This Path of Exile 2 guide streamlines Mercenary leveling, a surprisingly easy class if approached correctly. While other classes struggle with enemy hordes or require close-quarters combat, Mercenaries excel in diverse combat scenarios with the right build.
However, ineffective strategies can hinder progress. This guide outlines optimal skills, support gems, essential item modifiers, and prioritized passive skill tree nodes for a smooth leveling experience.
Top Mercenary Leveling Skills & Support Gems
Early-game Mercenary effectiveness hinges on transitioning from crossbow reliance to a grenade-focused approach. Crossbows suffer from reload times, but grenades seamlessly fill this gap, significantly boosting power.
Initially, Fragmentation Shot (effective at close range against single or multiple targets, especially with stun support gems) and Permafrost Shot (quickly freezing enemies, enhancing Fragmentation Shot damage on shatter) suffice.
Later, unlocking powerful grenades (Explosive, Gas) and Explosive Shot dramatically alters gameplay.
| Core Mercenary Leveling Skills | 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 widely, detonatable with a Detonation skill. Explosive Grenades self-destruct or detonate via a Detonator skill. Explosive Shot detonates both, delivering massive AoE damage. Ripwire Ballista distracts enemies, while Glacial Bolt controls hordes. Oil Grenade is useful for AoE but often outclassed by Gas Grenade; Glacial Bolt proves more versatile during leveling (swap for Oil Grenade against bosses). Galvanic Shards efficiently clears hordes. Herald of Ash ignites nearby enemies upon overkill damage. Prioritize Level 1 or 2 support gems readily available before Act 3. Use Lesser Jeweler's Orbs to add support gem sockets to Explosive Grenade, Explosive Shot, and Gas Grenade.
Essential Passive Skill Tree Nodes for Leveling
Focus on Cluster Bombs (adds projectiles, extending grenade explosion time), Repeating Explosives (chance for double explosions), and Iron Reflexes (converts evasion to armor, mitigating Sorcery Ward's armor/evasion penalty). Iron Reflexes is a later priority, accessed via a short detour to the left. Also prioritize Cooldown Reduction, Projectile & Grenade Damage, and Area of Effect. Crossbow skills and Armor/Evasion nodes are valuable but secondary unless necessary.
Recommended Items and Stat Priorities
Prioritize equipment upgrades, replacing the weakest item first. Crossbow upgrades yield the most significant power increases. Mercenaries balance Dexterity and Strength, alongside Armor and Evasion. Prioritize:
- Dexterity
- Strength
- Armor
- Evasion
- Elemental Resistances (excluding Chaos)
- Increased Physical/Elemental Damage
- Attack Speed
- Mana/Life on Hit/Kill
- Item Rarity
- Movement Speed
Bombard Crossbows are highly beneficial, adding another grenade projectile. Actively seek these for crafting potential.
