Conquer Path of Exile 2 as a Mercenary: A Beginner's Guide
Tired of fantasy tropes in Path of Exile 2? Embrace the Mercenary class and transform the game into a top-down shooter experience! This guide focuses on a crossbow-centric build, ideal for players who prefer action over high fantasy.
Table of Contents
- Mercenary Class Overview
- Key Mercenary Attributes
- Early Game Skill Choices
- Fragmentation Rounds
- Permafrost Bolts
- Explosive Grenade
- Gas Grenade
- Galvanic Shards
- Herald of Thunder
- Explosive Shot
- Passive Skill Tree Progression
- Conclusion
Mercenary Class Overview
With the right build, the Mercenary becomes a devastating force, capable of efficiently eliminating both regular enemies and challenging bosses. This guide is tailored to Path of Exile 2 version 0.1.0f; future updates may necessitate adjustments. The Mercenary can use any weapon, but crossbows are highly recommended for their versatility, acting as a blend of automatic rifle, shotgun, and grenade launcher.
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Key Mercenary Attributes
Prioritize Dexterity for increased damage and evasion. Evasion is superior to armor in this build. Movement speed is crucial for dodging attacks. Allocate Strength and Intelligence as needed to meet equipment and skill requirements.
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Early Game Skill Choices
- Fragmentation Rounds: A decent starting skill, but quickly outclassed. Consider Brutality and Leverage support gems.
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- Permafrost Bolts: A strong early-game choice. Freeze and immobilize enemies for increased critical hit chance using Frost Nexus and Leverage support gems. Double Barrel is another effective support gem.
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Image: ensigame.com
- Explosive Grenade: Excellent for crowd control. Use Scattershot for three grenades at once (damage reduction is worth it) and Second Wind for added survivability.
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- Gas Grenade: A supportive skill that poisons enemies. Combine with Corrosion to reduce armor and Bursting Plague to increase damage. Detonate the gas with fire skills (like Explosive Grenade later Explosive Shot) for massive damage boosts.
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- Galvanic Shards (Act 2): A game-changer. Transforms your crossbow into an automatic shotgun. Use Conduction and Lightning Infusion support gems for optimal damage.
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- Herald of Thunder: A powerful buff, especially when combined with Galvanic Shards and Conduction. Requires 30 spirit units.
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- Explosive Shot: A powerful skill that synergizes with grenades. Use Fire Infusion to increase fire damage. Offers ranged combat and fire damage alternative to Galvanic Shards.
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Image: ensigame.com
Passive Skill Tree Progression
Prioritize nodes that increase projectile damage:
- Remorseless: Increased projectile damage, stun buildup, and attribute bonuses.
- Ricochet: Increased projectile damage and chaining.
- Blur: Increased movement speed and evasion.
- Heavy Ammunition: Increased projectile damage and stun, reduced attack speed.
- Careful Aim: Increased projectile damage and accuracy at close range.
- Cluster Bombs: Increased grenade fuse duration and additional projectile. (Use if not using Explosive Shot)
- Adrenaline Rush: Increased movement and attack speed after kills.
- Doomsayer: Increased area of effect and damage for Herald skills.
- Instant Reload: Significantly increased crossbow reload speed.
- Volatile Grenades: Reduced grenade fuse duration (only if not using Explosive Shot).
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Image: ensigame.com
Image: ensigame.com
Image: ensigame.com
Experiment and adapt this build to your playstyle. The Mercenary's strength lies in its adaptability and the diverse combinations possible.
