Path of Exile 2: Mercenary Leveling Guide

This Path of Exile 2 guide streamlines Mercenary leveling, a class known for its straightforward progression. While some classes struggle with enemy hordes or require close-quarters combat, the Mercenary boasts versatile tools for diverse combat scenarios. However, maximizing efficiency requires strategic skill and item choices. This guide outlines optimal skills, support gems, gear, and passive skill tree nodes for a smooth journey to the endgame.

Optimal Mercenary Leveling Skills and Support Gems

Early-game success hinges on Fragmentation Shot (effective close-range, multi-target damage, boosted by stun support gems) and Permafrost Shot (rapid freezing, amplifying Fragmentation Shot damage on frozen targets).

Post-unlock of powerful Grenades (Explosive Grenade, Gas Grenade) and Explosive Shot, the playstyle transforms.

Gas Grenade poisons a wide area and detonates with a Detonation skill. Explosive Grenades self-destruct or detonate with a Detonator skill. Explosive Shot detonates both, providing immense AoE and single-target damage. Ripwire Ballista distracts enemies, while Glacial Bolt controls hordes. Oil Grenade excels against hordes but Gas Grenade generally surpasses it. Galvanic Shards efficiently clears weaker enemies. Herald of Ash ignites nearby enemies upon overkill damage. Prioritize Level 1 or 2 support gems readily available before Act 3. Use Lesser Jeweller's Orbs to add support gem sockets to Explosive Grenade, Explosive Shot, and Gas Grenade.

Essential Passive Skill Tree Nodes for Leveling

Prioritize these three passive skills:

• Cluster Bombs: Extends grenade detonation time, adding projectiles (at least doubling grenades per skill).
• Repeating Explosives: Chance for double grenade explosions, amplified with multiple projectiles.
• Iron Reflexes: Converts evasion to armor, mitigating the Sorcery Ward Ascendancy skill's armor/evasion reduction.

The Witchhunter Ascendancy (best for leveling) uses Sorcery Ward, offering substantial non-physical damage resistance at the cost of halved armor and evasion. Iron Reflexes counteracts this drawback. Also seek out Cooldown Reduction, Projectile & Grenade Damage, and Area of Effect nodes. Crossbow Reload Time, Crossbow Damage, Armor & Evasion nodes are valuable but secondary; prioritize if needed.

Recommended Items and Stat Priorities

Continuously upgrade equipment, replacing the weakest piece. A superior crossbow significantly boosts power. Balance Dexterity and Strength. Prioritize Armor and Evasion. Essential modifiers include:

• Dexterity
• Strength
• Armor
• Evasion
• Elemental Resistances (excluding 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

Bombard Crossbows add an extra grenade projectile (increasing minimum to 3 per skill, excluding Scattershot). Acquire and craft them for powerful builds.