PoE 2: Mercenary Leveling Guide

Among Path of Exile 2's six launch classes, the Mercenary stands out as one of the most beginner-friendly options. Unlike classes that struggle against swarms or require risky close-quarters combat, Mercenaries boast versatile tools to handle any battlefield scenario.

Mastering the Mercenary Playstyle

While powerful, the Mercenary class has a unique learning curve. New players often focus too heavily on crossbow mechanics early on instead of embracing the class's explosive potential. This comprehensive leveling guide reveals optimal skill combinations, essential passive nodes, and gear priorities to maximize your Mercenary's progression.

Optimal Mercenary Leveling Skills & Support Gems

The Mercenary's true potential emerges when combining crossbow attacks with grenade skills. Early game power comes from strategic synergy between Fragmentation Shot (close-range crowd control) and Permafrost Shot (freeze utility). The combat flow changes dramatically upon unlocking these key abilities:

• Explosive Shot - Detonates placed grenades for massive AoE damage
• Gas Grenade - Poisons large areas and combos with detonation skills
• Ripwire Ballista - Essential distraction tool for dangerous encounters

Essential Mercenary Leveling Skills
Skill Gem	Recommended Support Gems
Explosive Shot	Ignition, Magnified Effect, Pierce
Gas Grenade	Scattershot, Fire Penetration, Inspiration
Ripwire Ballista	Ruthless

Crucial Passive Skills for Leveling

Three passive skills dramatically enhance the Mercenary's explosive playstyle:

1. Cluster Bombs - Adds extra grenade projectiles
2. Repeating Explosives - Chance for double detonations
3. Iron Reflexes - Convert Evasion to Armor (synergizes with Witchhunter Ascendancy)

Gear Priorities and Stat Optimization

When gearing your Mercenary, prioritize these elements:

• Bombard Crossbows (extra grenade projectile)
• Balanced Dexterity/Strength allocation
• Hybrid Armor/Evasion base items
• Elemental resistances (except Chaos)
• Physical/Fire damage modifiers

Remember to use Lesser Jeweller's Orbs to add support sockets to your key abilities. This build shines when you combine grenade setup with precise detonation timing, creating devastating chain reactions that clear entire packs effortlessly.