PvM ListThe list below will regard each character and its various PvM possibilities. Each mercenary build will have more than 1 gear setup option, although the variations will not be a world apart.
AmazonThe Bow AmazonMain damage output orientation = Physical (and sometimes cold) damage.
Recommended Mercenaries:
#1 Elly The Fanatic- reason: Increased attack speed, attack rating and damage output.
#2 Hazade The Judge- reason: Conviction (-83% defense, -85@ elemental resistances). This is a choice for the more cold/freezing arrows oriented play style pvm bowers.
#3 Fiona The Befuddled- reason: Crowd control.
#4 Divo The Swift- reason: Faster run/walk speed.
The Java AmazonFor the PvM javazon, a few builds exist to satisfy the electrical power she hones, focusing all gear selection around the
Infinity runeword.
Main damage output orientation = Elemental lightning damage.
Recommended Mercenaries:
#1 Hazade The Judge- reason: Conviction (-83% defense, -85@ elemental resistances), breaks
most elemental immune mobs.
AssassinThe Trap AssassinFor the PvM trapper, nothing beats more elemental damage given by -% resistances.
Main damage output orientation = Elemental lightning damage.
Recommended Mercenaries:
#1 Hazade The Judge- reason: Conviction (-83% defense, -85@ elemental resistances), breaks
most elemental immune mobs.
The Martial Arts AssassinThe elemental oriented combo-charges assassin, requiring further -%res to boost the elemental charges overall damage. There really is only 1 available option here.
Main damage output orientation = Elemental light/fire/cold damage types.
Recommended Mercenaries:
#1 Hazade The Judge- reason: Conviction (-83% defense, -85@ elemental resistances), breaks
most elemental immune mobs.
The KicksinA physical damage oriented setup, that is ideally boosted by speed, damage and AR. We cannot have any proccing mercs since the main proc of a kicksin should always be Life Tap, and there is no need for a proc-war between merc and player.
Main damage output orientation = Physical damage.
Recommended Mercenaries:
#1 Elly The Fanatic- reason: Increased attack speed, attack rating and damage output.
#2 Pratham The Proud- reason: Damage augmentation.
NecromancerThe SummonerThe summon necormancer's main concern is buffing his minion's damage, and in a counter manner, debuff the enemy mobs' defenses. As you know, less defense = more hit checks = more overall dps (damage per second). Every summoner should be a beast holder, and therefore the ideal merc would be an infinity holder. For those who don't like to hold beast for some reason, I'll list Elly the Fanatic as well.
Main damage output orientation = Physical and Elemental damage types (according to summon types).
Recommended Mercenaries:
#1 Hazade The Judge- reason: Conviction (-83% defense, -85@ elemental resistances).
#2 Elly The Fanatic- reason: Increased attack speed, attack rating and damage output.
Poison & Bone NecromancerNot the ideal character for PvM, however there are those who wish to apply his skills in PvM as well. Since their magic damage cannot be boosted by any aura or curse, any sort of proccing or damage aura boosting would give no addition to the PnB necromancer's damage. The same aspect goes for novamancers, since their only debuffing curse is lower resist which shouldn't be over-procced or interuptted. Therefore, a different type of support is needed here.
Main damage output orientation = Poison and Magic damage types.
Recommended Mercenaries:
#1 Kasim The Medic- reason: Mana & Life regeneration.
#2 Haphet The Just- reason: Knockback / Crowd control.
BarbarianThe BerserkerMagic based attacker. Doesn't require any damage adding auras, rather speed or knocking back (latter specific for cs barbs).
Main damage output orientation = Magic damage.
Recommended Mercenaries:
#1 Haphet The Just- reason: Knockback aura / crowd control.
#2 Elly The Fanatic- reason: Increased attack speed, attack rating and damage output.
The Frenzy BarbPhysical oriented fast dual-wielder. More damage and attack rating is needed here above all.
Main damage output orientation = Physical damage.
Recommended Mercenaries:
#1 Elly The Fanatic- reason: Increased attack speed, attack rating and damage output.
#2 Pratham The Proud- reason: Damage augmentation.
#3 Azrael The Vicious- reason: Decrepify curse proccing resulting in -50% dr to enemies.
