Conquer Path of Exile 2 as a Mercenary: A Beginner's Guide

Tired of fantasy tropes in Path of Exile 2? Embrace the Mercenary class and transform the game into a top-down shooter experience! This guide focuses on building a powerful Mercenary using crossbows and explosive weaponry, perfect for players who prefer action over magic. All information is based on game version 0.1.0f and may be subject to change.

Image: ensigame.com

Mercenary Strengths:

A properly leveled Mercenary is a devastating force against both regular enemies and bosses. Even challenging encounters, like the Act 1 final boss, become significantly easier. While capable of using any weapon, the crossbow is the Mercenary's ideal tool, functioning as a versatile combination of rifle, shotgun, and grenade launcher.

Image: ensigame.com

Key Attributes:

Prioritize Dexterity for increased damage and evasion. Evasion is more crucial than armor. Movement speed is essential for dodging attacks. Allocate Strength and Intelligence as needed for equipment and skill requirements.

Image: ensigame.com

Early Game Skills:

• Fragmentation Rounds: A decent starting skill, but quickly outclassed by other options. Consider Brutality and Leverage support gems.

Image: ensigame.com

• Permafrost Bolts: A strong early-game choice. Freeze and immobilize enemies using Frost Nexus and Leverage support gems. Double Barrel is also a viable option, but consider the increased reload time.

Image: ensigame.com Image: ensigame.com

• Explosive Grenade: Excellent for crowd control. Use Scattershot for three grenades at once (despite the damage reduction) and Second Wind for survivability. Remember projectile physics and positioning.

Image: ensigame.com

• Gas Grenade: A supportive skill that poisons enemies. Combine with Corrosion to reduce armor and Bursting Plague for increased damage. Detonate the gas cloud with fire skills like Explosive Grenade or Explosive Shot for massive damage boosts.

Image: ensigame.com

• Galvanic Shards (Act 2): Transforms your crossbow into an automatic shotgun. Use Conduction and Lightning Infusion support gems for maximum impact.

Image: ensigame.com

• Herald of Thunder: A powerful buff that synergizes well with Galvanic Shards and Conduction. Requires 30 spirit units.

Image: ensigame.com

• Explosive Shot: A powerful skill that synergizes with grenades. Use Fire Infusion for increased fire damage.

Image: ensigame.com

Image: ensigame.com

Passive Skill Tree Recommendations:

Focus on nodes that increase projectile damage, such as: Remorseless, Ricochet, Blur, Heavy Ammunition, Careful Aim, Cluster Bombs (if using Explosive Shot), Adrenaline Rush, Doomsayer (with Herald of Thunder), Instant Reload, and Volatile Grenades (if not using Explosive Shot). These nodes will significantly boost your damage and survivability.

Image: ensigame.com Image: ensigame.com Image: ensigame.com Image: ensigame.com

Remember to experiment and find the build that best suits your playstyle. The Mercenary class in Path of Exile 2 offers a unique and rewarding experience for those who prefer a more action-oriented approach.