Time: 2025-09-18
Path of Exile 2’s Witch class excels in minion-focused builds, and the Infernalist ascendancy elevates this style to new levels with the powerful Ant Spectre strategy. This endgame guide details how to summon an army of spectral ants—based on the Frozen Mandibles monster—to unleash devastating ranged attacks while you remain safely positioned behind your relentless minions. Updated with insights from Patch 0.3, this build excels in high-tier maps and boss encounters, leveraging Spirit and Energy Shield for superior defense.
Build Overview and Playstyle
The core of this build revolves around summoning Ant Spectres (captured from Frozen Mandibles in the Ashen Forest) as your primary damage dealers, supported by utility minions like Skeletal Clerics and Brutes. The playstyle is relaxed and strategic: traverse maps while your minions handle clearing, and use curses or attack commands for tougher bosses. Beginner-friendly yet endgame-viable, this build does require early investment in Spirit.
Pros: Fast map clear, safe playstyle, strong scaling
Cons: Reliant on specific gear, occasional minion pathing issues
A six-link Spectre setup is essential for maximum effectiveness. Level with basic minions and switch to Ant Spectres after completing the campaign.
Prioritize Spirit, Minion Damage, and Energy Shield on gear. Key uniques include:
Boots: Bones of Ullr (extra minion capacity)
Belt: Darkness Enthroned (improves reservation efficiency)
Ring: Ventor’s Gamble (balances Spirit and Life)
Use Sapphire jewels with Energy Shield and minion modifiers. Opt for Life/Mana flasks with recovery bonuses, and Thawing or Staunching charms.
Recommended Ascendancy order:
Loyal Hellhound → Altered Flesh → Beidat’s Will → Beidat’s Hand
Focus your passive tree on minion damage, Spirit scaling, and defensive nodes around the Witch’s starting area.
Farm Ant Spectres in Ashen Forest—be careful not to consume their corpses. Against bosses, layer curses and use attack commands to focus fire. If you’re short on currency, consider buying PoE 2 currency and gear at MMOMAX for fast and affordable power spikes. With optimized equipment, this build effortlessly clears T10+ maps.
The Infernalist Ant Spectre build offers a captivating minion-overlord playstyle, ideal for tackling Path of Exile 2’s most demanding endgame challenges. Experiment, optimize, and conquer!