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 PoE2 into a top-down Doom-style shooter, wielding a powerful crossbow (think automatic rifle meets shotgun meets grenade launcher) and blasting through hordes of enemies!

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 build, the Mercenary becomes a devastating force, efficiently dispatching both regular mobs and challenging bosses. A well-developed Mercenary can even conquer the notoriously difficult first act boss with relative ease. 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 final release.

While the Mercenary can technically use any weapon, the crossbow is the star of the show. It's your primary tool for keeping a safe distance and unleashing devastating ranged attacks. Forget close-quarters combat; let the crossbow do the talking.

Main Characteristics of the Mercenary

Dexterity is king for the Mercenary. Maximize it through gear and passive skill tree choices. Prioritize Evasion over Armor for survivability. Movement speed is crucial for dodging attacks. Strength and Intelligence should be allocated as needed to meet skill and 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 more powerful skills later.

Permafrost Bolts

A much stronger early-game choice. Freezing and immobilizing enemies with frost projectiles provides valuable crowd control. Support gems like Frost Nexus (increases chance to freeze ground) and Leverage are excellent choices. Double Barrel adds another bolt, but increases reload time (mitigatable with other skills).

Remember that attack speed affects reload speed.

Explosive Grenade

Essential for clearing large groups of enemies. Enhance with Scattershot (three grenades instead of one, reduced damage) and Second Wind. Remember grenades obey physics, so account for obstacles and trajectory.

Gas Grenade

Releases a cloud of poison gas. Corrosion (reduces armor by 80% from poison) and Bursting Plague are good support gems. The real power comes from detonating the gas cloud with fire-based skills (like Explosive Grenade later Explosive Shot) for massive damage.

Galvanic Shards

Available in Act 2, this transforms your crossbow into an automatic lightning shotgun. Conduction and Lightning Infusion support gems significantly boost damage, turning it into a powerful crowd-clearing tool.

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 combined with grenades (exploding them on impact). Fire Infusion increases fire damage, making it a strong AoE option. Provides ranged capabilities and an alternative damage type compared to Galvanic Shards.

These skills provide a strong foundation for leveling to 20-25 and mastering Mercenary mechanics. 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: 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, 40% increased projectile damage, increased 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 Herald skill area of effect and damage.
• Instant Reload: Increased crossbow reload speed.
• Volatile Grenades: Reduced grenade fuse duration.

These passive skills provide a solid foundation. Experiment and discover your own build variations for a truly personalized experience!