Shadow Hunter
A deadly fusion of occult magic and shadowy agility.
The Witch Hunter is a class combination in Grim Dawn, merging the Occultist and Nightblade skill trees to create a character archetype focused on shadow magic, teleportation, and high-damage single-target attacks. This combination is available in the base game, not requiring any expansion.
- Type
- Class Combination
- Parent Classes
- Occultist / Nightblade
- Expansion Required
- Base Game
- Primary Attributes
- Physique / Cunning / Spirit
- Core Mechanic
- Shadow Strike and Shadow Form
Lore & Background
In the grim world of Cairn, warriors who master both the arcane arts of the Occultists and the stealthy lethality of the Nightblades are known as Witch Hunters. These practitioners learn to manipulate shadows not just as a tool for concealment, but as a medium for travel and destruction. They are often seen as enigmatic figures, utilizing their ability to step through shadow portals to strike enemies from unexpected angles. Their mastery over the Void allows them to summon spectral entities and warp reality itself, making them formidable opponents in both ritualistic combat and guerrilla warfare.
In Their Own Story
The air in the ruined temple grew heavy with ash as the Shadow Hunter crouched behind a crumbling pillar. With a whisper of incantation, his form dissolved into smoke, reappearing instantly behind a group of cultists chanting to the Ashen Lord. Before they could react, spectral blades erupted from the shadows, severing limbs and silencing prayers in an instant.
Reader's Guide
The Shadow Hunter requires the Occultist and Nightblade skill trees, unlocked via the Ashes of Malmouth expansion. Builds often prioritize Dexterity and Intelligence to maximize damage output and survivability. Combining the Shadow Hunter skills with items like the 'Shadow Hunter's Set' (if referring to specific legendary drops) or high-level artifacts can create devastating burst damage builds capable of clearing elite packs quickly.
Did You Know?
- The Witch Hunter is a class combination available from the base game, not introduced in any expansion.
- It uniquely blends teleportation mechanics with summoning and area-of-effect shadow magic.
- Players can choose the Nightblade class as their first class at level 1; no level requirement is needed to unlock it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the Shadow Hunter in Grim Dawn?
The Shadow Hunter is a specialized class combination rather than a piece of equipment or artifact. It merges two distinct skill trees to create a unique character archetype focused on shadow magic and agility.
Which parent classes form this hybrid build?
This specialization fuses the Occultist and Nightblade classes into a single powerful entity. Players must level both of these parents to unlock the Shadow Hunter's unique skills.
Is this class available in the base game?
Accessing the Shadow Hunter requires ownership of the Ashes of Malmouth expansion pack. It cannot be played using only the original Grim Dawn release without this additional content.
What are the core mechanics for this character type?
The build revolves around abilities like Shadow Step and transforming into a Shadow Form to evade damage. These tools enable high-damage single-target attacks while maintaining mobility through teleportation.
Which attributes should I prioritize when playing this class?
You should focus your attribute points on Intelligence and Dexterity to maximize effectiveness. This stat split supports the magical power and physical agility required for its signature spells.
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