This page requires the browser to support (enable) javascript

Today, I’m diving into Path of Exile 2 with my first build guide. After experimenting as a Mercenary for two days, I’ve crafted a build designed to clear maps efficiently and obliterate bosses with incredible sustained DPS. I’m currently progressing through Act 3, and this guide will cover the setup, skills, and strategies I’ve used to dominate so far. Let’s get started!

Build Concept and Strategy

The core of this build revolves around grenades, specifically Gas Grenade, to deliver massive bursts of damage while sustaining AoE pressure. The gameplay loop involves layering various Path Of Exile 2 Items grenades—oil, gas, and explosive—for simultaneous detonations that produce devastating effects.

Core Mechanics:

1. Gas Grenade: Creates a cloud that deals damage over time but truly shines when it explodes, converting 100% of physical damage to fire damage.

2. Oil Grenade: Lays down oil on the ground that ignites upon detonation, adding fire damage over time.

3. Explosive Grenade: Triggers other grenades to explode simultaneously, maximizing burst damage.

By combining these elements, you create a continuous cycle of area damage while maintaining single-target pressure for boss encounters.

Progression Overview

Act 1:

· Began with Permafrost Bolts to freeze and control enemies, combined with Explosive Grenade to shatter frozen targets.

· Flash Grenade emerged as a crucial skill, delivering stuns and contributing to damage in early fights.

Act 2:

· Transitioned into a grenade-focused playstyle, prioritizing Gas and Explosive Grenades for burst potential.

· Began experimenting with Oil Grenade, enhancing sustained DPS by layering fire damage over time.

Act 3 and Beyond:

· Optimized the build to focus on Gas Grenade explosions, supported by scatter and fire infusion skills for higher DPS.

· Incorporated support skills like Clarity to manage mana and maintain grenade spam.

Skills and Supports

Core Skills:

1. Gas Grenade:

o Primary damage dealer.

o Converts physical damage to fire and scales dramatically with levels.

o Supported by Scatter Shot to generate additional clouds and maximize AoE coverage.

2. Explosive Grenade:

o Triggers Gas Grenades for synchronized explosions.

o Supported by Fast Forward to reduce delay and improve rotation fluidity.

3. Oil Grenade:

o Adds fire damage over time on ignition.

o Combines with Gas Grenade for sustained and burst damage.

4. Flash Grenade:

o Provides crowd control by stunning enemies.

o Enhanced with Overpower for increased stun potential.

Utility and Auras:

· Herald of Ice: Creates icy explosions upon shattering enemies, useful for early-game crowd clearing.

· Clarity: Resolves mana issues, ensuring sustained grenade use during extended fights.

· War Banner (Planned): Will replace Herald of Ice for a more offensive aura in later acts.

Gear and Scaling

Stat Priorities:

1. Damage Conversion: Focus on gear that boosts fire and physical damage to maximize Gas Grenade’s scaling.

2. Mana and Spirit: Ensure enough mana regeneration to support grenade spam by using gear with spirit bonuses.

3. Critical Damage: Amplify burst potential with crit chance and damage modifiers.

Key Gear Tips:

· Look for items that enhance fire damage or grenade skills.

· Equip armor with spirit to slot Clarity and maintain mana efficiency.

· Use weapons with high physical damage to maximize the fire conversion effect of Gas Grenade.

Recent Nerfs and Adjustments

Gas Grenade recently received a nerf, reducing its explosion damage by approximately 40% at higher levels. While this change affects its top-end damage, the build remains viable due to its synergy with other grenades and scaling potential.

Why the Nerf Happened:

Developers cited an interaction between Gas Grenade and Flame Wall, which led to unintended rapid explosions. Instead of addressing this interaction, the damage nerf was applied universally.

Impact:

While noticeable, the nerf doesn’t diminish the build’s effectiveness, as it relies on layered damage sources and synchronized detonations.

Bossing Strategy

1. Setup Phase:

o Lay down Oil Grenade for sustained fire damage.

o Deploy Gas Grenade to generate clouds.

2. Burst Phase:

o Trigger Gas Grenade with Explosive Grenade, creating simultaneous explosions.

o Use Flash Grenade to stun and hold bosses in place for uninterrupted bursts.

3. Sustain Phase:

o Reapply Oil and Gas Grenades as needed.

o Maintain positioning to avoid damage while setting up further detonations.

Future Improvements

As I progress further into the game, I plan to:

· Experiment with Vaal Grenades to add shock for additional damage scaling.

· Replace Herald of Ice with War Banner for improved offensive capabilities.

· Optimize skill links with higher-level support gems, such as Devastate for Flash Grenade.

Final Thoughts

Despite the Gas Grenade nerf, this build remains a powerhouse for both map clearing and boss fights in Path of Exile 2. Its synergy between grenade skills creates a satisfying loop of burst and sustained damage, adaptable to different scenarios.

If you’re looking for a fun and effective way to dominate in Path of Exile 2, this Mercenary grenade build is worth a try. Stay tuned for future updates as I refine and improve this build. Until next time, happy gaming!

Enjoy more in Path of Exile 2 by buying POE 2 currency, items and boosts on P2Pah.