Path of Exile 2: Optimized Leveling Strategy for Mercenaries

This guide details effective leveling strategies for the Mercenary class in Path of Exile 2. While Mercenaries offer versatile combat options, optimizing their build is key for smooth progression.

Optimal Skills and Support Gems for Leveling

Early-game reliance on Fragmentation Shot and Permafrost Shot is recommended. Fragmentation Shot excels in close-quarters combat, while Permafrost Shot provides crowd control and damage amplification. However, the class truly shines once Grenade skills are unlocked.

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 and Explosive Grenade provide substantial AoE damage, amplified by Explosive Shot's detonation effect. Ripwire Ballista serves as a distraction, while Glacial Bolt offers additional crowd control. Oil Grenade is situational, outperformed by Gas Grenade generally, but useful against bosses. Galvanic Shards is a strong alternative to Fragmentation Shot for clearing hordes. Herald of Ash provides additional damage over time. Use available support gems until acquiring the recommended ones. Utilize Lesser Jeweller's Orbs to add support gem sockets to key skills.

Essential Passive Skill Tree Nodes

Prioritize Cluster Bombs, Repeating Explosives, and Iron Reflexes. Cluster Bombs increases grenade projectiles, Repeating Explosives adds a chance for double explosions, and Iron Reflexes mitigates the Sorcery Ward Ascendancy penalty. Also focus on Cooldown Reduction, Projectile & Grenade Damage, and Area of Effect. Crossbow skills, Armor, and Evasion nodes are valuable but less critical initially.

Itemization and Stat Priorities

Prioritize Crossbow upgrades. Focus on Dexterity, Strength, Armor, Evasion, Elemental Resistances (excluding Chaos), Physical and Elemental Damage, Mana on Hit, and Resistances. Rarity of Items, Movement Speed, and Attack Speed are beneficial but not essential. A Bombard Crossbow significantly enhances grenade effectiveness.

This comprehensive approach ensures efficient leveling and a strong foundation for endgame progression as a Mercenary in Path of Exile 2.