If you're intrigued by the buzz around *Path of Exile 2* but not usually drawn to fantasy settings filled with swords, bows, and magic, the Mercenary class is tailor-made for you. This class transforms *Path of Exile 2* into a thrilling top-down shooter experience reminiscent of *Doom*. Armed with what essentially serves as a futuristic shotgun—a crossbow—you'll be ready to blast through hordes of enemies with ease.
Features of the Mercenary in Path of Exile 2
With strategic leveling, the Mercenary evolves into a formidable force capable of turning monsters into mere dust. This efficiency extends beyond regular mobs to challenging bosses, such as the first act's final boss, which can be a formidable opponent for other classes like the Witch but is easily conquered by a well-prepared Mercenary.
Let's explore how to craft an effective Mercenary build in the early access version of *Path of Exile 2* (PoE2). Note that this guide is based on game version 0.1.0f, and future updates by Grinding Gear Games (GGG) might alter some elements.
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Like all PoE2 characters, the Mercenary can use any weapon. However, the ideal choice for this class is a crossbow, which offers a versatile mix of automatic rifle, shotgun, and grenade launcher functionalities. While the Mercenary can also use bows, we'll focus on the crossbow, which complements the class's playstyle perfectly.
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Main Characteristics of the Mercenary
Dexterity is the cornerstone attribute for the Mercenary. Aim to maximize this stat through gear and the passive skill tree. Prioritize Evasion over Armour for better survival, and don't underestimate the importance of Movement Speed for dodging attacks. 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, Fragmentation Rounds can be handy, but it's not a skill to rely on long-term. Enhance it with Brutality (35% increased physical damage) and Leverage (50% increased crit chance against immobilized enemies). However, conserving gems for more impactful skills might be wiser.
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Permafrost Bolts
A robust starting skill, Permafrost Bolts freeze and immobilize enemies. Enhance with Frost Nexus (increases freeze chance) and Leverage for increased crit chance. The Double Barrel support skill loads two bolts at once, though it increases reload time by 30%—a trade-off that can be mitigated.
Different skills allow varying bolt counts in the crossbow. Remember to refresh the charge by pressing the quick key again. Attack speed influences reload speed, so keep an eye on this stat.
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Explosive Grenade
Grenades are essential for clearing large enemy groups. Use Scattershot to throw three grenades instead of one, though this reduces explosion damage by 20%. Pair with Second Wind for added utility. Grenades have a wide range and follow physics, so consider obstacles when aiming.
When throwing grenades into tight spaces, approach the doorway closely to ensure all grenades enter the area. Roll towards incoming enemies after throwing grenades to avoid their attacks and maximize explosion impact.
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Gas Grenade
Gas Grenades release a cloud of poisonous gas, which can be enhanced with Corrosion (80% armor reduction from poison damage). Use Bursting Plague to increase damage. The most exciting feature is detonating the gas with fire skills like Explosive Grenade or Explosive Shot for massive damage boosts.
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Galvanic Shards
Available in the second act, Galvanic Shards turns your crossbow into a lightning-powered shotgun with five charges. Enhance with Conduction and Lightning Infusion for devastating effects. With faster reloads, it becomes an electro-automatic rifle capable of mowing down waves of enemies.
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Herald of Thunder
A powerful early-game buff if you've followed our advice and used Galvanic Shards with Conduction. It ensures a 100% shock chance, triggering lightning strikes from above. Activating this aura costs 30 spirit units, obtainable by defeating a first-act boss.
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Explosive Shot
Channel your inner Doomguy with Explosive Shot. It causes grenades on the ground to detonate on impact, making it excellent for area clearing. Use Fire Infusion to boost fire damage. While more complex than Galvanic Shards, it allows for ranged combat and is effective against fire-weak enemies.
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These skills will help you level the Mercenary effectively up to level 20-25 and grasp the class mechanics. Acquiring various elemental damage types will be crucial in more challenging areas.
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Passive Skills of the Mercenary
Focus on passive skill nodes that increase projectile damage:
⚔️ Remorseless — 15% increased projectile damage, 30% increased stun buildup against nearby enemies, +5 strength and dexterity. An excellent starting buff.
⚔️ Ricochet — 15% increased projectile damage, projectiles have a 10% chance to chain an additional time. A solid damage boost.
⚔️ Blur — 4% increased movement speed, 20% increased evasion rating, +10 dexterity. Enhances survivability and attribute growth.
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⚔️ Heavy Ammunition — 8% reduced attack speed, 40% increased projectile damage, 40% increased projectile stun buildup. A must-have for significant damage increases.
⚔️ Careful Aim — 16% increased Projectile Damage, 40% increased Accuracy Rating at Close Range. Essential for managing accuracy.
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⚔️ Cluster Bombs — 50% increased grenade fuse duration, grenade skills fire an additional projectile. Ideal for Explosive Shot users.
⚔️ 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. Boosts Herald of Thunder effectiveness.
⚔️ Instant Reload — 40% increased Crossbow Reload Speed. A crucial skill that also unlocks the first Jewel Socket.
⚔️ Volatile Grenades — 25% reduced Grenade fuse duration. Useful if not using Explosive Shot.
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These passive skills require about 30-35 skill points to acquire and will help you understand the Mercenary's mechanics in PoE2. Remember, the joy of playing a Mercenary lies in experimenting and finding your unique build combinations!
