If you're intrigued by Path of Exile 2 but not a fan of traditional fantasy elements like swords, bows, and magic, the Mercenary class is tailored just for you. It transforms the game into a thrilling top-down shooter reminiscent of Doom, where you wield a crossbow that feels more like a trusty shotgun, ready to charge into hordes of enemies.
Features of the Mercenary in Path of Exile 2
With the right leveling strategy, the Mercenary becomes a formidable force, efficiently turning monsters into mere fertilizer. This class excels not only against regular mobs but also against challenging bosses. For instance, the final boss of the first act, which can be a significant hurdle for the Witch, can be easily defeated by a well-optimized Mercenary on the first or second attempt.
Let's explore how to build an effective Mercenary in the early access version of PoE2. Note that this guide is based on game version 0.1.0f, and future updates from Grinding Gear Games (GGG) might alter some aspects.
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The Mercenary can use any weapon, but the crossbow is your go-to choice, offering a versatile mix of an automatic rifle, shotgun, and grenade launcher. While bows are an option, they're better suited for the Ranger. As the saying goes, "Without me, my crossbow is useless. Without my crossbow, I am useless."
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Main Characteristics of the Mercenary
Dexterity is the cornerstone for the Mercenary. Prioritize accumulating as much Dexterity as possible through items and the passive skill tree. Evasion is more crucial than Armour, so focus on the former. Movement speed is essential for dodging enemy attacks, while Strength and Intelligence should be chosen based on equipment or skill requirements.
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Useful Skills in Early Game Stages
Fragmentation Rounds
Early on, Fragmentation Rounds can be useful, but it's not a skill to rely on long-term. Enhance it with Brutality (35% increased physical damage) and Leverage (50% increased crit chance against immobilized enemies), but consider saving your gems for more impactful skills.
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Permafrost Bolts
A solid starting skill, Permafrost Bolts allow you to freeze and immobilize enemies. Enhance it with Frost Nexus (increases the chance to freeze the ground around an ice-bound enemy) and Leverage. Alternatively, use Double Barrel to load two bolts at once, though this increases reload time by 30%.
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Remember, different skills allow varying numbers of bolts in your crossbow. Reloading can refresh your charge, and attack speed affects reload speed, so don't overlook this stat.
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Explosive Grenade
Grenades are essential for clearing large groups of enemies. Use Scattershot to throw three grenades at once, though this reduces damage by 20%. Second Wind is another useful support skill. Grenades follow physics, so be mindful of obstacles when aiming.
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Gas Grenade
Gas Grenades release a cloud of poisonous gas that expands over time. Enhance with Corrosion to reduce enemy armor by 80% and Bursting Plague for increased damage. The gas can be detonated with fire for massive damage using skills like Explosive Grenade or Explosive Shot.
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Galvanic Shards
Available in the second act, Galvanic Shards transforms your crossbow into an automatic shotgun with lightning damage. Enhance with Conduction and Lightning Infusion for increased damage and reload speed, turning it into an electro-automatic rifle.
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Herald of Thunder
A powerful early-game buff, especially when paired with Galvanic Shards and Conduction. It ensures a 100% chance to shock enemies, triggering lightning strikes from above. Activating this aura requires 30 spirit units, obtainable by defeating a first-act boss.
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Explosive Shot
Embrace your inner Doomguy with Explosive Shot, which detonates grenades on the floor upon impact. Enhance with Fire Infusion for increased fire damage. This skill is ideal for maintaining distance and dealing with fire-weak enemies.
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These skills will help you level the Mercenary to around level 20-25, giving you a solid understanding of the class mechanics. Experiment with different elemental damage types to tackle various enemies effectively.
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Passive Skills of the Mercenary
Focus on passive skills that increase projectile damage:
- Remorseless — 15% increased projectile damage, 30% increased stun buildup against enemies within two meters, +5 strength and dexterity.
- Ricochet — 15% increased projectile damage, projectiles have a 10% chance to chain an additional time.
- Blur — 4% increased movement speed, 20% increased evasion rating, +10 dexterity.
- Heavy Ammunition — 8% reduced attack speed, 40% increased projectile damage, 40% increased projectile stun buildup.
- Careful Aim — 16% increased Projectile Damage, 40% increased Accuracy Rating at Close Range.
- Cluster Bombs — 50% increased grenade fuse duration, grenade skills fire an additional projectile.
- Adrenaline Rush — 4% increased Movement Speed if you've Killed Recently, 8% increased Attack Speed if you've Killed Recently.
- Doomsayer — Herald Skills have 30% increased Area of Effect, Herald Skills have 30% increased Damage.
- Instant Reload — 40% increased Crossbow Reload Speed.
- Volatile Grenades — 25% reduced Grenade fuse duration.
These passive skills will require about 30-35 skill points to acquire, giving you ample time to understand the Mercenary's mechanics in PoE2. Don't hesitate to experiment and find your own unique builds and combinations, as that's where the true fun of playing the Mercenary lies!
Image: ensigame.com
Image: ensigame.com
Image: ensigame.com
Image: ensigame.com
