This Path of Exile 2 Mercenary leveling guide outlines optimal skills, support gems, passive skills, and items for a smooth progression to the endgame. While Mercenaries are generally easy to level, strategic choices significantly impact efficiency.
Optimal Skills & Support Gems:
Early game relies on Fragmentation Shot (effective close-range, multiple targets) and Permafrost Shot (freezes, boosting Fragmentation damage). Unlocking grenades transforms the playstyle.
The core late-game skills and recommended support gems are:
| Skill Gem | 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 |
Explosive Shot detonates Gas and Explosive Grenades for massive AoE damage. Ripwire Ballista provides a distraction, while Glacial Bolt controls hordes. Oil Grenade is situational, outclassed by Gas Grenade except against bosses. Galvanic Shards excels at clearing weaker enemies. Herald of Ash ignites enemies on death. Use available support gems until obtaining the recommended ones. Use Lesser Jeweller's Orbs to add gem sockets to key skills.
Essential Passive Skills:
Prioritize these passive skills on the Mercenary tree:
- Cluster Bombs: Increases grenade projectiles.
- Repeating Explosives: Chance for double grenade explosions.
- Iron Reflexes: Converts evasion to armor, mitigating Sorcery Ward's armor penalty (Witchhunter ascendancy).
Also acquire nodes boosting cooldown reduction, projectile/grenade damage, and area of effect. Crossbow skills, armor/evasion nodes are secondary; prioritize them only if needed.
Itemization and Stat Priorities:
Focus on upgrading your crossbow first. Prioritize gear with:
- Dexterity
- Strength
- Armor
- Evasion
- Elemental Resistances (excluding Chaos)
- Physical and Elemental Damage
- Mana on Hit
- Resistances
Movement speed, attack speed, and item rarity are beneficial but not crucial. A Bombard Crossbow significantly improves grenade projectile count.
This optimized approach ensures a smooth and powerful Mercenary leveling experience in Path of Exile 2.
