Mercenaries make their debut in Diablo 4 with the Vessel of Hatred expansion. This guide outlines how to unlock them, provides an overview of each character, and advises on optimal pairings for different character classes.
Making a return from Diablo 2 and 3, Mercenaries have finally been integrated into Diablo 4 after their absence from the original release. Not only do they offer an NPC companion for interactions, reminiscent of Diablo 3, but they also act as intelligent allies in combat, potentially amplifying your character’s build.
For instance, if you’re playing a melee Barbarian, having a Mercenary cast elemental spells from a distance can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness. Conversely, if you’re opting for a glass cannon strategy, a sturdy tank Mercenary distracting enemies while you cast from afar can yield a potent tactical advantage.
Mercenaries were introduced through the Vessel of Hatred DLC.
Unlocking Mercenaries in Vessel of Hatred
To unlock Mercenaries, simply progress through the main story quests in Vessel of Hatred until you reach the A Magpie in Flight quest, where you need to speak with Raheir in Gea Kul. He will guide you to the Den, the hideout of the Pale Hand, where you can interact with various Mercenaries.
Here, you can recruit a main Mercenary and an additional one as a reinforcement, utilizing a new currency system to unlock them and earn rewards. In multiplayer, only the reinforcement Mercenary is available, while in single-player mode, you can wield two followers simultaneously. Each Mercenary is acquired by completing their unique side quest, so it’s advisable to unlock at least two upon reaching the Den.
Continue the main storyline until you reach the Den.
Overview of Mercenaries in Vessel of Hatred
Raheir
Raheir acts as a formidable tank, employing his large shield to absorb enemy assaults while countering with powerful strikes. His skill set shares similarities with the Barbarian class, making him an excellent partner for other melee characters.
However, his greatest strength is revealed when teamed with classes like the Sorcerer, Rogue, or Necromancer. Raheir not only defends against incoming attacks but also distracts foes, allowing you to unleash spells and ranged attacks unhindered.
As the first Mercenary you unlock, Raheir enriches any build, although other Mercenaries offer more specialized abilities. Pairing him with Alkin also creates a strong synergy.
Experience Raheir, the initial Mercenary you encounter in Vessel of Hatred.
Aldkin
Aldkin, a demonic/human hybrid, leverages his demonic prowess to safeguard humanity. Utilizing fire and shadow magic, he predominantly engages enemies from a distance with various projectiles and area-of-effect (AOE) attacks.
While Aldkin boosts any class’s offensive capabilities, he shines brightest in collaboration with melee-focused characters like the Barbarian, offering critical ranged and elemental support to compensate for their usual limitations.
This allows the player to engage frontline enemies while Aldkin capitalizes on enemy vulnerabilities that are typically ignored by melee attacks.
Aldkin, despite being half-demon, aligns himself with humanity.
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Subo is a Rogue armed with a crossbow, likening him to Diablo 3’s Demon Hunter or Lyndon the Scoundrel Mercenary from that game. He’s adept at utilizing explosive jars to deal substantial AOE damage to groups of enemies.
Unlike Aldkin, who focuses on adding elemental capabilities, Subo primarily provides generalized support from afar. This is advantageous for melee-centric players, as well as those leveraging minion builds. He proved to be particularly effective when playing as the Spiritborn.
Enemies usually target the player’s minions first, which distracts them while Subo unleashes volleys of projectiles and explosive jars into the enemy ranks. Pairing Subo with a Rogue provides a substantial boost to offensive potential.
Subo is a sharpshooter wielding a crossbow.
Varyana
Varyana is a Barbarian Mercenary distinguished by her close-combat expertise, making her the most formidable Mercenary in melee encounters. In contrast to Raheir’s defensive style, Varyana embraces an offensive approach, excelling in crowd control.
As she accumulates kills, her power escalates. Players who prefer to stay back and cast spells will benefit the most from Varyana. She’s not recommended for those who rush into battle, as her skill set covers that role effectively.
We found her valuable when paired with Sorcerers, Rogues, and Necromancers, while also being a thrilling addition to Druid and Spiritborn characters. Pairing her with Subo resulted in particularly explosive encounters.
Varyana is an aggressive Barbarian Mercenary.
Understanding Mercenaries in Diablo 4
Mercenaries function differently in Diablo 4 compared to previous iterations in Diablo 2 and 3. Importantly, players cannot equip them with gear. Nonetheless, Diablo 4 enables you to level them up while introducing a skill tree that features both primary and passive abilities for each Merc.
As you invest time leveling your Mercs, you’ll unlock additional skills, and once they reach maximum level, this progress can be shared across all your Seasonal and Eternal characters. This allows you to mix and match different Mercs with various character classes while reaping the rewards of your efforts.
Moreover, unlike in Diablo 2, there’s no need to fret over the fate of your Mercs. Rather than facing the prospect of costly replacements or resurrections, Mercenaries in Diablo 4 respawn and promptly return to the battle. Those who prefer to play without companions are under no obligation, as Mercenaries are entirely optional.
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