This Path of Exile 2 Mercenary leveling guide details optimal skill choices, support gems, passive skill tree prioritization, and item selection for a smooth progression to the endgame. Mercenaries, while easy to level, require strategic build choices to maximize their potential.
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). Later, the build shifts to a grenade-focused approach.
| 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 |
Gas Grenade poisons, Explosive Grenades explode after a delay or detonation, and Explosive Shot detonates both for massive AoE damage. Ripwire Ballista provides a distraction, and Glacial Bolt controls crowds. Oil Grenade is situationally useful, often outclassed by Gas Grenade. Galvanic Shards excels at clearing hordes. Herald of Ash ignites enemies upon death. Use available Level 1 or 2 support gems until you acquire the recommended ones. Use a Lesser Jeweller's Orb to add support gem sockets to key skills.
Prioritized Passive Skill Tree Nodes:
Focus on Cluster Bombs (adds projectiles to grenades), Repeating Explosives (chance for double explosions), and Iron Reflexes (converts evasion to armor, mitigating Sorcery Ward's armor penalty). Also prioritize Cooldown Reduction, Projectile & Grenade Damage, and Area of Effect. Crossbow-related nodes and Armor/Evasion can be prioritized later, based on your needs.
Itemization and Stat Priorities:
Prioritize Crossbow upgrades for significant power increases. Focus on gear with:
- Dexterity
- Strength
- Armor
- Evasion
- Elemental Resistances (excluding Chaos)
- Physical and Elemental Damage
- Mana on Hit
- Resistances
- (Optional) Attack Speed, Movement Speed, Rarity, Life/Mana on Kill
A Bombard Crossbow significantly enhances grenade projectile count.
This comprehensive approach ensures a smooth and powerful leveling experience for your Mercenary in Path of Exile 2. Remember to adapt based on your acquired gear and available support gems.
