In Path of Exile 2, Mercenary is a versatile and dynamic class that excels in both AoE and single-target damage, making it adaptable to various combat scenarios. In this guide, Warlug shows you a budget build designed for high-end gameplay, particularly for farming Breaches efficiently, yielding great rewards.
This build costs around 15 Divine orbs, which is relatively budget-friendly, especially for a high-end setup. While some may argue it's not budget-friendly, it's affordable compared to other high-tier builds. If you have enough currency, it is highly recommended that you try it out.
Gear Setup
Pillar of the Caged God Long Quarterstaff (Weapon)
Pillar of the Caged God Long Quarterstaff is a core component of the build, scaling weapon damage, attack speed, and area of effect based on Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence. You can easily get a 2-3 socket version of this quarterstaff with only a few Exalted orbs. It is highly recommended to get a 3-socket one so you can have a higher attack speed.
Morior Invictus Grand Regalia (Chest)
Estimated Cost: Four Divine Orbs
The chest piece with Soul Core of Citaqualotl helps you with resistances, which are crucial for this build. Aim for four sockets to maximize resistance. On the Morior Invictus chest piece, you want increased attributes and increased resistances if possible. At a minimum, always ensure you have increased attributes with any other stats.
Black Sun Crest Wrapped Greathelm (Helmet)
This helmet provides a percentage increase to all three attributes. It will be better if you can have two Soul Cores of Citaqualotl on this helmet, which allows you to have 10% more elemental resistance.
Hand of Wisdom and Action Furtive Wraps (Gloves)
Estimated Cost: Three-Six Divine Orbs
These gloves enhance Dexterity and Intelligence, boosting attack speed and damage. You can get this set of unique gloves from anywhere, but it will be easier if you farm Breaches.
Hate Spur Expert Threaded Shoes (Boots)
While movement speed isn't essential, prioritize maximum life and triple resistances to cap your resistances.
Oblivion Locket Double Belt (Belt)
A triple resistance belt with maximum life is ideal. It is best to use the unique belt called Ingenuity Utility Belt for better buffs to rings.
Cataclysm Collar Gold Amulet (Amulet)
On this amulet, you will need increased rarity, max life, extra Strength, an increase to all three attributes, and an increase to all resistances (at least 15%).
Miracle Gyre Breach Ring and Horror Loop Breach Ring (Rings)
The two most important pieces that scale the build are your rings. Aim for rings that add damage to attacks, add Strength and Dexterity, and have max life, Mana, and resistances. You will want to increase the quality of your Breach rings to 50% with attribute modifiers, which will significantly increase your Strength and Dexterity.
Skill Setup
Tempest Flurry
Support Gems: Crescendo, Martial Tempo, Inspiration, and Rage.
Tempest Flurry is your primary clearing skill.
Storm Wave
Support Gems: Longshot, Lightning Infusion, Innervate, and Upheaval.
Tempest Flurry isn't very strong against bosses, so you also need the Storm Wave. However, with the rings and belt mentioned, you can kill the bosses very fast.
Charged Staff
Support Gems: Conduction, Overcharge, and Perpetual Charge.
Tempest Bell
Support Gems: Concentrated Effect, Hourglass, and Close Combat
Herald of Thunder
Support Gems: Magnified Effect, Lightning Mastery, and Electrocute
Combat Frenzy
Support Gems: Profusion, Vitality, and Cannibalism.
Combat Frenzy is used to gain power charges, and this skill allows you to activate Charged Staff with a button press easily.
Endgame Updated Skill Setup
Tempest Flurry
Support Gems: Crescendo, Martial Tempo, Inspiration, and Rage.
Storm Wave
Support Gems: Longshot, Lightning Infusion, Innervate, and Upheaval.
Tempest Bell
Support Gems: Concentrated Effect, Hourglass, and Close Combat
Herald of Thunder
Support Gems: Magnified Effect, Lightning Infusion, and Lightning Penetration.
Herald of Ice
Support Gems: Ice Bite, Cold Infusion, and Glaciation.
Wind Dancer
Support Gems: Blind, Pin, and Lockdown.
Hand of Chayula
Support Gems: Conductivity, Voltaic Mark, and Heightened Course.
Passive Tree
Intelligence: 419
Strength: 311
Dexterity: 382
In this Passive Tree, every +5 node should be Intelligence first. Strength and Dexterity will come from gear and some nodes here. If you need more Strength, pick and choose where you want it!
Ascendancies
Your first four ascendancy nodes should be:
Adaptive Capability: Attribute requirements can be satisfied by your highest attribute.
Enhanced Effectiveness: Doubles inherent bonuses, enhancing the build significantly.
Crystalline Potential: Adds 10% quality of all skills
Advanced Thaumaturgy: Reduces skill costs by 30%, which is crucial because using Tempest Flurry can quickly drain your Mana.
Skill Tree Key Nodes
Battle-Hardened: +5 to Strength and Dexterity.
Polymathy: 10% increased Attributes.
Jack of all Trades: 2% increased damage per 5 of your lowest attribute.
Sad in the Eyes: Increases attack speed.
Lightning Rod: Lightning damage with non-critical hits is Lucky.
Falcon Die: Boosts attack speed.
Enhanced Reflexes: Increases Evasion.
Proficiency: Adds more Dexterity.
Falcon Technique: Further increases attack speed.
Martial Artistry: Improves accuracy, critical damage, and Dexterity.
Wild Storm: Significantly boosts damage output.
Ingenuity: Grants more Intelligence
Pure Power: For additional damage.
Deep Trance: Grants an 8% increase in attack speed and reduces skill costs.
Resonance: Works in tandem with Combat Frenzy to generate power charges.
Mind Over Matter: All Damage is taken from Mana before Life.
Eldritch Battery: Converts all Energy Shield to Mana
Ether Flow: Increases Mana Regeneration rate while moving.
Jewel Sockets
Anything that provides Mana/Life on kill, increases the magnitude of shock, increases attack speed and damage against rare and unique enemies, or enhances elemental damage will be beneficial.
Breach Tree Key Nodes
• Grasping Hands
• Frantic Invasion
• Rising Pyre
• Crumbling Walls
That is the Mercenary build for high-end gameplay in Path of Exile 2. If you found this build helpful, please subscribe to Warlug's channel for more future content.
