Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) is set to bring a plethora of exciting new mechanics, skill trees, and challenges for both veteran and new players alike. As Path of Exile continues to evolve, many are looking forward to the release of its sequel, with a variety of new playstyles and systems, including a revamped mercenary system. Mercenaries have always played a role in the Path of Exile universe, serving as allies in battle, but PoE 2 is expected to take mercenaries to the next level with advanced customization and enhanced abilities.

In this guide, we'll delve into the best mercenary build in Poe 2 trade, covering how mercenaries function, key strategies for optimizing their performance, the skills they can use, and suggestions for crafting a highly effective mercenary companion for your character. Whether you're aiming to build a mercenary that can act as a tank, support, or high-damage dealer, this guide will help you understand how to maximize the potential of this exciting new feature in Path of Exile 2.

What Are Mercenaries in PoE 2?

Mercenaries in Path of Exile 2 will be customizable NPC allies that follow and assist players during their journey. These mercenaries are more than just simple followers; they will come with deep customization options for both offensive and defensive playstyles. Unlike PoE 1, where mercenaries were limited in their utility, PoE 2 will introduce an entirely new system with a lot of strategic depth.

Mercenaries in PoE 2 will:

Gain Experience alongside the player.

Use Skills that can be customized and tailored to complement your playstyle.

Equip Gear that will enhance their stats, much like the player character.

Level Up as they earn experience, eventually unlocking more powerful abilities and becoming more efficient in combat.

You'll be able to craft your mercenary's build around key playstyles, like tanking, healing, or dealing high burst damage. However, as with every element of Path of Exile, mercenary builds will require careful planning and understanding of the synergies between your character and your mercenary.

Best Mercenary Build Guide: Tank Mercenary

One of the most essential types of mercenaries is the tank. A tank mercenary can draw aggro from enemies, shield your character from damage, and control the flow of combat, allowing you to focus on dishing out damage from a safe distance.

1. Mercenary Class: Guardian

The Guardian is an excellent choice for a tank mercenary build. Guardians in PoE 2 are designed to absorb damage, protect allies, and provide buffs that improve survivability. A tank mercenary Guardian will focus on high health, high armor, and resistance boosts to effectively withstand enemy onslaughts. Additionally, the Guardian can specialize in defensive auras and taunt abilities, forcing enemies to focus on them rather than your character.

2. Mercenary Skills and Abilities

When selecting abilities for a Guardian tank mercenary, consider the following skills:

Leap Slam or Shield Charge: These movement-based skills will help the mercenary close the gap between enemies, drawing aggro and positioning themselves strategically in combat. A mercenary that can move quickly will be more effective at intercepting attacks before they hit you.

Molten Shell: This ability adds an extra layer of defense by absorbing incoming damage. This skill makes your mercenary significantly tougher, allowing them to withstand powerful enemy hits.

Summon Stone Golem: If you're building a tank mercenary, adding a Stone Golem as part of their abilities can provide additional health and buy POE 2 Orbs damage mitigation. The Stone Golem will act as a tanky minion that helps soak damage alongside your mercenary.

Fortify: This skill grants a significant defensive buff that reduces incoming damage, stacking with the mercenary's base defenses. Pairing Fortify with Molten Shell creates a near-impenetrable tank.

Determination Aura: This aura boosts armor and physical damage reduction for your entire team. By applying it to your mercenary, you not only strengthen their defenses but also protect you as the player.