Been away for quite a while. Just made 120 adv/crafter. I don't raid, and only group (duo) with wife occasionally. I know it won't matter drastically, but I'd still like to make the best choice. Is the mage still better for taking on encounters and hunters better for single targets? Also, I usually don't use mercs except when it looks like I might be in over my head, or to take on a named maybe. Do mercs matter much in solo play (or any play)? My wife has Rafik up most of the time, but neither of us are power players. (duh) Seems the game has changed so much, and I am trying to keep it simple, but man o' man! TIA for any help. 8o)
The aery hunter, scout, is the best one to go with. Mercs are more of a personal decision of "what can and can't I do with or without one"
As far as mercs go, currently, you have access to something called a 'mercenary battalion buff." You get this when merc reaches 5, 10 and 20 iirc. Also, in order to get it, the merc needs to be a "hire anywhere." You only get this by, surprise, spending DBC to unlock that. What the merc offers varies by merc.