The Extra Gold Find BarbThe extra gold merc-reliant specified barbarian is nothing but a support character and thus the mercenary needs to be the main killer / tank. The damage-dealer type Eg-Barbs have no real use for mercs, though if one should fancy a merc, the listed below will do fine as well.
Main damage output orientation = Supportive roll / no damage.
Recommended Mercenaries:
#1 Azrael The Vicious- reason: Decrepify curse proccing resulting in -50% dr to enemies.
PaladinThe HammerdinThe 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.
The ZealotA speed killer. May require a few mercs along the way that would aid him in life regeneration / mana regeneration. Can also be put to good use with a decrepifying merc to enhance damage.
Main damage output orientation = Physical damage.
Recommended Mercenaries:
#1 Azrael The Vicious- reason: Decrepify curse proccing resulting in -50% dr to enemies.
#2 Pratham The Proud- reason: Damage augmentation.
#3 Hazade The Judge- reason: Conviction (
-83% defense, -85@ elemental resistances).
SorceressThe Light & Fire SorcsFor the light & fire oriented sorceresses, much like the pvm trapper, nothing beats more elemental damage given by -% resistances.
Main damage output orientation = Elemental light & fire damage types.
Recommended Mercenaries:
#1 Hazade The Judge- reason: Conviction (-83% defense,
-85@ elemental resistances).
The Cold SorcSince Cold Mastery obliterates the point of using a weapon such as Infinity, a supportive type merc is preferred here.
Main damage output orientation = Elemental cold damage.
Recommended Mercenaries:
#1 Kasim The Medic- reason: Mana & Life regeneration.
#2 Jabari The Scorcher- reason: Alternate elemental damage (fire).
#3 Khaleel the Sizzler- reason: Alternate elemental damage (light).
DruidThe Werewolf & Werebear DruidsBoth are mainly melee damage. Can be boosted with the debuffing or buffing mercenaries. The fire claws oriented shapeshift builds may require one type over the other, though.
Main damage output orientation = Physical (and fire) damage.
Recommended Mercenaries:
#1 Elly The Fanatic- reason: Increased attack speed, attack rating and damage output.
#2 Hazade The Judge- reason: Conviction (-83% defense, -85@ elemental resistances). The ultimate choice for a 'fire claws' skill build.
#3 Azrael The Vicious- reason: Decrepify curse proccing resulting in -50% dr to enemies.
#4 Pratham The Proud- reason: Damage augmentation.
#5 Divo The Swift- reason: Faster run/walk speed.
The Wind Elemental DruidThe only physical damage dealer in the game that
casts his physical attacks . Hence requires physical enhancing / debuffing mercs or even supportive ones. Either will work.
Main damage output orientation = Physical (and cold) damage.
Recommended Mercenaries:
#1 Fiona The Befuddled- reason: Holy Freeze or Decrepify proccing (assuming choice of bow)/ Crowd control.
#2 Azrael The Vicious- reason: Decrepify curse proccing resulting in -50% dr to enemies.
#3 Kasim The Medic- reason: Mana & Life regeneration.
#4 Haphet The Just- reason: Knockback / Crowd control.
The Fire Elemental DruidAs with another fire oriented char, much like the fire sorc, nothing beats more elemental damage given by -% resistances. Hazade the Judge will do the trick.
Main damage output orientation = Elemental fire damage.
Recommended Mercenaries:
#1 Hazade The Judge- reason: Conviction (-83% defense,
-85@ elemental resistances).
BM PvP ListThe list below will be concise and short. This shouldn't really be in the guide but since I've seen people open topics about this subject as well recently, I'd figure I'd give them the pleasure. Mercs are 1 hit kill in pvp, so I'd hardly recommend any, if at all.
The ideal merc for the following PvP chars: Javazons, Trappers, Light & Fire (and in this case, cold as well) sorcs and Fire elemental druids (yes, shamans too
):
Act 2 Desert Mercenary - Hazade the JudgeNo evil creature in this game is innocent. They are all convicts who must be put down! Hazade will provide with the ultimate Conviction aura, rendering their resistances (and immunities (light), in some of them) useless. This is a supporter type merc build.
Recommended Hiring Difficulty- Nightmare.
Recommended Merc Type- Defense (Holy Freeze).
