Path of Exile 2 serves as the sequel of the highly anticipated Grinding Gear Games’ free-to-play ARPG. This sequel brings a host of improvements to PoE 1, and the addition of six brand-new classes remains the biggest enhancement.

Mercenary is one of the 6 new classes. According to what has been disclosed, the introduction of Mercenary makes mountains of players thrilled and excited. Because this class differs totally from anything Path of Exile has seen before, and it is pretty likely to become the new favorite of the vast majority of players in the future.

There are some new mechanism have been complemented for Mercenary class, so it is best to get known of them before the game kicks off, whether for rookies or veteran players.

Mercenary Overview

Mercenary Class is a Ranged class, who are equipped with STR/DEX attribute. That is to say, they start at the same location as Duelist class, getting close to Strength and Dexterity portions of The Passive Tree.

The representative weapon of Mercenary is Crossbow, a new POE 2 Item that is on offer. Moreover, a variety of new mechanics like Ammo and Attachments are also been added.

It is noticeable that Crossbow differs from the classic bow, because PoE 2 complements a fresh new system named WASD movement.

Mercenary Skill Gems

Here lies the conclusion of the skills that Crossbow is available.

• Explosive Grenade Launcher
• Fragmentation Rounds
• Permafrost Bolts
• Flash Grenade Launcher
• High Velocity Rounds
• Incendiary Shot
• Rapid Shot
• Ice Shards
• Explosive Shot
• Glacial Bolt

WASD Mechansim

Players are available to move their character with WASD rather than clicking with the mouse. Of course, WASD can be employed by all classes, and you can switch between WASD and click to move randomly if you are not familiar with this new mechanism. It may be a little strange to use WASD Movement for melee characters, but it is still worth trying.

The design of WASD keys for movement signals one of the original intentions while building Mercenary class, which is to ensure that players feel like they are playing a top-down shooter game.

Crossbow Skills

Each Crossbow promises a particular firing skill for your character to use. Here lies the summary of three firing skills that your Crossbow grants and you can switch between them.

• Rapid Shot Skill–Acts as automatic assault rifle, which can shoot while the player is moving.
• Power Shot Skill–Acts as a sniper rifle, and fire single high-damage projectiles.
• Brust Shot skill–Similar to shotgun, which is available to fire multiple projectiles simultaneously.

You are allowed to equip two Crossbows to combine two powerful skills together for combat. Switching between weapons is also seamless.

For groups of enemies, you need a weapon or skill that can scale. At this time, you can use a wide skill like Burst Shot. For a single powerful enemy, Power Shot will be more effective.

Ammo Skills

Along with the new Crossbow Skills are new Ammo types, which are aimed at providing unique buffs. Choose the right ammo type to suit different scenarios.

• Armour Piercing Ammo–Pierces enemies for effective attacks.
• Incendiary Ammo–Ignites enemies and also synerize with other explosions.
• Permafrost Ammo–Chills and Freezes enemies.

Crossbow Skills and Ammo skills offer you a variety of combinations to attack. For example, use Incendiary Burst Shot to burn and clear a group of monsters, or use Permafrost Power Shot to slow down large enemies and further to perform tons of damage.

That’s main mechanism for Mercenary class in Path of Exile 2. We look forward to this unique class and play style. Thanks for reading.