"Path of Exile 2 Mercenary Build Guide: Mastering the Blade"

If you're intrigued by the buzz around Path of Exile 2 but not a fan of traditional fantasy elements like swords, bows, and magic, the Mercenary class is tailored just for you. Imagine transforming the game into a top-down version of Doom, where you wield a trusty crossbow—akin to a shotgun—and charge into hordes of enemies. This class offers a unique, action-packed experience that diverges from the typical fantasy setting.

Features of the Mercenary in Path of Exile 2

With the right leveling strategy, the Mercenary becomes a formidable force, efficiently turning monsters into mere fertilizer. This prowess extends to both regular mobs and challenging bosses. For instance, the final boss of the first act, which often proves difficult for the Witch class, can be conquered by a well-optimized Mercenary in just one or two attempts.

Let's explore how to craft an effective Mercenary build in the early access version of PoE2. Keep in mind that this guide is based on game version 0.1.0f. Grinding Gear Games (GGG) may introduce changes in the final release, potentially affecting some of the strategies outlined here.

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Like all characters in PoE2, the Mercenary can use any weapon without restrictions. However, engaging in melee combat with demons isn't the preferred approach for this class. Instead, opt for a crossbow—a versatile weapon that combines the functionality of an automatic rifle, shotgun, and grenade launcher. While the Mercenary can use bows, these are better suited for the Ranger class. As the saying goes, paraphrasing Full Metal Jacket: "Without me, my crossbow is useless. Without my crossbow, I am useless."

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Main Characteristics of the Mercenary

The cornerstone attribute for the Mercenary is Dexterity. Aim to maximize your Dexterity through items and the passive skill tree. Prioritize Evasion over Armour, as it's more crucial for this class. Enhancing your Movement Speed will aid in dodging enemy attacks and navigating through battles. Allocate points to Strength and Intelligence as necessary, based on your equipment and skill requirements.

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Useful Skills in Early Game Stages

Fragmentation Rounds

At the outset, the Fragmentation Rounds skill can be handy, though it's not a long-term solution. Enhance it with support skills like Brutality (35% increased physical damage) and Leverage (50% increased crit chance against immobilized enemies). However, consider saving your gems for more impactful skills later on.

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Permafrost Bolts

A robust starting skill, Permafrost Bolts allow you to freeze and immobilize enemies with frost projectiles. Enhance it with Frost Nexus (increases the chance to freeze the ground around an ice-bound enemy) and Leverage. Alternatively, use Double Barrel to load two bolts at once, though this increases reload time by 30%—a drawback that can be mitigated with the right build.

Remember, different skills allow varying numbers of bolts to be loaded into the crossbow. You can refresh the charge by pressing the quick key again. Also, attack speed influences reload speed, so don't overlook this stat.

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Explosive Grenade

Grenades are indispensable for dealing with large groups of enemies. Use the Scattershot support gem to throw three grenades instead of one, despite a 20% damage reduction. Pair it with Second Wind for added effectiveness. Grenades have a wide range and follow physics, so be mindful of obstacles that could deflect them.

When throwing grenades into confined spaces, position yourself close to the entrance to ensure all grenades reach their target. If enemies are closing in, throw grenades and roll towards them to avoid hits while they get caught in the blasts.

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Gas Grenade

Gas Grenades release a cloud of poisonous gas that expands over time. Enhance this skill with Corrosion to reduce enemy armor by 80% from poison damage, effectively replacing other armor-reducing skills. Add Bursting Plague to boost damage. A unique feature of Gas Grenades is their ability to be detonated with fire, significantly increasing damage. Use skills with the Detonate keyword, such as Explosive Grenade or Explosive Shot, to achieve this.

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Galvanic Shards

Available in the second act, Galvanic Shards transforms your crossbow into an automatic shotgun with five charges, firing lightning. Enhance it with Conduction and Lightning Infusion for increased damage. With faster reload speeds, it becomes an electro-automatic rifle, capable of clearing waves of enemies swiftly.

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Herald of Thunder

An excellent early-game buff, especially when paired with Galvanic Shards and Conduction. It ensures a 100% chance to shock enemies, triggering lightning strikes from above. Activating this aura requires 30 spirit units, obtainable by defeating a first-act boss.

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Explosive Shot

Embrace your inner Doomguy with Explosive Shot, which detonates grenades on the ground upon impact. Enhance it with Fire Infusion for increased fire damage, making it an effective AoE clearing method. While more complex to use than Galvanic Shards, it offers the advantage of maintaining distance from enemies and dealing with fire-weak foes.

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These skills are sufficient to level your Mercenary to around level 20-25 and grasp the class mechanics. Aim to acquire as many of these abilities as possible to handle various enemy types effectively. Now, let's delve into recommendations for developing the passive skill tree.

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Passive Skills of the Mercenary

Focus on passive skill nodes that boost projectile damage. Here are some key nodes to consider:

⚔️ Remorseless — 15% increased projectile damage, 30% increased stun buildup against enemies within two meters, +5 strength and dexterity. A solid starting buff.

⚔️ Ricochet — 15% increased projectile damage, projectiles have a 10% chance to chain an additional time. Enhances damage output.

⚔️ Blur — 4% increased movement speed, 20% increased evasion rating, +10 dexterity. Boosts survivability and attribute growth.

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⚔️ Heavy Ammunition — 8% reduced attack speed, 40% increased projectile damage, 40% increased projectile stun buildup. A significant damage boost, especially if you've chosen Blur.

⚔️ Careful Aim — 16% increased Projectile Damage, 40% increased Accuracy Rating at Close Range. Essential for improving accuracy.

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⚔️ Cluster Bombs — 50% increased grenade fuse duration, grenade skills fire an additional projectile. Ideal for those using Explosive Shot.

⚔️ Adrenaline Rush — 4% increased Movement Speed if you've Killed Recently, 8% increased Attack Speed if you've Killed Recently. A useful skill on the path to Instant Reload.

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⚔️ Doomsayer — Herald Skills have 30% increased Area of Effect, Herald Skills have 30% increased Damage. Enhances Herald of Thunder's effectiveness.

⚔️ Instant Reload — 40% increased Crossbow Reload Speed. A crucial skill that, along with additional bonuses, totals a 70% increase in reload speed. It also unlocks the first Jewel Socket.

⚔️ Volatile Grenades — 25% reduced Grenade fuse duration. Only take this if you're not using Explosive Shot.

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These passive skills should be your initial focus, requiring about 30-35 skill points. As you acquire them, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the Mercenary's mechanics in PoE2. Remember, the joy of playing a Mercenary lies in experimenting and discovering your own unique builds and combinations!