If you're intrigued by *Path of Exile 2* but not a fan of the typical fantasy elements like swords, bows, and magic, the Mercenary class is your gateway to a thrilling, action-packed experience. Imagine a top-down version of *Doom* where you wield a crossbow, akin to a trusty shotgun, and dive into hordes of enemies. This class transforms *Path of Exile 2* into a high-octane adventure, perfect for those who crave intense combat without the traditional fantasy flair.

Features of the Mercenary in Path of Exile 2

With the right leveling strategy, the Mercenary becomes a formidable force, capable of turning monsters into mere fertilizer. This class excels not only against regular mobs but also against challenging bosses. For instance, the final boss of the first act, which often poses a significant challenge for the Witch, can be defeated effortlessly by a well-equipped Mercenary, often on the first or second attempt.

Let's explore how to craft an effective Mercenary build in the early access version of PoE2. Please note, all information provided is based on game version 0.1.0f. As Grinding Gear Games (GGG) may update the game, some aspects of this guide could become outdated in future releases.

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Like all characters in PoE2, the Mercenary can use any weapon, but the crossbow is your weapon of choice. It's a versatile tool that functions as a hybrid of an automatic rifle, shotgun, and grenade launcher, perfect for keeping those nasty demons at bay. While the Mercenary can also use bows, we'll leave those for the Ranger and focus on maximizing your crossbow's potential. As famously said 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

The cornerstone of the Mercenary's prowess is Dexterity. Aim to amass as much Dexterity as possible through items and the passive skill tree. Prioritize Evasion over Armour, as it will help you dodge enemy attacks more effectively. Movement speed is also crucial for maneuvering around foes. Allocate points to Strength and Intelligence as needed, based on your equipment and skill requirements.

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Useful Skills in Early Game Stages

Fragmentation Rounds

At the start of your journey as a Mercenary, Fragmentation Rounds can be handy, though you'll soon outgrow it. Enhance this skill with Brutality (35% increased physical damage) and Leverage (50% increased crit chance against immobilized enemies). However, consider saving your gems for more impactful skills later on.

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Permafrost Bolts

This is a robust starting skill. By firing frost projectiles, you can freeze and immobilize enemies, keeping them at a distance. Support this with Frost Nexus (increases the chance to freeze the ground around an ice-bound enemy) and Leverage for increased crit chance. Another option is Double Barrel, which allows you to load two bolts at once, though it increases reload time by 30%.

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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 affects reload speed, so don't overlook this parameter.

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Explosive Grenade

Grenades are essential for dealing with large crowds. Enhance this skill with Scattershot (throws three grenades instead of one, though damage decreases by 20%) and Second Wind. Grenades have a wide range and follow the laws of physics, so consider obstacles when throwing them. Position yourself close to doorways to ensure all grenades land effectively.

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Gas Grenade

This grenade releases a cloud of poisonous gas that expands over time. Enhance it with Corrosion (reduces victims' armor by 80% from poison damage) and Bursting Plague for increased damage. The gas can be detonated with fire for a dramatic increase in damage, using skills like Explosive Grenade or Explosive Shot.

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Galvanic Shards

Available in the second act, this skill transforms your crossbow into an automatic shotgun firing lightning. Enhance it with Conduction and Lightning Infusion for increased damage. With faster reloads, it becomes an electro-automatic rifle capable of mowing down enemies swiftly.

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Herald of Thunder

This is the ultimate early-game buff for the Mercenary, especially when paired with Galvanic Shards and Conduction. It guarantees a 100% chance to shock enemies, triggering a rain of lightning strikes. Activating this aura requires 30 spirit units, obtainable by defeating a first-act boss.

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Explosive Shot

This skill allows you to feel like Doomguy, detonating grenades on the ground with a bolt hit. Enhance it with Fire Infusion for increased fire damage. It's ideal for clearing labyrinths and keeping enemies at a distance, offering an alternative to Galvanic Shards for fire-weak enemies.

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These skills are enough to level your Mercenary to 20-25 and grasp the class mechanics. Experiment with different elemental damage types to tackle various enemies effectively. Now, let's explore recommendations for the passive skill tree.

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Passive Skills of the Mercenary

Focus on passive skill nodes that boost 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. An excellent starting buff.

⚔️ Ricochet — 15% increased projectile damage, projectiles have a 10% chance to chain an additional time. Boosts damage effectively.

⚔️ 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.

⚔️ 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 using Explosive Shot.

⚔️ Adrenaline Rush — 4% increased Movement Speed if you've Killed Recently, 8% increased Attack Speed if you've Killed Recently. Useful on the way 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.

⚔️ Instant Reload — 40% increased Crossbow Reload Speed. A crucial skill, leading to a total of 70% reload speed increase and unlocking the first Jewel Socket.

⚔️ Volatile Grenades — 25% reduced Grenade fuse duration. Take this only if not using Explosive Shot.

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These passive skills require about 30-35 skill points to acquire. As you gain them, you'll better understand the Mercenary's mechanics in PoE2. Don't hesitate to experiment, as the joy of playing a Mercenary lies in discovering your own unique combinations and builds!