If you've heard great things about *Path of Exile 2* but aren't a fan of the typical fantasy elements like swords, bows, and magic, the Mercenary class might be the perfect fit for you. This class transforms *Path of Exile 2* into a thrilling top-down shooter reminiscent of *Doom*. Equip a reliable crossbow (akin to a shotgun) and dive into the fray to obliterate hordes of enemies!
Features of the Mercenary in Path of Exile 2
With the right leveling strategy, the Mercenary class turns into a formidable machine, efficiently turning monsters into mere fertilizer. This efficiency extends to both regular mobs and challenging bosses. For instance, the final boss of the first act, a significant hurdle 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, this guide is tailored for game version 0.1.0f. Grinding Gear Games (GGG) might introduce changes in the final release that could affect some of these strategies.
Image: ensigame.com
Like all *PoE2* characters, the Mercenary can use any weapon. However, for this class, it's more strategic to keep a safe distance and utilize a crossbow, which functions as a versatile blend of an automatic rifle, shotgun, and grenade launcher. While the Mercenary can use bows, we'll focus on the crossbow—your ultimate companion in battle. As famously said in *Full Metal Jacket*: "Without me, my crossbow is useless. Without my crossbow, I am useless."
Image: ensigame.com
Main Characteristics of the Mercenary
The most crucial stat for the Mercenary is Dexterity. Aim to maximize your Dexterity through gear and passive skill choices. Prioritize Evasion over Armour for better survivability, and don't underestimate the importance of Movement Speed for dodging enemy attacks. Allocate points to Strength and Intelligence as required by your gear or skills.
Image: ensigame.com
Useful Skills in Early Game Stages
Fragmentation Rounds
At the start of your Mercenary journey, Fragmentation Rounds can be handy but shouldn't be your long-term focus. Enhance it with Brutality (35% increased physical damage) and Leverage (50% increased crit chance against immobilized enemies). However, consider saving your gems for more potent skills later on.
Image: ensigame.com
Permafrost Bolts
A robust starting skill, Permafrost Bolts allow you to freeze and immobilize enemies. Pair it with Frost Nexus (increases the chance to freeze the ground around an ice-bound enemy) and Leverage for enhanced crit chances. Alternatively, use Double Barrel to fire two bolts at once, though this increases reload time by 30%.
Remember, different skills allow for varying numbers of bolts in your crossbow. Use the quick key to refresh charges after battles. Attack speed also influences reload speed, so keep that in mind.
Image: ensigame.com
Explosive Grenade
Grenades are essential for clearing large groups of enemies. Enhance them with Scattershot to throw three grenades at once, despite a 20% damage reduction, and Second Wind for additional throws. Grenades follow physics, so be mindful of obstacles when aiming. Get close to doorways to ensure all grenades enter the room, and use rolls to dodge incoming attacks while your grenades do their work.
Image: ensigame.com
Gas Grenade
Gas Grenades release a cloud of poisonous gas that expands over time. Enhance them with Corrosion to reduce enemy armor by 80% and Bursting Plague for increased damage. The unique feature of Gas Grenades is that they can be detonated with fire, significantly boosting damage. Use skills like Explosive Grenade or Explosive Shot for this effect.
Image: ensigame.com
Galvanic Shards
Introduced in the second act, Galvanic Shards transforms your crossbow into an automatic shotgun with lightning-charged bolts. Enhance it with Conduction and Lightning Infusion for devastating damage. With increased reload speed, it becomes an electro-automatic rifle perfect for mowing down enemies.
Image: ensigame.com
Herald of Thunder
A powerful early-game buff for Mercenaries using Galvanic Shards with Conduction. It guarantees a 100% chance to shock enemies, triggering lightning strikes from above. Activating this aura costs 30 spirit units, obtainable by defeating a first-act boss.
Image: ensigame.com
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, ideal for clearing labyrinths. While it requires more skill to use effectively than Galvanic Shards, it offers the advantage of engaging enemies from a distance and exploiting fire weaknesses.
Image: ensigame.com
These skills will help you level your Mercenary to around 20-25 quickly and effectively, allowing you to grasp the class mechanics. Experiment with various elemental damage types to tackle diverse enemies in tougher locations. Now, let's discuss the passive skill tree development.
Image: ensigame.com
Passive Skills of the Mercenary
Focus on passive skill nodes that boost projectile damage. Here are some key skills 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 your damage output.
**⚔️ Blur** — 4% increased movement speed, 20% increased evasion rating, +10 dexterity. Boosts survivability and helps with attribute leveling.
Image: ensigame.com
**⚔️ 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. Useful for improving accuracy as you progress.
Image: ensigame.com
**⚔️ Cluster Bombs** — 50% increased grenade fuse duration, grenade skills fire an additional projectile. Essential if you're using Explosive Shot.
**⚔️ Adrenaline Rush** — 4% increased Movement Speed if you've Killed Recently, 8% increased Attack Speed if you've Killed Recently. A helpful skill on the path to Instant Reload.
Image: ensigame.com
**⚔️ 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, when combined with others, offers a 70% reload speed increase and unlocks the first Jewel Socket.
**⚔️ Volatile Grenades** — 25% reduced Grenade fuse duration. Only take this if you're not using Explosive Shot in combat.
Image: ensigame.com
These passive skills should provide a strong foundation, requiring about 30-35 skill points to acquire. As you work through these, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how the Mercenary operates in *PoE2*. Remember, the joy of playing a Mercenary lies in experimenting and crafting your own unique builds!
