Guide: Leveling Mercenaries in Path of Exile 2

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 that struggle with enemy hordes or require close-quarters combat, Mercenaries possess versatile tools for diverse combat scenarios. However, maximizing their potential requires strategic skill and item choices. This guide outlines recommended skills, support gems, essential items, and passive skill tree nodes to prioritize for a streamlined Mercenary leveling journey.

Best Mercenary Leveling Skills & Support Gems

Many players initially focus solely on crossbow bolts, neglecting the potent grenade-based playstyle. Early on, before unlocking high-tier grenades like Explosive Grenade and Gas Grenade, rely on Fragmentation Shot and Permafrost Shot. Fragmentation Shot excels in close-range combat against multiple targets, especially when boosted with stun support gems. Permafrost Shot quickly freezes enemies, enhancing Fragmentation Shot's damage as frozen targets shatter.

The gameplay shifts dramatically upon unlocking powerful grenades and Explosive Shot.

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	Ignition, Magnified Effect
Flash Grenade	Overpower
Galvanic Shards	Lightning Infusion, Pierce
Glacial Bolt	Fortress
Herald of Ash	Clarity, Vitality

Gas Grenade poisons a large area, detonable with a Detonation skill. Explosive Grenades explode after a delay or detonation. Explosive Shot detonates both, providing immense AoE and single-target damage. Ripwire Ballista distracts enemies, while Glacial Bolt controls hordes. Oil Grenade is effective for AoE but generally outclassed by Gas Grenade; Glacial Bolt proves more useful for leveling, while Oil Grenade shines against bosses. Galvanic Shards is a low-risk horde clearer. Herald of Ash ignites nearby enemies upon overkill damage. Use available support gems until you acquire the recommended ones. Enhance Explosive Grenade, Explosive Shot, and Gas Grenade with a Lesser Jeweller's Orb for additional support gem sockets.

Best Mercenary Passive Skills for Leveling

Prioritize these passive skills: Cluster Bombs (adds projectiles), Repeating Explosives (chance for double explosions), and Iron Reflexes (converts evasion to armor, mitigating Sorcery Ward's armor/evasion penalty). The Witchhunter Ascendancy is ideal, with Sorcery Ward providing a strong damage mitigation buffer. Iron Reflexes compensates for Sorcery Ward's drawbacks. Also acquire Cooldown Reduction, Projectile/Grenade Damage, and Area of Effect nodes. Crossbow-related nodes (reload, damage) and Armor/Evasion nodes are valuable but less crucial initially.

Recommended Items & Mercenary Stat Priority

Prioritize upgrading your crossbow. Aim for items with Dexterity, Strength, Armor, Evasion, Elemental Resistances (excluding Chaos), Physical/Elemental Damage, Mana on Hit, and Resistances. Rarity, Movement Speed, and Attack Speed are beneficial but not essential. A Bombard Crossbow adds an extra grenade projectile, significantly enhancing grenade skills.

In summary, a strategic approach to skills, gems, and items ensures a smooth and powerful Mercenary leveling experience in Path of Exile 2.