Mercenaries: Difference between revisions

Mercenaries: Difference between revisions

Created page with "__NOTOC__ Mercenaries are hired combat allies available to all players. Unlike pets and homunculi, mercenaries are temporary companions summoned through contracts and can provide powerful combat support for a limited time. == Overview == Mercenaries provide: * '''Direct combat support''' — They actively fight alongside you * '''Unique skills''' — Each mercenary type has specialized abilities * '''Stat bonuses''' — Random buffs when summoned * '''Flexible hiring''..."
 
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__NOTOC__
__NOTOC__
Mercenaries are hired combat allies available to all players. Unlike pets and homunculi, mercenaries are temporary companions summoned through contracts and can provide powerful combat support for a limited time.
Mercenaries are hired combat companions available to all classes. Unlike homunculi (Alchemist-exclusive) or pets, mercenaries are temporary allies that fight alongside you for a set duration.


== Overview ==
== Overview ==


Mercenaries provide:
Mercenaries provide:
* '''Direct combat support''' — They actively fight alongside you
* '''Active combat support''' — They attack enemies and use skills
* '''Unique skills''' — Each mercenary type has specialized abilities
* '''Temporary contracts''' — Limited duration, must be re-summoned
* '''Stat bonuses''' — Random buffs when summoned
* '''Class variety''' — Archer, Lancer, and Sword types available
* '''Flexible hiring''' — Available to any class
* '''No level requirements''' — Available to any character with the scrolls


{{Note|Unlike homunculi (Alchemist-only) or pets, mercenaries can be used by any class!}}
{{Note|Mercenaries are available to ALL classes, making them useful for characters without other companion options.}}


== Getting Mercenaries ==
== Getting a Mercenary ==


=== Mercenary Contracts ===
=== Mercenary Scrolls ===


Mercenaries are summoned using '''Mercenary Contracts'''. You can obtain contracts from:
To summon a mercenary, you need the appropriate '''Mercenary Scroll''':


* '''Mercenary NPCs''' — Located in major cities
{| class="wikitable"
* '''Monster drops''' — Certain monsters drop contracts
! Scroll Type !! Mercenary Type !! Where to Get
* '''Quests''' — Some quests reward contracts
|-
| Archer Mercenary Scroll || Archer (Ranged DPS) || NPC purchase, drops
|-
| Lancer Mercenary Scroll || Lancer (Balanced melee) || NPC purchase, drops
|-
| Sword Mercenary Scroll || Sword (Tank) || NPC purchase, drops
|}


=== Summoning ===
=== Summoning ===


Use a Mercenary Contract from your inventory to summon the mercenary. Each contract summons a specific mercenary for a limited duration.
# Obtain a Mercenary Scroll
# Double-click the scroll in your inventory
# The mercenary appears and begins following you
# The contract timer starts immediately


== Mercenary Types ==
== Mercenary Types ==
There are three main types of mercenaries, each with 10 grades:


=== Archer Mercenaries ===
=== Archer Mercenaries ===


Ranged attackers with high DEX and damage output.
Ranged DPS specialists with bow skills:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Grade !! Name !! Specialty
! Grade !! Name !! Key Skills
|-
| 1 || Mina || Basic ranged attacks
|-
|-
| 2 || Dororu || —
| 1-3 || Archer Mercenary || Double Strafe, Arrow Shower
|-
|-
| 3 || Nami || —
| 4-6 || Bowman Mercenary || Double Strafe, Arrow Shower, Improve Concentration
|-
|-
| 4 || Elfin || —
| 7-10 || Crossbow Mercenary || Double Strafe, Arrow Shower, Ankle Snare
|-
| 5 || Clara || —
|-
| 6 || Dali || —
|-
| 7 || Karaya || —
|-
| 8 || Hiyori || —
|-
| 9 || Kanna || —
|-
| 10 || Ryunou || Elite archer, highest damage
|}
|}


