Path of Exile 2: Mercenary Blade Build Guide

Path of Exile 2 is generating considerable buzz, but the fantasy setting with swords, bows, and magic might not appeal to everyone. Fear not! The Mercenary class offers a unique, action-packed alternative, transforming PoE2 into a top-down shooter experience. Embrace the crossbow – your trusty shotgun – and obliterate 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. Even the notoriously difficult Act 1 final boss, a significant hurdle for Witches, often falls to a well-built Mercenary in just one or two attempts. This guide focuses on creating an effective Mercenary build for the PoE2 early access version (0.1.0f). Note that Grinding Gear Games (GGG) may introduce changes in the full release, potentially affecting some aspects of this guide.

While the Mercenary can wield any weapon, the crossbow is the star of the show. Think of it as a versatile hybrid of automatic rifle, shotgun, and grenade launcher – perfect for keeping your distance from those nasty demons. Bows are available, but we'll leave those for the Ranger class. As the saying goes: without my crossbow, I am useless.

Main Characteristics of the Mercenary

Dexterity is king for the Mercenary. Prioritize it in your gear and passive skill tree. Evasion trumps Armor, so focus on boosting your evasion rating. High movement speed is crucial for maneuvering and dodging attacks. Strength and Intelligence should be allocated as needed to meet skill and equipment requirements.

Useful Skills in Early Game Stages

Fragmentation Rounds

Fragmentation Rounds is a decent starting skill, but don't over-rely on it. Consider support gems like Brutality (35% increased physical damage) and Leverage (50% increased critical strike chance against immobilized enemies), but investing gems early might be better saved for stronger skills later.

Permafrost Bolts

Permafrost Bolts is a much stronger early-game option. Freezing and immobilizing enemies provides significant tactical advantage. Pair it with Frost Nexus (increased chance to freeze the ground) and Leverage for increased critical strike chance. Double Barrel is another strong support gem, doubling your bolts but increasing reload time (though this can be mitigated later).

Remember that attack speed affects reload speed. Efficiently managing your crossbow's charge is key.

Explosive Grenade

Explosive Grenades are essential for crowd control. Enhance them with Scattershot (three grenades instead of one, with reduced damage per grenade) and Second Wind.

Remember that grenades arc and obey physics. Account for obstacles and enemy positioning for maximum effectiveness.

Gas Grenade

Gas Grenades create a poisonous cloud, enhanced by Corrosion (80% reduced armor from poison) and Bursting Plague. The unique aspect is detonating the gas cloud with fire-based skills (like Explosive Grenade and later, Explosive Shot) for massive damage boosts.

Galvanic Shards

Available around Act 2, Galvanic Shards transforms your crossbow into an automatic shotgun. Enhance it with Conduction and Lightning Infusion for devastating lightning damage.

Herald of Thunder

This powerful buff synergizes perfectly with Galvanic Shards and Conduction, guaranteeing shocks and unleashing a storm of lightning. Requires 30 spirit units (obtainable from an Act 1 boss).

Explosive Shot

Explosive Shot, combined with grenades, allows for powerful AoE damage. Fire Infusion increases fire damage. It offers a longer-range alternative to Galvanic Shards and provides a strong counter to fire-weak enemies.

These skills provide a solid foundation for leveling to 20-25, allowing you to grasp the Mercenary's mechanics. Experimentation is key to discovering optimal combinations and builds.

Passive Skills of the Mercenary

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

• Remorseless: 15% increased projectile damage, 30% increased stun buildup (close range), +5 strength and dexterity.
• Ricochet: 15% increased projectile damage, 10% chance for chain projectiles.
• Blur: 4% increased movement speed, 20% increased evasion rating, +10 dexterity.
• Heavy Ammunition: 8% reduced attack speed, 40% increased projectile damage, 40% increased projectile stun buildup.
• Careful Aim: 16% increased projectile damage, 40% increased accuracy (close range).
• Cluster Bombs: 50% increased grenade fuse duration, grenades fire an additional projectile.
• Adrenaline Rush: Increased movement and attack speed after kills.
• Doomsayer: Increased area of effect and damage for Herald skills.
• Instant Reload: 40% increased crossbow reload speed (plus additional bonuses along the path).
• Volatile Grenades: 25% reduced grenade fuse duration.

These passive skills provide a strong starting point. Experiment and discover your own build!