If you're intrigued by the buzz around *Path of Exile 2* but not a fan of traditional fantasy elements like swords, bows, and magic, the Mercenary class is tailor-made for you. Imagine transforming the game into a top-down *Doom*-like experience, where you wield a trusty crossbow (think of it as a shotgun) and charge into the fray against hordes of enemies. This class is perfect for those who prefer a more direct, action-packed approach to gaming.

Features of the Mercenary in Path of Exile 2

With the right leveling strategy, the Mercenary becomes a formidable force, turning monsters into mere fertilizer. This efficiency extends to both regular mobs and challenging bosses. For instance, the final boss of the first act, a daunting foe for the Witch class, can be easily dispatched by a well-optimized Mercenary in just one or two attempts.

Let's explore how to build an effective Mercenary in the early access version of *PoE2*. Keep in mind that this guide is based on game version 0.1.0f, and future updates by Grinding Gear Games (GGG) might alter some aspects, making parts of this guide less relevant.

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Like all characters in *PoE2*, the Mercenary can use any weapon, but for this class, engaging in melee combat with demons isn't the best strategy. Instead, opt for the crossbow—a versatile weapon that functions like an automatic rifle, shotgun, and grenade launcher combined. While the Mercenary can use bows, we'll focus on the crossbow, your ultimate ally. As they say in *Full Metal Jacket*, "Without me, my crossbow is useless. Without my crossbow, I am useless."

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Main Characteristics of the Mercenary

The cornerstone attribute for the Mercenary is Dexterity. Aim to maximize your Dexterity through gear and passive skill tree choices. Prioritize Evasion over Armour for better survivability, and don't overlook Movement Speed to navigate battles effectively. Allocate Strength and Intelligence as needed based on your equipment and skill requirements.

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Useful Skills in Early Game Stages

Fragmentation Rounds

Early in the game, Fragmentation Rounds can be handy, though it's not a long-term solution. Enhance this skill with Brutality for a 35% increase in physical damage and Leverage for a 50% crit chance boost against immobilized enemies. However, it's better to save your gems for more impactful skills later on.

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Permafrost Bolts

A strong starting skill, Permafrost Bolts allow you to freeze and immobilize enemies with frost projectiles. Enhance it with Frost Nexus to increase the chance of freezing the ground around an ice-bound enemy, and use Leverage for increased crit chance. Alternatively, use Double Barrel to load two bolts at once, though this increases reload time by 30%—a drawback that can be mitigated with the right build.

Remember, different skills allow varying numbers of bolts in your crossbow. You can refresh the charge by pressing the quick key again. Also, attack speed affects reload speed, so don't neglect this stat.

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Explosive Grenade

Grenades are essential for dealing with large groups of enemies. Use Scattershot to throw three grenades instead of one, despite a 20% damage reduction, and Second Wind for additional utility. Grenades have a wide range and follow physics, so be mindful of obstacles that could deflect them. When throwing into confined spaces, get close to ensure all grenades reach their target.

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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% from poison damage, and Bursting Plague to increase damage. The unique feature of Gas Grenades is their ability to be detonated with fire, significantly boosting damage. Use skills like Explosive Grenade or Explosive Shot to trigger this effect.

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Galvanic Shards

Available in the second act, Galvanic Shards transforms your crossbow into an automatic shotgun with five charges, firing lightning. Enhance with Conduction and Lightning Infusion for increased damage. With faster reload speeds, it becomes an electro-automatic rifle, perfect for clearing waves of enemies.

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Herald of Thunder

The best early-game buff for the Mercenary, 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 causes grenades on the ground to detonate upon impact. Enhance with Fire Infusion for increased fire damage, making it an excellent AoE clearing method. While more complex than Galvanic Shards, it allows for safer, long-range engagements and is particularly effective against fire-weak enemies.

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These skills will help you level your Mercenary to around level 20-25, giving you a solid understanding of the class mechanics. Experiment with different elemental damage types to handle various enemies effectively as you progress.

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Passive Skills of the Mercenary

Focus on passive skill nodes that increase projectile damage. Here are some key nodes to consider:

**⚔️ Remorseless** — 15% increased projectile damage, 30% increased stun buildup against enemies within two meters, +5 strength and dexterity. A great starting buff.

**⚔️ Ricochet** — 15% increased projectile damage, projectiles have a 10% chance to chain an additional time. A solid damage boost.

**⚔️ Blur** — 4% increased movement speed, 20% increased evasion rating, +10 dexterity. Enhances survivability and attribute growth.

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**⚔️ Heavy Ammunition** — 8% reduced attack speed, 40% increased projectile damage, 40% increased projectile stun buildup. A significant damage increase if you're going for Blur.

**⚔️ Careful Aim** — 16% increased Projectile Damage, 40% increased Accuracy Rating at Close Range. Essential for improving accuracy.

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**⚔️ Cluster Bombs** — 50% increased grenade fuse duration, grenade skills fire an additional projectile. Ideal for Explosive Shot users.

**⚔️ Adrenaline Rush** — 4% increased Movement Speed if you've Killed Recently, 8% increased Attack Speed if you've Killed Recently. A useful skill on the path to Instant Reload.

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**⚔️ Doomsayer** — Herald Skills have 30% increased Area of Effect, Herald Skills have 30% increased Damage. Enhances Herald of Thunder's effectiveness.

**⚔️ Instant Reload** — 40% increased Crossbow Reload Speed. A crucial skill that, along with the path to it, provides a total of 70% reload speed increase and unlocks the first Jewel Socket.

**⚔️ Volatile Grenades** — 25% reduced Grenade fuse duration. Only take this if you're not using Explosive Shot.

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These passive skills will require about 30-35 skill points to acquire, giving you ample time to understand the Mercenary's mechanics in *PoE2*. Remember, the joy of playing a Mercenary lies in experimenting and discovering your own unique builds and combinations!