If you're intrigued by the buzz surrounding Path of Exile 2 but not particularly drawn to traditional fantasy elements like swords and magic, the Mercenary class might just be your gateway into this thrilling game. Imagine playing a top-down version of Doom, where you wield a crossbow that functions like a shotgun, ready to mow down waves of enemies.
Features of the Mercenary in Path of Exile 2
With the right development, the Mercenary transforms into a formidable force, capable of turning even the toughest monsters into mere stepping stones. This class's prowess is not limited to regular mobs; it excels against bosses too. For instance, the final boss of the first act, a significant challenge for the Witch class, can be conquered by a well-optimized Mercenary in just one or two attempts.
Let's explore how to craft an effective Mercenary build during the early access phase of PoE2. Keep in mind, all the details shared here are based on game version 0.1.0f. Grinding Gear Games (GGG) might introduce changes in the full release that could affect some aspects of this guide.
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Like every character in PoE2, the Mercenary can use any weapon, but you'll likely prefer to avoid close combat with demons. Opt for a crossbow, a versatile weapon that combines the characteristics of an automatic rifle, shotgun, and grenade launcher. While the Mercenary can use bows, they're better suited for the Ranger; your crossbow is your true ally. As famously echoed in Full Metal Jacket, "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 attribute for the Mercenary. Aim to maximize your Dexterity through gear and passive skill choices. 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 to meet equipment or skill prerequisites.
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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 for a 35% increase in physical damage and Leverage for a 50% crit chance boost against immobilized foes. However, consider saving your gems for more impactful skills later on.
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Permafrost Bolts
A strong starting skill, Permafrost Bolts lets you freeze and immobilize enemies with frost projectiles. Enhance it with Frost Nexus to increase the chance of freezing the ground around an ice-bound enemy, and Leverage for increased crit chance. 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. You can refresh the charge by pressing the quick key again. Also, attack speed impacts reload speed, so keep that in mind.
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Explosive Grenade
Grenades are essential for dealing with large groups of enemies. Use Scattershot to throw three grenades at once, though this reduces explosion damage by 20%. Pair it with Second Wind for added effectiveness. Grenades have a wide range and follow physics, so be mindful of obstacles when aiming.
When throwing grenades into tight spaces, get close to ensure all grenades reach their target. If enemies are charging at you, throw grenades and roll towards them to avoid hits while they get caught in the blasts.
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Gas Grenade
Gas Grenades release a cloud of poisonous gas that expands over time. Enhance it with Corrosion to reduce enemy armor by 80% from poison damage, freeing up slots previously used for other armor-reducing skills. Add Bursting Plague to boost damage. The unique feature of Gas Grenades is their ability to be detonated with fire, significantly increasing damage. Use skills like Explosive Grenade or Explosive Shot to trigger this effect.
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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 it with Conduction and Lightning Infusion for increased damage. With faster reload speeds, it becomes an electro-automatic rifle, perfect for clearing waves of enemies.
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Herald of Thunder
An excellent early-game buff, 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 causes grenades on the ground to detonate upon impact. Enhance it with Fire Infusion for increased fire damage, making it an effective AoE clearing method. While more complex to use 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 passive skill recommendations.
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Passive Skills of the Mercenary
Focus on passive skills that boost 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 solid damage increase.
⚔️ 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 boost 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, along with the path to it, provides a total of 70% reload speed increase and unlocks the first Jewel Socket.
⚔️ Volatile Grenades — 25% reduced Grenade fuse duration. Only take this if you're not using Explosive Shot in combat.
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These passive skills will require about 30-35 skill points to acquire, giving you ample time to grasp the Mercenary's mechanics in PoE2. Remember, the joy of playing a Mercenary lies in experimenting and discovering your own unique builds and combinations!