'''Skills:''' Arrow Shower, Double Strafe, Arrow Repel, Focus Arrow Strike
Best for: Ranged damage, kiting, staying safe from melee enemies


=== Lancer Mercenaries ===
=== Lancer Mercenaries ===


Melee fighters with balanced offense and defense.
Balanced melee fighters with spear skills:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Grade !! Name !! Specialty
! Grade !! Name !! Key Skills
|-
|-
| 1 || Rodin || Basic melee attacks
| 1-3 || Lancer Mercenary || Pierce, Brandish Spear
|-
|-
| 2 || Lancer || —
| 4-6 || Spearman Mercenary || Pierce, Spiral Pierce, Spear Boomerang
|-
|-
| 3 || Nathan || —
| 7-10 || Pikeman Mercenary || Pierce, Spiral Pierce, Head Crush
|-
| 4 || Roan || —
|-
| 5 || Orizaro || —
|-
| 6 || Thyla || —
|-
| 7 || Ben || —
|-
| 8 || Pinaka || —
|-
| 9 || Kuhlmann || —
|-
| 10 || Lancer || Elite lancer, best stats
|}
|}


'''Skills:''' Pierce, Brandish Spear, Spear Stab, Spiral Pierce
Best for: Balanced damage and survivability, versatile combat


=== Sword Mercenaries ===
=== Sword Mercenaries ===


Tanky melee fighters with high HP and defense.
Tank-oriented fighters with defensive capabilities:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Grade !! Name !! Specialty
! Grade !! Name !! Key Skills
|-
|-
| 1 || Miho || Basic tank/melee
| 1-3 || Swordsman Mercenary || Bash, Provoke
|-
|-
| 2 || Reira || —
| 4-6 || Fencer Mercenary || Bash, Bowling Bash, Endure
|-
|-
| 3 || Kiria || —
| 7-10 || Knight Mercenary || Bash, Bowling Bash, Cavalry Mastery
|}
 
Best for: Tanking, drawing aggro, protecting you from damage
 
== Contract Duration ==
 
Mercenary contracts have limited time:
 
{| class="wikitable"
! Contract Type !! Duration
|-
|-
| 4 || Tomori || —
| Standard || 30 minutes
|-
|-
| 5 || Shinobu || —
| Extended || 60 minutes
|-
|-
| 6 || Succubus || —
| Premium || 90 minutes
|-
| 7 || Incubus || —
|-
| 8 || Lisa || —
|-
| 9 || Michael || —
|-
| 10 || Knight || Elite swordsman
|}
|}


'''Skills:''' Bash, Magnum Break, Bowling Bash, Parrying
{{Note|Contract time counts down in real-time, even while standing still. Use your mercenary efficiently!}}


== Contract Duration ==
== Mercenary Faith ==


Mercenary contracts have limited duration:
The '''Mercenary Faith''' system tracks your relationship with the Mercenary Guild:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Contract Type !! Duration
! Faith Level !! Benefits
|-
|-
| Standard Contract || 30 minutes
| Low || Access to Grade 1-3 mercenaries only
|-
|-
| Extended Contract || 60 minutes
| Medium || Access to Grade 4-6 mercenaries
|-
|-
| Premium Contract || 90 minutes
| High || Access to Grade 7-10 mercenaries
|}
|}


{{Note|When the contract expires, the mercenary disappears automatically.}}
=== Gaining Faith ===
 
* Successfully complete mercenary contracts
* Don't let your mercenary die
* Use mercenaries frequently
 
=== Losing Faith ===
 
* Mercenary dies during contract
* Abandoning contracts early
* Mercenary idling without combat


== Summoning Bonuses ==
== Random Summon Buff ==


When you summon a mercenary, they receive a random buff that lasts for '''5 minutes''':
When summoning a mercenary, you may receive a random '''5-minute buff''':


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Buff !! Effect
! Buff !! Effect
|-
|-
| Flee Up || Increased Flee
| Flee Up || +Flee
|-
|-
| ATK Up || Increased Attack
| ATK Up || +ATK
|-
|-
| HP Up || Increased Max HP
| HP Up || +Max HP
|-
|-
| SP Up || Increased Max SP
| SP Up || +Max SP
|-
|-
| HIT Up || Increased HIT
| HIT Up || +HIT
|}
|}


The strength of the buff varies randomly (level 1-5).
The buff level (1-5) is random and depends on your Faith level.


