If merc falls behind on levels, you can just hire a new one with higher level (remove the gear first or it will be lost).įortitude grants 20% chance to cast level 15 Chilling Armor when struck (Sorc buff usable by any class). They get much more exp if they kill a monster but only a small part if you do. They can only gain experience from monsters that you or they kill (merc will not level up by leeching in the party). They can't out level you, they can only match your level (max is 98 lvl).

Since Patch 1.11 (2005) leveling merc (hiring at lvl 2+ and exping to 80+) is no longer necessary, they will have the same stats if you hire at high level, as long as you hire on Normal or the lowest difficulty available.

If hired on Normal, they will have higher stats than if hired on NM / Hell (e.g. Armor type affects movement speed, we sell light armors like Archon Plate in our merc packs. A2 Hireling has a fixed weapon range of 3 despite of the equipped weapon.

They deal much less (and take extra) damage from monster bosses (Diablo etc.) and also do reduced damage in PvP. If merc makes a kill, your MF/GF will add to his (example: you have 200%, he has 30%, his kills will be 230%). You can heal them with potions (shift + 1 2 3 4 is the default keybind). Ethereal items do not lose durability (eth items are 50+% stronger compared to non-eth). Desert Mercenary can use Spears, Polearms, Javelins and has ability to Jab. His survivability depends on dealing enough damage for Life Steal to work, that is why Andariel's Visage, eth elite weapon and Fortitude are the perfect combination.ĭefense (Normal): Defiance (party friendly)ĭefense (Nightmare): Holy Freeze (casters) He will survive quite a lot, as long as you do not let mobs swarm him or let him tank Act Bosses like Diablo.

Hireling will buff your character and even help you kill monsters, also in 8 players Hell game. Unique and Set items can get additional socket(s), which will be filled with appropriate runes/gems or jewels. *Platinum gear already includes socket and jewel.

Infinity merc diablo 2