His blade in Path of Exile 2 is at your service: How to make a Mercenary build

Path of Exile 2's Mercenary class offers a unique, action-packed experience for players who crave a departure from traditional fantasy fare. Forget swords and sorcery; this class transforms PoE2 into a top-down shooter, letting you unleash hell with crossbows – think high-powered shotguns and grenade launchers combined!

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

A properly leveled Mercenary becomes a devastating force, efficiently dispatching both regular mobs and challenging bosses. For instance, the notoriously difficult Act 1 boss, a significant hurdle for Witches, often falls to a well-built Mercenary in just one or two attempts. This guide focuses on building an effective Mercenary in PoE2's early access version (0.1.0f). Note that Grinding Gear Games (GGG) may implement changes in the full release, potentially affecting the guide's accuracy.

While the Mercenary can wield any weapon, the crossbow reigns supreme. It’s a versatile tool, blending the functionality of an automatic rifle, shotgun, and grenade launcher. Forget melee combat; keep your distance and let the crossbow do the talking. As the saying goes, "Without my crossbow, I am useless."

Main Characteristics of the Mercenary

Dexterity is king for the Mercenary. Maximize it through gear and passive skill tree choices. Prioritize Evasion over Armour. High movement speed is crucial for dodging attacks. Strength and Intelligence should be allocated as needed to meet equipment or skill requirements.

Useful Skills in Early Game Stages

Fragmentation Rounds

While useful initially, Fragmentation Rounds is quickly outclassed. Consider support gems like Brutality (35% increased physical damage) and Leverage (50% increased critical strike chance against immobilized enemies), but investing gems early might be better saved for later, stronger skills.

Permafrost Bolts

This is a solid starting skill. Freezing and immobilizing enemies provides crucial control. Pair it with Frost Nexus (increased chance to freeze the ground) and Leverage for increased critical strike chance. Double Barrel is another excellent support gem, doubling your bolts but increasing reload time (though this can be mitigated).

Remember that attack speed directly impacts reload speed.

Explosive Grenade

Essential for crowd control. Combine with Scattershot (three grenades instead of one, with a damage reduction) and Second Wind for maximum impact. Remember their range and trajectory—they obey physics!

Gas Grenade

Releases a cloud of poison gas. Enhance it with Corrosion (80% reduced armour from poison) and Bursting Plague. The key is detonation: combine with fire-based skills (like Explosive Grenade later Explosive Shot) for a massive damage boost.

Galvanic Shards

Available in Act 2, this transforms your crossbow into an automatic shotgun. Use Conduction and Lightning Infusion support gems to maximize its devastating potential.

Herald of Thunder

An excellent buff, especially when paired with Galvanic Shards and Conduction. The 100% shock chance ensures consistent uptime, unleashing a storm of lightning.

Explosive Shot

A powerful skill, especially when used with grenades (exploding on impact). Fire Infusion further amplifies its damage. Offers both ranged combat and an alternative to Galvanic Shards.

Passive Skills of the Mercenary

Prioritize passive skill nodes that increase projectile damage. Key nodes include:

• Remorseless: 15% increased projectile damage, increased stun, +strength and dexterity.
• Ricochet: 15% increased projectile damage, chance to chain projectiles.
• Blur: Increased movement speed and evasion, +dexterity.
• Heavy Ammunition: Reduced attack speed, significantly increased projectile damage and stun.
• Careful Aim: Increased projectile damage and accuracy at close range.
• Cluster Bombs: Increased grenade fuse duration, additional grenade projectile.
• Adrenaline Rush: Increased movement and attack speed after kills.
• Doomsayer: Increased area of effect and damage for Herald skills.
• Instant Reload: Increased crossbow reload speed.
• Volatile Grenades: Reduced grenade fuse duration.

These passive skills provide a solid foundation. Remember to experiment and find your own optimal build!