Path of Exile 2's Patch 0.3.0 (The Third Edict) has reshaped the build landscape with massive balance updates, new mechanics, and reworked items. While every class has its strengths, the Mercenary is emerging as a top-tier choice in 0.3. This class thrives when played with precision — relying on grenade rotations, cooldown management, and support synergies — but it punishes weak setups more than most. If you don't have a strong build, you'll constantly run dry on damage, feel clunky clearing packs, or struggle with boss uptime.

With the right setup, however, Mercenary becomes one of the smoothest and deadliest classes in the game. Below, we'll break down the top four Mercenary builds in PoE 2 Patch 0.3, ranging from screen-clearing farmers to boss-melting artillery batteries.

1. Galvanic Shards Witchhunter Mercenary – The Unstoppable Melting Machine

The Galvanic Shards Witchhunter build dominates in Patch 0.3 thanks to its combination of survivability and burst damage.

· Core Mechanic: Galvanic Shards shotgun entire packs instantly, while Shockbuster Rounds scale into massive single-target DPS.

· Survivability: With Death Rush and Plate Belt, you can push 15,000+ effective shield, making you extremely tanky.

· Scaling: Hybrid physical + lightning damage with Desolate Crossbow and Vaal Mitts, supported by Lapis Amulet for gem scaling.

This is the go-to build for players who want to feel nearly unkillable while still deleting bosses in seconds.

Recommended Gear

· Main Hand: Desolate Crossbow

· Helm: Champion Helm

· Armor: Death Mail

· Gloves: Vaal Mitts

· Boots: Fortress Sabatons

· Belt: Plate Belt

· Rings: Death Rush, Amethyst Ring

· Amulet: Lapis Amulet

2. Gemling Legionnaire Mercenary – The Grenade Chain Detonator

If you love tactical grenade play and fast farming, the Gemling Legionnaire build is your best bet.

· Core Mechanic: Grenade skills (Gas, Oil, Flash) synergize with the Gemling Ascendancy, allowing double support gems for chain-detonation mayhem.

· Playstyle: One of the fastest mapping builds, using Cannonade Crossbow and Utility Belt for physical scaling and flask recovery.

· Survivability: Ruby Rush and Lunar Amulet provide resistances and an energy shield to handle bosses while farming efficiently.

This is the ultimate clear-speed farming Mercenary, perfect for players who thrive on tactical AoE chain reactions.

Recommended Gear

· Main Hand: Cannonade Crossbow

· Helm: Elegant Greathelm

· Armor: Dastard Armour

· Gloves: Commander Gauntlets

· Boots: Soldiering Sabatons

· Belt: Utility Belt

· Rings: Ruby Rush, Prismatic Ring

· Amulet: Lunar Amulet

3. Permafrost Witchhunter Mercenary – Freeze and Burn Control

The Permafrost Witchhunter build brings crowd control to another level while stacking explosive damage.

· Core Mechanic: Permafrost Bolts freeze enemies solid, then Explosive Grenades + Explosive Shot ignite them for devastating DoTs.

· Versatility: Hybrid gear, such as Trailblazer Armour and Stacked Sabatons, balances DPS with strong defenses.

· Scaling: Ruby + Sapphire Rings boost resistances while the Jade Amulet smooths Dexterity requirements for late-game setups.

This is the best control-focused Mercenary build, ideal for players who want to lock down bosses while keeping them on the defensive.

Recommended Gear

· Main Hand: Twin Crossbow

· Helm: Shielded Helm

· Armor: Trailblazer Armour

· Gloves: Bolstered Mitts

· Boots: Stacked Sabatons

· Belt: Mail Belt

· Rings: Ruby Rush, Sapphire Ring

· Amulet: Jade Amulet

4. Mortar Mercenary (Tactician) – The Artillery Battery

The Mortar Mercenary (Tactician) is shaping up to be the strongest Mercenary build in PoE 2 Patch 0.3, thanks to new mechanics that transform it into a walking war machine.

· Core Mechanic: The new Mortar Totem allows up to four totems, effectively creating a mobile artillery battery.

· Synergy: The reworked Rapid Shot now fires instantly, solving previous clunkiness and keeping grenade fire constant.

· Scaling: Support gems like Expedite, Scattershot, and Payload now apply to all grenade types, doubling gas clouds, chaining explosions, and stacking damage faster than ever.

· Playstyle: You're free to dodge mechanics and reposition while your totems shred everything in sight.

This is the most well-rounded Mercenary build in 0.3, combining insane firepower, mobility, and defensive uptime in one flexible package.

Final Thoughts

Patch 0.3 has proven that Mercenary is not just viable — it's top tier in Path of Exile 2. Whether you want a nearly unkillable burst monster (Galvanic Shards), a grenade-slinging mapper (Gemling Legionnaire), a control-heavy igniter (Permafrost), or an artillery god (Mortar Tactician), there's a build that fits every playstyle.

If you're diving into the Third Edict, Mercenary should be at the top of your list. Master its synergies, and you'll find yourself playing one of the most rewarding and explosive classes in PoE 2.