Last updated: April 18, 2025 1:13 PM

Updated information according to the latest Patch/Release

Class Information

Mercenary

Weapon:

Primary Attribute:

The Mercenary class in Path of Exile 2 brings a fresh approach to gameplay with its unique combination of Strength and Dexterity attributes, placing it in the same area of the passive skill tree as the Duelist. Positioned between the Strength and Dexterity sections, the Mercenary has easy access to nodes that enhance both power and agility, making it a versatile class capable of both offense and defense.

Crossbow Ammo and Attachments

The Mercenary’s defining feature is the Crossbow, a newly introduced weapon in Path of Exile 2 that distinguishes itself from traditional bows in several ways. Unlike bows, which require a moment to draw before firing, the Crossbow delivers immediate shots, adding a new layer of responsiveness and strategy. Accompanying the Crossbow is an innovative system for managing Ammo and Attachments, providing players with options to modify their shots based on tactical needs. This added customization opens up diverse playstyles within the Mercenary class, allowing for adjustments to damage type, firing style, and more.

To enhance the Mercenary’s Crossbow gameplay, Path of Exile 2 introduces a WASD movement system, allowing players to navigate their characters with the keyboard rather than relying solely on mouse clicks. This control scheme lets players aim and fire the Crossbow in any direction independently of movement, providing greater precision and a more immersive combat experience. Players can seamlessly switch between WASD controls and traditional click-to-move options, giving flexibility to all classes, not just the Mercenary.

This new control option may be an adjustment for veteran players, especially those accustomed to the click-based movement common in previous Path of Exile games. However, it offers a fresh perspective, particularly when using ranged or hybrid melee-ranged characters. Whether experimenting with the Crossbow’s instant shots or enjoying the freedom of directional shooting with WASD, players will find the Mercenary’s playstyle to be a dynamic and innovative addition to Path of Exile 2.

Attachments are a unique addition to Path of Exile 2, designed exclusively for Crossbow-wielding characters. Functioning as specialized Skill Gems, Attachments occupy the offhand slot in a similar manner to Quivers for Bow users, but with distinct functionality tailored to the Crossbow. Unlike Quivers, Attachments do not provide extra stats; instead, they introduce an additional Skill slot, offering Mercenaries a tactical advantage by expanding their skill options.

These Attachments unlock extra Firing Skills and Ammo Skills, which can diversify the Mercenary’s combat style and provide flexibility in various battle scenarios. With this additional Skill slot, players can experiment with multiple Crossbow skills, enhancing versatility and allowing for strategic customization of the Mercenary’s arsenal.

Furthermore, Attachments work seamlessly with Support Gems, enabling players to amplify these Crossbow-specific skills. By slotting in Support Gems, Mercenaries can increase the power, speed, or range of their skills, creating a highly personalized and potent setup. This synergy between Attachments and Support Gems makes the Mercenary a uniquely adaptable and formidable class, giving players the tools to tailor their gameplay to match their preferred combat strategies in Path of Exile 2.

Boneshatter

TBC

Boneshatter

TBC

Boneshatter

TBC

Boneshatter

TBC

Boneshatter

TBC

Explosive Grenade Launcher

T1 Active Skill

AoE, Projectile, Duration

Level: 5

Cost: 18 Mana

Cooldown Time: 3.00 sec (3 uses)

Attack Speed: 75% of base

Attack Damage: 285%

Requires: Level 14, 20 Str, 20 Dex

Requires: Crossbow

Fire a bouncing grenade that unleashes a devastating blast when its fuse expires.

Converts 20% of Physical Damage to Fire Damage Fuse duration is 2.5 seconds Explosion radius is 1.9 metres

Skills can be managed in the Skills Panel.

Fragmentation Rounds

T1 Active Skill

Attack, AoE, Projectile, Physical

Level: 5

Cost: 7 Mana

Requires: Level 14, 20 Str, 20 Dex, Crossbow

Load your Crossbow with Piercing bolts that fire in a burst. Bolts that hit a Frozen enemy or Ice Crystal consume the Freeze or shatter the Crystal and cause an explsion of shrapnel.

Attack Damage: 50%
Consumes Freeze on enemies to deal 300% more Damage
Multiple Bolts from one burst can hit the same target
Bolts Pierce 2 Targets
Fires 10 Bolts per Burst

Skills can be managed in the Skills Panel.

Armour Piercing Rounds

T1 Active Skill

Attack, AoE, Projectile, Physical

Level: 5

Cost: 15 Mana

Requires: Level 14, 20 Str, 20 Dex

Requires: Crossbow

Load your Crossbow with a clip of bolts that can be fired rapidly and Break enemy Armour. Using this skill again reloads the clip.

Attack Speed: 425% of base
Attack Damage: 28%
Hits Break 7 Armour
Knocks Back Enemies
Can fire 14 Bolts before reloading

Skills can be managed in the Skills Panel.

