Path of Exile 2: Mercenary Leveling Guide

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-range combat, the Mercenary boasts versatile tools for diverse combat scenarios. However, maximizing its potential requires strategic skill and item choices. This guide details recommended skills, support gems, items, and passive skill tree nodes for efficient Mercenary leveling.

Many players initially rely solely on Crossbow bolts, neglecting the potent Grenade-based playstyle. This can hinder early progress. While early-game reliance on **Fragmentation Shot** (effective close-range against single and multiple targets, especially with stun support gems) and **Permafrost Shot** (quickly freezes enemies, boosting Fragmentation Shot damage) is viable, the class truly shines with Grenades.

Best Mercenary Leveling Skills & Support Gems

Unlocking powerful skills like Explosive Grenade, Gas Grenade, and Explosive Shot significantly transforms gameplay. The synergy between these skills is key.

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 over a large area and detonates with a Detonation skill. Explosive Grenades explode after a delay or detonation. Explosive Shot detonates both, creating massive AoE damage. Ripwire Ballista provides enemy distraction, while Glacial Bolt helps manage hordes. Oil Grenade is useful for AoE but often outclassed by Gas Grenade; consider Glacial Bolt for exploration and Oil Grenade for bosses. Galvanic Shards excels at clearing hordes. Herald of Ash ignites nearby enemies on kill.

The listed Support Gems are generally accessible early on. Use whatever you have until you acquire the recommended ones. Use a Lesser Jeweller's Orb to add support gem sockets to Explosive Grenade, Explosive Shot, and Gas Grenade.

Best Mercenary Passive Skills For Leveling

Prioritize these passive skills: Cluster Bombs (adds projectiles, increasing Grenade count), Repeating Explosives (chance for double explosions), and Iron Reflexes (converts Evasion to Armor, countering Sorcery Ward's drawback). Iron Reflexes should be acquired later, near the edge of the tree. Other valuable nodes include Cooldown Reduction, Projectile & Grenade Damage, and Area of Effect. Crossbow-related nodes and Armor/Evasion can be prioritized later based on your needs.

Recommended Items & Mercenary Stat Priority

Prioritize Crossbow upgrades. Focus on replacing your weakest equipped item. Mercenaries use Dexterity and Strength, along with Armor and Evasion. Seek gear with these stats, Physical and Elemental Damage, Mana on Hit, and Resistances. Rarity, Movement Speed, and Attack Speed are helpful but not essential. A Bombard Crossbow significantly enhances Grenade projectiles.

Stat Priorities: Dexterity, Strength, Armor, Evasion, Elemental Resistances (except Chaos), Increased Physical Damage, Increased Elemental/Fire Damage, Attack Speed, Mana/Life on Kill/Hit, Rarity of Items Found, Movement Speed.