The Mercenary in Path of Exile 2 promises a unique and exciting playstyle centered around crossbows, offering a fresh take on ranged combat. This article delves into the available information on the Mercenary, exploring its skills, playstyle, and potential synergies.
A New Style of Ranged Combat
The Mercenary distinguishes itself with its emphasis on crossbows, creating a faster, more reactive combat experience. This "shooter" feel is further enhanced by the new WD movement skill, allowing for unprecedented mobility and positioning. Crossbows come in various types, mimicking sniper rifles, shotguns, and assault rifles, each offering a distinct combat approach. The ability to swap between two equipped crossbows mid-combat adds another layer of flexibility.
Ammo and Attachments: Expanding the Arsenal
The Mercenary's power is amplified by the ammo system. Different ammo types cater to various situations:
- Armor-Piercing Ammo: Penetrates multiple enemies, ideal for groups.
- Incendiary Ammo: Deals significant ignite damage, especially effective against single targets.
- Permafrost Ammo: Freezes enemies, setting them up for devastating combos.
Beyond ammo types, crossbows can be equipped with attachments like grenade launchers. These attachments function as additional skills and can be augmented with support gems. Grenade types include flash grenades (stun), oil grenades (slow and burning hazard), and crowd control grenades (ideal for freezing groups).
Crossbow Variety and Playstyle Diversity
The different crossbow types drastically impact gameplay:
| Crossbow Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Rapid Shot Crossbows | Allows shooting while moving, ideal for kiting or rushing. |
| Power Shot Crossbows | Function like sniper rifles, excellent for single-target damage. |
| Burst Shot Crossbows | Effective for clearing packs of enemies. |
Skill Synergy and Combo Potential
The Mercenary excels at weaving skills together for powerful combos:
- Freeze enemies with Permafrost ammo and shatter them with Burst Shot for AOE damage.
- Create frost walls with Power Shots and break them for crowd control.
- Ignite oil grenades with Rapid Fire for continuous damage and CC.
- Use Rapid Fire for mobility and Incendiary ammo for burning damage, followed by Power Shots for critical hits on weak points.
A Revolutionary Approach to Ranged Combat
The Mercenary's instant firing mechanics, WD movement, and tactical ammo management create a dynamic and engaging playstyle. This class offers a fresh approach to ranged combat in ARPGs, rewarding creative gameplay and strategic thinking.
Should You Main the Mercenary?
If you enjoy creative gameplay and a fast-paced, adaptable combat style, the Mercenary might be the perfect class for you in Path of Exile 2. Its unique mechanics and potential for diverse builds make it a compelling choice.