Permafrost Bolts

T1 Active Skill

Attack, AoE, Projectile, Cold

Level: 4

Cost: 6 Mana

Requires: Level 10, 15 Str, 15 Dex

Requires: Crossbow

Loads your Crossbow with icy bolts that fire in a burst, damaging enemies on hit and in a small cone behind the target. The icy coating on the bolts makes them extremely potent at Freezing enemies.

Attack Damage: 17%
Converts 80% of Physical Damage to Cold Damage
Knocks Back Enemies
300% more Freeze Buildup
Multiple Bolts from one burst can hit the same target
Bolts shatter on impact, dealing Damage in a 1.6 metre cone
Fires 10 Bolts per burst

Skills can be managed in the Skills Panel.

Flash Grenade Launcher

T3 Active Skill

AoE, Projectile, Duration

Level: 5

Cost: 15 Mana

Cooldown Time: 4.00 sec

Attack Speed: 75% of base

Attack Damage: 142%

Requires: Level 14, 20 Str, 20 Dex, Crossbow

Fire a bouncing grenade that unleashes a Blinding, Stunning explosion when its fuse expires. This explosion can Blind both Allies and Enemies.

Blind Enemies
1000% more Stun buildup
Fuse Duration is 0.85 seconds
Explosion radius is 2.6 metres

Skills can be managed in the Skills Panel.

High Velocity Rounds

T3 Active Skill

Attack, Projectile, Physical

Level: 5

Cost: 10 Mana

Requires: Level 14, 20 Str, 20 Dex

Requires: Crossbow

Load your Crossbow with Piercing bolts that can consume Fully Broken Armour on enemies to deal extra damage.

Attack Damage: 249%
Knocks Back Enemies
Consumes Fully Broken Armour on enemies to deal 150% more Damage
Bolts Pierce 6 Targets

Skills can be managed in the Skills Panel.

Incendiary Shot

T3 Active Skill

Attack, AoE, Projectile, Fire

Level: 5

Cost: 18

Requires: Level 14, 20 Str, 20 Dex, Crossbow

Loads your Crossbow with flaming bolts that fire in a burst, damaging and Igniting enemies on hit and in a small cone behind the target.

Attack Damage: 19%
Hits always Ignite
Converts 80% of Physical Damage to Fire Damage
Knocks Back Enemies
Multiple Bolts from one burst can hit the same target
Bolts shatter on impact, dealing Damage in a 1.4 metre cone
Fires 10 Bolts per burst

Skills can be managed in the Skills Panel.

Rapid Shot

T5 Active Skill

Attack, Projectile, Fire

Level: 5

Cost: 46 Mana

Attack Speed: 50% of base

Requires: Level 14, 20 Str, 20 Dex

Requires: Crossbow

Loads your Crossbow with a large clip of heavily modified bolts that cause Heat to build up on your crossbow, before unleashing a stream of flaming bolts that gain Fire Damage based on your Heat. Heat also grants bonus damage to Grenades you fire, but dissipates rapidly when not building up. Using this skill again reloads the clip.

Attack Speed: 550% of base
Attack Damage: 14%
Converts 60% of Physical Damage to Fire Damage
Knocks Back Enemies
Can fire 70 Bolts before reloading
Maximum 11 Heat
1 to 2 Added Fire Damage per Heat
Requires 7 Heat to fire Bolts
Grenades consume all Heat to deal 2 to 2 added Fire Damage per Heat

Skills can be managed in the Skills Panel.

Ice Shards

T5 Active Skill

Attack, AoE, Projectile, Cold

Level: 5

Cost: 18

Requires: Level 14, 20 Str, 20 Dex

Requires: Crossbow

Loads your Crossbow with a clip of icy bolts that rapidly fire at the ground, leaving a shard of ice at the impact location unless the bolt hits an enemy. The ice shards shatter when enemies step on them, dealing damage to nearby enemies. Using this skill again reloads the clip.

Projectile

Attack Speed: 550% of base

Attack Damage: 7%

Converts 60% of Physical Damage to Cold Damage
Knocks Back Enemies
Can fire 12 Bolts before reloading
Cannot Freeze

Skills can be managed in the Skills Panel.

Explosive Shot

T7 Active Skill

Attack, AoE, Projectile, Fire, Detonator

Level: 7

Cost: 17 Mana

Attack Speed: 70% of base

Requires: Level 22, 30 Str, 30 Dex

Requires: Crossbow

Loads your Crossbow with flaming bolts that explode on impact. The explosion will detonate any grenades in its area of effect.

Converts 30% of Physical Damage to Fire Damage
Knocks Back Enemies

Skills can be managed in the Skills Panel.

Glacial Bolt

T7 Active Skill

Attack, AoE, Projectile, Cold

Level: 7

Cost: 15 Mana

Requires: Level 22, 30 Str, 30 Dex

Requires: Crossbow

Loads your Crossbow with icy bolts that create two walls of Ice Crystals on impact.

Converts 60% of Physical Damage to Cold Damage
Knocks Back Enemies
100% more Freeze Buildup

Skills can be managed in the Skills Panel.

