Diablo 4 introduces a new feature with Vessel of Hatred that you probably already know from Diablo 3 and Diablo 2: companions, or Companions. In the expansion, these NPCs are called mercenaries and are apparently much more extensive than before.
What are these Companions?
- Blizzard has already introduced NPCs that accompany you only temporarily before the release of Diablo 4.
- With Vessel of Hatred, there are now mercenaries who are supposed to serve as permanent companions. 4 different Companions with their own abilities and advantages are already known, and there are said to be a total of 6.
- In the preview, the Companions already sounded similar to the mercenaries from Diablo 2. Now, thanks to gameplay of the Spiritborn, we have some more information.
Here is the new detail: The experts from wowhead have been able to derive some functions of the mercenaries from a single item. The item is actually just a new resource that will come with Vessel of Hatred: “Pale Marks”, which translates roughly to “Pale Badges”.
These badges directly bring hints of several features:
- The resource itself is used to purchase trade agreements and items through barter.
- These contracts are available in the “Mercenary Den”, which is the hideout of the mercenaries. This is also new information.
- You receive the badges by increasing the rapport with the mercenaries. This works through “various activities”.
- From rank 5 with one of the mercenaries, you can engage in barter with them.
The entire mercenary feature is thus apparently tied to a reputation system. The screenshot was taken by the experts from the gameplay of the barbarian icon Rob, who, as he said, completely overlooked the detail in his own recordings (via YouTube).
In our summary, you will find all information about Vessel of Hatred. Gameplay and information about the Spiritborn are here for you:
Mercenaries in Vessel of Hatred – More than the companions in Diablo 3
Compared to the NPCs from previous titles, the feature now clearly has much more behind it. In Diablo 2 and Diablo 3, mercenaries could accompany you, but you could only skill and equip them to a certain degree.
You could take companions with you who either supported you, could tank for you, or even became so strong that they dealt damage as almost a fully-fledged character by your side.
Now in Diablo 4, the mercenaries are, according to current information, more of a separate faction with which you gather reputation. However, we do not yet know to what extent you can equip and level the NPCs yourself.
At the moment, there are quite a few assumptions about Vessel of Hatred and many fans are diving into every detail they can find. In an official presentation by Blizzard, they even found new information about the endgame: A new video about Diablo 4 accidentally shows secret details about Vessel of Hatred – But don’t get too excited too soon
