This guide details effective leveling strategies for the Mercenary class in Path of Exile 2. While Mercenaries offer versatile combat options, maximizing their potential requires strategic skill and item choices.
Optimal Skills and Support Gems for Leveling:
Initially, rely on Fragmentation Shot (effective close-range, multiple targets) and Permafrost Shot (freezing for increased Fragmentation Shot damage). However, the build truly shines with Grenade skills.
| Skill Gem | Useful Support Gems |
|---|---|
| Explosive Shot | Ignition, Magnified Effect, Pierce |
| Gas Grenade | Scattershot, Fire Penetration, Inspiration |
| Ripwire Ballista | Ruthless |
| Explosive Grenade | Fire Infusion, Primal Armament, Magnified Effect |
| Oil Grenade | Ignition, Magnified Effect |
| Flash Grenade | Overpower |
| Galvanic Shards | Lightning Infusion, Pierce |
| Glacial Bolt | Fortress |
| Herald of Ash | Clarity, Vitality |
The synergy between these skills is key. Explosive Shot detonates Explosive and Gas Grenades for massive AoE damage. Ripwire Ballista provides a distraction, while Glacial Bolt controls crowds. Oil Grenade is situational, often outperformed by Gas Grenade, except against bosses. Galvanic Shards excels against hordes. Herald of Ash provides additional damage through ignites. Use available Level 1 or 2 Support Gems until you acquire the recommended ones. Utilize Lesser Jeweller's Orbs to add support gem sockets to key skills.
Essential Passive Skill Tree Nodes:
Prioritize these nodes on the Mercenary Passive Skill Tree:
- Cluster Bombs: Increases Grenade projectiles.
- Repeating Explosives: Chance for double Grenade explosions.
- Iron Reflexes: Converts Evasion to Armor, mitigating the drawback of the Sorcery Ward Ascendancy skill (recommended for leveling).
Also seek out nodes that boost Cooldown Reduction, Projectile/Grenade Damage, and Area of Effect. Nodes for Crossbow Reload Time, Crossbow Damage, Armor, and Evasion are valuable but less crucial initially; prioritize them if your damage or survivability needs improvement.
Itemization and Stat Priorities:
Focus on upgrading the weakest piece of your gear. A superior Crossbow significantly enhances damage. Prioritize these stats:
- Dexterity
- Strength
- Armor
- Evasion
- All Elemental Resistances (except Chaos)
- Increased Physical Damage
- Increased Elemental OR Fire Damage
- Attack Speed
- Mana On Kill OR Hit
- Life on Kill OR Hit
- Rarity of Items Found
- Movement Speed
A Bombard Crossbow is highly recommended, adding an extra Grenade projectile. Actively seek them out for crafting potential.
