In Path of Exile 3.26, selecting the right "mercenary" – broadly interpreted as your primary minion or support companion strategy – for endgame content depends heavily on your build and playstyle. Some "mercenaries" excel at dealing damage, while others provide crucial support through auras and debuffs. Consider your character's strengths and weaknesses when choosing a companion, and look for those that truly complement your build PoE 1 Currency.



Damage-Focused Companions



In situations where your damage output is lacking, certain minions can greatly enhance your total damage. These companions are particularly beneficial for builds that are robust defensively but require additional offensive capabilities, or for players seeking quicker clearing times.



Spectres: Consider utilizing strong offensive Spectres such as the Wicker Man (fire damage, area of effect ignites), Redemption Sentry (cold damage, rapid projectiles), or agile Slave Drivers (lightning damage, excellent for clearing). Their inherent abilities can effectively augment your damage profile.



Animate Guardian (Offensive): Although typically employed for support roles, an Animate Guardian outfitted with offensive gear like Dying Breath (which boosts your spell damage) or certain gloves that apply curses on hit can enhance damage output, particularly when paired with Minion Instability or other sacrificial tactics.



Support & Utility Companions



Often, the most effective "mercenary" is not solely defined by their damage output but rather by their ability to enhance your character's defenses, deliver essential buffs, or inflict strong debuffs on adversaries. This choice often proves to be more beneficial for numerous endgame builds.



Spectres: Support Spectres such as the Arena Master (which offers a formidable aura that increases attack/cast speed and damage for both you and your minions), Carnage Chieftain (which generates Frenzy Charges for your minions and possibly for you), or Host Chieftain (which generates Power Charges) can significantly improve the performance of your build.



Animate Guardian (Support King): The Animate Guardian excels in a supportive capacity. When equipped with items like Kingmaker (providing Fortify, Culling Strike, and high Crit Multi for both you and your minions), Grasping Mail (which enhances aura effects), or even defensive shields, your AG can deliver substantial defensive and offensive enhancements, rendering your character considerably more resilient and formidable.



Synergy and Adaptation



The "best" mercenary is highly subjective and depends entirely on your specific character and the content you're tackling. A damage-focused build might benefit most from a defensive support companion, while a tanky character might need more offensive punch to speed up encounters. Consider how their abilities interact with your chosen ascendancy, skill gems, and passive tree.



Long-Term Investment and PoE 1 Currency



Building an optimal endgame companion often requires significant investment in minion-specific gear, gems, and passive points. The cost of these items and the time spent leveling can be substantial, often requiring a good grasp of the PoE 1 Currency for sale market to trade efficiently for the necessary materials and unique items, ensuring your companion reaches its full potential.



Choosing your endgame mercenary in Path of Exile 3.26 boils down to a strategic assessment of your build's needs and a willingness to experiment.