PoE2: Mercenary Level-Up Guide
- By Jonathan
- Feb 11,2025
This Path of Exile 2 guide streamlines Mercenary leveling, a surprisingly easy class despite its complexities. While some classes struggle with enemy hordes, Mercenaries possess versatile tools for diverse combat scenarios. However, maximizing their potential requires strategic skill and item choices.
Optimal Leveling Skills and Support Gems:
Early game relies on Fragmentation Shot (effective close-range, single or multiple targets) and Permafrost Shot (quick freezing, boosting Fragmentation damage). Unlocking Grenades drastically alters gameplay.
| 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 |
Late-game utilizes powerful Grenades (Explosive, Gas) and Explosive Shot (massive AoE damage). Ripwire Ballista distracts enemies, while Glacial Bolt controls hordes (replacing Permafrost Shot). Oil Grenade is situational, outperformed by Gas Grenade except against bosses. Galvanic Shards excels against hordes, replacing Fragmentation Shot. Herald of Ash ignites nearby enemies upon overkill. Use available Level 1-2 Support Gems until acquiring recommended ones. Enhance Explosive Grenade, Explosive Shot, and Gas Grenade with a Lesser Jeweller's Orb for additional Support Gem sockets.
Essential Passive Skill Tree Nodes:
Prioritize Cluster Bombs (adds projectiles to Grenades), Repeating Explosives (chance for double explosions), and Iron Reflexes (converts Evasion to Armor, mitigating Sorcery Ward's downside). Other crucial nodes include Cooldown Reduction, Projectile & Grenade Damage, and Area of Effect. Crossbow skills, Armor & Evasion are secondary priorities, only addressed if necessary.
Itemization and Stat Priorities:
Focus on upgrading the weakest gear piece. Crossbow upgrades are most impactful. Prioritize Dexterity, Strength, Armor, Evasion, Elemental Resistances (excluding Chaos), Physical & Elemental Damage, Mana on Hit, and Resistances. Rarity, Movement Speed, and Attack Speed are beneficial but not essential. A Bombard Crossbow significantly enhances Grenade projectiles.
This strategy ensures a smooth and powerful Mercenary leveling experience in Path of Exile 2. Remember to adapt based on available items and Support Gems.
