If you're intrigued by Path of Exile 2 but aren't thrilled about the typical fantasy elements like swords, bows, and magic, the Mercenary class is perfect for you. This class transforms the game into a thrilling top-down experience reminiscent of Doom, where you can grab a trusty crossbow (think of it as a shotgun) and charge headfirst into the fray!

Features of the Mercenary in Path of Exile 2

With proper leveling, the Mercenary class becomes a formidable force, capable of turning monsters into mere fertilizer. This prowess extends to not just regular mobs but also to formidable bosses. For instance, the final boss of the first act, a significant challenge for the Witch class, can be effortlessly conquered by a well-optimized Mercenary on the first or second attempt.

Let's explore how to craft an effective Mercenary build in the early access version of PoE2. Note that all details provided are relevant to game version 0.1.0f. Grinding Gear Games (GGG) might introduce changes in the full release that could impact this guide's accuracy.

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Like all PoE2 characters, the Mercenary can wield any weapon without restrictions. However, engaging in melee combat with demons isn't advisable. Instead, opt for a crossbow—a versatile hybrid of an automatic rifle, shotgun, and grenade launcher. While the Mercenary can use bows, we'll focus on the crossbow, your most reliable ally. 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 most crucial attribute for the Mercenary is Dexterity. Aim to maximize Dexterity through items and choices on the passive skill tree. Prioritize Evasion over Armour for better survival rates, and don't overlook Movement Speed to nimbly navigate through enemy ranks. Allocate points to Strength and Intelligence as needed, based on equipment or skill requirements.

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Useful Skills in Early Game Stages

Fragmentation Rounds

Early on, the Fragmentation Rounds skill is handy but not a long-term solution. Enhance it with Brutality for a 35% increase in physical damage and Leverage for a 50% crit chance against immobilized foes. However, saving gems for more potent skills might be more strategic.

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Permafrost Bolts

A robust starting skill, Permafrost Bolts lets you freeze and immobilize enemies with frost projectiles. Enhance it with Frost Nexus to increase the chance of freezing the ground around frozen enemies and Leverage for crit boosts. Consider Double Barrel for dual bolts, though it increases reload time by 30%.

Remember, different skills allow varying numbers of bolts in your crossbow. Reload by pressing the quick key again to refresh the charge. Also, attack speed influences reload speed, so keep that in mind.

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Explosive Grenade

Grenades are indispensable for clearing large enemy groups. Use Scattershot to throw three grenades at once, albeit with a 20% damage reduction, and Second Wind for additional support. Grenades have a wide range and follow physics, so be mindful of obstacles. Approach doorways closely to ensure all grenades reach the intended target.

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Gas Grenade

Gas Grenades release a poisonous cloud that expands over time. Enhance with Corrosion to reduce enemy armor by 80% and Bursting Plague for increased damage. A unique feature is detonating the gas with fire for amplified damage using skills like Explosive Grenade or Explosive Shot.

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Galvanic Shards

Available from the second act, Galvanic Shards transforms your crossbow into an automatic shotgun with lightning charges. Enhance with Conduction and Lightning Infusion for devastating damage. With increased reload speed, it becomes an electro-automatic rifle, perfect for mowing down enemies.

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Herald of Thunder

An excellent early-game buff, especially if you've equipped Galvanic Shards with Conduction. It guarantees a 100% chance to shock enemies, activating the Herald of Thunder buff, which calls down lightning strikes on foes. This requires 30 spirit units, obtainable by defeating a first-act boss.

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Explosive Shot

Channel your inner Doomguy with Explosive Shot, which causes grenades on the ground to detonate upon bolt impact. Enhance with Fire Infusion for greater fire damage, making it ideal for clearing labyrinths. Unlike Galvanic Shards, it allows you to maintain distance from enemies and is effective against 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 these abilities to effectively handle various enemies across different locations. Now, let's discuss the passive skill tree development.

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Passive Skills of the Mercenary

Focus on passive skills that boost projectile damage. Here are some key nodes to prioritize:

⚔️ Remorseless — Increases projectile damage by 15%, boosts stun buildup against nearby enemies by 30%, and adds +5 to strength and dexterity. A solid starting buff.

⚔️ Ricochet — Increases projectile damage by 15% and gives projectiles a 10% chance to chain an additional time. A valuable damage increase.

⚔️ Blur — Boosts movement speed by 4%, increases evasion rating by 20%, and adds +10 to dexterity. Enhances survivability and helps in attribute leveling.

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⚔️ Heavy Ammunition — Reduces attack speed by 8% but increases projectile damage and stun buildup by 40%. A significant damage boost if paired with Blur.

⚔️ Careful Aim — Boosts projectile damage by 16% and increases accuracy rating at close range by 40%. Investing in accuracy early is beneficial.

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⚔️ Cluster Bombs — Increases grenade fuse duration by 50% and adds an additional projectile to grenade skills. Essential for those using Explosive Shot.

⚔️ Adrenaline Rush — Increases movement speed by 4% and attack speed by 8% if you've recently killed an enemy. A beneficial node on the path to Instant Reload.

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⚔️ Doomsayer — Enhances Herald Skills' area of effect and damage by 30%. Ideal for maximizing Herald of Thunder's impact.

⚔️ Instant Reload — Boosts crossbow reload speed by 40%. Along the way to this node, you'll gain an additional 30% reload speed bonus, totaling 70%, and unlock the first Jewel Socket.

⚔️ Volatile Grenades — Reduces grenade fuse duration by 25%. 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. Don't hesitate to experiment, as the joy of playing a Mercenary lies in discovering your unique combinations and builds!