His blade in Path of Exile 2 is at your service: How to make a Mercenary build

Path of Exile 2's Mercenary class offers a unique, action-packed experience for players who prefer a less fantasy-focused, more visceral combat style. Forget swords and sorcery; this class transforms PoE2 into a top-down shooter, letting you unleash hell with crossbows—think of them as a hybrid of automatic rifles, shotguns, and grenade launchers. Forget delicate swordplay; embrace the raw power of explosive weaponry.

Table of Content

• Features of the Mercenary in Path of Exile 2
• Main Characteristics of the Mercenary
• Useful Skills in Early Game Stages
• Fragmentation Rounds
• Permafrost Bolts
• Explosive Grenade
• Gas Grenade
• Galvanic Shards
• Herald of Thunder
• Explosive Shot
• Passive Skills of the Mercenary

Features of the Mercenary in Path of Exile 2

With strategic leveling, the Mercenary becomes a devastating force, efficiently eliminating both regular mobs and challenging bosses. Even the formidable Act 1 boss, a significant hurdle for other classes, falls relatively easily to a well-built Mercenary. This guide focuses on building an effective Mercenary in the PoE2 early access version (0.1.0f). Note that GGG (Grinding Gear Games) may implement changes in the final release.

While the Mercenary can technically wield any weapon, the crossbow is the star of the show. It's your primary tool for obliterating enemies from a safe distance. Forget close-quarters combat; your crossbow is your best friend in this explosive dance of death.

Main Characteristics of the Mercenary

Dexterity is your king. Prioritize it heavily through gear and passive skill tree choices. Evasion trumps armor; focus on staying nimble. Strength and Intelligence are secondary, allocated as needed to meet skill or equipment requirements.

Useful Skills in Early Game Stages

Fragmentation Rounds

While useful initially, Fragmentation Rounds is quickly outclassed. Consider Brutality (35% increased physical damage) and Leverage (50% increased crit chance against immobilized enemies) support gems, but saving your gems for later skills might be more beneficial.

Permafrost Bolts

A solid starting skill. Freezing and immobilizing enemies provides crucial control. Pair it with Frost Nexus (increased chance to freeze the ground) and Leverage for enhanced critical hits. Double Barrel adds a second bolt but increases reload time (mitigable with further upgrades).

Remember that attack speed impacts reload speed. Manage your bolts efficiently; reloading after clearing enemy groups is key.

Explosive Grenade

Essential for crowd control. Combine with Scattershot (three grenades instead of one, with reduced damage) and Second Wind for maximum area-of-effect devastation.

Consider projectile trajectory and environmental obstacles. For indoor use, get close to the doorway to maximize grenade effectiveness.

Gas Grenade

Releases a poisonous gas cloud. Enhance it with Corrosion (reduces enemy armor from poison damage) and Bursting Plague. The real trick? Detonate the gas with fire skills (like Explosive Grenade or later, Explosive Shot) for massive damage boosts.

Galvanic Shards

Available in Act 2, this skill transforms your crossbow into an automatic lightning shotgun. Use Conduction and Lightning Infusion support gems to maximize its devastating potential.

Herald of Thunder

A powerful buff, especially when combined with Galvanic Shards and Conduction, guaranteeing shock effects and summoning lightning strikes. Requires 30 spirit units (obtained by defeating an Act 1 boss).

Explosive Shot

Combines well with grenades, detonating them on impact. Fire Infusion boosts damage, providing another strong AoE clearing option. Offers ranged combat and fire damage versatility.

These skills provide a solid foundation for leveling to approximately levels 20-25. Experiment with different combinations to find your optimal playstyle.

Passive Skills of the Mercenary

Prioritize passive skill nodes that increase projectile damage. Key nodes include:

• Remorseless: 15% increased projectile damage, increased stun, +5 strength and dexterity.
• Ricochet: 15% increased projectile damage, chance to chain projectiles.
• Blur: Increased movement speed and evasion, +10 dexterity.
• Heavy Ammunition: Reduced attack speed, but significantly increased projectile damage and stun.
• Careful Aim: Increased projectile damage and accuracy at close range.
• Cluster Bombs: Increased grenade fuse duration and additional projectile.
• Adrenaline Rush: Increased movement and attack speed after kills.
• Doomsayer: Increased area of effect and damage for Herald skills.
• Instant Reload: Significantly increased crossbow reload speed.
• Volatile Grenades: Reduced grenade fuse duration (use if not using Explosive Shot).

These passive skills, requiring approximately 30-35 skill points, offer a strong starting point. Remember to experiment and discover your own unique build!