Path of Exile 2: Mercenary Leveling Guide

This Path of Exile 2 guide focuses on efficiently leveling a Mercenary character. While Mercenaries are relatively easy to level, optimizing skill choices and gear significantly improves the experience.

Optimal Leveling Skills and Support Gems

Early-game success relies on Fragmentation Shot (effective close-range, multiple targets) and Permafrost Shot (freezing for increased Fragmentation Shot damage). However, the build truly shines once Grenade skills are unlocked.

The synergy between these skills is key. Explosive Shot detonates Explosive and Gas Grenades, creating massive AoE damage. Ripwire Ballista provides a distraction, while Glacial Bolt controls crowds. Oil Grenade is situational, often outperformed by Gas Grenade except against bosses. Galvanic Shards excels at clearing weaker enemies. Herald of Ash provides additional damage through igniting enemies. Use Level 1 or 2 support gems initially. Utilize Lesser Jeweller's Orbs to add support gem sockets to key skills.

Essential Passive Skill Tree Nodes

Prioritize these nodes on the Mercenary Passive Skill Tree:

• Cluster Bombs: Increases Grenade projectiles.
• Repeating Explosives: Chance for double Grenade explosions.
• Iron Reflexes: Converts Evasion to Armor, mitigating the drawback of the Sorcery Ward Ascendancy node (recommended for leveling).

Other valuable nodes include Cooldown Reduction, Projectile & Grenade Damage, and Area of Effect. Crossbow-related nodes and Armor/Evasion can be prioritized later if needed.

Gear and Stat Priorities

Prioritize upgrading your Crossbow first. Aim for gear with these modifiers:

• Dexterity
• Strength
• Armor
• Evasion
• Elemental Resistances (excluding Chaos)
• Physical and Elemental Damage
• Mana on Hit
• Resistances

Additional beneficial modifiers include Attack Speed, Mana/Life on Kill/Hit, Item Rarity, and Movement Speed. A Bombard Crossbow is highly recommended for its extra projectile.

This build emphasizes a balanced approach, leveraging both Crossbow and Grenade skills for efficient leveling. Remember to adapt your strategy based on the challenges you encounter.