Mercenary
The Mercenary in Path of Exile 2 is a Dexterity/Strength hybrid class that excels in ranged combat with crossbows. With a focus on precision and tactical gameplay, the Mercenary uses unique skills like Precision Shot and Explosive Bolts to control the battlefield. Their ascendancies, Marksman and Demolitionist, offer specialized paths for players who enjoy high-damage single-target attacks or area-of-effect explosions.
Overview
The Mercenary is a new addition to Path of Exile 2, positioned on the passive skill tree between the Ranger and Marauder, leveraging both Dexterity and Strength nodes to enhance their ranged damage, accuracy, and survivability. They use crossbows as their primary weapon, which allows for powerful, precise shots and the ability to load different types of bolts for various effects. The Mercenary's resource is Ammo, which is used to fuel their skills and can be managed through careful planning and gear choices. With skills like Precision Shot, which deals massive damage to a single target, and Explosive Bolts, which create area-of-effect explosions, the Mercenary can adapt to different combat situations. Their ascendancies, Marksman and Demolitionist, further specialize their playstyle, with the Marksman focusing on critical hits and single-target damage, and the Demolitionist emphasizing explosive damage and area control.
Key Features
Crossbow Mastery
Uses crossbows as their primary weapon, allowing for powerful, precise shots and the ability to load different types of bolts.
Ammo Resource
Manages Ammo to fuel their skills, requiring careful planning and gear choices to maintain a steady supply.
Precision Shot
A skill that deals massive damage to a single target, ideal for taking down tough enemies.
Explosive Bolts
A skill that creates area-of-effect explosions, perfect for clearing groups of enemies.
Tactical Gameplay
Encourages players to think strategically about their positioning and skill usage to maximize damage and survivability.
Ascendancies
Marksman
Focuses on critical hits and single-target damage, with skills like Deadeye and Sniper's Mark that enhance accuracy and damage against individual enemies.
Demolitionist
Emphasizes explosive damage and area control, with skills like Blast Radius and Chain Reaction that create powerful explosions and chain effects.
Playstyle tips
- Start with Precision Shot for single-target damage and Explosive Bolts for clearing groups. Focus on Dexterity nodes for accuracy and damage, and Strength nodes for survivability.
- Experiment with different bolt types and skill combinations to maximize damage output. Use the Marksman ascendancy for boss fights and the Demolitionist for mapping.