Path of Exile 2: Guide for Swift Mercenary Progression

This Path of Exile 2 Mercenary leveling guide outlines optimal skills, support gems, passive skill tree nodes, and item choices for a smooth progression to the endgame. While Mercenaries are considered easy to level, strategic skill selection is key to maximizing their potential.

Early Game Strategy: Initially, the Mercenary may feel underwhelming. Many players mistakenly focus solely on crossbow bolts, neglecting the superior grenade-based playstyle. Before unlocking powerful grenades like Explosive and Gas Grenades, rely on Fragmentation Shot (effective close-range, multi-target damage, especially with stun support gems) and Permafrost Shot (rapid freezing, boosting Fragmentation Shot damage).

Late Game Power Spike: Unlocking Explosive Grenade, Gas Grenade, and Explosive Shot transforms the playstyle.

These support gems are readily available early in Act 3. The synergy between these skills is crucial. Use available gems until you acquire the recommended ones. Use Lesser Jeweller's Orbs to add support gem sockets to Explosive Grenade, Explosive Shot, and Gas Grenade.

Passive Skill Tree Prioritization: Focus on Cluster Bombs (adds projectiles to grenades), Repeating Explosives (chance for double explosions), and Iron Reflexes (converts evasion to armor, mitigating Sorcery Ward's armor penalty). Other valuable nodes include cooldown reduction, projectile/grenade damage, and area of effect. Prioritize these over crossbow damage, armor/evasion, unless necessary for survivability. Iron Reflexes is a later priority, but essential near the tree's edge.

Itemization and Stat Priorities: Crossbow upgrades are paramount. Always replace the weakest equipped item. Prioritize 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 essential. A Bombard Crossbow significantly boosts grenade projectiles, making it a highly sought-after item.

Remember to adapt this guide to your playstyle and available resources. This framework provides a solid foundation for a powerful and efficient Mercenary leveling experience in Path of Exile 2.