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 not your cup of tea? Fear not! The Mercenary class offers a thrilling alternative, transforming PoE2 into a top-down, crossbow-wielding frenzy reminiscent of *Doom*. Forget delicate spells and precise swordplay; it's all about embracing the raw power of your trusty 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 strategic leveling, the Mercenary becomes a devastating force, efficiently dispatching both regular mobs and challenging bosses. Even the notoriously difficult Act 1 final boss, a significant hurdle for the Witch class, often falls to a well-built Mercenary in just one or two attempts. This guide focuses on building an effective Mercenary in the PoE2 early access version (0.1.0f). Note that Grinding Gear Games (GGG) may introduce changes in the full release, potentially affecting the guide's accuracy.

While the Mercenary can technically use any weapon, the crossbow reigns supreme. Forget close-quarters combat; maintain distance and unleash devastating volleys. As the saying goes: "Without my crossbow, I am useless."

Main Characteristics of the Mercenary

Dexterity is king for the Mercenary. Maximize it through equipment and passive skill tree choices. Prioritize Evasion over Armour, and remember that movement speed is crucial for dodging attacks. Allocate Strength and Intelligence as needed to meet equipment or skill requirements.

Useful Skills in Early Game Stages

Fragmentation Rounds

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

Permafrost Bolts

Permafrost Bolts is a much more viable starting skill. Freeze and immobilize enemies with frost projectiles, enhancing it with Frost Nexus (increased chance to freeze the ground) and Leverage. Double Barrel is another solid support gem, firing two bolts at the cost of increased reload time (mitigable with increased attack speed).

Remember that attack speed influences reload speed. Efficiently manage your crossbow's limited bolts; pressing the quick key refreshes the charge.

Explosive Grenade

Explosive Grenades excel at clearing large groups. Enhance them with Scattershot (three grenades instead of one, reduced damage) and Second Wind. Remember their range and trajectory; they obey physics, so account for obstacles.

Gas Grenade

Gas Grenades create a cloud of poison gas, enhanced by Corrosion (80% reduced armor from poison) and Bursting Plague. The unique feature? Detonate the gas with fire skills (like Explosive Grenade or later, Explosive Shot) for massive damage boosts.

Galvanic Shards

Available around Act 2, Galvanic Shards transforms your crossbow into an automatic lightning shotgun. Use Conduction and Lightning Infusion support gems for devastating results. High reload speed turns it into a powerful automatic rifle.

Herald of Thunder

An excellent early-game buff, especially with Galvanic Shards and Conduction. The 100% shock chance ensures consistent uptime, unleashing a storm of lightning. Requires 30 spirit units (obtainable from an Act 1 boss).

Explosive Shot

Explosive Shot, combined with grenades, creates a powerful AoE strategy. Fire Infusion increases fire damage. While potentially complex, it offers ranged combat and an alternative damage type for fire-weak enemies.

These skills provide a solid foundation for leveling to 20-25 and mastering Mercenary mechanics. Experiment to find your optimal build!

Passive Skills of the Mercenary

Prioritize passive skill nodes that boost 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 (close range).
• Cluster Bombs: 50% increased grenade fuse duration, additional grenade projectile.
• Adrenaline Rush: Increased movement and attack speed after kills.
• Doomsayer: Increased area and damage for Herald skills.
• Instant Reload: 40% increased crossbow reload speed (70% with path bonuses).
• Volatile Grenades: 25% reduced grenade fuse duration (use if not using Explosive Shot).

These passive skills offer a strong starting point, requiring approximately 30-35 skill points. Experiment and discover your own unique and effective Mercenary build!