In Path of Exile 2, the Witch’s Blood Mage ascendancy has emerged as a powerful and flexible choice for players wanting both clear speed and boss damage. One of the most fun hybrid starter builds combines Bonestorm for early single-target power and Reap later on as a POE 2 Currency high-damage melee spell, making this playstyle both engaging and competitive from Act 2 through mapping.

This build leans on the Blood Mage’s ability to convert life into mana and amplify critical strike potential. The Blood Mage ascendancy grants key nodes like Sunder the Flesh (boosts base critical strike chance), Vitality Siphon (spell leech and mana sustain), and Grasping Wounds for survivability—crucial as you juggle channeling spells like Bonestorm.

Early Game Progression

Your journey begins with Essence Drain and Contagion to safely clear packs in early zones. These skills keep you alive and build progression until Bonestorm becomes available. Once you reach the Bonestorm skill gem (around level 14), start emphasizing it as your core damage spell, supported by Brutality and Pierce for better hits and utility.

Bonestorm excels at single-target encounters and bosses early in the campaign. It channels a flurry of bone projectiles that shred elites while allowing you to kite or reposition in tight situations. Make sure to secure a second support slot for Bonestorm as soon as possible to scale its damage.

Transition to Reap

Around mid-campaign (Act 3 onward), you’ll want to transition into Reap once the respective staff and gem are unlocked (around level 38). Reap is a sweeping melee spell that deals huge physical damage converted to chaos, harvesting health and synergizing with critical strike bonuses from Blood Mage ascendancy nodes.

A typical Reap link setup for later levels might include supports such as Brutality, Efficacy, Increased Critical Damage, and Cast on Crit to maintain both high damage and Bonestorm triggers for tougher enemies.

Utility & Survivability

To augment your core spells:

Use Bone Cage early for extra clearing power and crowd control.

Slot Vulnerability or other curses against bosses to shred defenses.

Final Thoughts

This hybrid Blood Mage starter offers an accessible, rewarding build that scales into endgame. With Bonestorm as your early workhorse and Reap taking over as the main damage dealer, you’ll enjoy a buy POE 2 Currency mix of ranged and melee playstyles while benefiting from Blood Mage’s strong survivability and crit synergies.