Followers and mercenaries have been a major part of the Diablo franchise’ gameplay since the first game, but does Diablo 4 feature any kind of follower system? Here’s what you need to know.
Ever since we summoned our first Golem from a spellbook in Diablo 1, it’s been fun to fight alongside AI companions in the series. In fact, followers have become a staple in the Diablo series, with each game pushing the envelope further.
Some games have allowed us to summon minions, raise the dead, hire mercenaries, or partner up with other characters for the duration of the game, forming unique pairings.
Diablo 4’s emphasis on multiplayer, open-world design, and live service elements took away the requirement for NPC followers unless it was for a particular story quest. However, that’s all set to change in the upcoming Vessel of Hatred DLC.
Mercenaries & followers in Diablo 4
Blizzard has confirmed that mercenaries will be making a comeback in the Diablo 4 Vessel of Hatred DLC.
While we don’t know much about how they’ll work, we do know that there will be at least four different classes and that they’ll level alongside our characters. It’s likely that the system will be similar to Diablo 3’s, in that we’ll be able to equip our mercenaries with gear and buffs.
It also seems likely that different mercenaries will suit different classes and like Diablo 3’s follower system, these mercenaries might offer unique dialogue and form relationships with each other and the player character.
Check out the latest trailer showing each of the mercenaries in action:
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Or the system could resemble Diablo 2, in that the mercenaries follow us, level with us, and fight alongside us, but don’t contribute much to the story or have much of a character. However, they could be from different factions from the Diablo universe, such as the Iron Wolves.
Mercenaries in Diablo 2 & 3
So we’ve got a clear understanding of how mercenaries work, in Diablo 2 players could hire mercenaries to aid them in battle, equipping them with armor and weapons to keep them protected and prepared to face the forces of Hell.
Each town offered a different style of warrior and certain classes benefited from some mercenaries’ combat abilities more than others. For example, the more fragile Sorceress was well served by hiring a powerful Barbarian to rush into combat while she pelted demons with spells from afar. On the other hand, classes that favored close-quarter combat benefitted more from a mercenary who could provide them with ranged or elemental support.
In Diablo 3, mercenaries were replaced by full-time followers who each had their own storylines, unique abilities, and fighting styles. The player character met the Templar, Scoundrel, and Enchantress during the first Act of Diablo 3. They then joined their party as companions on their quest. Based on their abilities and personalities, every follower had a unique set of dialog when paired with each of the Diablo 3 character classes.
The Crusader class shares a lot of the same values and abilities as the Templar, so they get along on well. The same goes for the Wizard and the Enchantress. However, classes like the Necromancer have little to say to characters like the Scoundrel, at least at first. In time, every class becomes fast friends with all three of the followers, but the fun is in the journey – and listening to their hilarious banter.
Like in Diablo 2, certain follower combat styles suit different classes. Barbarians and Crusaders benefit from ranged or elemental support from the Scoundrel or Enchantress, while more magic-focused classes will find the tanky Templar a useful combat buddy. It can be fun to pair classes with followers that compliment their style or offer something that’s otherwise lacking.
While we’re waiting for Diablo 4 Vessel of Hatred, you can check out of build guides for each class, the Barbarian, Necromancer, Rogue, Druid, and Sorcerer.
