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As players dive deeper into the rich and complex world of POE 2 Currency, the importance of skill gems for character development cannot be overstated. Mercenaries, with their unique playstyle, thrive on specific skill gems that enhance their efficiency in combat. This article explores the best skill gems for mercenaries, focusing on their ability to utilize armor-piercing rounds, explosive grenades, and Shock Frags, making them formidable forces on the battlefield.

Mercenaries in Path of Exile 2 are designed to excel in dealing damage while employing effective crowd control techniques. Their skills often revolve around breaking through enemy defenses and delivering devastating area damage. This playstyle makes them ideal for both solo and group play, allowing them to clear waves of enemies efficiently while supporting their allies.

1. Armor-Piercing Rounds

One of the standout features of mercenaries is their proficiency with armor-piercing rounds. These rounds are essential for taking down heavily armored foes, which are common in the later stages of the game. The best skill gem to utilize for this purpose is the Piercing Shot gem.

The Piercing Shot skill gem allows mercenaries to fire a projectile that penetrates through enemies, dealing damage to each target it hits. This gem is particularly effective in situations where multiple enemies are clustered together, as it maximizes damage output by hitting several foes at once. Players should consider linking this skill gem with support gems like Concentrated Effect to increase the damage dealt, or Greater Multiple Projectiles to fire additional projectiles, further enhancing its effectiveness.

2. Explosive Grenades

Another vital component of a mercenary’s arsenal is the Explosive Grenade skill gem. This gem enables mercenaries to throw grenades that deal fire damage and set enemies ablaze, making it an excellent option for crowd control and area denial.

The Explosive Grenade skill gem excels in dealing damage over time and controlling the battlefield. When thrown, these grenades create an area of effect that damages enemies caught within it. To maximize the effectiveness of this skill, players should consider linking it with support gems like Fire Penetration to ignore enemy fire resistance or Area of Effect to widen the radius of the explosion. This combination makes it easier to manage groups of enemies, especially in high-density scenarios.

3. Shock Frags

For mercenaries looking to clear waves swiftly, the Shock Frags skill gem is indispensable. This gem provides a balance of shock effects, area damage, and spread, making it perfect for dealing with larger mobs.

The Shock Frags skill gem releases multiple projectiles that spread outwards from a central point, dealing damage to all enemies in their path. This skill not only inflicts a significant amount of damage but also applies a shock effect, which increases the damage taken by affected enemies. To enhance the utility of Shock Frags, players should link it with Chain to allow the projectiles to bounce between enemies or Increased Area of Effect to cover more ground.

To optimize the mercenary build, players should consider the following combinations of skill gems to create a well-rounded character:

1. Armor-Piercing and Crowd Control

Main Skill: Piercing Shot

Support Gems: Concentrated Effect, Greater Multiple Projectiles, Elemental Damage with Attacks

This combination focuses on maximizing damage output while ensuring that mercenaries can hit multiple targets effectively. The addition of elemental damage support allows for more versatility in dealing with enemies with varying resistances.

2. Area Damage and Control

Main Skill: Explosive Grenade

Support Gems: Fire Penetration, Area of Effect, Increased Damage over Time

This setup emphasizes crowd control and sustained damage. By utilizing fire penetration and area of effect, mercenaries can ensure that their grenades remain effective against both single targets and groups.

3. Wave Clearing and Shock

Main Skill: Shock Frags

Support Gems: Chain, Increased Area of Effect, Elemental Focus

This combination is perfect for players looking to clear waves of enemies quickly. The shock effect, combined with the ability to hit multiple targets, ensures that mercenaries remain a threat in any encounter.

In Path of Exile 2, mercenaries are a unique and powerful class that can significantly influence the outcome of battles through strategic skill gem usage. By focusing on armor-piercing rounds, explosive grenades, and the crowd control potential of Shock Frags, players can develop a mercenary that excels in both damage output and POE 2 Exalted Orbs battlefield control.