== Commands ==
== Mercenary Behavior ==


You can control your mercenary with these commands:
=== Control Modes ===


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Key/Command !! Action
! Mode !! Behavior
|-
|-
| '''Ctrl + T''' || Open mercenary information window
| Aggressive || Attacks any enemy in range
|-
|-
| '''Alt + T''' || Open mercenary command window (if available)
| Passive || Only attacks what you attack
|-
|-
| '''Ctrl + R''' || Open mercenary skills
| Standby || Follows you but doesn't attack
|}
|}


=== Behavior Modes ===
=== Combat AI ===


* '''Aggressive''' — Mercenary attacks nearby enemies automatically
* Mercenaries use skills automatically based on situation
* '''Passive''' — Mercenary only attacks when commanded
* They will attempt to stay near you
* '''Standby''' — Mercenary follows but doesn't attack
* If you move too far, they teleport to your location
* They cannot enter certain instances or maps


== Mercenary Faith ==
== Idle Detection ==


{{Important|Mercenary Faith is a loyalty system. Using mercenaries builds Faith, which may unlock benefits.}}
To prevent AFK abuse:
* Mercenaries won't give you EXP/loot if you're idle
* Idle detection includes: walking, attacking, skill use, item use
* Simply commanding your mercenary doesn't count as activity


* Faith increases with mercenary use
{{Warning|Stay active while using mercenaries! AFK farming with mercenaries doesn't work.}}
* Higher faith may provide better summon rates or bonuses
* Faith can decrease if mercenaries die frequently


== Idle Prevention ==
== Mercenary NPCs ==


Similar to homunculi, mercenary EXP/loot sharing has idle detection:
{| class="wikitable"
 
! NPC !! Location !! Services
* Idle players won't receive benefits from mercenary kills
|-
* Idle detection includes: walking, skill use, attacking, item use
| Mercenary Manager || Prontera (various) || Purchase scrolls, check Faith
* Stay active while your mercenary fights!
|-
| Mercenary Manager || Alberta || Purchase scrolls, check Faith
|-
| Heaven NPC || <code>@go main</code> || Check for convenience NPCs
|}


== Tips for Using Mercenaries ==
== Tips for Mercenary Users ==


{{Tip|
{{Tip|
* '''Match mercenary to content''' — Use Archers for ranged safety, Swords for tanking
* '''Match mercenary to content''' — Use Archers for ranged safety, Swords for tanking tough mobs
* '''Watch the timer''' — Don't let contracts expire mid-fight
* '''Watch the timer''' — Don't waste contract time in town
* '''Stock up on contracts''' — Keep multiple contracts for extended farming
* '''Stay active''' — Keep fighting to benefit from mercenary kills
* '''Use the random buff''' — Time difficult content for when you have a good buff
* '''Use higher grades''' — Grade 7-10 mercenaries are significantly stronger
* '''Control positioning''' — Keep mercenaries between you and mobs if you're squishy
* '''Stack with pets''' — You can have both a mercenary AND a pet active
}}
}}


