The Grenade Mercenary build is a fun and explosive way to level a Mercenary in Path of Exile 2. While it may not be the fastest leveling option, throwing grenades everywhere and watching enemies blow up can be immensely satisfying. With this guide, you'll learn the optimal skills, gem setups, and strategies to level your Mercenary using grenades-along with tips on leveraging POE 2 currency and POE 2 items for upgrades.

Build Overview

This build centers on using various grenade skills to clear packs and take down bosses. It offers multiple approaches:

Galvanic Shards for chaining lightning,

Permafrost Bolts for freezing foes before shattering them,

Gas Grenades for applying fire damage over an area.

While the build uses a multiple-button playstyle, you can simplify it later with some inexpensive unique items from the Trade League.

Skill Setup by Act

Act 1

Primary Skills:

High Velocity Rounds:

Support Gems: Double Barrel + Martial Tempo

Role: Provides reliable single-target DPS to clear enemies early on.

Galvanic Shards:

Support Gems: Pierce + Lightning Infusion

Role: Acts as your main clearing tool. Its chain lightning effect helps deal with packs quickly.

Permafrost Bolts (Alternative):

Support Gems: Pierce + Ice Bite

Role: Use this if you prefer to focus on freezing enemies. It helps build Freeze quickly, setting them up for a shatter effect.

Flash Grenade:

Support Gems: Scattershot + Overpower

Role: Acts as your escape mechanism when you find yourself in a tight spot.

Herald of Ice or Herald of Thunder:

Role: Choose based on your preference-both boost your overall damage output by triggering secondary effects when enemies are killed.

Act 2

Once you reach Act 2, your arsenal expands:

Explosive Shot:

Role: Detonates your explosive grenades for extra damage.

Gas Grenade:

Support Gems: Fire Infusion + Fire Penetration

Role: Applies fire damage over an area, ideal for clearing mobs and igniting enemies.

Oil Grenade:

Support Gems: Persistence + Inspiration

Role: Applies Fire Exposure and slows enemies. Burn the Oil Grenade with an Explosive Shot to create a lasting source of Ignite, then spam Gas Grenades on the burning ground.

Explosive Grenade:

Support Gems: Fast Forward + Magnified Effect

Role: Works in tandem with Explosive Shot to enhance damage output.

Herald of Ash:

Role: Swap to Herald of Ash for boss fights to leverage ignite damage on targets.

Act 3 to Mapping

At Act 3, your build transitions toward mapping:

Upgrade Your Gas Grenade:

Use your first Lesser Jeweller's Orb on your Gas Grenade to improve its stats.

Ensure you have a consistent Ignite source by burning Oil Grenade with Explosive Shot, then follow with Gas Grenades.

Streamline Your Rotations:

The inherent multiple-button rotation (switching between grenade types) can be streamlined later if you acquire unique items like Birth of Fury or Radiant Grief, which can simplify your input to a near one-button playstyle.

Additional Utility:

Keep Flash Grenade slotted as a reliable escape tool.

Once you hit 100+ Spirit, link Clarity and Vitality with Herald of Ash to bolster your defenses.

Slot in Wind Dancer for added mobility and evasion.

Recommended Uniques & Gear Priorities

Primary Weapon (Crossbow):

Focus on a high-damage Crossbow that scales well with elemental modifiers. If you're aiming for grenade-based builds, upgrade through trading or crafting using your POE 2 currency.

Armor & Accessories:

Armor: Look for gear that boosts Life, Evasion, and Armor. Early on, vendor items can suffice, but as you gather POE 2 currency, upgrade to higher-tier gear.

Jewelry: Prioritize rings and amulets that increase Dexterity, resistances, and additional damage. These help maximize your DPS while ensuring survival.

Boots: High movement speed (30%+) is crucial for repositioning during grenade-fueled chaos.

Quiver: If you're mixing ranged skills with grenade setups, a quiver with added damage and speed modifiers can be very beneficial.

POE 2 Currency:

Use your currency for:

Upgrading your gear via crafting (Reforging Bench, Essence crafting).

Trading for key uniques and high-value rare items to support your build.

Purchasing necessary upgrades to your grenade skills or supportive gear.

Ascendancy: Witch Hunter

For this build, Witch Hunter is a strong Ascendancy choice:

Built-in Explosions: Helps trigger additional damage.

Culling Strike: Increases damage against low-life enemies.

Increased AoE: Boosts the effectiveness of your grenades.

Enhanced Defenses: Balances your offensive and defensive playstyle.

Ascendancy Order Recommendation:

Prioritize nodes that boost your grenade damage and AoE.

Take passives that improve mana sustain to offset the high costs of your skills.

Invest in nodes that provide additional defensive layers, ensuring you can survive the onslaught of explosions.

Passive Skill Tree

Focus on:

Instant Reload: Take this node early to improve your attack speed.

Cluster Bombs, Repeating Explosives, Volatile Grenades, and Grenadier: These nodes enhance your grenade mechanics, making your skills more effective.

General survivability nodes that increase Life, Evasion, and Energy Shield to help you weather the chaotic battles.

Conclusion

With this Grenade Mercenary leveling build, you'll be able to progress through the campaign by leveraging explosive skills like Galvanic Shards, Permafrost Bolts, and a variety of grenades. Though it employs a multiple-button playstyle, investing in the right Path of Exile 2 currency and Path of Exile 2 items will help you upgrade your gear and simplify your rotations as you advance.

Embrace the chaos, learn to dodge and detonate efficiently, and soon you'll be lighting up the battlefield with explosive power. Enjoy your journey through Wraeclast, Exile, and may your grenades always find their mark!