain linked sockets for multi-support spell setups.
Skill Gem Setup

Act 1 Setup:

Contagion + Unleash - Multitarget spreading.
Unearth + Prolonged Duration - Summons scorpions to extend contagion chains.
Essence Drain + Chain - Main DoT and clear combo.
Chaos Bolt + Rapid Casting - Stack Wither debuff on bosses.

Act 2+ Setup:

Despair (Cursed Ground or Heightened Curse) - Amplify Chaos damage taken.
Dark Effigy + Controlled Destruction - Boosts DoT damage during boss fights.
Sigil of Power - Precast before encounters for amplified damage and mana sustain.
Convalescence + Rapid Casting II - Emergency defensive utility.

Tip: You can use Flame Wall at levels 2-5 for POE 2 Currency Orbs for sale early single-target support until Essence Drain is unlocked.