Mercenaries need to go core!

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VoidWhisperer42#5989 wrote:

Instead of just hiring one and getting busted auras or curses right away, you’d start with a weak merc and level them up using gold, currency, or other sinks. Over time, you unlock stronger versions, maybe they specialize in auras, curses, buffs, or utility roles and gradually become more impactful.

They could also have merc-specific gear slots alongside regular items. Some gear might boost their aura effects, others might unlock new support abilities, or just let them carry stronger equipment for better synergy with your build. It’s a long-term investment, not a free ride.

I'm liking this approach a lot. Take notes GGG, take notes.

Bump for mercenaries to go core at the end of this month!

They aren't going core cus they're too OP and would ruin the meta and make it boring and bland. Its a chore to gear up your merc. Also Doryani's Prototype exists. They'd have to giga nerf the item or delete it lol

They didn't even let us keep charms or ascendancies from Affliction League. We didn't even get to keep the funny equippable character relic from Sanctum League which gave like 2 stats. And you think they'd let you keep a whole extra NPC that gives quant buffs AND aoe auras from their items? That would completely break the game in half and make balancing literally any unique a nightmare.

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Toforto#2372 wrote:

Its a chore to gear up your merc.

Hey now, you can just throw currency at it, can't you? I'd imagine someone buying 30+ challenges every league can afford to spend a little extra on mercenary gear. Or you know, you don't have to engage with the mechanic if you don't like it, this is a objective fact.

It really is that easy!

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Celestriad#0304 wrote:

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Toforto#2372 wrote:

Its a chore to gear up your merc.

Hey now, you can just throw currency at it, can't you?

Its a good thing I won't have to, because this league is never going core. What makes you think they'd let players have such a huge boost of powercreep when they didn't even leave the Crucible weapon skill trees in the game lmao

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Toforto#2372 wrote:

Its a good thing I won't have to, because this league is never going core.

I'll believe it when GGG says otherwise. Until then the dream is alive - for a better core game and gameplay loop. :)

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Toforto#2372 wrote:

because this league is never going core.

Source: Trust me Bro moment?

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Celestriad#0304 wrote:

Until then the dream is alive - for a better core game and gameplay loop. :)

Even if they don't add it right away next league, there's always the chance that they reintroduce it sometime later :)

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Toforto#2372 wrote:

They aren't going core cus they're too OP and would ruin the meta and make it boring and bland. Its a chore to gear up your merc. Also Doryani's Prototype exists. They'd have to giga nerf the item or delete it lol

It reads more like a hidden subtext than a genuine concern, one about mercs making it to core and players ending up getting farmed by Pixel a bit more often than preferred. The worry about the game becoming “boring and bland” feels somewhat ironic when the experience itself is often shaped by simply buying challenges each league, rather than truly engaging with the core gameplay. It comes across less as a balance discussion and more like a quiet nudge to keep things comfortably familiar.

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Celestriad#0304 wrote:

for a better core game and gameplay loop. :)

Oh, absolutely, who wouldn’t be excited about more variety and a fresh gameplay loop? Build diversity is like the ultimate treat for every player, especially with mercs shaking things up.

Sure, maybe some are holding onto that one setup that’s already barely keeping afloat, but even then, mercs could inject some much needed vitality and spice into it. Honestly, it feels like a win-win for everyone.
Who wouldn’t want that? :)