This Path of Exile 2 Mercenary leveling guide details optimal skill choices, support gems, itemization, and passive skill tree progression for a smooth journey to endgame. While Mercenaries are considered easy to level, strategic build choices are crucial for maximizing effectiveness.

Optimal Skills and Support Gems

Early game relies on Fragmentation Shot (effective close-range, multi-target damage, boosted by stun support gems) and Permafrost Shot (rapid freezing for added Fragmentation damage).

The late-game meta shifts dramatically with the unlocking of powerful grenades and Explosive Shot.

Gas Grenade and Explosive Grenades, detonated by Explosive Shot, provide immense AoE and single-target damage. Ripwire Ballista distracts enemies, while Glacial Bolt controls crowds. Oil Grenade is situationally useful (swap for Glacial Bolt against bosses). Galvanic Shards offers low-risk crowd control. Herald of Ash ignites enemies upon death. Use available support gems until obtaining the recommended ones. Enhance Explosive Grenade, Explosive Shot, and Gas Grenade with additional support gem sockets using a Lesser Jeweller's Orb.

Prioritized Passive Skills

Focus on these passive skill nodes:

• Cluster Bombs: Increases grenade projectiles.
• Repeating Explosives: Chance for double grenade explosions.
• Iron Reflexes: Converts evasion to armor, mitigating Sorcery Ward's armor penalty (a key Ascendancy choice).

Other important nodes include cooldown reduction, projectile/grenade damage, and area of effect. Crossbow skills, armor/evasion nodes are secondary priorities, only addressing them if necessary.

Itemization and Stat Priorities

Prioritize upgrading the weakest equipped item. Crossbow upgrades yield the most significant power increase.

Focus on these stats:

• Dexterity
• Strength
• Armor
• Evasion
• Elemental Resistances (excluding Chaos)
• Physical and Elemental Damage
• Mana on Hit
• Resistances

Useful but not essential: Rarity of Items, Movement Speed, Attack Speed, Life on Kill/Hit. A Bombard Crossbow significantly boosts grenade projectiles.

This guide provides a strong foundation for leveling a Mercenary in Path of Exile 2. Remember to adapt based on available items and support gems.