If you're intrigued by Path of Exile 2 but not a fan of traditional fantasy elements like swords, bows, and magic, the Mercenary class is tailored just for you. It transforms the game into a thrilling top-down experience reminiscent of Doom, where you wield a crossbow that functions like a shotgun and dive into hordes of enemies.
Features of the Mercenary in Path of Exile 2
With the right leveling strategy, the Mercenary becomes an efficient monster-clearing machine, capable of turning both regular mobs and bosses into mere obstacles. For instance, the first act's final boss, a formidable challenge for the Witch, can be easily conquered by a well-optimized Mercenary in just one or two attempts.
This guide is crafted for the early access version of Path of Exile 2, specifically version 0.1.0f. Keep in mind that Grinding Gear Games (GGG) might introduce changes in the full release, which could affect the relevance of some strategies outlined here.
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The Mercenary can use any weapon, but the crossbow is your go-to choice, offering a versatile mix of an automatic rifle, shotgun, and grenade launcher. While bows are an option, they're better suited for the Ranger. As the saying goes, "Without me, my crossbow is useless. Without my crossbow, I am useless."
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Main Characteristics of the Mercenary
Dexterity is paramount for the Mercenary. Focus on accumulating as much Dexterity as possible through items and the passive skill tree. Prioritize Evasion over Armour, and don't overlook Movement Speed to dodge enemy attacks effectively. Allocate Strength and Intelligence as needed for specific equipment or skills.
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Useful Skills in Early Game Stages
Fragmentation Rounds
Early on, Fragmentation Rounds can be handy, but it's not a long-term solution. Enhance it with Brutality (35% increased physical damage) and Leverage (50% increased crit chance against immobilized enemies). However, consider saving your gems for more impactful skills later.
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Permafrost Bolts
A strong starting skill, Permafrost Bolts freeze and immobilize enemies. Use Frost Nexus (increases the chance to freeze the ground around an ice-bound enemy) and Leverage for enhanced crit chance. Double Barrel is another option, allowing you to load two bolts at the cost of a 30% increased reload time, which can be mitigated.
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Remember, different skills allow varying numbers of bolts in your crossbow. Reloading refreshes the charge, so keep that in mind. Attack speed also affects reload speed, so don't neglect it.
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Explosive Grenade
Grenades are essential for clearing large groups of enemies. Enhance with Scattershot to throw three grenades at once, despite a 20% damage reduction. Second Wind is another useful support skill. Be mindful of the grenades' physics and trajectory to maximize their impact.
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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% from poison damage, and Bursting Plague to increase damage. The unique feature of Gas Grenades is their ability to be detonated with fire, significantly boosting damage. Use skills like Explosive Grenade or Explosive Shot for this effect.
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Galvanic Shards
Available in the second act, Galvanic Shards transforms your crossbow into an automatic shotgun with lightning damage. Enhance with Conduction and Lightning Infusion for increased damage. With faster reloads, it becomes an electro-automatic rifle, perfect for mowing down enemies.
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Herald of Thunder
A powerful early-game buff, especially when paired with Galvanic Shards and Conduction. It ensures a 100% chance to shock enemies, triggering lightning strikes from above. Activating this aura requires 30 spirit units, obtainable by defeating a first-act boss.
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Explosive Shot
Embrace your inner Doomguy with Explosive Shot, which detonates grenades on the floor upon impact. Enhance with Fire Infusion for increased fire damage. While more complex, it offers the advantage of keeping enemies at a distance and dealing with fire-weak foes.
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These skills will help you level your Mercenary to around level 20-25, giving you a solid understanding of the class mechanics. Experiment with different elemental damage types to tackle various enemies effectively.
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Passive Skills of the Mercenary
Focus on passive skills that boost projectile damage:
⚔️ Remorseless — 15% increased projectile damage, 30% increased stun buildup against enemies within two meters, +5 strength and dexterity. A great starting buff.
⚔️ Ricochet — 15% increased projectile damage, projectiles have a 10% chance to chain an additional time. Enhances damage output.
⚔️ Blur — 4% increased movement speed, 20% increased evasion rating, +10 dexterity. Boosts survivability and attribute growth.
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⚔️ Heavy Ammunition — 8% reduced attack speed, 40% increased projectile damage, 40% increased projectile stun buildup. A significant damage boost if you've chosen Blur.
⚔️ Careful Aim — 16% increased Projectile Damage, 40% increased Accuracy Rating at Close Range. Essential for improving 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. Enhances Herald of Thunder's effectiveness.
⚔️ Instant Reload — 40% increased Crossbow Reload Speed. A crucial skill that, combined with other nodes, offers a 70% total reload speed increase. Also unlocks the first Jewel Socket.
⚔️ Volatile Grenades — 25% reduced Grenade fuse duration. Only take this if you're not using Explosive Shot.
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These passive skills will require about 30-35 skill points to acquire, giving you ample time to understand the Mercenary's mechanics in Path of Exile 2. Remember, the joy of playing a Mercenary lies in experimenting with different combinations and builds to find what works best for you.
