Hirelings

Hey guys, I'm new to the mod. I'm following suchbalance's Tantrumdin guide, just about level 40, on my way to Mephisto. So far, when my follower dies I just buy a different one to see what the skills look like.

How important are hirelings in MXLU? Any recommended ones to take? Recommended gearing?

Thanks.

depends on your needs, whats your current problem? is it tanking is it damage?
hirelings are quiet useul for early - mid game

When properly equipped mercs are absurd.

A1 mercs do a lot of damage, but are super squish.
A2 mercs tank well and add utility.

A3 mercs are great (especially bloodmages, who are borderline unklillable)
A5 mercs do tons of damage, tank very well, give a great aoe buff, and have a thunderslam

I made some runewords for my Bloodmage and he is destroying everything in A4 before I even get in range for tantrum. Are they useful late game though?

As Asteroth said: if geared properly they can clear trash by themselves. Don't expect them to be useful in mechanical boss fights or around instagibs, though.

any good gear suggestions for a5 mercs?
so far i use quark, t6 robe of leaves, and spirit walk (dont have clawfeet).
rest are random items with dr/resist (witchhunters cap, ashaeras armor, baron gloves and nirad ammy for buff duration)
how can i improve him?

only thing that rly matter is the weap, get him a random craft with balefire orb lifeleach and %ed dmg

i rather he bloodlusts me instead

Asteroth wrote:A3 mercs are great (especially bloodmages, who are borderline unklillable)

Gurl, my Abjurer was probably immortal. And did absurd damage. Bloodmages should take notes.

Bloodmage > abjurer

I remember when i was farming nilh for signets, i switched to bloodmage (from a5 merc) and my god the game got so much easier. Bloodmage wrecks everything in nilh's temple.

Plus his gift of inner fire is really nice