As the release of POE2 Currency draws nearer, fans of the action RPG genre are buzzing with anticipation. The sequel to Grinding Gear Games’ legendary title promises not just a visual overhaul but also substantial changes to gameplay mechanics, class design, and player agency. Among the new and returning archetypes, one class is already turning heads: the Mercenary.

More than a typical warrior, the Mercenary is a hybrid of tactical finesse and raw firepower—a battlefield strategist who blends technology, precision, and adaptability. In a world teeming with chaos, demons, and eldritch horrors, the Mercenary’s cool, calculated combat style offers players a refreshing change of pace from the elemental explosions and brute-force brawls that dominate the game.

Whether you're a longtime Path of Exile player or a curious newcomer intrigued by the promise of complex builds and meaningful choices, this guide dives deep into the Mercenary’s early access potential. We’ll explore what makes this class tick, how to optimize your early build, and why the Mercenary might just be the most rewarding way to experience Path of Exile 2.

Who Is the Mercenary?

In Path of Exile 2, the Mercenary is a master of engineered destruction. Think gadgets, guns, and traps—mixed with military precision. While other classes may rely on brute strength or ancient magics, the Mercenary’s power lies in tactical superiority. This class thrives on positioning, timing, and combining mechanical tools for devastating effect.

Lore-wise, the Mercenary is a professional—a former soldier or engineer forged by war, loss, and necessity. In a world that punishes hesitation, the Mercenary thrives by staying several steps ahead of the enemy, analyzing the battlefield, and striking with ruthless efficiency.

Gameplay-wise, the Mercenary is ideal for players who enjoy planning their engagements, crafting clever combos, and executing clean kills from range. If you liked the Saboteur or Deadeye archetypes in the original game, you’ll feel right at home here—with even more customization and strategic depth.

Core Identity: Firepower Meets Intelligence

At the heart of the Mercenary’s design are three pillars:

Projectile Weapon Mastery: Crossbows, firearms, and thrown devices form the backbone of the Mercenary’s offense. This is not a hack-and-slash melee fighter—you'll control space and tempo through long-range precision.

Gadget and Trap Deployment: The Mercenary is a tinkerer. With access to a variety of deployables—from proximity mines to turret-like drones—this class excels at setting traps and controlling the battlefield.

Tactical Modularity: The Mercenary’s toolkit is modular. That means your skill setup and gear choices can dynamically alter how your build plays, allowing for significant mid-game flexibility.

Best Early Build: Modular Crossbow Specialist

For early access, one of the most popular and effective ways to play the Mercenary is as a Modular Crossbow Specialist. This build emphasizes rapid-fire projectiles, elemental-infused bolts, and deployable support tools like sentries and traps. It’s fast, deadly, and extremely satisfying to play.

Starting Weapons: Modular Crossbows

The signature weapon for this build is the Modular Crossbow, which allows for bolt-type switching on the fly. In early game, focus on crafting or finding a crossbow with:

High attack speed

Additional elemental damage per shot

Bonus effects for status ailments (ignite, chill, shock)

There are three bolt types to prioritize early on:

Explosive Bolts: Great for crowd control and dealing AOE fire damage.

Frost Bolts: Useful for slowing enemies and creating breathing room.

Shock Bolts: Offers bonus critical chance and synergizes with trap setups.

Rotate bolts mid-combat depending on the situation—this modularity is a Mercenary trademark.

Essential Skills and Supports

In Path of Exile 2, skills are socketed into weapons and armor pieces, but synergy is key. Here are early-game skill combinations for maximum Mercenary efficiency:

Primary Attack Skill: Bolt Barrage

A rapid-fire crossbow skill that fires multiple projectiles in quick succession. Use Shock or Fire bolts to either inflict status or clear mobs.

Recommended Support Gems:

Faster Projectiles

Elemental Proliferation

Piercing Shots

Utility Skill: Deploy Sentry Turret

Summons a stationary automated crossbow turret to add suppressive fire. A perfect distraction that scales with your projectile damage stats.

