This guide details effective leveling strategies for the Mercenary class in Path of Exile 2. While Mercenaries are considered easy to level, optimizing your build significantly improves the experience.
Optimal Skills and Support Gems for Leveling
Early game relies on Fragmentation Shot (effective close-range, multiple targets) and Permafrost Shot (freezes enemies, boosting Fragmentation Shot damage). However, the build truly shines once Grenade skills are unlocked.
| Core Mercenary Leveling Skills | 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 (Boss Fights) | Ignition, Magnified Effect |
| Flash Grenade | Overpower |
| Galvanic Shards (Horde Clearing) | Lightning Infusion, Pierce |
| Glacial Bolt (Exploration/Leveling) | Fortress |
| Herald of Ash | Clarity, Vitality |
Use Lesser Jeweler's Orbs to add support gem sockets to key skills. The synergy between these skills creates a powerful leveling build.
Essential Passive Skill Tree Nodes
Prioritize Cluster Bombs, Repeating Explosives, and Iron Reflexes. Iron Reflexes mitigates the downside of the Sorcery Ward Ascendancy skill (the best choice for leveling). Also focus on Cooldown Reduction, Projectile & Grenade Damage, and Area of Effect. Crossbow and Armor/Evasion nodes are secondary priorities.
Recommended Items and Stat Priorities
Crossbow upgrades are paramount. Prioritize gear with:
- Dexterity
- Strength
- Armor
- Evasion
- Elemental Resistances (excluding Chaos)
- Physical and Elemental Damage
- Mana on Hit
- Resistances
Bonuses like Movement Speed and Attack Speed are beneficial but not critical. A Bombard Crossbow is highly recommended for its extra projectile.
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