In the first expansion of Diablo 4, titled “Vessel of Hatred,” players can recruit Mercenaries to aid them in their journeys throughout Nahantu and beyond. There are four distinct Mercenaries available for recruitment via the Den, each possessing unique abilities that enhance gameplay.
You can take one Mercenary and one Reinforcement into your adventures. Your chosen Mercenary will actively fight alongside you, while the Reinforcement will only join in under specific conditions. Below, we’ve evaluated each Mercenary from least to most effective based on their performance in combat.
### 4. Aldkin
Aldkin is designed with an intriguing look, yet unfortunately, he’s the least effective Mercenary option. His main drawback is a passive ability that randomly turns him into a demon for 22 seconds. While in this form, both you and nearby foes become vulnerable, and dealing damage depletes your resources over three seconds. This can be a significant setback, as running out of resources can hinder your performance.
Though he has potential with his Flame Surge skills, his damage output becomes less impressive in higher Torment levels compared to your own. In addition, while he does offer some utility through debuffs like Daze and Stun, other Mercenaries provide even better utility options.
### 3. Varyana
Varyana shines when it comes to boosting mobility. Her primary Perk enhances your movement speed based on your kill streak, stacking up to 100 times for a maximum 20% speed increase. This bonus is highly beneficial for low-mobility builds, though classes with inherent speed will find it slightly less impactful.
Her skills include inflicting Bleed damage, enhancing Attack Speed, and debuffing foes. However, her overall damage output remains minimal in any of her skill trees, making her utility the main attraction. She’s a solid choice if your build lacks mobility or speed-enhancing skills.
### 2. Subo
Subo stands out with his ability to mark nearby enemies and resources on the minimap, aiding visibility during chaotic encounters. His “Seeker” ability marks an enemy every 20 seconds, with a successful kill restoring some resources and refreshing the Seeker cooldown.
While he offers good utility akin to Varyana, his added capability of marking targets gives him an edge in locating enemies during Helltide events and other areas. Plus, his combat support includes slowing, knocking down enemies, and boosting damage over time effects, which can suit builds focused on Poison or Bleed.
### 1. Raheir
Raheir is the first Mercenary you’ll unlock and undoubtedly the strongest. He excels in damage reduction abilities that come into play during perilous situations. His core Perk, “Valiance,” negates damage that would otherwise be lethal, allowing him to control the battlefield effectively by knocking down enemies and rendering you invulnerable for a brief period.
His skills are a mix of support effects, including taunts and debuffs that both protect and empower your character. Overall, the utility Raheir provides sets him apart, making him the best choice for any player seeking a reliable companion in Diablo 4.