Equipment Priorities

Your build functions well on self-found gear, but Path of Exile 2 Currency targeting specific stats provides a massive efficiency boost:

Weapon:

Withered Wand base
+Spell/Chaos Skill Levels
% Spell Damage, Cast Speed

Focus / Offhand:

Antler Focus
+All Spell Levels, Chaos Damage, Cast Speed

Helmet:

Wicker Tiara
Energy Shield, Resistances

Body Armor:

Hexer's Robe
Life, Energy Shield, Resistances

Boots:

Wrapped Sandals
10-25% Movement Speed, Life, Resistances

Gloves:

Somber Gloves
Cast Speed, Attributes, Energy Shield

Rings:

Ruby or Topaz Rings
Resistances, Cast Speed, Chaos Damage

Amulet:

Amber Amulet
Attributes, +Level to Chaos or Projectile Skills

Weapon upgrades should be frequent - every 8-10 levels. Use Transmutation and Augmentation Orbs early, and transition to Essence crafting or buying POE2 Currency for quick improvements once you reach Acts 4-5.

Sockets and Runes

Socket management is crucial in Path of Exile 2:

Weapons: Insert Iron Runes to scale spell damage.
Armor/Jewelry: Use Elemental or Defensive Runes for resistances and survivability.
Maintain linked sockets for multi-support setups.

As your build evolves, prioritize four- and five-link setups for your primary skills.

Skill Gem Setup

Act 1-2 Setup:

Contagion + Unleash
Unearth + Prolonged Duration
Essence Drain + Chain
Chaos Bolt + Rapid Casting

Act 3+ Setup:

Despair + Heightened Curse
Dark Effigy + Controlled Destruction
Sigil of Power (precast before bosses)
Convalescence + Rapid Casting II

Optional Early Skill:

Use Flame Wall at levels 2-5 for early single-target coverage until buy POE2 Currency Essence Drain unlocks.