== Mercenary vs Homunculus vs Pet ==
== Mercenaries vs. Other Companions ==


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Feature !! Mercenary !! Homunculus !! Pet
! Aspect !! Mercenaries !! Pets !! Homunculus
|-
|-
| Available to || All classes || Alchemist line only || All classes
| Available to || All classes || All classes || Alchemist line only
|-
|-
| Combat ability || Active fighter || Active fighter || Passive buffs only
| Duration || Temporary (30-90 min) || Permanent || Permanent
|-
|-
| Duration || Time-limited || Permanent || Permanent
| Combat || Active fighter || Usually passive || Active fighter
|-
|-
| Leveling || No || Yes || No
| Cost || Scroll per summon || One-time tame || Embryo creation
|-
|-
| Maintenance || None || Feeding || Feeding
| Leveling || No || No || Yes
|-
|-
| Skills || Pre-set || Learnable || None
| Skills || Pre-set by grade || Usually none || Learnable
|}
|}


== NPC Locations ==
== Common Mercenary Scrolls ==


Find Mercenary Contract NPCs in:
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Item !! Mercenary Type !! Grade
* '''Prontera''' — Near the center fountain
|-
* '''Alberta''' — Near the docks
| {{Item|12153|Bowman Scroll 1}} || Archer || 1
* '''Heaven (Main Office)''' — <code>@go main</code>
|-
| {{Item|12154|Bowman Scroll 2}} || Archer || 2
|-
| {{Item|12155|Bowman Scroll 3}} || Archer || 3
|-
| {{Item|12163|Fencer Scroll 1}} || Sword || 1
|-
| {{Item|12164|Fencer Scroll 2}} || Sword || 2
|-
| {{Item|12165|Fencer Scroll 3}} || Sword || 3
|-
| {{Item|12173|Spearman Scroll 1}} || Lancer || 1
|-
| {{Item|12174|Spearman Scroll 2}} || Lancer || 2
|-
| {{Item|12175|Spearman Scroll 3}} || Lancer || 3
|}


== See Also ==
== See Also ==


* [[Pet_System]] — Companion pets
* [[Pet_System]] — Permanent pet companions
* [[Homunculus]] — Alchemist companions
* [[Homunculus]] — Alchemist-exclusive companions
* [[Game_Mechanics]] — Core game systems
* [[Game_Mechanics]] — Core game mechanics


[[Category:Game Systems]]
[[Category:Game Systems]]
[[Category:Mercenaries]]
[[Category:Mercenaries]]

Latest revision as of 03:21, 25 December 2025

Mercenaries are hired combat companions available to all classes. Unlike homunculi (Alchemist-exclusive) or pets, mercenaries are temporary allies that fight alongside you for a set duration.

Overview

Mercenaries provide:

  • Active combat support — They attack enemies and use skills
  • Temporary contracts — Limited duration, must be re-summoned
  • Class variety — Archer, Lancer, and Sword types available
  • No level requirements — Available to any character with the scrolls

â„šī¸ Note: Mercenaries are available to ALL classes, making them useful for characters without other companion options.

Getting a Mercenary

Mercenary Scrolls

To summon a mercenary, you need the appropriate Mercenary Scroll:

Scroll Type Mercenary Type Where to Get
Archer Mercenary Scroll Archer (Ranged DPS) NPC purchase, drops
Lancer Mercenary Scroll Lancer (Balanced melee) NPC purchase, drops
Sword Mercenary Scroll Sword (Tank) NPC purchase, drops

Summoning

  1. Obtain a Mercenary Scroll
  2. Double-click the scroll in your inventory
  3. The mercenary appears and begins following you
  4. The contract timer starts immediately

Mercenary Types

Archer Mercenaries

Ranged DPS specialists with bow skills:

Grade Name Key Skills
1-3 Archer Mercenary Double Strafe, Arrow Shower
4-6 Bowman Mercenary Double Strafe, Arrow Shower, Improve Concentration
7-10 Crossbow Mercenary Double Strafe, Arrow Shower, Ankle Snare

Best for: Ranged damage, kiting, staying safe from melee enemies

Lancer Mercenaries

Balanced melee fighters with spear skills:

Grade Name Key Skills
1-3 Lancer Mercenary Pierce, Brandish Spear
4-6 Spearman Mercenary Pierce, Spiral Pierce, Spear Boomerang
7-10 Pikeman Mercenary Pierce, Spiral Pierce, Head Crush

