Path of Exile 2 Mercenary Leveling Guide: A Smooth Path to Endgame
The Mercenary class in Path of Exile 2 boasts one of the easiest leveling experiences. Unlike some classes struggling with hordes or needing constant melee engagement, Mercenaries possess versatile tools for diverse combat scenarios. However, maximizing their potential requires strategic skill and item choices. This guide outlines optimal skills, support gems, passive skill tree nodes, and item modifiers for a streamlined Mercenary leveling journey.
Best Mercenary Leveling Skills & Support Gems
Early-game success hinges on Fragmentation Shot (effective close-range, single or multiple targets) and Permafrost Shot (rapid freezing for increased Fragmentation Shot damage). However, the real power unlocks with Grenades.
The core leveling skills shift dramatically post-unlock of powerful Grenades and Explosive Shot:
| 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 |
- Gas Grenade: Massive area-of-effect poison.
- Explosive Grenades: Delayed explosions (detonatable).
- Explosive Shot: Detonates Grenades for immense AoE damage.
- Ripwire Ballista: Distracts enemies.
- Glacial Bolt: Crowd control. (Replace Permafrost Shot later).
- Oil Grenade: Useful for AoE but generally outclassed by Gas Grenade. Consider swapping for Glacial Bolt against bosses.
- Galvanic Shards: Excellent low-risk horde clearer. (Replaces Fragmentation Shot).
- Herald of Ash: Ignites nearby enemies on overkill damage.
Prioritize Level 1 or 2 Support Gems readily available before Act 3. The synergy between base skills is key. Use Lesser Jeweller's Orbs to add support gem sockets to Explosive Grenade, Explosive Shot, and Gas Grenade.
Best Mercenary Passive Skills for Leveling
Focus on these three key passive skills:
- Cluster Bombs: Increases Grenade projectile count.
- Repeating Explosives: Chance for double Grenade explosions.
- Iron Reflexes: Converts Evasion to Armor, mitigating the Sorcery Ward Ascendancy penalty (best Ascendancy choice for leveling).
Other crucial passive skills include Cooldown Reduction, Projectile & Grenade Damage, and Area of Effect. Prioritize Crossbow Reload Time, Crossbow Damage, Armor, and Evasion only when necessary; focus on Grenade effectiveness first.
Recommended Items & Mercenary Stat Priority
Continuously upgrade equipment, focusing on significant modifier improvements. A strong Crossbow is paramount. Aim to replace the weakest piece of gear first.
Mercenaries balance Dexterity and Strength, along with Armor and Evasion. Prioritize these stats and the following modifiers:
- Dexterity
- Strength
- Armor
- Evasion
- All Elemental Resistances (except Chaos)
- Increased Physical Damage
- Increased Elemental OR Fire Damage
- Attack Speed
- Mana On Kill OR Hit
- Life on Kill OR Hit
- Rarity of Items Found
- Movement Speed
A Bombard Crossbow significantly boosts Grenade projectile count, making leveling considerably easier. Actively seek them out for crafting potential.
