Path of Exile 2 Mercenary Class Preview: A Shooter Twist to ARPG Combat
Path of Exile 2 is shaping up to be a truly groundbreaking entry in the action RPG space. After multiple playthroughs across various classes, I’ve finally delved into the unique Mercenary class. While it’s not my favorite, I can’t deny the innovative design that sets it apart from traditional Path of Exile gameplay. In this preview, I’ll walk you through what makes the Mercenary class tick, and why it’s a refreshing experience for both ARPG veterans and newcomers.
Mercenary Class: The Shooter in an ARPG
The Mercenary class feels like an ARPG’s answer to a top-down shooter. Armed with a crossbow, you start by firing seven bolts at approaching enemies, each round testing your skill and aiming precision. The early gameplay is built around this core mechanic, but as you progress, you unlock skill gems that significantly expand your arsenal. From sniping enemies at a distance to launching grenades and freezing foes with ice bolts, the class transforms into a true shooter experience.
Grinding Gear Games has embraced this shift, drawing inspiration from other shooter games and translating it into the ARPG framework. This is a bold move that will likely attract new players who are more familiar with shooters than traditional ARPG combat. However, while the class is interesting, I found myself missing the fluidity of other classes, like the Hunter’s bow or the Monk’s staff.
Balancing the Action: Reloading and Downtime
One aspect of the Mercenary class that could be improved is the reload mechanic. The need to reload whenever you run out of ammo or switch between firing modes can lead to frustrating downtime, particularly in the early stages of the game. This can make the Mercenary feel less fluid compared to the rapid action you’re used to in other classes.
However, the Mercenary begins to come into its own as you approach the graveyard section of Path of Exile 2. By this point, your crossbow abilities have evolved into powerful tools for dealing with crowds, such as an area-of-effect grenade launcher, an ice-shooting gun, and a fire shot that pushes enemies back while igniting them. These abilities help the Mercenary feel stronger, and this is where the class starts to click.
Endgame Preview: What’s to Come
One of the standout features of Path of Exile 2 is its expansive endgame content. While I didn’t get to experience it hands-on during the preview, I was given a sneak peek into some of the exciting challenges players can expect. Jonathan Rogers, from Grinding Gear Games, gave a detailed presentation on the endgame activities, which include a massive world map and various modes designed to keep players engaged for hundreds of hours.
One such mode, the Trial of Sekhemas, introduces players to a series of rooms filled with unique challenges. These challenges range from filling blood chalices to surviving increasingly difficult enemy waves. Each floor ends with a boss fight, where you can choose to cash in keys or proceed to the next level for better loot. The risks are high, but the rewards are worth it.
U4GM: Your Go-To Source for Path of Exile 2 Resources
Whether you’re gearing up for the Mercenary class or any other, managing your cheap path of exile 2 gold is crucial to success. A helpful resource for players is U4GM, where you can buy path of exile 2 divine orb to help craft your ideal gear, buy necessary items, and strengthen your character for upcoming challenges. With U4GM, you can ensure that your Path of Exile 2 experience is as smooth and rewarding as possible.
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