WeaponInfinity Runeword- No other choice here, as a javazon you will be doing elemental damage, and Infinity gives you just that - reduced enemies' elemental (light, in this case) resistance.
Level 12 Conviction Aura When Equipped, +35% Faster Run/Walk, +255-325% Enhanced Damage, -(45-55)% To Enemy Lightning Resist, 40% Chance, Crushing Blow,Prevent Monster Heal,0.5-49.5 To Vitality (Based on Character Level). Level 12 Conviction = -85@ elemental resistances (light/cold/fire), -83% defense.
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 infinity 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.
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.
The ideal merc(s) for the following PvP chars: Bowzon, Kicksin, Summoner, Whirl-Wind, Zealot, Smiter, Werewolf (Fury based):
Act 2 Desert Mercenary - Azrael The ViciousAzarel's efficiency is brutal power. He simply slaughters. Offensive type mercenary.
Recommended Hiring Difficulty- Nightmare.
Recommended Merc Type- Offense (Might Aura).
Weapon#1- Eth Reaper's Toll- +190-240% Enhanced Damage, Ignore Target's Defense, Adds 4-44 Cold Damage, 11-15% Life Stolen Per Hit, 33% Deadly Strike,
33% Chance To Cast Level 1 Decrepify On Striking, Requirements -25%- Simply the most vicious merc weapon in the game. High %ED, Great %LL, cold damage to debilitate the enemies further, 33% deadly strike (!) and most powerful trait - 33% CTC to the most horrible of curses - Decrepify, making the mob lose 50% physical resistance (removes Physical Immunity as well), and lose 50% mobility. Socket with 15/40.
#2- Eth Tomb Reaver- +200-280% Enhanced Damage (varies), +150-230% Damage To Undead (varies), +60% Increased Attack Speed, +250-350 To Attack Rating Against Undead (varies), All Resistances +30-50 (varies), 10% Reanimate As: Returned, +10-14 Life After Each Kill (varies). Socket with 15/40's.
#3- Eth Hone Sundan- +160-200% Enhanced Damage (varies), Adds 20-40 Damage,
45% Chance of Crushing Blow, Repairs 1 Durability In 10 Seconds, Socketed (3). Massive %CB so I decided putting it in with the "killer" weapons. Experienced it myself, it's worth its place here. Intertwined with
Guillaume's Face makes your mercenary have a minimum of
80% Crushing Blow, with 3 sockets (+1 helm socket- 4 sockets) to spare! Socket with 15/40's.
Helm#1- Guillaume's Face- Hands down the best helm for a "killer" type merc. Nothing outweighs these stats: 30% FHR,
35% Crushing Blow, 15% Deadly Strike, +15 Strength. Socket with 15/40.
#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. Socket with 15/40's.
Armor#1- Treachery Runeword- 5% Chance to Cast slvl 15 Fade when Struck, +45% Increased Attack Speed, +20% Faster Hit Recovery, Resist Cold +30%. The IAS here will help reach the IAS breakpoint with ease. Fade is also great %CTC.
#2- Fortitude Runeword- The "off-damage" armor.
+300% Enhanced Damage, +200% Enhanced Defense, +15 Defense, +1-1.5 To Life (Based on Character Level), Replenish Life +7,+5% To Maximum Lightning Resist, All Resistances +25-30, Damage Reduced By 7.
#3- 160/60 Armor- Use this if you can't reach the last FPA with your setup.
The ideal merc(s) for the following PvP chars: Hammerdin, Bone Necromancer, Wind Elemental Druid, Berserker Barb:
Act 2 Desert Mercenary - Kasim the MedicWielding 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).
WeaponInsight 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.
ConclusionThe guide presented before you does not claim to be completely fulfilling in any way. Yes, there may be other types of builds which are not included here, and you're free to post them along. This is a revised & extended version of
Various Mercenary Builds , and nothing more.
I would like to give thanks to:
JayPee- for approving the usage of his guide to create a larger, more detailed guide.
Eywa(Faelwen)- for facts approval.
Scaryghoul- for helping out in the editing of the guide.
For everyone else whom I pm'd and received help regarding the act 5 mercenaries.
This will be my final guide submission, and probably my final post in JSP. I will come from time to time to check up on things. Be free to pm me since I will not be post-answering anymore questions. To all I wish a good day, and goodbye.
Regards,
Lee.