Recommended Support Gems:

Trap and Mine Damage

Increased Duration

Faster Attacks

Mobility Skill: Combat Slide

A short-range tactical dash that grants damage reduction for a brief period. Great for repositioning and escaping tight spots.

Recommended Support Gems:

Increased Duration

Second Wind

Trap Skill: Elemental Minefield

Lays mines that detonate with a bolt-type explosion. Works wonderfully when used in combination with Frost Bolts for area denial or Fire Bolts for massive burn.

Passive Tree Priorities

Path of Exile 2 features a redesigned passive skill system that is more intuitive while remaining robust. For the Mercenary, focus on the following passive clusters:

Core Passive Goals:

Projectile Damage – Increases overall crossbow and turret effectiveness.

Elemental Penetration – Amplifies Shock and Fire bolt synergy.

Trap and Mine Support – Buffs your gadgets and explosive setup.

Critical Strike Chance and Multiplier – For burst potential.

Dexterity + Intelligence – Key attributes for gear requirements and scaling.

Build out toward the central hub before branching into specialized nodes. Early on, path toward increased Attack Speed, Status Effect Duration, and Life on Kill to maintain offense and survivability.

Gear Tips for Early Progression

While unique items are rare in early access, smart gear choices can make or break your Mercenary build. Here are some guidelines:

Armor

Light Armor: Boosts evasion and movement speed—perfect for tactical play.

Gadgeteer’s Harness (Rare): Look for rare chest pieces that boost trap damage or have increased projectile supports.

Accessories

Rings and amulets that increase Elemental Damage, Attack Speed, or grant +1 to socketed projectile gems are top priorities.

Belts

Focus on Trap Cooldown Recovery or Energy Shield for hybrid defense.

Flasks

Quicksilver Flask: Mandatory for movement speed.

Diamond Flask: Great for critical builds.

Bismuth Flask: For resistances while fighting elemental bosses.

Combat Strategy & Playstyle

The Mercenary rewards precision and foresight. Here’s how to make the most of every encounter:

1. Control the Battlefield

Before engaging, set up traps and deploy sentries. Use terrain to your advantage—choke points and ledges become lethal zones.

2. Swap Bolts Frequently

Don't tunnel on one bolt type. If enemies are stacking in numbers, switch to Explosive Bolts. If a dangerous elite approaches, Shock Bolts + Bolt Barrage can burst it down in seconds.

3. Move Constantly

You’re not a tank. Utilize Combat Slide liberally. Stay in motion, avoid telegraphed hits, and maintain range.

4. Stack Synergies

Time your minefield with turret cooldowns for maximum overlap. Use Frost Bolts to slow enemies before deploying traps, increasing detonation success.

Why Play the Mercenary in POE2?

In a game packed with spectacle and carnage, the Mercenary introduces subtlety and strategic depth. Here’s why this class stands out:

Inventive Gameplay: Combining traps, gadgets, and ranged attacks creates an endless loop of creative encounters.

High Skill Ceiling: The better you play, the more effective you become. This class rewards smart decision-making.

Team Utility: Mercenaries bring control and AOE suppression, making them invaluable in party play.

Style: Let’s face it—crossbows and drones just look cool.

Final Thoughts: A Tactical Future for Wraeclast

Path of Exile 2 is already shaping up to be one of the most ambitious action RPGs ever made, and the Mercenary class is a big part of that evolution. By introducing a playstyle that marries mechanical ingenuity with real-time tactics, GGG is broadening the game’s horizons and appealing to a new generation of ARPG fans buy POE2 Currency.

Whether you're here to dominate leaderboards or simply want to survive Wraeclast with style, the Mercenary is an excellent starting point. It's complex, it’s rewarding, and it’s unlike anything else in the game. So load your bolts, prime your traps, and get ready to conquer the battlefield—one calculated kill at a time.