The Infernalist Witch has always been one of the most iconic archetypes in Path of Exile 2. With the arrival of Patch 0.3.0, the class received its biggest upgrade yet: a fully realized Demon Form. Unlike earlier iterations that restricted weapon use, the new version allows you to fight while transformed, opening up a world of synergy between spellcasting and weapon scaling.

This guide focuses on the Lightning Demon Form Infernalist, a league-starter build that transitions from early Chaos-based spells into a late-game powerhouse centered on Ball Lightning and Lightning Warp. Whether you're a first-time exile or a seasoned veteran, this build combines clear speed, mobility, and flashy spell effects to create one of the most exciting ways to experience Patch 0.3.0.

Pros and Cons of the Infernalist Build

Pros

·Explosive clear speed once Ball Lightning and Lightning Warp are unlocked.

·Smooth scaling into the late game thanks to Contagion and Essence Drain carrying progression.

·Visually stunning Demon Form, with impactful spell animations.

·Adaptable for both SSF and Trade league playstyles.

·Currently, among the most popular archetypes in Patch 0.3.0.

Cons

·Mana-hungry - requires investment in regen and sustain.

·Squishy early game, leaning on Skeleton Warriors and minions for safety.

·Gear-dependent for resistances, mana regen, and spell scaling.

·Steeper learning curve than defensive or melee builds.

Build Progression (League Starter Path)

One of the best features of this Infernalist setup is that it progresses smoothly from level 1 to maps without requiring expensive uniques. That said, acquiring the right Path of Exile 2 items will speed things up considerably.

Here's the core skill progression by phase:

1. Contagion (Early Acts)

Your main clearing spell. Apply to packs to spread chaos damage.

·Base Damage: (1.9-93.9) Chaos DPS

·Spread Radius: 1.7 metres

·Scaling: Spell and Chaos Damage

Tip: With quality bonuses, Contagion spreads to more enemies, making it a strong mapper through Acts 1-5.

2. Unearth (Utility and Minions)

Creates corpses and summons Bone Constructs. Acts as both damage support and utility.

·Damage: (4-117) to (6-176) Physical

·Construct Limit: (8-20)

·Duration: 15s

3. Skeleton Warriors

Your front line during early progression, summoned via Rattling Scepter.

·Reservation: (60-20) Spirit

·Quality Bonus: Increased minion life

4. Essence Drain (Midgame Power Spike)

Adds a sustained single-target option. Works well alongside Contagion for synergy.

·Base Chaos Damage: (9.2-409.4) per second

·Duration: 4s

·Scaling: Spell, Chaos, and DoT multipliers

5. Lightning Warp (Late Game Demon Form Core)

Defines your endgame Infernalist identity. Teleports and detonates with devastating AoE.

·Damage: (2-54) to (30-1032) Lightning

·Radius: 4m AoE

·Shock Duration: 10s

Support Gem Priority

·Unleash - Great with Contagion to spread more rapidly.

·Last Gasp - Keeps Skeleton Warriors up during long fights.

·Swift Affliction I - Boosts Contagion's DoT output.

Early Gear Progression

·Main Hand: Start with Torture Wand (Chaos Bolt), then transition to Sanctified Staff for Consecrate scaling.

·Off-Hand: Rattling Scepter to boost Skeleton Warriors.

·Armor: Prioritize Life and Mana regen. Boots with movement speed are essential.

·Amulets & Rings: Stack resistances, maximum mana, and +spell levels.

Stat Priority

1. +Levels to spells

2. Spell Damage / Chaos Damage

3. Maximum Mana & Mana Regen

4. Cast Speed

5. Maximum Life

6. Elemental Resistances

7. Movement Speed

Passive Tree (Level 1-16 Starter Path)

The starter tree blends mana sustain, minion help, and spell scaling to make leveling smoother.

·Spell & Minion Damage: +32% Spell/Minion Damage.

·Raw Destruction: +10 Intelligence, +16% Spell/Minion Damage.

·Practiced Signs: +12% Cast Speed.

·Open Mind: +45% Mana Regen.

·Pure Energy: +30% Energy Shield, +10 Intelligence.

·Dampening Shield: +28% ES, reduced stun/ailment duration.

·Mana Blessing: +20 Mana, +20% Mana Regen.

This provides a balanced base for both Chaos DoT leveling and late Lightning scaling.

League Starter Playstyle

The Infernalist plays as a hybrid caster, mixing minion tanking with Chaos and Lightning dominance.

Early Game

·Rotation: Cast Contagion → Unearth for corpses → Summon Skeleton Warriors.

·Skeletons act as your shield while DoTs clear packs.

Midgame

·Add Essence Drain for boss fights.

·Keep Contagion rolling to maintain AoE presence.

Late Game (Demon Form Unlocked)

·Enter Demon Form.

·Apply Essence Drain, then Lightning Warp into packs or projectiles for explosive AoE.

·Ball Lightning fills your screen with sustained damage while you zip around.

·Skeleton Warriors remain situational distractions but are less critical.

This chaos-to-lightning transition ensures smooth scaling from Acts to mapping, with Demon Form tying it all together.

Final Thoughts

The Lightning Demon Form Infernalist is one of the flashiest and most effective league starters in Path of Exile 2 Patch 0.3.0. While it requires careful mana management and can feel fragile in the early game, the payoff is tremendous: screen-clearing Ball Lightning storms combined with instant Lightning Warp detonations in Demon Form.

For Trade League players, buying PoE2 currency and items can fine-tune the build quickly, especially for mana sustain and capped resistances. For SSF players, patience and careful farming will eventually yield the tools you need.

If you're looking to start the league strong with a build that is equal parts stylish, mobile, and powerful, the Infernalist's Demon Form is a perfect fit. Embrace the Infernal flames-then unleash the storm.