Every Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred Mercenary Explained

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.

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.