The following contains spoilers for Diablo 4's Vessel of Hatred expansion.
Diablo 4's Vessel of Hatred expansion brings several new additions to the game with its story that follows Neyrelle into Nahantu, including new skills for the base game's classes and the new Spiritborn class. One of Vessel of Hatred's best features, however, is its mercenaries, who can fight alongside the player during their travels in Diablo 4's Sanctuary.
Each of Vessel of Hatred's mercenaries has a unique backstory and role in Diablo 4's gameplay, making recruiting them all more than worthwhile. Beginning with Raheir, players can recruit up to four mercenaries in Vessel of Hatred, each of whom provides unique lore and gameplay benefits.
Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred's Character Progression Changes Explained
Diablo 4's Vessel of Hatred expansion brings with it a vast number of changes to the game's character progression, including a new level cap and more.
Every Vessel of Hatred Mercenary's Story and Role
Raheir the Shield Bearer Is a Steelsmith From Gea Kul
Raheir the Shield Bearer is the first mercenary players meet in Vessel of Hatred, after being sent by Nawal to find him, as he has been keeping an eye on Neyrelle and likely knows which direction she has headed. Raheir is a very large man and a steelsmith in Gea Kul, where he has his own workshop near the city's center. He lives with Fayira, who he calls his "daughter" and who affectionately refers to him as "Papa," despite actually being a foundling.
After some unfortunate events, including the loss of Raheir's right arm, he takes the player to the Den, where he formerly led the mercenary company "The Pale Hand." At this point, Raheir cannot return to Gea Kul, as the Knights would follow him to the city and put Fayira and Gea Kul at risk. From the Den, Raheir offers his services to the player as a hired mercenary, where he works best as a tank, though he can also deal substantial damage should players want more offensive power on their side.
Subo the Bounty Hunter Is a Ruthless, Ranged Expert
Though there is no particular order in which players can recruit Vessel of Hatred's mercenaries after Raheir, Subo the Bounty Hunter might be the second mercenary players choose to recruit due to his vicinity to the hideout. It's very easy to discern his extensive history with Raheir, as he has an unmistakable trust in the Shield Bearer. Apart from this honorable quality, however, Subo is ruthless and a bit ill-mannered — a quality he likely inherited after being shunned and disgraced by those who once relied on him. Upon agreeing to join the Pale Hand, Subo travels to the Den and offers his skills in ranged combat and traps.
Aldkin the Cursed Child Is a Half-Human, Half-Demon Creature
Aldkin the Cursed Child was tragically born as a half-human, half-demon creature after the First Khazra performed rituals on his mother in the Dark Citadel. According to a letter in Aldkin's home, it seems the child lost control of his powers at some point and accidentally killed his father, Kuo Chosah. The letter, specifically named "Partially Burned Letter," suggests Kuo Chosah might have been burned alive while writing it. Once the player finds Aldkin in his home, the child takes up residence in the Den and can then assist players in combat with his unique fire and fear-based skills.
Varyana the Berserker Crone Is a Former Cannibal
Varyana the Berserker Crone was once a cannibal before turning on her clan, making her backstory one of the darkest of Vessel of Hatred's mercenaries. Her initial quest is one of vengeance, promising to assist the player as a mercenary if they help her exact revenge upon the cannibal chieftains who banished her, Grelkar the Craven and Zolmog Venomblood. Upon finding Grelkar, the player and Varyana kill him, but she then performs a flesh-eating ritual that reveals Guulrahn as Zolmog's location. The two travel to Guulrahn, eliminate Zolmog, and then Varyana offers her damage-over-time and knockdown skills to the Pale Hand.
Diablo 4
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 88 /100 Critics Rec: 93%
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 epic campaign solo or with friends, meeting memorable characters through a gripping story in a beautifully dark world, or explore an expansive end game: battle iconic bosses for powerful loot, fight back the encroaching onslaught of Hell in Helltides, master the Forge to create your ultimate weapons and progress powerful characters, with cross-play and cross-progression on all available platforms.
Discover the critically acclaimed franchise that defined the Action RPG genre. As the battle between the High Heavens and Burning Hells rages on, hatred devours Sanctuary as evil spreads and a new wave of cultists and worshippers arise to embrace Lilith’s coming. Only a brave few dare to face this threat and bring light to the all-consuming darkness.
Expansive Open WorldForge your own path through the corrupted lands of Sanctuary, an ever-growing, fully explorable world teeming with challenges, quests, enemies, and loot. Join your fellow adventurers, rescue and retake besieged towns, delve into nightmarish dungeons and uncover lost secrets as you fight back evil. The many zones of Sanctuary are yours to explore, and with rotating areas of extreme peril like World Bosses and Helltide, danger lurks at every turn.
Immersive Character DevelopmentCreate and customize your character to face the encroaching darkness. Choose from one of five classes and build your hero with skills, abilities and cosmetics, creating a champion that is uniquely your own. Grow stronger as you progress through powerful Skill Trees and develop even more unique end game specializations with Paragon Boards.
Legendary Gear, Epic BattlesDiscover and experiment with a vast arsenal of powerful weapons, armor and more to fight back against the demons threatening Sanctuary. Explore unique combinations, create your own upgrades and collect a plethora of powerful tools to battle in immersive, action-packed combat against the deadliest of enemies.
Seasons & EventsThe tales of Sanctuary continue to unfold. Create Seasonal Characters and join in fresh adventures - master new mechanics and take on the latest threats in each new Season. Complete harrowing feats of the Season Journey and earn new Battle Pass rewards. Plus, sharpen your swords and get in the spirit of the seasons when Limited-Time Events sweep through Sanctuary.
End Game UndertakingsThere’s even more Diablo® IV to explore as you reach higher levels and more fearsome World Tiers. Face the greatest challenge yet as you take on the most powerful demons in The Pit, steel yourself against Uber Bosses to reap uber unique rewards, fight back overflowing armies of Hell as Helltides emerge across Sanctuary, battle larger-than-life World Bosses, and master the Forge to create the mightiest weapons fit for a hero.
- Engine
- Proprietary Engine
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- All platforms
- Cross Save
- All platforms
- Franchise
- Diablo
- Number of Players
- 1-2 players
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Verified
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Hack and Slash
- How Long To Beat
- 26 Hours
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- File Size Xbox Series
- 158.25 GB
- Local Co-Op Support
- 1-2 players (console only)
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
