Path of Exile 2 Mercenary Build Guide: Mastering the Blade

If you're intrigued by the buzz surrounding Path of Exile 2 but aren't typically drawn to fantasy elements like swords, bows, and magic, the Mercenary class is tailored just for you. This class transforms the game into a thrilling top-down shooter, reminiscent of Doom. Armed with a crossbow that functions as a versatile weapon akin to an automatic rifle, shotgun, or grenade launcher, the Mercenary lets you dive into hordes of enemies with the intensity of a modern action game.

Table of Contents

• 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 proper leveling, the Mercenary class becomes an efficient machine, capable of turning monsters into mere obstacles. This applies not only to regular mobs but also to formidable bosses. For instance, the final boss of the first act, which poses significant challenges for the Witch, can be easily defeated by a well-built Mercenary on the first or second attempt.

Let's explore how to create an effective Mercenary build in the early access version of PoE2. Note that all information is relevant for game version 0.1.0f. Grinding Gear Games (GGG) may implement changes in the release version, potentially making some parts of this guide outdated.

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The Mercenary can wield any weapon without restrictions, but the crossbow is your go-to choice for maintaining a safe distance from enemies. It's a versatile hybrid weapon, perfect for the Mercenary's playstyle. As the saying goes, "Without me, my crossbow is useless. Without my crossbow, I am useless."

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Main Characteristics of the Mercenary

The most crucial attribute for the Mercenary is Dexterity. Aim to maximize your Dexterity through items and the passive skill tree. Prioritize Evasion over Armour for better survivability, and don't overlook Movement Speed to navigate through enemy attacks effectively. Allocate Strength and Intelligence as needed, based on your equipment and skill requirements.

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Useful Skills in Early Game Stages

Fragmentation Rounds

At the start of your Mercenary journey, Fragmentation Rounds can be useful, but it's not a skill to rely on long-term. Enhance it with Brutality (35% increased physical damage) and Leverage (50% increased crit chance against immobilized enemies). However, consider saving your gems for more impactful skills later on.

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Permafrost Bolts

A solid starting skill, Permafrost Bolts allow you to freeze and immobilize enemies. Enhance it with Frost Nexus (increases the chance to freeze the ground around an ice-bound enemy) and Leverage. Alternatively, use Double Barrel to load two bolts at once, though this increases reload time by 30%.

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Remember, different skills allow varying numbers of bolts in the crossbow. Press the quick key to refresh the charge after defeating enemies. Attack speed also affects reload speed, so keep this in mind.

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Explosive Grenade

Grenades are essential for clearing large groups of enemies. Enhance Explosive Grenade with Scattershot to throw three grenades at once, though this reduces damage by 20%. Use Second Wind as another support skill. Grenades have a wide range and follow physics, so be mindful of obstacles when aiming.

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Gas Grenade

Gas Grenade releases a cloud of poisonous gas that expands over time. Enhance it with Corrosion to reduce enemy armor by 80% from poison damage, and Bursting Plague to increase damage. The unique feature of Gas Grenade is its ability to be detonated with fire, significantly boosting damage. Use skills with the Detonate keyword, like Explosive Grenade or Explosive Shot.

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Galvanic Shards

Available in the second act, Galvanic Shards transforms your crossbow into an automatic shotgun with lightning damage. Enhance it with Conduction and Lightning Infusion for increased damage. With faster reload speed, it becomes an electro-automatic rifle, perfect for mowing down enemies.

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Herald of Thunder

If you've followed our recommendations and used Galvanic Shards with Conduction, Herald of Thunder is the best early-game buff. It increases your chance to shock monsters to 100%, triggering lightning strikes from above. Activating this aura requires 30 spirit units, obtainable by defeating a boss in the first act.

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Explosive Shot

Feel like Doomguy with Explosive Shot, which causes grenades on the floor to detonate upon impact. Enhance it with Fire Infusion for increased fire damage. While more complex to use than Galvanic Shards, it allows you to keep enemies at a distance and is effective against fire-weak foes.

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These skills are sufficient to level the Mercenary to 20-25 and understand the class mechanics. Aim to acquire as many of these abilities as possible to handle various enemy types effectively.

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Passive Skills of the Mercenary

Focus on passive skill nodes that increase projectile damage. Here are key skills to prioritize:

⚔️ Remorseless — 15% increased projectile damage, 30% increased stun buildup against enemies within two meters, +5 strength and dexterity. A great starting buff.

⚔️ Ricochet — 15% increased projectile damage, projectiles have a 10% chance to chain an additional time. A nice damage increase.

⚔️ Blur — 4% increased movement speed, 20% increased evasion rating, +10 dexterity. Enhances survivability and attribute growth.

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⚔️ Heavy Ammunition — 8% reduced attack speed, 40% increased projectile damage, 40% increased projectile stun buildup. A significant damage boost if you've chosen Blur.

⚔️ Careful Aim — 16% increased Projectile Damage, 40% increased Accuracy Rating at Close Range. Essential for improving accuracy.

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⚔️ Cluster Bombs — 50% increased grenade fuse duration, grenade skills fire an additional projectile. Ideal for Explosive Shot users.

⚔️ Adrenaline Rush — 4% increased Movement Speed if you've Killed Recently, 8% increased Attack Speed if you've Killed Recently. A useful skill on the path to Instant Reload.

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⚔️ Doomsayer — Herald Skills have 30% increased Area of Effect, Herald Skills have 30% increased Damage. Enhances Herald of Thunder.

⚔️ Instant Reload — 40% increased Crossbow Reload Speed. A crucial skill that, along with other nodes, provides a 70% total reload speed increase. Also unlocks the first Jewel Socket.

⚔️ Volatile Grenades — 25% reduced Grenade fuse duration. Only take this if you're not using Explosive Shot.

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These passive skills will require about 30-35 skill points to acquire. As you progress, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the Mercenary's mechanics in PoE2. Don't hesitate to experiment, as the joy of playing a Mercenary lies in discovering your own unique builds and combinations!