Top Mercenary Build Strategies for Path of Exile 2

The Mercenary stands out as the supreme assassin in Path of Exile 2 during its early access phase. This guide will walk you through creating the most effective build available, enabling you to take down your adversaries with precision and power.

Similar to characters like the Demon Hunter from Diablo, the Mercenary excels in ranged combat, wielding a crossbow to eliminate enemies from a distance. This class is expertly crafted to counter magic users who may be overwhelming the battlefield.

The Witch Hunter specializes in hunting down rogue mages.

Optimal Mercenary Build

The Grenade Mercenary build currently stands as the most powerful configuration available in Path of Exile 2.

This build leverages the Mercenary’s Witch Hunter Ascendancy, enabling a character capable of unleashing explosive damage and maintaining an edge in combat. The focus here is on dealing Area of Effect (AoE) damage to groups of foes and then sniping off lingering threats.

Preferred Ascendancy

In early access, the Mercenary can choose from two Ascendancy subclasses. For the Grenade Mercenary build, you should opt for the Witch Hunter.

It’s crucial to note that while you can reset your skills, changing Ascendancies after selection isn’t possible. Before ascending, ensure you complete the Trial of the Sekhemas or Trial of Chaos.

Once you’ve chosen the Witch Hunter Ascendancy, integrate the following abilities to fine-tune your build:

Zealous Inquisition – Grants a chance for enemies to explode.
Pitiless Killer – Enhances speed in eliminating elite enemies.
Judge, Jury, and Executioner – Amplifies damage from decimating strikes.

Essential Skills for the Mercenary Build

In Path of Exile 2, skill selection significantly impacts your build. As you progress towards the late game, choose the following primary and supporting skills:

Skill	Support Skill 1	Support Skill 2	Support Skill 3	Support Skill 4	Support Skill 5
Explosive Shot	Martial Tempo	Pierce	Nimble Reload	–	–
Oil Grenade	Persistence	Strip Away	Encumbrance	–	–
Flash Grenade	Scattershot	Overpower	Heft	–	–
Explosive Grenade	Fire Infusion	Primal Armament	Payload	–	–
Gas Grenade	Corrosion	Armour Explosion	Break Posture	–	–
Overwhelming Presence	Clarity	Vitality	–	–	–
Time of Need	Clarity	Vitality	–	–	–

To maximize your skills in Path of Exile 2, assign them to Uncut Skill Gems. By “Cutting Gems,” you enhance your abilities through Support Skills. The recommended table showcases what your build should look like at the story’s conclusion, although it will take time and effort to achieve. There are no strict rules regarding the order of skill assignment; feel free to temporarily utilize other skills until your ideal ones become available.

mercenary gameplay path of exile 2 — Grinding Gear Games

The Mercenary showcases exceptional prowess with a crossbow.

Choosing Passive Skills

The selection of Passive skills is extensive, offering numerous buffs similar to the Paragon Board in Diablo 4. For the Mercenary specifically, prioritize the following nodes to develop your character effectively:

Repeating Explosives – Triggers chain reactions from your grenades.
Adrenaline Rush – Boosts your movement speed.
Volatile Grenades – Increases overall grenade damage.
Cluster Bombs – Enhances the chance of chain explosions.
Grenadier – Augments damage dealt by grenades.
Giantslayer – Increases damage against elite enemies.
Cull the Hordes – Heightens explosion efficacy against mobs.
Perfect Opportunity – Grants a damage boost against heavily stunned foes.

These nodes are critical for optimizing your build. Following the correct path will ensure you invest points wisely, enhancing your character’s capabilities without unnecessary diversions.

Top Armor, Weapons, and Charms for the Mercenary

As you embark on your journey in Path of Exile, it’s tempting to equip any gear you come across. However, as you advance, you’ll develop a keen sense of what gear will best complement your Witch Hunter playstyle.

Instead of obsessively searching for specific items that may frequently change, concentrate on collecting loot that offers substantial buffs for your build. The following table outlines the best gear options to aim for:

Item Type	Buffs to Seek	How to Acquire
Weapon	+x% to Physical Damage, +x% to Stun Duration, +x% to Dexterity	Random Drops / Vendor
Off Hand	–	Random Drops / Vendor
Helm	+x% to Defense, +x% to Armor, +x% to Resistance, +x% to Life	Random Drops / Vendor
Armor	+x% to Defense, +x% to Armor, +x% to Resistance, +x% to Life	Random Drops / Vendor
Gloves	+x% to Defense, +x% to Armor, +x% to Resistance, +x% to Life	Random Drops / Vendor
Boots	+x% to Defense, +x% to Armor, +x% to Resistance, +x% to Life	Random Drops / Vendor
Belt	+x% to Defense, +x% to Armor, +x% to Resistance, +x% to Life	Random Drops / Vendor
Ring 1	+x% to Defense, +x% to Armor, +x% to Resistance, +x% to Life	Random Drops / Vendor
Ring 2	+x% to Defense, +x% to Armor, +x% to Resistance, +x% to Life	Random Drops / Vendor
Amulet	+x% to Defense, +x% to Armor, +x% to Resistance, +x% to Life	Random Drops / Vendor
Charm 1	+x% to Physical Damage, +x% to Ranged Skills, +x% to Stun Duration, +x% to Dexterity	Random Drops / Vendor
Charm 2	+x% to Physical Damage, +x% to Ranged Skills, +x% to Stun Duration, +x% to Dexterity	Random Drops / Vendor
Charm 3	+x% to Physical Damage, +x% to Ranged Skills, +x% to Stun Duration, +x% to Dexterity	Random Drops / Vendor

With this comprehensive guide, you’re equipped to establish a formidable Mercenary character in Path of Exile 2. If you need to adjust your character build, here’s how to respec effectively.

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