This Path of Exile 2 Mercenary leveling guide outlines optimal skills, support gems, passive skills, and item choices for a smooth progression to the endgame. Mercenaries, while easy to level, benefit greatly from strategic build choices.

Skill & Support Gem Recommendations:

Early game relies on Fragmentation Shot (effective close-range, multiple targets) and Permafrost Shot (freezes for increased Fragmentation damage). Later, the focus shifts to grenades:

Early support gems (Levels 1-2) suffice until better ones are acquired. Use a Lesser Jeweller's Orb to add support gem sockets to key skills (Explosive Grenade, Explosive Shot, Gas Grenade). Note the suggested skill swaps depending on the situation (Glacial Bolt for exploration, Oil Grenade for bosses, Galvanic Shards for horde clearing).

Passive Skill Tree Prioritization:

Focus on these key passive skills:

• Cluster Bombs: Increases grenade projectiles.
• Repeating Explosives: Chance for double grenade explosions.
• Iron Reflexes: Converts evasion to armor, mitigating Sorcery Ward's armor reduction (crucial with the Witchhunter Ascendancy).

Also prioritize Cooldown Reduction, Projectile/Grenade Damage, and Area of Effect. Crossbow-related passives and Armor/Evasion nodes are secondary, prioritized only if needed.

Item and Stat Priorities:

Upgrade the lowest-level gear first, focusing on the crossbow as the most impactful upgrade. Prioritize these stats:

• Dexterity
• Strength
• Armor
• Evasion
• Elemental Resistances (excluding Chaos)
• Physical and Elemental Damage
• Mana on Hit
• Resistances
• (Useful but not essential): Attack Speed, Movement Speed, Life/Mana on Kill, Item Rarity

A Bombard Crossbow significantly improves grenade projectile count, making it a highly sought-after item.

This comprehensive guide ensures a powerful and efficient leveling experience for your Path of Exile 2 Mercenary. Remember to adapt your build based on available items and encountered challenges.