While details are still scarce, it’s confirmed that the Path of Exile 2 Mercenary class will have three unique Ascendancy options. Given the Mercenary’s Strength and Dexterity focus, one Ascendancy is likely to enhance defensive capabilities, while another may amplify offensive power.

One Ascendancy path may excel in close-range combat, boosting durability and melee effectiveness, while another could prioritize ranged damage and attack speed, perfect for maximizing the Crossbow’s potential. As more information is released, this section will be updated with further insights into each Ascendancy’s strengths and playstyle.

Overview of Path of Exile 2’s Skill System

Path of Exile 2 introduces a unique approach to character abilities, setting it apart from traditional action role-playing games. Instead of skills being tied to specific classes, they are represented as items called Skill Gems that can be socketed into your character’s Skill Gem page. This innovative system allows any class to use any skill, providing immense flexibility and customization in building your character.

Disclaimer: The information in this guide is accurate at the time of writing and will be updated post-launch to remain current.

Understanding the Different Types of Skill Gems

In Path of Exile 2, your character’s abilities—whether it’s engaging in melee combat, casting spells, or summoning creatures—are all derived from Skill Gems. By equipping and combining various gems, you can tailor your playstyle to suit your preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of gems you’ll encounter:

Active Skill Gems
- Description: These gems grant you the primary abilities used during gameplay, such as attacks, spells, and summoning skills.
- Function: Equipping an Active Skill Gem allows you to use that ability in combat. These are the core skills that define your character’s capabilities on the battlefield.
Support Gems
- Description: Support Gems modify and enhance the effects of Active Skills.
- Function: When linked to an Active Skill Gem, a Support Gem can alter the skill’s behavior—for example, increasing its damage, changing its element, or adding additional effects like area damage or life leech.
Buff Gems
- Description: Buff Gems provide enhancements that can be either temporary or permanent.
- Function: These gems offer boosts to your character, allies, or minions, such as increased attack speed, improved defenses, or enhanced elemental resistances.
Uncut Gems
- Description: Uncut Gems are special items that can be transformed into a gem of your choice.
- Function: Depending on the type of Uncut Gem, you can select an Active, Support, or Buff skill to add to your collection. Additionally, Uncut Gems can be used to level up existing Active Skill Gems, increasing their effectiveness.
Meta Gems
- Description: Meta Gems are advanced gems that trigger under certain conditions or modify skills in complex ways.
- Function: These gems introduce sophisticated mechanics, such as automatically casting a linked skill when specific criteria are met. More detailed information about Meta Gems will be provided as it becomes available.

Active Skill Gems in Path of Exile 2

In Path of Exile 2, Active Skill Gems are essential items that grant your character a variety of abilities, including melee and ranged attacks, spells, and summoning skills. Unlike traditional class-restricted systems, these gems can be used by any class, offering a high degree of flexibility in how you build and play your character.

Acquisition and Customization

Uncut Skill Gems: Throughout the campaign, you’ll discover Uncut Skill Gems. These are blank gems that can be engraved to become the Active Skill Gem of your choice. This allows you to select skills that align with your desired playstyle.
Skill Gem Sockets: Each character has access to nine Active Skill Gem sockets located in the Skill Window. You can equip these sockets with any Active Skill Gems you obtain, customizing your character’s abilities to suit various combat scenarios.

Equipping and Managing Skills

Skill Window Placement: Active Skill Gems are placed into the leftmost sockets of your Skill Window. Once slotted, these skills become available for use in combat.
Skill Bar Assignment: After equipping a skill, you can assign it to your Skill Bar, typically found at the bottom right of the screen near your Mana Orb. This location may vary based on your platform and whether you’re playing solo or in co-op mode.
Flexible Configuration: You can change the skills assigned to your Skill Bar at any time. By clicking on the Skill Bar, a popup window will display all your available skills, allowing you to rearrange them according to your needs.

Categories of Active Skills

Active Skill Gems can be classified into several types, each serving a different combat role:

Melee Attacks: Focused on close-range combat, these skills are ideal for characters who engage enemies directly.
- Examples: Boneshatter, Earthquake
Ranged Attacks: These skills allow you to attack enemies from a distance using bows or other projectile weapons.
- Examples: Lightning Arrow, Escape Shot
Spells: Magical abilities that can damage enemies, apply effects, or manipulate the battlefield.
- Examples: Contagion, Ball Lightning
Minion Skills: Summon creatures or entities that fight alongside you, providing additional damage or support.
- Examples: Raise Zombie, Bind Spectre

Skill Gems and Weapon Requirements

While any class can use any Skill Gem, many skills are designed to work with specific weapon types. This means that to use certain abilities, you must have the appropriate weapon equipped. For instance:

Weapon-Specific Skills: Lightning Arrow requires a bow to function, as you cannot fire arrows without one.
Equipment Synergy: Choosing the right weapons to match your skills is crucial for maximizing your character’s effectiveness in combat.

All Games

Mercenary

Crossbow Ammo and Attachments

Boneshatter

Boneshatter

Boneshatter

Boneshatter

Boneshatter