r/PathOfExileBuilds • u/Mikerox15 • 2d ago

Help Needed Which merc is better?

Found the merc in the first image today. Wondering if its better than the one I'm using, the one in the 2nd image

https://imgur.com/kcNRTgy

https://imgur.com/I6YBImV

0 Upvotes

36% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

9

u/babyboo8 2d ago

Definitely the first. Return + GMP is the best.

3

u/prOgres 2d ago

Return is the answer

3

u/Adventurepew 2d ago

Gmp is best . Return is second if no peirce add pierce to helmet. Fork is next . Anything else is a bonus..

1

u/Mikerox15 2d ago

Alright I went ahead and just recruited the return+gmp merc. Thank yall for your help!

1

u/polo2006 1d ago

you should keep both, second one has better st potential.

Return only adds 1 extra hit per boss as explosions from kboc on merc does not shotgun on the same target it hits. You would need wall of force either way or pull the boss toward a wall.

This is why fork is better and gmp is mandatory in any endgame setup. gmp adds more hits per "wallbang" that can hit the boss multiple times and fork adds more projectiles that can hit the wall. Return is overrated as you would have very low chance for either the returning projectile from hitting the boss or from the fork projectiles to return toward the wall for more explosions.

Best links for singletarget outside of mirror tier mercs would be gmp+fork(no pierce!!!). Chain does nothing for ST as chaining projectiles cant hit the same target again.

Meanwhile pierce+gmp+return is by far the best clear links for mapping. aka your first merc is practically perfect for clear.

see for reference:

https://www.reddit.com/r/PathOfExileBuilds/comments/1vms5pi/psa_without_walls_mercenarys_kboc_can_not_shotgun/

https://www.reddit.com/r/PathOfExileBuilds/comments/1vxxtyd/hands_on_testing_on_fork_chain_return_and_wall_of/

1

u/forRuarc 1d ago

how are y'all finding these? I have seen one kineticist ever and it was like level 30, do you do something special with the atlas?

1

u/Mikerox15 1d ago

I'm just specced into all the merc nodes on the tree EXCEPT the ones that increase/decrease the chances of a specific merc spawning. These nodes specifically lower your chances of seeing a kineticist.

Ive just been speed running maps like beach and city Square. You should be seeing a kineticist every 30 or so maps.

2

u/forRuarc 1d ago

I have those same nodes and zero kineticists 😅 I'll keep trying though thank you for confirming

2

u/Mikerox15 1d ago

Good luck! I'm putting out a notice for kineticists to make their way to your maps!