Best for: Balanced damage and survivability, versatile combat

Sword Mercenaries

Tank-oriented fighters with defensive capabilities:

Grade Name Key Skills
1-3 Swordsman Mercenary Bash, Provoke
4-6 Fencer Mercenary Bash, Bowling Bash, Endure
7-10 Knight Mercenary Bash, Bowling Bash, Cavalry Mastery

Best for: Tanking, drawing aggro, protecting you from damage

Contract Duration

Mercenary contracts have limited time:

Contract Type Duration
Standard 30 minutes
Extended 60 minutes
Premium 90 minutes

â„šī¸ Note: Contract time counts down in real-time, even while standing still. Use your mercenary efficiently!

Mercenary Faith

The Mercenary Faith system tracks your relationship with the Mercenary Guild:

Faith Level Benefits
Low Access to Grade 1-3 mercenaries only
Medium Access to Grade 4-6 mercenaries
High Access to Grade 7-10 mercenaries

Gaining Faith

  • Successfully complete mercenary contracts
  • Don't let your mercenary die
  • Use mercenaries frequently

Losing Faith

  • Mercenary dies during contract
  • Abandoning contracts early
  • Mercenary idling without combat

Random Summon Buff

When summoning a mercenary, you may receive a random 5-minute buff:

Buff Effect
Flee Up +Flee
ATK Up +ATK
HP Up +Max HP
SP Up +Max SP
HIT Up +HIT

The buff level (1-5) is random and depends on your Faith level.

Mercenary Behavior

Control Modes

Mode Behavior
Aggressive Attacks any enemy in range
Passive Only attacks what you attack
Standby Follows you but doesn't attack

Combat AI

  • Mercenaries use skills automatically based on situation
  • They will attempt to stay near you
  • If you move too far, they teleport to your location
  • They cannot enter certain instances or maps

Idle Detection

To prevent AFK abuse:

  • Mercenaries won't give you EXP/loot if you're idle
  • Idle detection includes: walking, attacking, skill use, item use
  • Simply commanding your mercenary doesn't count as activity

âš ī¸ Warning: Stay active while using mercenaries! AFK farming with mercenaries doesn't work.

Mercenary NPCs

NPC Location Services
Mercenary Manager Prontera (various) Purchase scrolls, check Faith
Mercenary Manager Alberta Purchase scrolls, check Faith
Heaven NPC @go main Check for convenience NPCs

Tips for Mercenary Users

💡 Tip:

  • Match mercenary to content — Use Archers for ranged safety, Swords for tanking tough mobs
  • Watch the timer — Don't waste contract time in town
  • Stay active — Keep fighting to benefit from mercenary kills
  • Use higher grades — Grade 7-10 mercenaries are significantly stronger
  • Stack with pets — You can have both a mercenary AND a pet active

Mercenaries vs. Other Companions

Aspect Mercenaries Pets Homunculus
Available to All classes All classes Alchemist line only
Duration Temporary (30-90 min) Permanent Permanent
Combat Active fighter Usually passive Active fighter
Cost Scroll per summon One-time tame Embryo creation
Leveling No No Yes
Skills Pre-set by grade Usually none Learnable

Common Mercenary Scrolls

Item Mercenary Type Grade
12153.png Bowman Scroll 1 (#12153) Archer 1
12154.png Bowman Scroll 2 (#12154) Archer 2
12155.png Bowman Scroll 3 (#12155) Archer 3
12163.png Fencer Scroll 1 (#12163) Sword 1
12164.png Fencer Scroll 2 (#12164) Sword 2
12165.png Fencer Scroll 3 (#12165) Sword 3
12173.png Spearman Scroll 1 (#12173) Lancer 1
12174.png Spearman Scroll 2 (#12174) Lancer 2
12175.png Spearman Scroll 3 (#12175) Lancer 3

See Also