Mercs levels

[Unazitrap]

What's the highest initial level for mercs?

I mean, if I'm lvl 99 and I buy an a5 merc in hell, I suppose he will not be lvl 98... right? :prop:

More to the point, I want to buy an a2 hell merc, at what level should I do it so I don't have to level him a lot?

Thank you.

[Aeonios]

You can buy and rebuy mercs as much as you like (as long as you have the gold), just take off their gear before doing it. In 1.11 you can now buy mercs that are about 5-1 levels below you if I'm not mistaken. That number might be a little off but you can buy them at least at your lvl -1 most of the time. However, I suggest buying one from normal. Norm a2 mercs get the same auras as hell a2 mercs, only can have higher lvl auras, get better stats more life higher res for their level. Not to mention they're cheaper in norm. Depending on what you need your merc for, I'd say wait till you're lvl 85, or if you have the gear and he can wear it, as early as 80. It might take you a few tries to get a merc with the aura you want at your lvl -1, but it shouldn't take you more than 3 tries to find one.

[Unazitrap]

Very nice answer, thank you for your time.
Just to clarfy:
In 1.11 you can now buy mercs that are about 5-1 levels below you if I'm not mistaken.

So, if I'm lvl 99 I will get mercs to hire from 94 to 98. Right?

[Aeonios]

It might be lower than 94, but yeah that's the general idea, you'll be able to buy lvl 98 mercs from any merc dealer in any difficulty. They won't always have lvl 98 mercs though, but very often they will.