Summary
Diablo 4’s Vessel of Hatred expansion introduces four mercenary companions for players to recruit as they explore the new region of Nahantu, each of whom can assist players in combat. Combat isn’t the only thingVessel of Hatred’s mercenariesare good for, however, as they bring a secret weapon to the table that AI companions aren’t generally known for.
Vessel of Hatred’s mercenaries bring an entirely different element to the game, but beneath the gameplay benefits they provide are memorable personalities that help each character feel alive inDiablo 4. This ultimately sets them apart from common AI companions and adds even more substance toDiablo 4’s lore-filled world.
Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred’s Mercenaries Have Personality
AI Companions Are Often Bland and Only Useful for Gameplay
Vessel of Hatred could have easily incorporated bland and forgettableAI companionsinto its gameplay, as that is a common misstep in games that include such features. After all, so long as a game’s AI companions benefit the player’s gameplay, they don’t really need to be much more than a mere tool serving to assist the player at every turn. Unfortunately, gameplay benefits aside, AI companions are somewhat of a wasted space when they aren’t given unique personalities, but that is somethingDiablo 4’s Vessel of Hatred expansion specializes in with its mercenaries.
The Personalities of Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred’s Mercenaries Is Refreshing
Diablo 4’s Vessel of Hatred expansionincludes four mercenaries for players to recruit, each of whom has a memorable personality and backstory. Firstly, there’s Raheir the Shield Bearer, who loves to drink and can often be heard talking about rum or offering to buy his companions a round. This large man exudes confidence and can be quite intimidating, but he has a very tender heart that he is not afraid to wear on his shoulders. Much of this is seen in the profound love he shares for his daughter, Fayira, a foundling that he has taken care of for quite some time.
His paternal characteristics are also revealed in his affectionate care for Aldkin the Cursed Child, another mercenary, during their conversations in the Den.
Aldkin is as innocent as they come, though he initially attempts to put on a show to scare the player away. Once his defenses are lowered, he exhibits the boundless purity of a child, despite his immense power. Unlike Raheir, Subo the Bounty Hunter is ruthless, unapologetic, and a bit self-seeking. However, he can occasionally succumb to tenderness should he unexpectedly breach a friend’s boundaries. Varyana is odd, but likely only due to her history as a cannibal. She stands out as a loyalcompanion inDiablo 4, as she devotes herself to the service of those she owes her life to. She also mostly keeps to herself, preferring to avoid the temptation of cannibalism.
In spite of their memorable personalities and backstories, it could be argued that Vessel of Hatred’s mercenaries still dropped the ball in one way. Specifically, they almost never engage in conversation with the player character as they exploreDiablo 4’s Sanctuarytogether unless there is a specific story beat related to them. Players really get to hear the mercenaries speak outside their own recruitment quests at the Den, as they frequently converse with one another. That is one of Vessel of Hatred’s better features, however, as some of the conversations that happen between the mercenaries at the Den are more than worth witnessing.
Vessel of Hatred’s mercenaries are undoubtedly one of the best things about the expansion, as they bring anew element toDiablo 4that livens it up a bit more and helps the player’s journey not to feel so lonely. This is exacerbated by the fact that each mercenary in Vessel of Hatred has a unique personality and backstory, making them vastly more interesting than the AI companions found in many other games.
Diablo 4
WHERE TO PLAY
Diablo® IV is the ultimate action RPG experience with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish dungeons, and legendary loot. Embark on the campaign solo or with friends, meeting memorable characters through beautifully dark settings and a gripping story, or explore an expansive end game and shared world where players can meet in towns to trade, team up to battle world bosses, or descend into PVP zones to test their skills against other players – no lobbies necessary – with cross-play, cross-progression, and couch co-op on Xbox.This is only the beginning for Diablo® IV, with new events, stories, seasons, rewards, and more looming on the horizon.
