[0.10.0] Claw Witch - We can rebuild her, We have the technology!

Stat Requirements

Builds __________________

While trying to decide what type of character I'd like to play, I thought the idea of a Witch (who kind of looks like a crazy, wild savage) using dual claws might be pretty fun, and look badass in the process! And if you're reading this thread, you may have thought the same at some point; Or maybe you're just morbidly curious. xD

Build-wise, I came up with version 1 as a new player after playing around with the skill planner for a bit. However, being a nooblet (albeit one that learns quickly) I had no idea how this build would actually hold up to real play by the later or even middle stages of the game. I also hadn't really realized how unfeasable reaching 100 skill picks would be.

With version 2, I've reworked the paths we take through down to the shadow area (or up to the witch area, if a shadow wanted to use this build, which is now possible). Now it takes a shorter path through the critical bonus nodes to the right of the witch's starting point, though going through the energy shield skills first is now required. The primary stats are significantly lower, but there's more health, more one-hand physical damage, and a much higher chance of criticals. One set of EShield/Evasion nodes was shifted to the interior part of the shadow tree, and is still optional for whenever we need them. The focus was taken off skills that boost Dual Wield and put onto skills that boost one-handed damage, this makes it more viable if we were to, say, put a shield in the second hand spot instead of a second claw. It seems a bit more balanced, and on the whole an improved version of the original theorycrafted build, but it is still completely untested. And again, it is a 100-point build, so it's not really realistic.

Please, dig into them, pick them apart, tear them down, and figure out everything one would need to make it as good as it could be! :3 Or just tell us if it's a terrible idea entirely! xD

Side Note: On Chaos Innoculation
Chaos Innoculation seems to be a common pick in most Witch builds, regardless of type. It is a controversial Keystone Passive, which grants complete Chaos immunity (Chaos being the only damage type which can bypass shields) in exchange for setting your maximum HP to 1. Forever.

Aside from the debate on whether or not to take it, the number one question among those of us who do is when to do so, and I found an answer to this while reading the thread The Summoner Compendium. According to the topic poster, the best time to buy CI isn't until you have AT LEAST 2500 Energy Shield. Even then, it's probably best to hold out on getting it until you reach Merciless, by which point Chaos damage will actually start becoming a more serious hassle.

I wonder what order those skills should be bought in, or at least which general areas to focus on first? Energy shield buffs, straight stat increases, or claw damage/attack speed upgrades? Should the center of the grid be left for last, or gotten early? Hmmmm..

Lots of choices, and I realize that with so many ways to build a character in this game there might not even be much advice out there to be given to this topic, but any comments at all would be helpful. Don't feel like you have to be an expert on the subject to make a suggestion, because really, nobody is yet! xD

Too little life and no chaos resistance. Thats a pretty big achilles heel, theres 14,8 chaos resist nodes in the right witch area. Theres also some life near the early ES nodes and on the way to the shadow tree.

Drop the left side of the ES thing below the start position, overkill without CI.

One handed nodes work with dual wield, get those and drop the middle area altogether. Could use some crit if you feel like you need more damage.


Also theres content upto about lv75, with extra skill points being given. I am estimating my builds to 100 and might be a couple points short.

Alright, I've been working on an alternate build for a bit, so some of that is already added in. I'm curious though, what's the big deal with chaos damage? Is it really that bad?

Also, what sort of stats should I be aiming for? Is like, 100~140 enough or should I be trying to get 200+ in one or more?

Edit: Posting the new build. Any time I do, I'll put it in the top post. :)

I coudn't tell ya exactly how bad chaos is since they changed it around for OB. They lowered the damage but added resistance penalties for difficulties afaik. I try to get +100% life but thats some guesswork based on other's builds.

Stats are mostly for requirements, you can see them in the wiki, though they got increased at the top end for OB so im not sure how much is needed. You can get them through gear too though, 38ish on a single affix for a stat at the top end.

If your going softcore just go for it and tweak as needed.

Great Minds Think alike!

I just started a Claw Witch as well. As in just just started, so can't say how viable it is end-game. Your build is similar to mine but takes a few different directions than I would take.


This is what I'm aiming towards for Act 3 (37 pts):
http://www.pathofexile.com/passive-skill-tree/AAAAAgMAVysHY-aBEVAxiHkDCPSLeqcr4vc74bvWbRnB8_F2oqN_xiepWm0kPKdcSVHsGMNtEZYOSOOEiGu295ma62MRLxzckyc3Ziympus=


This is what I'm working towards, end-game (81 pts):
http://www.pathofexile.com/passive-skill-tree/AAAAAgMAVysHY-aBEVCLeqcr4vc74bvWbRnB86Kjf8bsGMNtEZYOSOOEiGu295ma62MRL4_62-dHBl9qwcUsvxzckyc3Ziympus3g-q6tAxGcZUggsdBh3q4rpMqOMLstMUrCsEA2xoQe_VLvjqH267P6461SLGz7UGmf8BRcNVwUvPqLUdQQow276Dtdmp-Ff3WB2cedYrUBZp4rR7dSEBVb1cMjQ1J


Couple things to note:

- Chaos Damage goes straight through energy shield and affects life directly, so if you're not going CI you want Chaos Resist.

- One of the bonuses with going Claws as a melee witch is for Ghost Reaver, which needs CI.

- If you do not want to take CI it would be better to skip the Shadow Side of the tree and head towards Templar for the life nodes.

- If you do take CI take life nodes along the way and then respec out of them later.

- Try not to make 100 point builds, as that is very difficult to achieve. You're better off starting small and with certain benchmarks in mind (What will I need at Act 3 Boss? In Act 2 Cruel? etc.)

Hmmm, yeah you've got a point about how many PP to plan for. And I like your version of the build too, but I think I'll stick with my v2 one for now. I'm still a bit wary of CI; Lose your eshield at any point and it's game over... But I do like the idea of combining Ghost Reaver, CI and Vaal Pact. About what level would one finally buy CI at to make the most of it without making yourself too vulnerable?

However I don't see why you need CI to make use of Ghost Reaver. Chaos Innoculation got the energy shield bonus stripped when OB hit. And it's only life leech that is given to energy shield, so flasks and regen still heal you.

I notice in the 37 point build you haven't taken any claw damage boosts yet. Any particular reason? Just not enough Dex to wear the claws you want?

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every time i see that quote i think about family guy ahaha
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kse0MG5n9wI

Flicker strike might be useful for getting yourself out of (or into) trouble. :3

Update: I found the answer answer to one of my questions in my previous post, 'About when should one consider getting CI', while reading the thread 'The Summoner's Compendium'. According to the OP, the best time to buy CI isn't until you have AT LEAST 2500 Energy Shield. Even then, it's probably best to hold out on getting it until you reach Merciless, by which point Chaos damage will actually start becoming a more serious hassle.