I'm trying to figure out the best merc setup(s) for a standard 125 fcr cookie-cutter hammerdin running primarily P8 CS on SP HC (enigma/hoto/cta/spirit/magefist/1soj+1x10fcr rings/WTs and so on).
I'm curious if it's possible to have an A5 merc would have lawbringer (sanctuary aura plus decrep) or plague (cleansing aura ) and perhaps occasionally a lower resist) with flickering flame (fire ref aura) and perhaps an ias'd duriel's shell (for CBF for faster procs Tyraels may be better however I do not possess it) could beat an A2 merc because there is no need for infinity as an Hammerdin?
I'm thinking that blades with phase would be the best base to runewords with two weapons as I'm not planning on high damage from the merc but rather quick procs. I'm not sure about the FF base, but it could be one with high def to minimize the risk of proccing lower resistance on Plague.
I'm thinking that the most important challenge would be an A2 Prayer merc with an eye (thresher) plus treachery and IAS/FR Andy's to get 75% breakpoint or max resists and fade proc, or a excellent mana/hp regens to have the convenience of not having to pot when you take severe harm... It's likely that you do not need the insight mana regen, if you have soj and a good enough BO, and occasionally it's kind of wasteful.
Alternately, an a2 as well be holy freeze that has shael'd reaper's toll and an IAS'd Kira (cbf+res) and treachery to get 75% breakpoint, decrep and fade. Holy freeze is probably the best particularly with diminish (massive crowd control, and therefore lower damage output from e.g. de Seis), but I personally do not like using it in D2R as it's difficult to differentiate normal monsters from uniques or champions - thus I'd prefer Might for the added damage.
What type of merc setups are you using and what do you suggest? Are there any new and innovative options for 2.4 that is better than the tried and tested A2 setups for Hammerdin?
Edit: I additionally have dual grief-based PB and treachery and arreat's (or perhaps something that has CBF) as an a5 merc that is available to me. I'm not sure if the damage number could be a tad insane in the presence of a strong enough concentration aura provided by the Hammerdin.
Edit2 However as a hammerdin, your damages in CS is already insanely high, therefore the support aspect is more crucial.
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Jul-01-2022