Merc weapons....?

[papyrus]

Can an Act3/Act5 merc use a phase blade or a zerker?
Also can Act5 merc use a shield?

I am thinking about equipping the merc with hand of justice but not sure what weapon to make.

[diablo2addict]

a phase blade should be usable by an act3 merc 'cause it's a one handed sword. a berzerker axe is an axe so it shouldn't be usable by either.

actv mercs can't use shields

[Gungak]

List of items Mercs can use
maybe helpful

Act 1: Rogue Scouts
Bows(not crossbows)

Act 2: Desert Warriors
Spears, Lances, Polearms

Act 3: Iron Wolves (Magi)
Swords With shields

Act V: Barbarians
Swords for Melee Fighting
May not dual-wield

[thegiantturtle]

List of items Mercs can use
maybe helpful

Act 1: Rogue Scouts
Bows(not crossbows)

Act 2: Desert Warriors
Spears, Lances, Polearms

Act 3: Iron Wolves (Magi)
Swords With shields

Act V: Barbarians
Swords for Melee Fighting
May not dual-wield

you missed act 2 mercs using javelins. Act 3 mercs can only use 1-handed swords. Act 5 mercs can use both 1-handed or 2-handed swords.

For an Act 5 merc, use a big fast 2 handed-sword.

[papyrus]

If I want to equip my merc with phase blade, does the 136 dex requirement work with the act3 merc attribute (say at level 87)?

I dont want to waste the runes. So if the merc cannt do much damage, I want to use it on my char instead (thats the reason I am thinking about using a phase blade for the HOJ runewords).

[thegiantturtle]

If I want to equip my merc with phase blade, does the 136 dex requirement work with the act3 merc attribute (say at level 87)?An Act 3 merc hired in Normal, will have 112 dex at level 87. They gain 1 dex per level.

If you don't care about resale value or reuseability, then you can put the HOJ in a weaker weapon (Act 3 mercs don't attack with their weapon).