Ever fantasized about seeing Joan of Arc leading Roman Centurions into battle, or Hannibal Barca commanding Japanese Samurai to sack Rome? With the latest update to Age of Empires Mobile, these scenarios can become a reality thanks to the new Mercenary Troops system.
Starting at level 26, players can unlock the Mercenary Camp, a new structure that enables you to contract and recruit powerful units from other factions. Not only can you hire these mercenaries, but you can also unlock and upgrade tech to enhance their capabilities on the battlefield. To kick things off, a new event is now live, allowing you to secure your first batch of mercenaries for free.
The Mercenary Troops system introduces a diverse array of units to your arsenal, including Byzantine Cataphracts, Swiss Pikemen, Persian Immortals, Indian Battle Elephants, Roman Centurions, Egyptian Chariot Archers, Japanese Samurai, and Korean Archers. Each of these units comes with the potential for tech upgrades, further boosting their already impressive battlefield prowess.
The introduction of the Mercenary Troops system evokes memories of Total War games, where overwhelming foes with hired swords was a thrilling strategy. While this addition might split opinions—potentially disrupting the game's balance—it's an exciting new layer of strategy for players to explore.
Only time will tell how this system plays out in the hands of the community. Perhaps we'll even see unique units like the historical Landsknechts added in future updates. The possibilities are intriguing, and we'll have to wait and see what unfolds.
If you're looking to get started with the best heroes to unlock, check out our comprehensive guides for Age of Empires Mobile. Our tier list ranks all the heroes by power, helping you distinguish the top-tier from the less effective ones.