Path of Exile 2: Mercenary Leveling Guide

This Path of Exile 2 Mercenary leveling guide outlines optimal skills, support gems, passive skill tree nodes, and item choices for a smooth progression to the endgame. While some classes struggle, the Mercenary's versatility shines, especially with a grenade-focused build.

Initially, you might rely heavily on Crossbow attacks. However, the key is to transition to a grenade-centric strategy as soon as possible. This significantly boosts your effectiveness.

Optimal Skills and Support Gems:

Early game, Fragmentation Shot (effective close-range, multi-target) and Permafrost Shot (for freezing and shattering) are reliable. Later, unlock and prioritize these powerful skills:

Explosive Shot (Ignition, Magnified Effect, Pierce Support Gems) Gas Grenade (Scattershot, Fire Penetration, Inspiration Support Gems) Ripwire Ballista (Ruthless Support Gem) Explosive Grenade (Fire Infusion, Primal Armament, Magnified Effect Support Gems) Oil Grenade (Ignition, Magnified Effect Support Gems) (Consider swapping with Glacial Bolt depending on the situation) Flash Grenade (Overpower Support Gem) Galvanic Shards (Lightning Infusion, Pierce Support Gems) (Consider swapping with Fragmentation Shot) Glacial Bolt (Fortress Support Gem) (Consider swapping with Oil Grenade) Herald of Ash (Clarity, Vitality Support Gems)

Use Lesser Jeweller's Orbs to add support gem sockets to your key grenade skills.

Prioritized Passive Skill Tree Nodes:

Focus on these nodes for maximum impact:

Cluster Bombs (increases grenade projectiles) Repeating Explosives (chance for double explosions) Iron Reflexes (converts evasion to armor, mitigating Sorcery Ward's downside)

Also, prioritize Cooldown Reduction, Projectile & Grenade Damage, and Area of Effect. Nodes for Crossbow damage, armor/evasion, and crossbow reload time are beneficial but less crucial initially.

Essential Items and Stat Priorities:

Prioritize upgrading your Crossbow first. Aim for gear with these modifiers:

Dexterity, Strength, Armor, Evasion, Elemental Resistances (excluding Chaos), Physical & Elemental Damage, Mana on Hit, Resistances. Movement speed and attack speed are helpful but not essential early on.

A Bombard Crossbow is highly recommended due to its additional projectile.

This strategy, focusing on a well-timed transition to grenades and strategic passive skill selection, will greatly enhance your Mercenary leveling experience in Path of Exile 2.