This Path of Exile 2 guide streamlines Mercenary leveling, highlighting efficient skill and item choices for a smooth progression to the endgame. While some classes struggle, the Mercenary's versatility shines, handling various combat situations with ease. However, maximizing its potential requires strategic skill selection and item upgrades.
Optimal Mercenary Leveling Skills and Support Gems
Early-game success hinges on utilizing Fragmentation Shot (effective close-range, single and multi-target) and Permafrost Shot (rapid freezing, boosting Fragmentation Shot damage). However, the build truly shines with Grenade skills.
| Core Mercenary Leveling Skills | Useful Support Gems |
|---|---|
 |
Ignition, Magnified Effect, Pierce |
 |
Scattershot, Fire Penetration, Inspiration |
 |
Ruthless |
 |
Fire Infusion, Primal Armament, Magnified Effect |
 |
Ignition, Magnified Effect |
 |
Overpower |
 |
Lightning Infusion, Pierce |
 |
Fortress |
 |
Clarity, Vitality |
Later, Explosive Shot detonates Grenades for massive AoE damage. Ripwire Ballista provides distraction, while Glacial Bolt controls crowds. Swap Glacial Bolt for Oil Grenade against bosses. Galvanic Shards excels against hordes. Herald of Ash adds ignite damage. Use available Support Gems until acquiring the recommended ones. Enhance Explosive Grenade, Explosive Shot, and Gas Grenade with additional Support Gem sockets.
Essential Passive Skill Tree Nodes
Prioritize Cluster Bombs (increased Grenade projectiles), Repeating Explosives (chance for double explosions), and Iron Reflexes (Evasion to Armor conversion, crucial for Witchhunter Ascendancy's Sorcery Ward). Also seek Cooldown Reduction, Projectile & Grenade Damage, and Area of Effect nodes. Consider Crossbow skills and Armor/Evasion nodes later, as needed.
Gear and Stat Priorities
Focus on upgrading your Crossbow first. Prioritize gear with Dexterity, Strength, Armor, Evasion, Elemental Resistances (excluding Chaos), Physical and Elemental Damage, Mana on Hit, and Resistances. Rarity of Items, Movement Speed, and Attack Speed are helpful but not essential. A Bombard Crossbow significantly boosts Grenade projectiles.
