This Path of Exile 2 guide focuses on efficiently leveling a Mercenary, one of the game's easiest classes. While some classes struggle with enemy hordes or require close-range combat, the Mercenary's versatile toolkit handles diverse combat scenarios. However, maximizing its potential requires strategic skill and item choices.

Optimal Skills and Support Gems for Leveling

Early-game success relies on Fragmentation Shot (effective close-range, single or multiple targets) and Permafrost Shot (rapid freezing for increased Fragmentation Shot damage). However, the build truly shines after unlocking Grenades.

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 offer substantial area-of-effect damage, amplified by Explosive Shot. Ripwire Ballista provides a distraction, while Glacial Bolt controls enemy hordes. Oil Grenade is situationally useful (swap for Glacial Bolt against bosses). Galvanic Shards excels against large groups of weaker enemies. Herald of Ash ignites nearby enemies upon kill. Use available Support Gems until obtaining the recommended ones. Employ a Lesser Jeweler's Orb to add support gem sockets to key skills.

Essential Passive Skill Tree Nodes

Prioritize Cluster Bombs (adds projectiles to Grenades), Repeating Explosives (chance for double explosions), and Iron Reflexes (converts Evasion to Armor, mitigating Sorcery Ward's downside). Also seek Cooldown Reduction, Projectile & Grenade Damage, and Area of Effect. Consider Crossbow Reload Time, Crossbow Damage, and Armor & Evasion nodes later, as needed.

Recommended Items and Stat Priorities

Prioritize upgrading your Crossbow. Focus on gear with Dexterity, Strength, Armor, Evasion, elemental resistances (excluding Chaos), physical and elemental damage, Mana on Hit, and resistances. Useful but not essential modifiers include rarity, movement speed, and attack speed. A Bombard Crossbow significantly boosts Grenade projectiles.

This comprehensive approach ensures a smooth and powerful Mercenary leveling experience in Path of Exile 2.