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

Path of Exile 2 has garnered significant praise, but the fantasy setting might not appeal to everyone. If you prefer a more visceral, action-oriented experience, the Mercenary class is your answer. Transforming PoE2 into a top-down shooter, the Mercenary allows you to wield powerful crossbows, turning hordes of enemies into a satisfying blur of destruction.

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 eliminating both regular enemies and challenging bosses. For instance, the notoriously difficult Act 1 boss, a significant hurdle for Witches, can be conquered with relative ease by a well-built Mercenary in just one or two attempts. This guide focuses on creating an effective Mercenary build for the PoE2 early access version (0.1.0f). Note that GGG may introduce changes in the full release, potentially altering some strategies outlined here.

While the Mercenary can use any weapon, the crossbow is the star of the show. Think of it as a versatile combination of automatic rifle, shotgun, and grenade launcher—perfect for keeping your distance and dealing massive damage. Leave bows to the Ranger; the crossbow is your Mercenary's best friend.

Main Characteristics of the Mercenary

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

Useful Skills in Early Game Stages

Fragmentation Rounds

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

Permafrost Bolts

A solid starting skill. Freezing and immobilizing enemies provides crucial control. Support gems like Frost Nexus (increases chance to freeze the ground) and Leverage are excellent choices. Double Barrel adds another bolt but increases reload time (though this can be mitigated later). Remember that attack speed affects reload speed.

Explosive Grenade

Essential for crowd control. The Scattershot support gem allows for three grenades instead of one (with a 20% damage reduction, which is acceptable). Second Wind is another beneficial support gem. Remember that grenades are affected by physics and can be deflected by obstacles.

Gas Grenade

Releases a cloud of poison gas, improved with Corrosion (80% reduced armor from poison) and Bursting Plague. The key feature is its detonatability with fire-based skills (like Explosive Grenade and later Explosive Shot) for massive damage increases.

Galvanic Shards

Available around Act 2, Galvanic Shards transforms your crossbow into a lightning shotgun. Enhance it with Conduction and Lightning Infusion for devastating AoE damage.

Herald of Thunder

An excellent buff, especially when combined with Galvanic Shards and Conduction, ensuring near-constant shock effects. Requires 30 spirit units (obtainable by defeating an Act 1 boss).

Explosive Shot

Combines well with grenades, detonating them on impact. Fire Infusion increases fire damage. Offers both ranged combat and an alternative to Galvanic Shards for dealing with fire-weak enemies.

These skills are sufficient for leveling to 20-25 and mastering Mercenary mechanics. Experiment with different skill combinations to find your optimal build.

Passive Skills of the Mercenary

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

• Remorseless: 15% increased projectile damage, 30% increased stun buildup (close range), +5 strength and dexterity.
• Ricochet: 15% increased projectile damage, 10% chance for projectile chain.
• 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 (after kill), 8% increased Attack Speed (after kill).
• Doomsayer: Herald Skills have 30% increased Area of Effect, Herald Skills have 30% increased Damage.
• Instant Reload: 40% increased Crossbow Reload Speed.
• Volatile Grenades: 25% reduced Grenade fuse duration.

These passive skills provide a strong foundation. Experiment and discover your own build combinations for a truly personalized experience.