This Path of Exile 2 Mercenary leveling guide outlines optimal skills, support gems, passive skills, and items for a smooth progression to the endgame. Mercenaries, while initially seeming straightforward, benefit greatly from strategic skill choices and itemization.
Optimal Skills and Support Gems for Leveling
Early game relies on Fragmentation Shot (effective close-range, multiple targets) and Permafrost Shot (freezing for increased Fragmentation damage). However, the build truly shines once Grenades are unlocked.
| Skill Gem | Useful Support Gems |
|---|---|
| Explosive Shot | Ignition, Magnified Effect, Pierce |
| Gas Grenade | Scattershot, Fire Penetration, Inspiration |
| Ripwire Ballista | Ruthless |
| Explosive Grenade | Fire Infusion, Primal Armament, Magnified Effect |
| Oil Grenade | Ignition, Magnified Effect |
| Flash Grenade | Overpower |
| Galvanic Shards | Lightning Infusion, Pierce |
| Glacial Bolt | Fortress |
| Herald of Ash | Clarity, Vitality |
The synergy between these skills is key. Explosive Shot detonates Gas Grenade and Explosive Grenade, creating significant AoE damage. Ripwire Ballista provides a distraction, while Glacial Bolt controls crowds. Oil Grenade is situational, generally outperformed by Gas Grenade except against bosses. Galvanic Shards excels at clearing weaker enemies. Herald of Ash adds extra damage through ignite. Use available Level 1 or 2 support gems until you acquire the recommended ones. Utilize Lesser Jeweller's Orbs to add support gem sockets to key skills.
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 the downside of the Sorcery Ward Ascendancy.
Other important nodes include Cooldown Reduction, Projectile & Grenade Damage, and Area of Effect. Prioritize these over Crossbow skills (Reload Time, Damage) and Armor/Evasion unless necessary for survivability.
Recommended Items and Stat Priorities
Prioritize upgrading your Crossbow first. Focus on gear with:
- Dexterity
- Strength
- Armor
- Evasion
- Elemental Resistances (excluding Chaos)
- Physical and Elemental Damage
- Mana on Hit
- Resistances
Other useful, but less critical, modifiers include Attack Speed, Mana/Life on Kill/Hit, Item Rarity, and Movement Speed. A Bombard Crossbow is highly recommended for its extra projectile.
This build emphasizes a balanced approach, leveraging both Crossbow attacks and Grenade-based AoE damage for efficient leveling. Remember to adapt your gem and passive skill choices based on your available gear and the challenges you face.
