With Vessel of Hatred, Diablo 4 is getting a new feature that you probably already know from Diablo 3 and Diablo 2: companions. In the expansion, these NPCs are called mercenaries and are apparently much more extensive than before.
What kind of companions are these?
This is the new detail: The experts at wowhead have been able to derive a few functions of the mercenaries from a single item. The item is actually just a new resource that will be coming with Vessel of Hatred: “Pale Marks”.
These badges directly indicate several features:
The whole mercenary feature is apparently tied to a reputation system. The experts got the screenshot from the gameplay of barbarian icon Rob, who, as he says, completely overlooked the detail in his own recordings (via YouTube).
In our summary you will find all the information about Vessel of Hatred. We have gameplay and information about Spiritborn for you here:
Mercenaries in Vessel of Hatred – More than the companions in Diablo 3
Compared to the NPCs from previous parts, there is a lot more to this feature. In Diablo 2 and Diablo 3, mercenaries could accompany you, but you could only skill and equip them to a certain extent.
This meant you could take companions with you who either supported you, could tank for you, or even became so strong that they could do damage at your side as an almost full-fledged character.
Now in Diablo 4, according to current information, the mercenaries are more of a separate faction with which you collect reputation. However, we don’t yet know to what extent you can equip and level up the NPCs yourself.
At the moment there are quite a few speculations about Vessel of Hatred and many fans are jumping on every detail they can find. In an official presentation by Blizzard they even found new information about the endgame: New video for Diablo 4 accidentally shows secret details about Vessel of Hatred – but don’t get too excited