Merc advice

[dutes]

hey everyone, i've been playing d2 for a while although I've only just discovered these forums.
I've come back to the game after a fairly long hiatus and have decided to start a new game.
I'm playing 1.11 SP unmodded with no extras or programs, as a barb with a view to building a frenzy/ww hybrid and was wondering what sort of merc (and what sort of equipment) would work best for this type of build.
I've considered an act I merc to give me some ranged support and for this reason i also considered an act III cold merc, since chilling my enemies before i get into the fray could only be a good thing. But i also considered an act II merc, well kitted out with some nice armour and a good high damage, leeching weapon with any out of holy freeze, might, or defiance as his aura.

I don't know which way to go though and having not played for quite a while I really don't know which way would be best to go.

Any thoughts?

[PhatTrumpet]

The decision is indeed tough for unmodded, untwinked (I assume) single player.

I would stay away from Rogue Mercs as their usefulness is somewhat limited without a decent bow.

If you had access to ladder runewords I'd probably suggest going with the Act 3 Cold Merc since 'Stealth' and 'Spirit' alone make them about as good as they can get. But since you don't, I think you might have better luck with an Act 2 Merc, either Might, Holy Freeze, or Blessed Aim (your Shout should boost your defense enough so that Defiance wouldn't help much). If you feel your chance to hit is too low, go with Blessed Aim. If you feel your damage is lacking, go with Might. If you feel like you're taking too much damage, go with Holy Freeze.

[dutes]

I too was leaning toward and act II merc, either with holy freeze to add a bit more crowd control ability or blessed aim, hopefully WW and leap attack will render the lack of a ranged ally not a problem.

Given that this (you were right) is unmodded and untwinked, what sort of equipment would best compliment my frenzy barb (i'm talking about merc equipment)?

[PhatTrumpet]

It depends a whole lot on what you're able to find. Runes are easy enough to get a hold of, so a fairly reasonable setup might be:

'Malice' or 'Honor' polearm
'Smoke' armor
Tal's mask or crafted 'Blood' helm

Uniques/sets will of course improve upon this if you manage to find any:

Woestave, Kelpie Snare, Hwanin's Bill, Hone Sundan, Bec-de Corbin, Partizan...
Duriel's Shell
Rockstopper, Guillaume's Face, Crown of Thieves, Vampire Gaze...

[A Redneck]

I would go with an act 2 merc, holy freeze is a blessing in big crowds mabey a cruel wepon for some gg dmg on him and a Guillaume's Face dont know what armor id go with in singel.