Path of Exile 2 offers a thrilling experience, but if high fantasy isn't your cup of tea, the Mercenary class might be your perfect fit. Forget swords and sorcery; this class transforms PoE2 into a top-down shooter experience. Grab your trusty crossbow (think high-powered shotgun meets grenade launcher) and prepare to obliterate hordes of enemies!
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 strategic leveling, the Mercenary becomes a devastating force, capable of effortlessly mowing down both regular mobs and challenging bosses. Even the notoriously difficult Act 1 boss, a significant hurdle for other classes, can often fall in just one or two attempts with a well-built Mercenary. This guide focuses on building an effective Mercenary in the PoE2 early access version (0.1.0f). Note that GGG may introduce changes in the full release.
While the Mercenary can technically wield any weapon, the crossbow is your ideal choice. Think of it as a versatile hybrid – automatic rifle, shotgun, and grenade launcher all rolled into one. Leave melee combat to others; the crossbow is your ticket to efficient, ranged destruction.
Main Characteristics of the Mercenary
Dexterity is your primary stat. Maximize it through gear and passive skill tree choices. Prioritize Evasion over Armour. High movement speed is crucial for dodging attacks and repositioning. Allocate Strength and Intelligence as needed to meet skill and equipment requirements.
Useful Skills in Early Game Stages
Fragmentation Rounds
While useful early on, Fragmentation Rounds is quickly outclassed. Consider Brutality (35% increased physical damage) and Leverage (50% increased critical strike chance against immobilized enemies) support gems, but these gems might be better saved for later, stronger skills.
Permafrost Bolts
A much stronger early-game choice. Freeze and immobilize enemies with frost projectiles. Pair with Frost Nexus (increased chance to freeze the ground) and Leverage for increased critical strike chance. Double Barrel is another solid support gem, doubling your bolts but increasing reload time (though this can be mitigated later).
Remember that attack speed affects reload speed, so prioritize this stat.
Explosive Grenade
Essential for crowd control. While your crossbow provides AoE damage, grenades are unmatched for clearing large groups. Use Scattershot to throw three grenades instead of one (damage is slightly reduced, but the area of effect is greatly increased). Second Wind is another useful support gem.
Gas Grenade
Releases a cloud of poison gas. Corrosion reduces enemy armor by 80% against poison damage, a good replacement for Armor Piercing Rounds and High Velocity Rounds. Bursting Plague further increases damage. Detonate the gas with fire skills (like Explosive Grenade later Explosive Shot) for massive damage boosts.
Galvanic Shards
Available in Act 2, this skill transforms your crossbow into an automatic shotgun, firing lightning. Conduction and Lightning Infusion support gems significantly amplify its damage, turning it into a powerful clearing tool.
Herald of Thunder
An excellent early-game buff, especially when paired with Galvanic Shards and Conduction. The near-guaranteed shock effect from Galvanic Shards ensures Herald of Thunder's constant activation, unleashing a storm of lightning.
Explosive Shot
Combine this with grenades for devastating results; the shot's explosion detonates nearby grenades. Fire Infusion further enhances damage, creating a powerful AoE clearing method. While potentially more complex than Galvanic Shards, it offers ranged combat and an alternative damage type.
These skills provide a solid foundation for leveling to 20-25 and mastering Mercenary mechanics. Experiment with different combinations to find your optimal build.
Passive Skills of the Mercenary
Prioritize nodes that increase projectile damage. Key nodes include:
- Remorseless: 15% increased projectile damage, increased stun, +strength and dexterity.
- Ricochet: 15% increased projectile damage, chance for chain projectiles.
- Blur: Increased movement speed, evasion, +dexterity.
- Heavy Ammunition: Reduced attack speed, increased projectile damage and stun.
- Careful Aim: Increased projectile damage, increased accuracy at close range.
- Cluster Bombs: Increased grenade fuse duration, additional grenade projectile.
- Adrenaline Rush: Increased movement and attack speed after kills.
- Doomsayer: Increased Herald skill area of effect and damage.
- Instant Reload: Increased crossbow reload speed.
- Volatile Grenades: Reduced grenade fuse duration (only if not using Explosive Shot).
These passive skills provide a strong foundation. Experiment and discover your own unique builds!
