Path of Exile 2: Mercenary Blade Build Guide

Path of Exile 2 has garnered significant praise, but the fantasy setting might not appeal to everyone. If you prefer a less traditional fantasy experience, the Mercenary class offers a unique, action-packed alternative. Think top-down *Doom*—but with crossbows instead of shotguns. Prepare for intense, close-quarters combat against hordes of enemies!

Table of Contents

• Features of the Mercenary in Path of Exile 2
• Main Characteristics of the Mercenary
• Useful Skills in Early Game Stages
• Fragmentation Rounds
• Permafrost Bolts
• Explosive Grenade
• Gas Grenade
• Galvanic Shards
• Herald of Thunder
• Explosive Shot
• Passive Skills of the Mercenary

Features of the Mercenary in Path of Exile 2

A properly leveled Mercenary becomes a devastating force, efficiently dispatching both regular mobs and challenging bosses. For instance, the notoriously difficult Act 1 final boss, a significant hurdle for the Witch class, can be overcome relatively easily by a well-built Mercenary in just one or two attempts. This guide focuses on building an effective Mercenary in the PoE2 early access version (0.1.0f). Note that GGG may implement changes in the full release, potentially affecting some aspects of this guide.

While the Mercenary can technically use any weapon, the crossbow is the star of the show. It functions as a versatile hybrid of automatic rifle, shotgun, and grenade launcher, perfectly suited for ranged combat. Leave the melee combat to others; your crossbow is your best friend.

Main Characteristics of the Mercenary

Dexterity is paramount for the Mercenary. Maximize it through equipment and passive skill tree choices. Prioritize Evasion over Armour, and boost your Movement Speed for improved maneuverability and survivability. Allocate Strength and Intelligence as needed to meet skill or equipment requirements.

Useful Skills in Early Game Stages

Fragmentation Rounds

While useful early on, Fragmentation Rounds is quickly surpassed by other skills. Consider support gems like Brutality (35% increased physical damage) and Leverage (50% increased critical strike chance against immobilized enemies), but these might be better saved for stronger skills later in the game.

Permafrost Bolts

Permafrost Bolts is a strong starting skill. Freezing and immobilizing enemies provides significant tactical advantages. Support gems like Frost Nexus (increased chance to freeze the ground) and Leverage are excellent choices. Double Barrel is another option, firing two bolts but increasing reload time (though this can be mitigated). Remember that attack speed affects reload speed.

Explosive Grenade

Explosive Grenades are essential for crowd control. Enhance them with Scattershot (three grenades instead of one, with reduced damage) and Second Wind. Remember that grenades have a significant range and are affected by physics. Use cover effectively and anticipate projectile trajectory.

Gas Grenade

Gas Grenades release a cloud of poison gas, further enhanced with Corrosion (80% reduced armour from poison) and Bursting Plague. The key is detonating the gas with fire (using skills like Explosive Grenade or Explosive Shot later) for massive damage boosts.

Galvanic Shards

Available in Act 2, Galvanic Shards transforms your crossbow into an automatic shotgun, firing lightning. Use Conduction and Lightning Infusion support gems for optimal damage. With increased reload speed, it functions like a powerful automatic rifle.

Herald of Thunder

This buff synergizes well with Galvanic Shards and Conduction, increasing your shock chance to 100% and unleashing devastating lightning strikes. Requires 30 spirit units (obtainable from an Act 1 boss).

Explosive Shot

Explosive Shot works exceptionally well with grenades, triggering detonations on impact. Fire Infusion increases fire damage, providing another effective AoE clearing method. It offers advantages over Galvanic Shards with its range and elemental damage diversity.

These skills provide a solid foundation for leveling your Mercenary to levels 20-25. Experiment with different combinations to find what suits your playstyle.

Passive Skills of the Mercenary

Prioritize passive skill nodes that increase projectile damage. Key nodes include:

• Remorseless: 15% increased projectile damage, increased stun, +5 strength and dexterity.
• Ricochet: 15% increased projectile damage, chance for additional chain.
• Blur: Increased movement speed, evasion, +10 dexterity.
• Heavy Ammunition: Reduced attack speed, 40% increased projectile damage, increased stun.
• Careful Aim: Increased projectile damage, increased accuracy at close range.
• Cluster Bombs: Increased grenade fuse duration, additional grenade projectile.
• Adrenaline Rush: Increased movement and attack speed after kills.
• Doomsayer: Increased area of effect and damage for Herald skills.
• Instant Reload: Increased crossbow reload speed.
• Volatile Grenades: Reduced grenade fuse duration (only if not using Explosive Shot).

These passive skills provide a strong starting point. Remember to experiment and discover your own optimal build!