Path of Exile 2 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious sequels in the action role-playing game (ARPG) genre, building on the legacy of its predecessor. The game introduces fresh mechanics, an expanded world, and, perhaps most notably, the concept of Mercenaries—a new feature that allows players to recruit and level up AI companions to assist in combat, quests, and even item collection. This system adds another layer of depth to the already complex game mechanics and offers exciting new ways to POE 2 Currency experience Path of Exile 2.

Whether you're a new player or a seasoned veteran of Path of Exile, understanding how to effectively level and manage your Mercenaries will be key to your success in Path of Exile 2. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Mercenary leveling, from recruitment to customizing their builds and optimizing their power as you progress through the game.

What Are Mercenaries in Path of Exile 2?
In Path of Exile 2, Mercenaries are powerful NPC allies that players can recruit to assist them in combat. Unlike traditional companions, these Mercenaries are fully customizable, capable of leveling up, and can be equipped with gear, abilities, and modifiers to complement your own character. Mercenaries have their own progression systems, which include skills, passive trees, and unique abilities that you can tweak to suit your playstyle.

The concept of Mercenaries allows for a more dynamic and strategic approach to combat. Rather than simply playing alongside other players or relying on AI-controlled helpers, you can create an entire team of combatants that fits your tactical vision.

Mercenaries can be recruited from various factions within the game, each with their own strengths and unique abilities. Some Mercenaries excel in tanking and damage mitigation, while others focus on high damage output or debuffing enemies. Understanding how to level and customize these Mercenaries will be crucial to maximizing their potential and ensuring that you and your companions are well-prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

How to Recruit and Manage Mercenaries
Recruiting a Mercenary is an essential step in your journey through Path of Exile 2. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to recruit and manage your Mercenary effectively:

1. Unlocking Mercenaries
Mercenaries will be available once you progress through the early stages of the campaign. As you reach certain milestones, you will encounter NPCs that offer you the ability to recruit your first Mercenary. The recruitment process is fairly straightforward:

Talk to NPCs: Once you reach the appropriate point in the story, you’ll encounter NPCs who offer Mercenaries as part of their quests. Each Mercenary will be aligned with a particular faction or class.

Choose Your Mercenary: You will likely be given a few options to choose from. Some Mercenaries may be better suited for specific roles (such as tanking, damage dealing, or crowd control), so choose based on your own needs or playstyle.

Mercenary Slots: Initially, you may only be able to recruit one Mercenary at a time. However, as you progress, you will be able to recruit additional Mercenaries, creating a small team of AI companions.

2. Mercenary AI and Behavior
Each Mercenary comes with predefined AI behavior that influences how they engage in combat. For example:

Aggressive AI: Mercenaries with aggressive AI will charge into battle, focusing on dealing as much damage as possible to enemies.

Defensive AI: Some Mercenaries will prefer to stay back and provide support, either by healing or debuffing enemies. These are great for tanking or providing a secondary role in combat.

Balanced AI: This type of Mercenary will focus on maintaining a balanced approach, switching between attacking and defensive behaviors as the situation requires.

The ability to control and adjust the Mercenary's behavior adds an extra layer of strategy. For example, you might want to cheap Path of Exile 2 Currency set an aggressive AI for a damage-dealing Mercenary, while a defensive AI might work best for a tanking role.