In Diablo 4, Mercenaries make their triumphant return with a fresh, dynamic system that enriches your combat experience. Unlike traditional followers from previous titles, Mercenaries now play a more integral role through the Reinforcement system. This guide will walk you through unlocking Mercenaries, their functionality, and how to effectively utilize the Reinforcement system in the Vessel of Hatred expansion.

How to Unlock Mercenaries in Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred

Unlocking Mercenaries is closely tied to the Vessel of Hatred campaign. As you progress through the story, you'll venture into the jungles of Nahantu after a significant event at Gea Kul. Continue following the main questline until you reach a special location called the Den in Nahantu, which serves as the hub for all Mercenary activities.

Upon arriving at the Den, you will unlock your first Mercenary, Raheir, the Shieldbearer. There are a total of four Mercenaries to unlock, each with unique fighting styles and skill synergies:

• Raheir (Shieldbearer): Available by default after reaching the Den.
• Varyana (Barbarian): Unlocked by completing the quest Slayer's Retribution.
• Subo (Rogue): Unlocked by completing the quest A Feather on the Scale.
• Aldkin (Mage): Unlocked by completing the quest A Nameless Mystery.

These quests begin in the Den once you've progressed far enough in the campaign. Look for marked items around the Den to start each Mercenary's quest. Upon completion, you'll be able to hire them and build your ideal combat team.

How Mercenaries Work in Diablo 4

Once unlocked, Mercenaries can be hired to accompany you on your journey through Sanctuary. Each Mercenary offers distinct skills, allowing you to tailor your strategy according to the situation. However, there is a limit to how many Mercenaries you can have active at once. Initially, you can hire only one Mercenary to fight alongside you as you traverse different areas.

The depth of Mercenaries lies in their individual skills and how you combine them with your abilities for devastating effects. For instance, Raheir can shield you from damage while Aldkin unleashes powerful spells from a distance. This synergy fosters creative build opportunities, enabling you to adapt to various combat scenarios.

Understanding the Reinforcement System

The Reinforcement system is a notable feature introduced in the Vessel of Hatred expansion, allowing Mercenaries to assist you in battle without being physically present. Instead of fighting alongside you, a Reinforced Mercenary will automatically trigger their abilities when you use specific skills.

To activate Reinforcement, approach a Mercenary in the Den and select the Enlist Reinforcement option. In the menu, you can choose which skill the Mercenary will use and under what conditions (referred to as Opportunities). For example, you could bind Varyana's powerful Shockwave ability to your Rogue's Twisting Blades skill. When you use Twisting Blades, Varyana will automatically unleash her Shockwave attack, creating a seamless combo.

The Reinforcement system adds another layer of strategy, especially when facing formidable foes or large groups. Mixing and matching different Mercenaries with skills based on your class's abilities can yield incredibly powerful combinations, enhancing your overall effectiveness in combat.

Key Tips for Optimizing Mercenaries and Reinforcements

1. Experiment with Skill Combinations: Since each Mercenary provides different skills, test various combinations with your abilities to discover what suits your playstyle. Some combos may maximize AoE damage, while others might enhance your survivability.

2. Switch Reinforcements Based on Situations: If you anticipate a challenging boss encounter, consider enlisting a Mercenary capable of high burst damage. Conversely, for tackling large enemy groups, a Mercenary with crowd-control skills could prove more beneficial.

3. Separate Mercenaries for Hiring and Reinforcement: You can only hire one Mercenary at a time, but you can still enlist another for Reinforcement. This allows for tactical flexibility, as you can benefit from the skills of two Mercenaries simultaneously.

4. Pay Attention to Opportunities: When assigning a Mercenary for Reinforcement, ensure you select the best Opportunity that complements your skills. Some abilities may trigger too early or late, so fine-tuning is crucial for maximizing effectiveness.

Conclusion

Mercenaries and the Reinforcement system introduce a new level of depth to combat in Diablo 4, offering unparalleled tactical flexibility and creative build possibilities. By unlocking and strategically utilizing Mercenaries, you can significantly enhance your power and tackle even the most formidable challenges in Sanctuary. With the right combinations, you'll dominate the battlefield and leave your mark in the Vessel of Hatred. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your inventory, ensuring you have enough Diablo 4 gold to replenish your supplies and prepare for unexpected encounters.