The Mercenary class in Path of Exile 2 is a top-tier choice due to its potent combination of damage output and utility. While its offensive potential has always been strong, its supportive capabilities saw a major enhancement with the introduction of the Tactician Ascendancy in the Dawn of the Hunt league.

The Tactician excels in both a hybrid DPS/support role and a dedicated support role, making it one of the most flexible Ascendancies in the game. This guide covers everything you need to know to level, build, and play the Tactician effectively.

Tactician Build Overview

The Tactician offers unique build paths:

·Solo Play: Focus on elemental burst damage and stun-locking enemies.

·Co-op Play: Prioritize buffs, utility grenades, and crowd control to support your team.

You'll begin as a Mercenary, using core skills like:

·Fragmentation Rounds

·High Velocity Rounds

·Explosive Grenade

·Gas Grenade

These will help you breeze through early acts and Cruel Mode. Once you unlock enough Uncut Spirit Gems, you can adapt the build to your playstyle.

Warning: The Mercenary is relatively squishy- dodging is essential. However, the class can frequently stun enemies, creating large damage windows.

Leveling Guide: Acts 1–3

Act 1- Core Setup

1. Start with: Fragmentation Rounds

2. Add: High Velocity Rounds + Scattershot, Double Barrel

3. Unlock: Flash Grenade + Overpower, Second Wind

4. Later: Galvanic Shards + Lightning Infusion, Martial Tempo

Boss Reward: Defeat King of the Mists → Use Uncut Spirit Gem to unlock Herald of Thunder

Act 2- Tactician Ascendancy

1. Unlock:

·Gas Grenade + Scattershot, Magnified Effect

·Explosive Grenade + Second Wind, Inspiration

·Explosive Shot + Martial Tempo

2. Adjust:

·Remove High Velocity Rounds

·Update Galvanic Shards: Replace Martial Tempo with Conduction

3. Ascendancy: Complete Trial of Sekhemas

·Unlock: Pin Buildup, Suppressing Fire

Act 3- Utility Focus

1. New Unlocks:

·Oil Grenade + Encumbrance

·(Optional) Ripwire Ballista + Lockdown, Persistence

2. Ascendancy Progression: Complete Trial of Chaos

·Unlock: Right Where We Want Them

3. Boss Unlock: Defeat Ignagduk, the Bog Witch → Unlock Ghost Dance

·Link with Clarity

Cruel Mode- Build Enhancement

At this stage, your core skills are mostly in place.

New Abilities:

1. Unlock: Wind Dancer (via Uncut Spirit Gem)

2. Socket Expansions:

·Use Lesser Jeweller's Orbs on:

§Gas Grenade → Add Primal Armament

§Galvanic Shards → Add Pierce

Key Skill Unlocks:

·Lightning Rod

·Flash Storm

·Overwhelm

·Giantslayer

Lightning Rod and Flash Storm significantly boost Galvanic Shards and Herald of Thunder.

Mobility & Defense:

·Escape Velocity

·Freedom of Movement

These increase evasion and movement speed, enhancing survivability.

Support Tactician Variant

If you're building for team play, prioritize these Ascendancy nodes:

·Feel No Pain

·Inspiring Leader

·Polymathy

·Bannerman

·Blade Catcher

·Mind Over Matter

These nodes boost attributes, defenses, and team utility via banners and support skills.

Endgame Strategy & Rotation

Core Rotation:

1. Start with an Oil Grenade to weaken enemies.

2. Use the Explosive Shot to apply ignition.

3. Follow with Gas Grenades for burst damage.

4. While skills are on cooldown, throw Explosive Grenades.

5. Drop Ripwire Ballista to pin enemies and keep them in place.

Mastering your cooldown management is the key to high uptime and sustained damage.

Conclusion

The Tactician is a powerful and adaptable build in Path of Exile 2, offering something for both solo players and team-focused strategists. Whether blasting mobs or buffing allies, this build ensures you'll have a lasting impact in any encounter.

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