The Mercenary is one of the easiest classes to level in Path of Exile 2. Unlike some classes that struggle with hordes or require close-quarters combat, the Mercenary possesses versatile tools for diverse combat scenarios. However, maximizing its potential requires a strategic approach. This guide outlines recommended skills, support gems, item choices, and passive skill tree nodes for efficient Mercenary leveling.
Many players initially rely solely on Crossbow bolts, overlooking the potent Grenade-based playstyle. While Crossbows have reload limitations, integrating Grenades effectively mitigates this weakness, significantly boosting the Mercenary's power.
Early game, before unlocking powerful Grenades like Explosive Grenade and Gas Grenade, Fragmentation Shot and Permafrost Shot are reliable. Fragmentation Shot excels in close-range against multiple targets, especially with Support Gems enhancing Stun. Permafrost Shot efficiently freezes enemies, amplifying Fragmentation Shot damage upon shattering.
The playstyle transforms significantly after unlocking high-impact Grenades and Explosive Shot.
| Core Mercenary Leveling Skills | Skill Gem | 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 a wide area and detonates with a Detonation skill. Explosive Grenades explode after a delay or detonation. Explosive Shot detonates Grenades, dealing massive AoE and single-target damage. Ripwire Ballista provides a distraction, while Glacial Bolt controls hordes. Consider swapping Permafrost Shot for Glacial Bolt, and Oil Grenade for Glacial Bolt against bosses. Galvanic Shards is a strong horde clearer. Herald of Ash ignites nearby enemies upon overkill damage.
The listed Support Gems are generally accessible early in Act 3. The skill interactions are key to this build's strength. Use available gems until obtaining the recommended ones. Add Support Gem sockets to Explosive Grenade, Explosive Shot, and Gas Grenade using a Lesser Jeweller's Orb.
Prioritize these Passive Skills: Cluster Bombs (adds projectiles), Repeating Explosives (chance for double explosions), and Iron Reflexes (converts Evasion to Armor, countering Sorcery Ward's downside).
The Witchhunter Ascendancy (best for leveling) uses Sorcery Ward, which grants non-Physical damage resistance at the cost of reduced Armor and Evasion. Iron Reflexes mitigates this drawback. Also prioritize Cooldown Reduction, Projectile & Grenade Damage, and Area of Effect. Crossbow Reload Time, Crossbow Damage, and Armor/Evasion nodes are valuable but less urgent.
Prioritize upgrading the weakest equipped item. Crossbow upgrades significantly enhance power. Focus on Dexterity, Strength, Armor, Evasion, Elemental Resistances (excluding Chaos), Physical and Elemental Damage, Mana on Hit, and Resistances. Rarity, Movement Speed, and Attack Speed are beneficial but not crucial.
A Bombard Crossbow adds an extra Grenade projectile, boosting effectiveness. Acquire and craft with upgrade currencies.
