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

Path of Exile 2 is generating a lot of buzz, but the fantasy setting with swords and magic isn't for everyone. If you prefer a more visceral, action-packed experience, the Mercenary class is your answer. Transform Path of Exile 2 into a top-down shooter, wielding a powerful crossbow (think shotgun meets grenade launcher) to blast your way through hordes of enemies. Forget delicate spells; this is pure, unadulterated firepower.

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 monster-slaying machine, efficient against both regular mobs and challenging bosses. Even the notoriously difficult Act 1 final boss, a significant hurdle for other classes, can be defeated relatively easily 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 make changes in the full release.

While the Mercenary can use any weapon, the crossbow is the star of the show. It's a versatile weapon, combining the strengths of an automatic rifle, shotgun, and grenade launcher. Leave melee combat to others; your crossbow is your best friend.

Main Characteristics of the Mercenary

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

Useful Skills in Early Game Stages

Fragmentation Rounds

Fragmentation Rounds is a decent starting skill, but it's quickly outclassed. Consider support gems like Brutality (35% increased physical damage) and Leverage (50% increased crit chance against immobilized enemies), but investing gems early might be better saved for later skills.

Permafrost Bolts

Permafrost Bolts is a much stronger early-game choice. Freezing and immobilizing enemies provides crucial control. Pair it with Frost Nexus (increased chance to freeze the ground) and Leverage. Double Barrel is another strong support gem, doubling bolts but increasing reload time (though this can be mitigated later).

Remember that attack speed affects reload speed. Also, pressing the quick key again reloads the crossbow.

Explosive Grenade

Explosive Grenades are essential for crowd control. Enhance them with Scattershot (three grenades instead of one, reduced damage) and Second Wind. Grenades have a wide range and obey physics, so consider trajectory and obstacles.

Gas Grenade

Gas Grenades release poison gas, enhanced by Corrosion (reduces armor by 80% from poison damage) and Bursting Plague. The key is detonating the gas with fire skills (like Explosive Grenade or later Explosive Shot) for massive damage boosts.

Galvanic Shards

Available in Act 2, Galvanic Shards transforms your crossbow into an automatic lightning shotgun. Use Conduction and Lightning Infusion support gems for maximum damage.

Herald of Thunder

This buff synergizes perfectly with Galvanic Shards and Conduction, providing near-constant shocking and increased damage. Requires 30 spirit units (obtainable from an Act 1 boss).

Explosive Shot

Explosive Shot, combined with grenades, creates a powerful AoE attack. Fire Infusion further boosts damage. It offers ranged capabilities and fire damage as an alternative to Galvanic Shards.

These skills provide a solid foundation for leveling to 20-25. Experiment with different combinations to find your optimal build.

Passive Skills of the Mercenary

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

• Remorseless: Increased projectile damage, stun buildup, strength, and dexterity.
• Ricochet: Increased projectile damage, chance to chain projectiles.
• Blur: Increased movement speed, evasion, and dexterity.
• Heavy Ammunition: Reduced attack speed, increased projectile damage and stun buildup.
• 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 Herald skill area of effect and damage.
• Instant Reload: Increased crossbow reload speed.
• Volatile Grenades: Reduced grenade fuse duration.

These passive skills provide a strong foundation. Experiment and discover your own unique build! Remember that the true fun lies in discovering your own combinations and builds!