Look no further, here is the
Extensive Mercenaries GuideQuote
Paladin
The Hammerdin
The all-around pvm char, does pretty much everything on his own. Requires no 'killer' mercs or any mercs of any kind, actually. Hence, only supportive mercs can be issued as a bonus. The mercenaries presented will be recommended according to preferred type of run (Chaos, Baal, etc..). This doesn't mean, naturally, that the merc cannot work at other places.
Main damage output orientation = Magic damage.
Recommended Mercenaries:
#1 Kasim The Medic- reason: Mana & Life regeneration.
#2 Haphet The Just- reason: Knockback / Crowd control.
#3 Fiona The Befuddled- reason: Holy Freeze or Decrepify proccing (assuming choice of bow)/ Crowd control.
Quote
Act 2 Desert Mercenary - Kasim the Medic
Wielding the runeword "Insight", this mercenary will provide with sufficient mana regeneration, enabling the PnB to continue hurling spears & spirits without worrying about pots every minute or two. The Holy Freeze aura will delay the enemy's approach, enabling for more time to stay away.
Recommended Hiring Difficulty- Normal.
Recommended Merc Type- Combat (Prayer).
Weapon
Insight Runeword- The only choice here. The only factor given into consideration: Level 12-17 Meditation aura when equipped.
Helm
#1- Andariel's Visgage- 20% Increased Attack Speed, 8-10% Life Stolen Per Hit, +25-30 To Strength, +10% To Maximum Poison Resist, Fire Resist -30%, Poison Resist +70%.
Socket with any 30% FR jewel / Ral. This helm is the top here because of its +Strength, which will help you reach the required strength requirement on insight with ease.
#2- Giant Skull- The Knock Back helm, perfect for warding off approaching enemies. Can have up to 2 sockets, 35 strength, 320 defense and 10% Crushing Blow. Again, chose this for Strength purposes. Socket with -15req/15@ if you can't have your merc wear it yet, and 15ias/15@ if he can.
#3- Crown of Ages- If you can meet the strength requirement, this is quite the best. Main attributes: Damage Reduced By 10-15% (varies), All Resistances +20-30 (varies), +30% Faster Hit Recovery, Socketed (1-2) (varies). Socket with -15req/15@ to lower the high strength requirement, and to boost your resistance further.
#4- Kira's Guardian- The resistance Tiara. +50-120 Defense, +20% Faster Hit Recovery, Cannot Be Frozen, All Resistances +50-70. Socket with Um / 15@ jewel.
#5- Shako - +2 all skill, +life, +10% DR, +50% mf. Socket with Ber.
#6- Gaze - +100% Enhanced Defense, Adds 6-22 Cold Damage - 4 Second Duration, 15% Slower Stamina Drain, 6-8% Life Stolen Per Hit, 6-8% Mana Stolen Per Hit, Damage Reduced By 15-20%, Magic Damage Reduced By 10-15. Socket with Ber.
Armor
#1- Treachery Runeword- 5% Chance to Cast slvl 15 Fade when Struck, +45% Increased Attack Speed, +20% Faster Hit Recovery, Resist Cold +30%. This armor is perfect for almost any situation. When the merc is faded, it has +60@ resistance and 15% Damage Reduction. What makes it even more superior than Chains of Honor (offering constant 65@ res) is the 45% IAS, the 20% FHR and the 30% CR (when faded, overall %CR is 90% resistance on the armor alone!!)
#2- Chains of Honor Runeword- As a supporting role, all you will need to worry about is the continuing survivability of your merc. This armor offers quite a bit extra damage to boot. +200% Damage to Demons, +100% Damage to Undead, 8% Life Stolen Per Hit, Replenish Life +7, All Resistances +65, Damage Reduced by 8%.
#3- Shaftstop- Unique Mesh Armor. Upgrading a good %ed ethereal one will produce with a crazy amount of defense. +180-220% Enhanced Defense (varies), Damage Reduced By 30%- highest %DR armor in the game. +250 Defense Vs. Missile, +60 To Life.Socket with a 15/15@ or Um or even a Cham if you don't want your mercenary to lose speed while wearing Giant Skull and providing with many KB hits per minute.
#4- Skin of The Flayed One- This extremely underrated unique demonhide armor is one of my top favorite armors of all times. It simply has everything a mercenary needs to survive. +150-190% Enhanced Defense (varies) - massive defense while ethereal. Repairs 1 Durability In 10 Seconds- doesn't matter since it's on a mercenary, but it goes to show it can be used as ethereal on yourself as well! Replenish Life +15-25 (varies) - highest life replenishing armor in the game. Attacker Takes Damage of 15. Socket recommendation as said above.
#5- Lionheart Runeword- A very old and beloved runeword. Quite cheap to make as well. All Resistances +30%, +50 to Life, +20 to Vitality, +15 to Dexterity, +25 to Strength. There are several more mods, but they are irrelevant here. This armor is basically a tank, adding up to 30@ resistances and 90 HP, not to mention dexterity and strength.
#6- Spirit Forge- Unique Linked Mail. +120-160% Enhanced Defense (varies), + (1.25 Per Character Level) 1-123 Life (Based On Character Level), Fire Resist +5%, Adds 20-65 Fire Damage, +15 To Strength, Gem Sockets (2). Socket preference as said above.