How to swap Crossbow ammo types in Path of Exile 2

Crossbow in Path of Exile 2 is basically a machine gun with a dark fantasy look. If you are using the Mercenary class, then the crossbow will become your main weapon. However, keep in mind that Crossbow ammo aka the Crossbow skills can be used by any class as long as it meets the required stats.

In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about the Crossbow ammo in Path of Exile 2.

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How ammo types work in Path of Exile 2

Here's how ammos work in the game (Image via Grinding Gear Games)

Ammo types in Path of Exile 2 are represented by skill gems that you can equip on your Hotbar. Each skill gem corresponds to a unique ammo type with unique effects, allowing you to adapt to various combat situations.

Your basic attack will always use the currently loaded ammo type, and once a magazine is empty, your character will automatically reload the same ammo type until you manually switch to a different one.

Reloading ammo consumes Mana, with the cost depending on the type of ammo. The Mana is spent when the ammo is loaded, not when fired. You can see the current number of shots remaining in an ammo type on the top-right corner of the corresponding icon in your Hotbar. That said, you should reload your weapon outside fights.

To switch between ammo, simply press the Hotbar key linked to the desired ammo type to load it. This process takes about one second and requires your character to remain stationary. There is no cooldown or penalty for switching ammo types.

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How to equip and swap Ammo Types

Skills determine the ammo type (Image via Grinding Gear Games)

Unlocking Ammo Types

To unlock new ammo types, collect skill gems dropped by defeated enemies or rewarded from quests. Each gem offers a unique ammo effect, ranging from piercing rounds to explosive or debuff-inflicting shots.

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Equipping Ammo Skills

To equip a skill gem, open your inventory and drag the desired gem into an available slot in the skill panel. Ensure the skill gem is compatible with the Mercenary class and its crossbow.

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Binding Ammo Types to Your Hotbar

After equipping the desired skill gem, hover over it in the skill panel and use the on-screen interface to assign it to an available Hotbar key. Repeat this process for all the ammo types you want to use, creating a streamlined layout for quick switching during battles. One of the features of Crossbow Skill Gems is their accessibility.

While they are a core component of the Mercenary class, any class in Path of Exile 2 can wield these skills if they meet the stat requirements. This lets you experiment with hybrid builds.