Path of Exile 2 Mercenary Build Guide: Mastering the Blade

If you're intrigued by Path of Exile 2 but find the traditional fantasy elements unappealing, the Mercenary class might just be the perfect fit for you. Transforming the game into a top-down shooter, this class lets you dive straight into the action with a trusty crossbow that acts like a hybrid of an automatic rifle, shotgun, and grenade launcher.

The Mercenary is all about precision and strategy, turning every encounter into a tactical dance. Whether you're blasting through hordes of enemies or taking down formidable bosses, this class offers a fresh take on the classic RPG formula. For instance, the final boss of the first act, which challenges even the most skilled Witches, can be dispatched effortlessly by a well-built Mercenary on your first or second attempt.

Table of Contents

• Features of the Mercenary in Path of Exile 2
• Main Characteristics of the Mercenary
• Useful Skills in Early Game Stages
• Passive Skills of the Mercenary

Features of the Mercenary in Path of Exile 2

The Mercenary is a versatile class that thrives on dexterity and precision. Unlike other characters, the Mercenary doesn’t shy away from ranged combat, making the crossbow your primary companion. While you can wield any weapon, the crossbow is unmatched in versatility and power.

With the right build, the Mercenary becomes a force to be reckoned with, capable of handling both regular mobs and challenging bosses with ease. From the very beginning, you’ll find yourself mastering a variety of skills that cater to different playstyles, ensuring you’re never short on options.

Image: ensigame.com

Main Characteristics of the Mercenary

Dexterity is king for the Mercenary, so prioritize accumulating as much as possible through items and passive skills. Evasion is more valuable than armor, so focus on boosting your evasive capabilities. Movement speed is crucial for maneuvering between enemies and avoiding attacks, while strength and intelligence should be chosen based on equipment or skill requirements.

Useful Skills in Early Game Stages

Fragmentation Rounds

While useful at the start, Fragmentation Rounds are best left behind as you progress. Support skills like Brutality (increasing physical damage by 35%) and Leverage (boosting crit chance against immobilized enemies by 50%) can enhance its effectiveness, but it’s better to reserve gem slots for stronger abilities.

Permafrost Bolts

This skill is a solid choice for beginners, allowing you to freeze and immobilize enemies with frost projectiles. Combine it with support skills like Frost Nexus (increasing the chance to freeze the ground around an enemy) and Leverage for maximum impact. Alternatively, use Double Barrel to fire two bolts at once, albeit with a longer reload time.

Explosive Grenade

Grenades are essential for clearing large groups of enemies. Enhance them with the Scattershot support gem to launch three grenades instead of one, sacrificing some damage for greater area coverage. Second Wind is another excellent support skill that keeps you in the fight longer.

Gas Grenade

Gas Grenades release a toxic cloud that poisons enemies over time. Pair them with Corrosion (reducing armor by 80% from poison damage) and Bursting Plague for enhanced damage. The real kicker? Detonating the gas with fire deals massive damage, making this skill even more devastating.

Galvanic Shards

Available around the second act, Galvanic Shards transform your crossbow into an automatic shotgun, firing lightning bolts with five charges. Enchant it with Conduction and Lightning Infusion for incredible damage output. With increased reload speed, you’ll mow down waves of enemies in seconds.

Herald of Thunder

If you’ve invested in Galvanic Shards and Conduction, Herald of Thunder becomes a game-changer. Your chance to shock enemies reaches 100%, triggering the buff automatically. Activating this aura requires 30 spirit units, obtained by defeating one of the first act bosses.

Explosive Shot

This skill turns your crossbow into a fiery weapon, causing grenades on the ground to detonate upon impact. Combine it with Fire Infusion for enhanced fire damage, making it ideal for clearing labyrinths. It’s a more complex but rewarding skill, offering range and versatility.

Passive Skills of the Mercenary

Focus on passive nodes that boost projectile damage. Key options include:

• Remorseless: 15% increased projectile damage, 30% increased stun buildup, +5 strength and dexterity.
• Ricochet: 15% increased projectile damage, projectiles have a 10% chance to chain an additional time.
• Blur: 4% increased movement speed, 20% increased evasion rating, +10 dexterity.
• Heavy Ammunition: 8% reduced attack speed, 40% increased projectile damage, 40% increased projectile stun buildup.
• Careful Aim: 16% increased projectile damage, 40% increased accuracy rating at close range.
• Cluster Bombs: 50% increased grenade fuse duration, grenade skills fire an additional projectile.
• Adrenaline Rush: 4% increased movement speed if you’ve killed recently, 8% increased attack speed if you’ve killed recently.
• Doomsayer: Herald skills have 30% increased area of effect, 30% increased damage.
• Instant Reload: 40% increased crossbow reload speed, unlocking the first jewel socket.

This foundation will set you up for success as you explore the Mercenary’s potential in Path of Exile 2. Experimentation is key, so don’t hesitate to tweak your build and discover what works best for you!