If you're intrigued by the buzz around *Path of Exile 2* but aren't a fan of traditional fantasy elements like swords, bows, and magic, the Mercenary class might be your perfect gateway into the game. Imagine diving into a top-down experience reminiscent of *Doom*, where you wield a trusty crossbow—akin to a shotgun—and charge into hordes of enemies ready for battle!

Features of the Mercenary in Path of Exile 2

With the right leveling strategy, the Mercenary transforms into a formidable force, efficiently turning monsters into mere fertilizer. This prowess extends beyond regular mobs to even the toughest bosses. For instance, the first act's final boss, a significant challenge for the Witch, can be conquered by a well-optimized Mercenary in just one or two attempts.

Let's explore how to craft an effective Mercenary build in the early access version of *PoE2*. Keep in mind, this guide is tailored for game version 0.1.0f. Grinding Gear Games (GGG) may introduce changes in the final release, potentially affecting some of the strategies outlined here.

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Like all *PoE2* characters, the Mercenary can use any weapon, but you'll likely prefer to keep your distance from demons with a crossbow. This weapon is a versatile hybrid, functioning as an automatic rifle, shotgun, and grenade launcher. While the Mercenary can use bows, we'll focus on the crossbow—your ultimate ally. As the saying goes, "Without me, my crossbow is useless. Without my crossbow, I am useless."

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Main Characteristics of the Mercenary

Dexterity is the cornerstone for the Mercenary. Aim to maximize this stat through items and the passive skill tree. Prioritize Evasion over Armour for better survivability, and don't overlook Movement Speed to dodge enemy attacks effectively. Allocate points to Strength and Intelligence as needed, based on your equipment and skill requirements.

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Useful Skills in Early Game Stages

Fragmentation Rounds

At the outset, Fragmentation Rounds can be handy, though you'll soon move past it. Enhance it with Brutality (35% increased physical damage) and Leverage (50% increased crit chance against immobilized enemies). However, consider saving your gems for more impactful skills later on.

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Permafrost Bolts

A strong starting skill, Permafrost Bolts allow you to freeze and immobilize enemies. Enhance it with Frost Nexus (increases the chance to freeze the ground around an ice-bound enemy) and Leverage. Alternatively, use Double Barrel to load two bolts at once, though this increases reload time by 30%.

Remember, different skills allow varying numbers of bolts in your crossbow. Reload by pressing the quick key again to refresh your charge. Attack speed also affects reload speed, so keep this in mind.

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Explosive Grenade

Grenades are essential for dealing with large groups of enemies. Use Scattershot to throw three grenades instead of one, despite a 20% damage reduction. Second Wind is another useful support skill. Grenades have a wide range and follow physics, so be mindful of obstacles when aiming.

When throwing grenades into confined spaces, get close to ensure all grenades enter. If enemies are charging, throw grenades and roll towards them to avoid hits while they're caught in the explosions.

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Gas Grenade

Gas Grenades release a cloud of poisonous gas that expands over time. Enhance with Corrosion to reduce enemy armor by 80% from poison damage, and Bursting Plague to increase damage. The unique feature of Gas Grenades is their ability to be detonated with fire, significantly boosting damage. Use skills with the Detonate keyword, like Explosive Grenade or Explosive Shot, to achieve this.

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Galvanic Shards

Available in the second act, Galvanic Shards transforms your crossbow into an automatic shotgun with five charges, firing lightning. Enhance with Conduction and Lightning Infusion for increased damage. With faster reloads, it becomes an electro-automatic rifle, perfect for clearing waves of enemies.

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Herald of Thunder

The best early-game buff for the Mercenary, especially when paired with Galvanic Shards and Conduction. It ensures a 100% chance to shock enemies, triggering lightning strikes from above. Activating this aura requires 30 spirit units, obtainable by defeating a first-act boss.

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Explosive Shot

Embrace your inner Doomguy with Explosive Shot, which detonates grenades on the floor upon impact. Enhance with Fire Infusion for increased fire damage, making it an excellent method for clearing labyrinths. While more complex than Galvanic Shards, it offers the advantage of keeping enemies at a distance and dealing with fire-weak foes.

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These skills will help you level your Mercenary to around level 20-25, giving you a solid understanding of the class mechanics. Aim to acquire as many of these abilities as possible to handle various enemy types effectively. Now, let's delve into recommendations for developing the passive skill tree.

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Passive Skills of the Mercenary

Focus on passive skill nodes that increase projectile damage. Here are some key nodes to consider:

⚔️ Remorseless — 15% increased projectile damage, 30% increased stun buildup against enemies within two meters, +5 strength and dexterity. A great starting buff.

⚔️ Ricochet — 15% increased projectile damage, projectiles have a 10% chance to chain an additional time. A nice damage boost.

⚔️ Blur — 4% increased movement speed, 20% increased evasion rating, +10 dexterity. Enhances survivability and attribute growth.

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⚔️ Heavy Ammunition — 8% reduced attack speed, 40% increased projectile damage, 40% increased projectile stun buildup. A significant damage increase if you've chosen Blur.

⚔️ Careful Aim — 16% increased Projectile Damage, 40% increased Accuracy Rating at Close Range. Essential for improving accuracy.

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⚔️ Cluster Bombs — 50% increased grenade fuse duration, grenade skills fire an additional projectile. Ideal if you're using Explosive Shot.

⚔️ Adrenaline Rush — 4% increased Movement Speed if you've Killed Recently, 8% increased Attack Speed if you've Killed Recently. A useful skill on the path to Instant Reload.

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⚔️ Doomsayer — Herald Skills have 30% increased Area of Effect, Herald Skills have 30% increased Damage. Enhances Herald of Thunder if you're using it.

⚔️ Instant Reload — 40% increased Crossbow Reload Speed. A crucial skill that also unlocks a Jewel Socket on the way.

⚔️ Volatile Grenades — 25% reduced Grenade fuse duration. Only take this if you're not using Explosive Shot.

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These passive skills will require about 30-35 skill points to acquire, giving you ample time to understand the Mercenary's mechanics in *PoE2*. Remember, the joy of playing a Mercenary lies in experimenting and discovering your own unique builds and combinations!