Path of Exile 2: Mercenary Leveling Guide
The Mercenary is one of the easiest classes to level in Path of Exile 2. Unlike some classes that struggle with hordes or require close-range combat, Mercenaries possess versatile tools for various combat scenarios. However, maximizing their effectiveness requires strategic skill choices and itemization. This guide details recommended skills, support gems, passive skill tree nodes, and items to prioritize for a smooth leveling experience.
Many players initially rely solely on Crossbow bolts, neglecting the potent Grenade-based playstyle. While Crossbows have reload times, integrating Grenades effectively mitigates this weakness, significantly boosting the Mercenary's power.
Early game, before unlocking powerful Grenades like Explosive Grenade and Gas Grenade, Fragmentation Shot and Permafrost Shot are reliable. Fragmentation Shot excels in close-quarters combat against multiple targets, especially with Support Gems enhancing Stun damage. Permafrost Shot quickly freezes enemies, amplifying Fragmentation Shot's damage as frozen targets shatter.
Later, with access to high-impact Grenades and Explosive Shot, the playstyle transforms. Gas Grenade poisons a wide area and detonates with a Detonation skill. Explosive Grenades explode after a delay or when hit by a Detonator skill. Explosive Shot detonates these Grenades, unleashing massive area-of-effect (AoE) damage, ideal for clearing hordes and dealing significant single-target damage. Ripwire Ballista provides a distraction, while Glacial Bolt helps control enemy hordes. Consider swapping Permafrost Shot for Glacial Bolt, and Glacial Bolt for Oil Grenade against bosses. Galvanic Shards offers a low-risk horde-clearing option. Herald of Ash ignites nearby enemies upon an enemy's death, dealing percentage-based overkill damage over time.
| Core Mercenary Leveling Skills | 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 |
The listed Support Gems are generally available early. The synergy between skills is key. Use available Support Gems until acquiring the recommended ones. Use a Lesser Jeweller's Orb to add support gem sockets to Explosive Grenade, Explosive Shot, and Gas Grenade.
Prioritize these Passive Skill Tree nodes: Cluster Bombs (adds projectiles), Repeating Explosives (chance for double explosions), and Iron Reflexes (converts Evasion to Armor, mitigating Sorcery Ward's drawback in the Witchhunter Ascendancy). Also seek out Cooldown Reduction, Projectile & Grenade Damage, and Area of Effect. Crossbow Reload Time, Crossbow Damage, Armor, and Evasion are valuable but prioritize based on need.
Upgrade equipment strategically, replacing the weakest piece. A strong Crossbow significantly impacts power. Prioritize 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 enhance the experience but aren't essential for endgame.
A Bombard Crossbow adds an extra Grenade projectile, boosting Grenade skill effectiveness. Actively seek these out for crafting potential.
