If you've heard about the highly praised video game *Path of Exile 2* but aren't a fan of the traditional fantasy elements like swords, bows, and magic, then the Mercenary class is perfect for you! This class transforms the game into a thrilling top-down shooter reminiscent of *Doom*. Simply equip a trusty crossbow and dive into the hordes of enemies!

Features of the Mercenary in Path of Exile 2

With proper leveling, the Mercenary becomes an unstoppable force, efficiently turning monsters into mere fertilizer. This applies not only to regular mobs but also to formidable bosses. For instance, the final boss of the first act, which presents a significant challenge for the Witch, can be effortlessly defeated by a well-built Mercenary in just one or two attempts.

Let's explore how to create an effective Mercenary build in the early access version of *PoE2*. Keep in mind that all information is relevant for game version 0.1.0f. Grinding Gear Games (GGG) might introduce changes in the release version that could affect parts of this guide.

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Like all characters in *PoE2*, the Mercenary can wield any weapon without restrictions. However, when playing this class, you'll likely prefer to avoid melee combat with demons. Instead, opt for a crossbow, a versatile weapon that functions as a hybrid of an automatic rifle, shotgun, and grenade launcher.

While the Mercenary can use bows, we'll focus on the crossbow—your best ally. As the saying goes, "Without me, my crossbow is useless. Without my crossbow, I am useless."

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Main Characteristics of the Mercenary

The most crucial stat for the Mercenary is Dexterity. Aim to maximize your Dexterity through items and the passive skill tree. Prioritize Evasion over Armour, as it's more beneficial for this class. Movement speed is essential for maneuvering between enemies and dodging their attacks. Choose Strength and Intelligence as needed, based on equipment or skill requirements.

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Useful Skills in Early Game Stages

Fragmentation Rounds

At the start of your Mercenary journey, the Fragmentation Rounds skill is handy, though you'll soon move past it. Enhance this ability with the support skills Brutality (increases physical damage by 35%) and Leverage (increases crit chance against immobilized enemies by 50%). However, it might not be worth investing gems in a skill you'll outgrow quickly; save them for future use.

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Permafrost Bolts

This skill is a solid choice to begin your game. By firing frost projectiles, you can freeze and immobilize enemies, keeping them at a distance. Enhance it with the support skill Frost Nexus (increases the chance to freeze the ground around an ice-bound enemy) and Leverage. This combination allows you to freeze enemies and shoot them with an increased crit chance. Another option is the Double Barrel support skill, which lets you load two bolts instead of one, though it increases reload time by 30% (which can be mitigated).

Remember, different skills allow you to load different numbers of bolts into the crossbow. Pressing the quick key again refreshes the charge. If you have three bolts out of twelve left after defeating enemies, reload before moving on. Also, attack speed affects reload speed, so don't overlook this parameter.

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Explosive Grenade

Grenades are essential for dealing with large groups of enemies. Let the clustered shots from the crossbow deal AoE damage, but for clearing huge crowds, grenades are your best bet. Enhance your skill with the Scattershot support gem to throw three grenades instead of one, despite a 20% damage reduction. The Second Wind support skill is also a good fit.

Grenades have a wide range and follow the cursor to the edge of the screen. They obey physics, so be mindful of obstacles that could deflect them. When throwing into a door or corridor, get close to ensure all grenades enter. If enemies are rushing from all directions, throw grenades their way and roll towards them to avoid hits while they get caught in the blasts.

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Gas Grenade

This grenade releases a cloud of poisonous gas that expands, poisoning enemies. While not the strongest ability, enhance it with the Corrosion support skill, which reduces victims' armor by 80% from poison damage. This replaces other armor-reducing skills, freeing up slots. Add the Bursting Plague gem to increase damage. The coolest feature is detonating the gas with fire, dramatically boosting damage to enemies. Use active skills with the Detonate keyword, starting with Explosive Grenade and later Explosive Shot.

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Galvanic Shards

Available around the second act, Galvanic Shards transforms your crossbow into an automatic shotgun with five charges, firing lightning! Enhance it with Conduction and Lightning Infusion support gems to maximize damage. With increased reload speed, it becomes an electro-automatic rifle, mowing down waves of enemies in seconds.

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Herald of Thunder

The best early-game buff for the Mercenary, especially when paired with Galvanic Shards and Conduction. It increases your chance to shock monsters to 100%, ensuring the Herald of Thunder buff activates. While shooting enemies from above, lightning strikes will rain down on them! Activating this aura requires 30 spirit units, obtainable by defeating a first-act boss.

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Explosive Shot

Feel like a real Doomguy with this skill! Best used with grenades, as the explosion from a bolt hit causes grenades on the floor to detonate. Add the Fire Infusion support gem to increase fire damage, creating an effective AoE clearing method for labyrinths. While more complex than Galvanic Shards, Explosive Shot allows you to keep enemies at a distance and is excellent against fire-weak monsters and bosses.

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These skills are sufficient to level the Mercenary in *PoE2* to level 20-25 and grasp the class mechanics. Aim to acquire as many of these abilities as possible, as different elemental damage types are crucial for tackling diverse enemies in more challenging areas. Now, let's discuss passive skill tree development.

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Passive Skills of the Mercenary

Focus on passive skill nodes that include the phrase "increased projectile damage." Here are key nodes to prioritize:

⚔️ 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 helps level main attributes.

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⚔️ Heavy Ammunition — 8% reduced attack speed, 40% increased projectile damage, 40% increased projectile stun buildup. A respectable damage bonus if you've chosen Blur.

⚔️ Careful Aim — 16% increased Projectile Damage, 40% increased Accuracy Rating at Close Range. Essential for considering Accuracy Rating.

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⚔️ Cluster Bombs — 50% increased grenade fuse duration, grenade skills fire an additional projectile. Ideal for Explosive Shot users, as the grenade detonation time isn't a concern.

⚔️ Adrenaline Rush — 4% increased Movement Speed if you've Killed Recently, 8% increased Attack Speed if you've Killed Recently. A skill you'll activate en route to Instant Reload.

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⚔️ Doomsayer — Herald Skills have 30% increased Area of Effect, Herald Skills have 30% increased Damage. Effective for leveling Herald of Thunder.

⚔️ Instant Reload — 40% increased Crossbow Reload Speed. A cool passive skill that, combined with a 30% bonus along the way, totals 70% increased reload speed. You'll also unlock the first Jewel Socket on this path.

⚔️ 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 should suffice as a starting point, requiring about 30-35 skill points to acquire. As you progress, you'll have plenty of time to understand the Mercenary's mechanics in *PoE2*. Don't hesitate to experiment, as the joy of playing a Mercenary in *PoE2* comes from discovering your own unique combinations and builds!