The Mercenary Reinforcement Guide in Diablo 4 Vessel of Hatred

Oct-25-2024

 

Mercenaries have returned to Diablo 4, introducing a fresh approach that enhances gameplay. Unlike in previous installments, each companion brings unique fighting styles and bonuses, requiring players to carefully consider their choices before heading into battle.

 

Unlocking and hiring Mercenaries is an easy process, but their distinct abilities offer significant depth and potential for creating powerful combos and synergies. This guide provides an overview of the essential mechanics behind Mercenaries and the innovative Reinforcement system.

 

 

What Are Mercenaries?

Mercenaries serve as allies in combat, reminiscent of the Followers from Diablo 3. Each Mercenary possesses distinct abilities, enabling players to select one that complements their character class and playstyle. Unlocking Mercenaries is straightforward; players gain access to their first Mercenary, Raheir, after completing the Act VII main quest titled "The Hand Remembers the Blade."

 

As players progress, they can recruit additional Mercenaries by completing their respective questlines, which are unlocked upon reaching The Den—a personal hub area that provides various gameplay features, including an Occultist and a Blacksmith.

 

What Are Mercenary Reinforcements?

Mercenary Reinforcements expand upon the existing Mercenary system, unlocking after players progress through the campaign and complete specific questlines. Each Mercenary comes equipped with a diverse range of skills and passive effects, all of which can be enhanced through Rapport—essentially a reputation metric that increases as you fight alongside them.

 

Once you unlock a second Mercenary, you can enlist one as a Reinforcement, adding a tactical component that enables them to assist you during key moments in battle.

 

What Can Reinforcements Do?

Once players have recruited multiple Mercenaries, they can enlist one as a Reinforcement. This system allows a chosen Mercenary to assist during battles under specific conditions, providing tactical support without permanently following the player.

 

Enlisted Reinforcements are summoned based on Opportunities that the player sets up, such as being at low health or activating a particular skill. This creates an engaging layer of strategy, as players must consider when and how to best utilize their Reinforcements.

 

For example, a Necromancer can pair Aldkin's Storm of Fire with Bone Prison as the trigger opportunity, allowing for a devastating combination that traps enemies while they are engulfed in flames. The versatility of Reinforcements enables players to experiment with various synergies, maximizing their effectiveness in combat.

 

Gaining Rapport and Bartering

A key feature of the Mercenary system is the Rapport mechanic, which measures the relationship between the player and their Mercenaries. Building Rapport unlocks new skills and enhancements, with the first four ranks granting skill points to invest in their skill trees.

 

Once players reach Rapport Level 5, they unlock Bartering with Raheir's daughter, Fayira, who offers a unique selection of diablo 4 items in exchange for a new currency called Pale Marks.

 

Pale Marks are earned by increasing Rapport and participating in Mercenary Events, which are similar to regular events but feature one of the recruited Mercenaries.

 

This system encourages players to actively engage with their Mercenaries, enhancing their effectiveness while providing meaningful rewards.

 

Tips for Effective Use of Mercenaries and Reinforcements

To maximize the potential of Mercenaries and Reinforcements, players should carefully consider their playstyle and the abilities of their chosen allies. For instance, when leveling a new character, Subo's passive ability reveals the location of gatherable materials, simplifying resource collection. This kind of strategic thinking allows players to tailor their experience and adapt to various challenges throughout Sanctuary.

 

Moreover, understanding cooldowns is crucial. Reinforcements will only appear if their abilities are off cooldown when the designated Opportunity arises, so players must plan accordingly to ensure their allies provide timely assistance.