Path of Exile 2 introduces a new era of character builds, and one standout is the mercenary build, capable of turning the game into an electrical hazard. Managing your poe 2 currency wisely will be essential to optimizing this build. This build focuses on dealing massive lightning damage, evaporating enemies with galvanic shards and detonating plasma. This guide breaks down the skills, passive skill tree, gear setup, and strategies to dominate with this electrifying playstyle.

Skills and Support Gems

The core skill is Galvanic Shards, your main clearing ability that functions like a lightning shotgun. Support it with Lightning Confusion for increased lightning damage and Fork to hit multiple enemies, clearing screens with ease. Shock Burst Rounds act as a lightning machine gun, excelling at melting bosses, especially when enemies are shocked. Use support gems like Mer Shell Tempo, Concentrated Effect, and Primal Ornament to maximize attack speed and damage. Plasma Blast is your sniper rifle equivalent, dealing 3,000% attack damage. Ambrosia helps manage mana, Lasting Shock ensures enemies are shocked, and Exacerbate Crate maximizes ailment infliction. Emergency Reload provides a damage boost and quick reload, supported by Ingenuity, Premeditation, and Murderous Intent to lower cooldown and add culling strike.

Buffs and Defensive Skills

Herald of Thunder buffs your lightning damage after destroying shocked enemies, with Inner Weight for extra damage and Magnified Effect for area coverage. War Banner increases attack damage against bosses, lasting longer with Persistence. Overflaming Presence reduces enemy ailment thresholds, making it easier to shock and stun. For defense, Wind Dancer generates evasion stages, pushing enemies away with Wind Wave. Blind reduces enemy accuracy, and Unbreakable provides stun protection.

Trinity Skill

The Trinity skill requires 133 dexterity but significantly amplifies elemental damage. Use lightning mastery, cold mastery, and fire mastery to maximize its effects. Trinity provides a consistent 16% more lightning damage.

Mapping and Combat Strategy

The mapping strategy is straightforward: shoot enemies from a distance with Galvanic Shards. For elites, get up close and unload your shotgun. If facing resistant enemies, switch to Shock Burst Rounds after shocking them. For annoying enemies, use Plasma Blast followed by a minigun burst. Maintaining a medium-close range is ideal. Use Clip Reload to continue shooting without stopping when overwhelmed.

Passive Skill Tree

Focus on projectile damage, two-handed weapon damage, and essential stats like strength and dexterity. Prioritize crossbow reload, critical damage, critical chance, and the ability to blind enemies on hit. Scaling flat damage, attack speed, and movement speed enhances gameplay. Choose lightning damage nodes, penetration of lightning resistance, and increased elemental damage.