His blade in Path of Exile 2 is at your service: How to make a Mercenary build

Conquer Path of Exile 2 as a Mercenary: A Beginner's Guide

Tired of fantasy tropes in Path of Exile 2? Embrace the Mercenary class and transform the game into a top-down shooter experience! This guide focuses on a crossbow-centric build, ideal for players who prefer action over high fantasy. All information pertains to game version 0.1.0f; GGG may implement changes in the final release.

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The Mercenary's Versatility

While capable of wielding any weapon, the Mercenary excels with crossbows. This weapon acts as a versatile hybrid of an automatic rifle, shotgun, and grenade launcher, allowing for diverse combat strategies. Forget melee – maintain distance and unleash devastating ranged attacks.

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Key Attributes and Early Game Skills

Prioritize Dexterity for increased damage and evasion. Evasion is superior to Armor in this build. Strength and Intelligence are secondary, adjusted based on equipment needs.

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Early Game Skill Choices:

• Fragmentation Rounds: A decent starting skill, but quickly surpassed by others. Consider Brutality and Leverage support gems for increased damage and crit chance against immobilized enemies.

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• Permafrost Bolts: A strong early-game choice. Freezing and immobilizing enemies provides significant tactical advantages. Pair with Frost Nexus and Leverage support gems for enhanced freezing and crit chance. Double Barrel is another strong option, increasing bolts fired but extending reload time.

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• Explosive Grenade: Essential for crowd control. Use Scattershot for multiple grenades, and Second Wind for survivability. Remember projectile physics when aiming.

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• Gas Grenade: Releases a cloud of poison gas, synergizing well with Corrosion (reduces armor) and Bursting Plague support gems. Detonate the gas with fire skills (like Explosive Grenade later Explosive Shot) for massive damage boosts.

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• Galvanic Shards (Act 2): A game-changer. Transforms your crossbow into an automatic shotgun, dealing high lightning damage. Use Conduction and Lightning Infusion support gems for maximum impact.

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• Herald of Thunder: A powerful buff, especially with Galvanic Shards and Conduction. Requires 30 spirit units.

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• Explosive Shot: A powerful AoE skill, particularly effective when combined with grenades. Use Fire Infusion for increased damage.

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Passive Skill Tree Progression

Focus on nodes increasing projectile damage:

• Remorseless: Increased projectile damage, stun buildup, and attribute boosts.
• Ricochet: Increased projectile damage and chain chance.
• Blur: Movement speed, evasion, and dexterity.
• Heavy Ammunition: Increased projectile damage and stun, but reduced attack speed.
• Careful Aim: Increased projectile damage and accuracy at close range.
• Cluster Bombs: Increased grenade fuse duration and additional projectile.
• Adrenaline Rush: Increased movement and attack speed after kills.
• Doomsayer: Increased area of effect and damage for Herald skills.
• Instant Reload: Significantly increased crossbow reload speed.
• Volatile Grenades: Reduced grenade fuse duration (only if not using Explosive Shot).

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Experimentation is key! This guide provides a foundation; discover your own optimal build through trial and error. Enjoy the explosive action of the Mercenary in Path of Exile 2!