Dark fantasy hitman at your disposal.

Among the available classes inPath of Exile 2, one of the most singular is theMercenary.

This crossbow user has more than just a few special arrows under their sleeve.

A Path of Exile 2 screenshot showing the Mercenary’s passive skill tree

For example, playing aWitchis nothing like playing aSorceress, even though both are spellcasters.

To help you literally blow your path through the game, we have put together thebest Mercenary build.

This class is capable of dealing lots of damage at the cost of correctly positioning and managing your ammo.

A Path of Exile 2 screenshot showing a Mercenary fighting a few enemies

This ability creates an explosion that deals a huge amount of area-of-effect damage.

Once the grenade blows up in the middle of the gas, it triggers a massive explosion.

Later, you want to provoke this effect usingExplosive Shot.

A Path of Exile 2 screenshot showing the description of the Explosive Grenade skill

There are two main rules to play this class.

First,do not stop shooting.

Practice walking around the map, shooting your grenades.

A Path of Exile 2 screenshot showing the Heavy Ammunition passive skill

you’ve got the option to look for skills likePermafrost Boltsfor crowd control.

Freezing enemies is the best scenario for using Fragmentation Rounds.

Unlocking and upgrading this ability is your main priority.

A Path of Exile 2 screenshot showing the Dragon Core Varnished Crossbow

Once you start getting Level 5 Uncut Skill Gems, you want to unlock theGas Grenade.

One of the best skills to have is Permafrost Bolts since it inflicts freeze buildup and slows down enemies.

During the first dungeons, this is going to be one of the strongest skills you have.

A Path of Exile 2 screenshot showing the Wrath Keep Lace Hood, a piece of equipment used by the Mercenary

Later, you may want to unlockArtillery Ballistato give you some support.

First of all:damage nodes.

You want to start by unlocking the first nodes that increase projectile damage andRicochet.

A Path of Exile 2 screenshot showing the Burnished Ruby Ring of Osmosis

Next, go for theDual Wielding Damagenodes which are pretty close.

From this point, you want to focus on looking for nodes that increasegrenade damage.

Investing some points onarmorandattack speedis a good idea.

This will make your life way easier during the campaign.

With that out of the way, its time to look for solid rolls for the weapon.

have both of them, but at least one is already enough to bump the numbers of your crossbow.

But, if you have a crossbow that increases yourattack speed, it is also a solid option.

Its possible to find equipment, such as gloves, that come with rolls thatadd physical damage to attacks.

These two attributes wont make you invisible.

However, they will save you from death more times than you’re able to think.

So dont underestimate a large pool of Life and reducing elemental damage.

First, its possible to find rings thatadd physical damage to attacks, which is perfect for you.

Accessories that increase yourmaximum Lifeare pretty common to come across, making them the perfect generic option.

You want to have options when preparing for a new boss in Path of Exile 2.

Fromincreased chargestoincreased Life recovery, you want belts that can take you out of risk.

Good luck playing as a Mercenary in Path of Exile 2!