If you're intrigued by *Path of Exile 2* but not a fan of traditional fantasy elements like swords, bows, and magic, then 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 can wield a trusty crossbow—akin to a shotgun—and dive into hordes of enemies with gusto.
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 the right leveling strategy, the Mercenary class becomes a formidable machine capable of turning monsters into mere fertilizer. This efficiency extends to both regular mobs and challenging bosses. For instance, the first act's final boss, which often proves difficult for the Witch class, can be conquered by a well-optimized Mercenary in just one or two attempts.
To help you craft an effective Mercenary build in the early access version of *Path of Exile 2*, this guide is based on game version 0.1.0f. Keep in mind that Grinding Gear Games (GGG) may introduce changes in the release version, potentially affecting some parts of this guide.
Image: ensigame.com
Like all classes in *PoE2*, the Mercenary can use any weapon without restrictions. However, engaging in melee combat with demons isn't ideal for this class. Instead, opt for the crossbow—a versatile weapon that blends the functionalities of an automatic rifle, shotgun, and grenade launcher. While the Mercenary can use bows, these are better left to the Ranger. As famously echoed in *Full Metal Jacket*: "Without me, my crossbow is useless. Without my crossbow, I am useless."
Image: ensigame.com
Main Characteristics of the Mercenary
The cornerstone attribute for the Mercenary is Dexterity. Aim to maximize your Dexterity through items and the passive skill tree. Prioritize Evasion over Armour, as it's more beneficial for this class. Movement speed is crucial for dodging enemy attacks and navigating through battles. Allocate points to Strength and Intelligence as needed, based on your equipment and skill requirements.
Image: ensigame.com
Useful Skills in Early Game Stages
Fragmentation Rounds
At the outset, the Fragmentation Rounds skill is handy but not a long-term solution. Enhance it with support skills like 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.
Image: ensigame.com
Permafrost Bolts
A solid starting skill, Permafrost Bolts allow you to freeze and immobilize enemies with frost projectiles. 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%—a drawback that can be mitigated.
Remember, different skills allow varying numbers of bolts in the crossbow. You can refresh the charge by pressing the quick key again. Also, attack speed impacts reload speed, so don't overlook this stat.
Image: ensigame.com
Image: ensigame.com
Explosive Grenade
Grenades are indispensable for dealing with large groups of enemies. Use the Scattershot support gem to throw three grenades instead of one, despite a 20% damage reduction. Pair it with Second Wind for added effectiveness. Grenades have a wide range and follow physics, so be mindful of obstacles that could deflect them.
When throwing grenades into confined spaces, position yourself close to the entrance to ensure all grenades reach their target. If enemies are charging at you, throw grenades in their path and roll towards them to avoid hits while they get caught in the explosions.
Image: ensigame.com
Gas Grenade
Gas Grenades release a cloud of poisonous gas that expands over time. Enhance this skill with Corrosion (reduces victims' armor by 80% from poison damage), which replaces the need for Armour Piercing Rounds and High Velocity Rounds. Add Bursting Plague to boost damage. A unique feature of Gas Grenades is their ability to be detonated with fire, significantly increasing damage. Use skills with the Detonate keyword, such as Explosive Grenade or later, Explosive Shot.
Image: ensigame.com
Galvanic Shards
Available in the second act, Galvanic Shards transforms your crossbow into an automatic shotgun with five charges, firing lightning. Enhance it with Conduction and Lightning Infusion to amplify its already impressive damage. With increased reload speed, it becomes an electro-automatic rifle, perfect for clearing waves of enemies.
Image: ensigame.com
Herald of Thunder
An excellent early-game buff, especially if you've chosen Galvanic Shards with Conduction. It increases your chance to shock monsters to 100%, triggering the Herald of Thunder buff. This causes lightning to strike enemies from above. Activating this aura requires 30 spirit units, obtainable by defeating a first-act boss.
Image: ensigame.com
Explosive Shot
Embrace your inner Doomguy with Explosive Shot, which synergizes well with grenades. The explosion from a bolt hit can detonate grenades on the ground. Enhance it with Fire Infusion to boost fire damage, making it an effective method for clearing labyrinths. While more complex, Explosive Shot offers advantages over Galvanic Shards, such as maintaining distance from enemies and exploiting fire weaknesses in monsters and bosses.
Image: ensigame.com
These skills are sufficient to level your Mercenary to around level 20-25 and grasp the class mechanics. Aim to acquire as many of these abilities as possible to handle various enemy types effectively in more challenging areas. Now, let's explore recommendations for developing the passive skill tree.
Image: ensigame.com
Passive Skills of the Mercenary
Focus on passive skill nodes that include the phrase "increased projectile damage." Here are some key nodes to prioritize:
⚔️ Remorseless — 15% increased projectile damage, 30% increased stun buildup against enemies within two meters, +5 strength and dexterity. An excellent starting buff.
⚔️ Ricochet — 15% increased projectile damage, projectiles have a 10% chance to chain an additional time. A valuable damage boost.
⚔️ Blur — 4% increased movement speed, 20% increased evasion rating, +10 dexterity. Enhances survivability and helps level up main attributes.
Image: ensigame.com
⚔️ Heavy Ammunition — 8% reduced attack speed, 40% increased projectile damage, 40% increased projectile stun buildup. A significant damage bonus, especially if you've chosen Blur.
⚔️ Careful Aim — 16% increased Projectile Damage, 40% increased Accuracy Rating at Close Range. Essential for addressing Accuracy Rating needs.
Image: ensigame.com
⚔️ Cluster Bombs — 50% increased grenade fuse duration, grenade skills fire an additional projectile. Ideal if you're using Explosive Shot, as the additional projectile enhances effectiveness.
⚔️ 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.
Image: ensigame.com
⚔️ Doomsayer — Herald Skills have 30% increased Area of Effect, Herald Skills have 30% increased Damage. Highly effective for leveling Herald of Thunder.
⚔️ Instant Reload — 40% increased Crossbow Reload Speed. A crucial passive skill that, along with the path to it, provides a total of 70% increased reload speed and unlocks the first Jewel Socket.
⚔️ Volatile Grenades — 25% reduced Grenade fuse duration. Only take this if you're not using Explosive Shot in combat.
Image: ensigame.com
These passive skills should be your initial focus, requiring about 30-35 skill points. As you acquire them, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how the Mercenary functions in *PoE2*. Don't hesitate to experiment, as the joy of playing a Mercenary lies in discovering your own unique combinations and builds!
