This Path of Exile 2 Mercenary leveling guide outlines strategies for efficiently progressing this class to the endgame. While Mercenaries offer versatility, effective play requires strategic skill and item choices.
Optimal Skills and Support Gems for Leveling
Early-game success relies on Fragmentation Shot (effective close-range, multi-target damage) and Permafrost Shot (freezing for added Fragmentation damage). However, the class truly shines with grenades.
The table below details core skills and recommended support gems:
| 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 |
Use Lesser Jeweller's Orbs to add support gem sockets to your key grenade skills. Substitute available gems until you acquire the recommended ones. The synergy between these skills is crucial.
Essential Passive Skill Tree Nodes
Prioritize these passive skills: Cluster Bombs, Repeating Explosives, and Iron Reflexes. Cluster Bombs increases grenade projectiles, Repeating Explosives adds a chance for double explosions, and Iron Reflexes converts evasion to armor, mitigating the Sorcery Ward Ascendancy penalty (a recommended Ascendancy choice). Also seek out nodes boosting cooldown reduction, projectile/grenade damage, and area of effect. Crossbow-related nodes and armor/evasion can be prioritized later, based on your needs.
Itemization and Stat Priorities
Prioritize upgrading your crossbow. Focus on items with:
- Dexterity
- Strength
- Armor
- Evasion
- Elemental Resistances (excluding Chaos)
- Physical and Elemental Damage
- Mana on Hit
- Resistances
Rarity, movement speed, and attack speed are beneficial but not essential. A Bombard Crossbow significantly boosts grenade projectile count, making it a highly desirable item.
This comprehensive approach will optimize your Mercenary leveling experience in Path of Exile 2.
