Mercenary Build Guide: Wielding the Blade in Path of Exile 2

Are you intrigued by the buzz surrounding *Path of Exile 2* but hesitant due to its fantasy elements? Fear not, because the Mercenary class is tailored just for you! This class transforms *Path of Exile 2* into a thrilling top-down experience reminiscent of *Doom*, where you'll wield a crossbow that feels more like a trusty shotgun, perfect for charging into hordes of enemies.

With strategic leveling, the Mercenary class morphs into a formidable force, efficiently turning monsters into mere fertilizer. This prowess extends to not only regular mobs but also challenging bosses. For instance, the final boss of the first act, a daunting foe for the Witch class, can be conquered by a well-optimized Mercenary in just one or two attempts.

Let's explore how to craft an effective Mercenary build in the early access version of *PoE2*. Keep in mind, this guide is based on game version 0.1.0f, and Grinding Gear Games (GGG) might introduce changes in the final release that could affect some of these strategies.

Image: ensigame.com

The Mercenary, like all *PoE2* characters, can use any weapon without restrictions. However, you'll likely prefer the distance and versatility of a crossbow over engaging demons in melee combat. This weapon is a unique hybrid, functioning as an automatic rifle, shotgun, and grenade launcher all in one. While the Mercenary can use bows, we'll focus on the crossbow, your ultimate ally. As the saying goes, "Without me, my crossbow is useless. Without my crossbow, I am useless."

Image: ensigame.com

Main Characteristics of the Mercenary

The cornerstone stat for the Mercenary is Dexterity. Prioritize accumulating as much Dexterity as possible from gear and the passive skill tree. Favor Evasion over Armour for better survivability, and don't overlook Movement Speed to dodge enemy attacks effectively. Allocate points to Strength and Intelligence based on the requirements of your equipment and skills.

Image: ensigame.com

Useful Skills in Early Game Stages

Fragmentation Rounds

At the outset, the Fragmentation Rounds skill proves handy, though it's not a long-term solution. Enhance it with Brutality (35% increased physical damage) and Leverage (50% increased crit chance against immobilized enemies). However, consider conserving gems for more impactful skills later on.

Image: ensigame.com

Permafrost Bolts

Permafrost Bolts is a robust starting skill. It freezes and immobilizes enemies with frost projectiles, keeping them at a safe distance. Enhance it with Frost Nexus (increases freeze ground chance around ice-bound foes) and Leverage. Alternatively, use Double Barrel to load two bolts at the cost of a 30% longer reload time, which can be mitigated later.

Remember, different skills allow loading various numbers of bolts into the crossbow. Use quick keys to refresh charges efficiently. Also, attack speed impacts reload speed, so don't ignore this stat.

Image: ensigame.com

Image: ensigame.com

Explosive Grenade

Grenades are indispensable for clearing large enemy groups. Enhance your Explosive Grenade with Scattershot to throw three grenades at once, albeit with a 20% damage reduction. Second Wind is another useful support skill. Remember, grenades follow physics, so plan your throws to avoid obstacles and maximize impact.

Image: ensigame.com

Gas Grenade

Gas Grenades release a cloud of poisonous gas that expands over time. While not the most potent, enhance it with Corrosion (reduces enemy armor by 80% from poison damage) and Bursting Plague for increased damage. The highlight of Gas Grenades is their ability to be detonated with fire for massive damage, using skills like Explosive Grenade or Explosive Shot.

Image: ensigame.com

Galvanic Shards

Available from the second act, Galvanic Shards transforms your crossbow into a lightning-powered automatic shotgun. Enhance it with Conduction and Lightning Infusion to maximize its devastating effect on smaller foes.

Image: ensigame.com

Herald of Thunder

If you've followed our advice and used Galvanic Shards with Conduction, Herald of Thunder becomes your go-to buff. It ensures a 100% chance to shock enemies, triggering powerful lightning strikes from above. Remember, activating this aura costs 30 spirit units, obtainable from defeating a first-act boss.

Image: ensigame.com

Explosive Shot

Embrace your inner Doomguy with Explosive Shot, which synergizes excellently with grenades. Enhance it with Fire Infusion for increased fire damage, offering a robust AoE clearing method. Explosive Shot is ideal for maintaining distance and dealing with fire-weak enemies and bosses.

Image: ensigame.com

These skills will help you efficiently level your Mercenary to around level 20-25, allowing you to grasp the class mechanics. Strive to acquire as many of these abilities as possible to tackle various enemy types in more challenging areas. Now, let's dive into recommendations for developing your passive skill tree.

Image: ensigame.com

Passive Skills of the Mercenary

Focus on passive skill nodes that boost projectile damage. Here are key nodes to consider:

**⚔️ Remorseless** — Boosts projectile damage by 15%, increases stun buildup against nearby enemies by 30%, and adds 5 strength and dexterity. An excellent starting buff.

**⚔️ Ricochet** — Increases projectile damage by 15% and gives projectiles a 10% chance to chain an additional time. A valuable damage enhancement.

**⚔️ Blur** — Enhances movement speed by 4%, evasion rating by 20%, and adds 10 dexterity. It provides survivability and attribute growth.

Image: ensigame.com

**⚔️ Heavy Ammunition** — Reduces attack speed by 8% but increases projectile damage and stun buildup by 40%. A significant damage boost if you've taken Blur.

**⚔️ Careful Aim** — Increases projectile damage by 16% and accuracy rating at close range by 40%. A wise investment in accuracy.

Image: ensigame.com

**⚔️ Cluster Bombs** — Increases grenade fuse duration by 50% and adds an extra projectile to grenade skills. Essential if using Explosive Shot.

**⚔️ Adrenaline Rush** — Boosts movement speed by 4% and attack speed by 8% after a recent kill. A natural progression to Instant Reload.

Image: ensigame.com

**⚔️ Doomsayer** — Increases Herald skill area of effect and damage by 30%. A powerful boost for Herald of Thunder.

**⚔️ Instant Reload** — Increases crossbow reload speed by 40%, with an additional 30% en route, totaling 70%. Also, unlocks the first Jewel Socket along the way.

**⚔️ Volatile Grenades** — Reduces grenade fuse duration by 25%. Take this only if you're not using Explosive Shot.

Image: ensigame.com

These passive skills should be your starting point, requiring about 30-35 skill points. As you acquire them, you'll better understand the Mercenary's mechanics in *PoE2*. Don't forget to experiment, as the joy of playing a Mercenary in *PoE2* lies in discovering your own unique combinations and builds!