Path of Exile 2 Unleashes Mercenary Mayhem: A Deep Dive into the Game-Changing Class Redefining ARPG Combat!

Path of Exile 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Grinding Gear Games' free-to-play ARPG, is set to make its debut no earlier than 2025. Originally conceived as a significant update to the first game, Path of Exile 2 evolved into a standalone sequel in 2023, promising a plethora of enhancements, with the introduction of six new character classes, including the much-anticipated Mercenary class.

The unveiling of Path of Exile 2's Mercenary class has generated considerable excitement among fans, both veterans and newcomers alike. Offering a unique gameplay experience, the Mercenary class stands out as a top-down shooter, deviating from the traditional click-to-move mechanic by incorporating WASD keys for movement. Notably, the Mercenary's crossbow distinguishes itself by enabling instant firing, a departure from the drawn-back bows featured in the original game. It remains to be seen how viable the Mercenary is when it comes to farming in-game PoE currency, but it’s an exciting prospect nonetheless.

Key Features of Path of Exile 2's Mercenary Class

1. Ranged Proficiency: As a ranged class, the Mercenary class introduces new movement options with WASD keys and instantaneous crossbow attacks, setting it apart from other classes in Path of Exile.
2. Versatile Crossbow Modes: The Mercenary wields a crossbow with three distinct firing modes. The Power Shot Crossbow functions as a sniper rifle, delivering high-damage single projectiles. The Burst Shot Crossbow resembles a shotgun, unleashing a spread of projectiles. The Rapid Shot Crossbow, akin to an automatic assault rifle, permits firing while in motion.
3. Ammo Skills and Crossbow Attachments: The Mercenary class introduces ammo skills and crossbow attachments, enhancing versatility. Three known ammo skills—Armor-piercing, Incendiary, and Permafrost—bring diverse effects. Crossbow attachments, including Grenade Launcher, Flash Grenade, and Oil Grenade, act as Skill Gems, augmentable with Support Gems for added customization.
4. Varied Ammo Effects: Armor-piercing ammo penetrates defenses, Incendiary ignites enemies with increased fire strength based on projectiles, and Permafrost slows and potentially freezes adversaries.
5. Crossbow Attachments as Skill Gems: Similar to Skill Gems, crossbow attachments can be augmented with Support Gems. Known attachments include Grenade Launcher, Flash Grenade, and Oil Grenade, each offering unique effects such as stunning and slowing enemies.

As the release of Path of Exile 2 draws nearer, Grinding Gear Games may reveal more details about the Mercenary class. Meanwhile, players can anticipate a closed beta for Path of Exile 2 starting on June 7, 2024, providing an exclusive opportunity to delve into the upcoming sequel.