With the launch of Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred, Blizzard has introduced a long-awaited feature that hearkens back to the Diablo IV Items franchise’s roots — mercenaries. Unlike previous iterations where mercenaries were largely passive followers with minimal customization, Vessel of Hatred reimagines them as powerful, customizable allies that can complement your build and dramatically influence combat. In this guide, we’ll break down how to recruit all mercenaries, what each one offers, and how to use them effectively.
What Are Mercenaries in Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred?
Mercenaries are NPC companions that fight alongside your character, offering both offensive and defensive support. Each mercenary has their own class-like identity, gear slots, and skill trees, making them more than just sidekicks—they're strategic assets in combat. Players can recruit different mercenaries, level them up, and equip them with loot to enhance their effectiveness.
These allies are not only useful in solo content but also provide synergy in group play, offering buffs or crowd control options that fill in gaps in team composition.
How to Unlock Mercenaries
Mercenaries become available during the Vessel of Hatred campaign after you complete the first major story arc in Nahantu, the new jungle-themed region introduced in the expansion. Here’s the general progression:
Complete the "Shadows of the Wild" questline in Nahantu.
Defeat the region’s first major boss, tied to the Vessel of Hatred's lore.
Visit the Mercenary Hall in the capital city of Nahantu (called Uzir).
Speak to Captain Nyra, who manages the mercenary guild.
From this point, you’ll gain access to the Mercenary Interface, where you can recruit and manage mercenaries.
List of Mercenaries and How to Recruit Them
Each mercenary requires specific quests or conditions to unlock. Here are the known mercenaries in Vessel of Hatred and how to get them:
1. Kael – The Blademaster
Type: Melee DPS
Unlock Method: Complete the side quest “Blades in the Mist” found in Nahantu’s eastern jungle.
Skills: Bleeding strikes, evasive maneuvers, and whirlwind attacks.
Ideal For: Players who need frontline melee support and aggro distraction.
2. Selene – The Shadowcaller
Type: Ranged Magic
Unlock Method: Found during the “Echoes of Hate” campaign chapter; she joins after you free her from a corrupted ritual.
Skills: Shadow bolts, curses, and area control debuffs.
Ideal For: Casters or ranged builds that need crowd control.
3. Drok – The Iron Guardian
Type: Tank/Protector
Unlock Method: Rescue him from a mercenary encampment in the quest “Steel and Honor.”
Skills: Shield taunt, defensive aura, and enemy suppression.
Ideal For: Glass cannon builds that need protection or solo players pushing higher world tiers.
4. Nia – The Spirit Healer
Type: Support/Healer
Unlock Method: Available after completing the quest “Whispers of the Ancients” in the jungle temples.
Skills: Heals over time, resurrection (with cooldown), and buffing totems.
Ideal For: Hardcore mode or players struggling in solo late-game content.
5. Thorne – The Beastmaster
Type: Hybrid
Unlock Method: Unlocked through a reputation system in Nahantu; complete bounties and jungle hunts to earn his trust.
Skills: Summons beasts, poison traps, and entangling roots.
Ideal For: Nature-based builds or players who want AoE battlefield control.
Customizing Your Mercenary
Once recruited, you can:
Equip gear specifically designed for mercenaries (includes new item categories like “Companion Charms”).
Level up your mercenaries, unlocking new skills and passives via their unique talent trees.
Choose between aggressive, defensive, or balanced AI behaviors.
Respec your mercenary using gold or special “Mercenary Tokens” dropped in high-tier content.
Mercenaries scale with your level and world tier, ensuring they stay relevant throughout the endgame.
Tips for Using Mercenaries Effectively
Synergize with your build: A glass cannon Sorcerer might benefit from Drok, while a melee Barbarian may want Selene for ranged support.
Update their gear regularly: Mercs can equip rare and legendary items, including new mercenary-exclusive affixes.
Manage their AI: Switch to defensive mode for boss fights or aggressive mode for mob clearing.
Use them in PvP cautiously: Mercenaries in PvP zones are weaker and more tactical than dominant, but still useful for pressure and distraction.
Conclusion
The Vessel of Hatred expansion adds depth and customization to Diablo 4 through its mercenary system. Whether you want a tank to Diablo IV Items for sale absorb damage, a spellcaster to assist with DPS, or a healer to sustain you in battle, the new mercenary options allow you to tailor your companion to fit your playstyle. Recruiting and investing in mercenaries not only boosts your power but also adds an immersive and strategic element to the adventure through Sanctuary’s darkest regions. Make sure to complete their quests, customize their roles, and enjoy the extra edge they bring to your journey through Vessel of Hatred.