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* ''VideoGame/TheyAreBillions'' has a building called the Inn that allows the player to recruit mercenaries. Mercenary units are regular infantry units, except they arrive already upgraded to Veteran status (granting higher DPS and hit points). Unlike regular infantry, the Inn only keeps a small number in stock, refreshed regularly, limiting how quickly they can be recruited.
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* All cards in ''VideoGame/HearthstoneHeroesOfWarcraft'' are divided into one of the game's classes or are Neutral. Class cards can only go into decks for that class, while Neutral cards can go in any deck. Something that game designer Ben Brode has talked about is that Neutral cards are designed to be less efficient than class cards, since they're much more likely to define a metagame by virtue of being allowed to go anywhere. They also tend to have more generalized design compared to a class's relatively focused ones, and they exclude any mechanics that are only given to one class (for example, the Rogue's ''Combo'' cards or Druid cards that let you choose one of two effects). This is further complicated by the Warlock class's ability (Paying 2 mana and 2 life to draw an extra card up to once each turn) rewarding a deck filled with cheap, spammable cards, necessitating that Warlock cards are slightly less efficient than other classes, so Neutral cards must also be.
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This page is for the mercenaries as a game unit. For mercenaries in general, see PrivateMilitaryContractors.
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This page is for the mercenaries as a game unit. For mercenaries in general, see HiredGuns and PrivateMilitaryContractors.
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** In ''VideoGame/RomeTotalWar'' and ''VideoGame/Medieval2TotalWar'', mercenary units can be hired by the player, with the unit type and availability varying with region. Their price is steep, often at least double what it would cost to raise your own troops - and, in ''Rome'', mercenaries will get first dibs when [[{{Plunder sacking cities]] - but when you need [[CannonFodder bodies to carry ladders under a hail of arrows]], they'll do just fine. [[EliteMooks Particularly expensive mercenaries]] even outperform their recruited counterparts!
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** In ''VideoGame/RomeTotalWar'' and ''VideoGame/Medieval2TotalWar'', mercenary units can be hired by the player, with the unit type and availability varying with region. Their price is steep, often at least double what it would cost to raise your own troops - and, in ''Rome'', mercenaries will get first dibs when [[{{Plunder [[{{Plunder}} sacking cities]] - but when you need [[CannonFodder bodies to carry ladders under a hail of arrows]], they'll do just fine. [[EliteMooks Particularly expensive mercenaries]] even outperform their recruited counterparts!
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* ''VideoGame/TotalWar'':
** In ''VideoGame/RomeTotalWar'' and ''VideoGame/Medieval2TotalWar'', mercenary units can be hired by the player, with the unit type and availability varying with region. Their price is steep, often at least double what it would cost to raise your own troops - and, in ''Rome'', mercenaries will get first dibs when [[{{Plunder sacking cities]] - but when you need [[CannonFodder bodies to carry ladders under a hail of arrows]], they'll do just fine. [[EliteMooks Particularly expensive mercenaries]] even outperform their recruited counterparts!
** In ''VideoGame/RomeTotalWar'' and ''VideoGame/Medieval2TotalWar'', mercenary units can be hired by the player, with the unit type and availability varying with region. Their price is steep, often at least double what it would cost to raise your own troops - and, in ''Rome'', mercenaries will get first dibs when [[{{Plunder sacking cities]] - but when you need [[CannonFodder bodies to carry ladders under a hail of arrows]], they'll do just fine. [[EliteMooks Particularly expensive mercenaries]] even outperform their recruited counterparts!
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* ''TabletopGame/{{Warhammer}}'' has two variants. "Dogs of War" are generic mercenary troops, usually representing the petty human domains of Estalia and Tilea, stand-ins for Medieval Spain and Renaissance Italy, respectively. These pikemen, crossbowmen, etc. can be hired to supplement other armies, or form their own all-mercenary army, though in the latter case their willingness to fight is largely contingent on whether their general still has control of the army's pay chest. "Regiments of Renown" are more specialized and powerful mercenary units led by named characters, such as [[BowAndSwordInAccord Pirazzo's Lost Legion]], [[FlyingDutchman Richard Kreugar's Cursed Company]], [[OurDwarvesAreDifferent Long Drong's]] [[NinjaPirateZombieRobot Pirate Slayers]], [[DragonRider Asarnil the Dragonlord]], [[OurWerebeastsAreDifferent Beorg Bearstruck's Bearmen of Urslo]], [[PsychoForHire Menghil's]] [[GenuineHumanHide Manflayers]], and so on. They're elite units that can join other armies, but can often be picky about which ones they'll work with, though any combination of them can be part of a Dogs of War army.
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* ''TabletopGame/{{Warhammer}}'' has two variants. ''TabletopGame/WarhammerFantasy'':
** "Dogs of War" are generic mercenary troops, usually representing the petty human domains of Estalia and Tilea, stand-ins for Medieval Spain and Renaissance Italy, respectively. These pikemen, crossbowmen, etc. can be hired to supplement other armies, or form their own all-mercenary army, though in the latter case their willingness to fight is largely contingent on whether their general still has control of the army's paychest. chest.
** "Regiments of Renown" are more specialized and powerful mercenary units led by named characters, such as [[BowAndSwordInAccord Pirazzo's Lost Legion]], [[FlyingDutchman Richard Kreugar's Cursed Company]], [[OurDwarvesAreDifferent Long Drong's]] [[NinjaPirateZombieRobot Pirate Slayers]], [[DragonRider Asarnil the Dragonlord]], [[OurWerebeastsAreDifferent Beorg Bearstruck's Bearmen of Urslo]], [[PsychoForHire Menghil's]] [[GenuineHumanHide Manflayers]], and so on. They're elite units that can join other armies, but can often be picky about which ones they'll work with, though any combination of them can be part of a Dogs of War army.
** "Dogs of War" are generic mercenary troops, usually representing the petty human domains of Estalia and Tilea, stand-ins for Medieval Spain and Renaissance Italy, respectively. These pikemen, crossbowmen, etc. can be hired to supplement other armies, or form their own all-mercenary army, though in the latter case their willingness to fight is largely contingent on whether their general still has control of the army's pay
** "Regiments of Renown" are more specialized and powerful mercenary units led by named characters, such as [[BowAndSwordInAccord Pirazzo's Lost Legion]], [[FlyingDutchman Richard Kreugar's Cursed Company]], [[OurDwarvesAreDifferent Long Drong's]] [[NinjaPirateZombieRobot Pirate Slayers]], [[DragonRider Asarnil the Dragonlord]], [[OurWerebeastsAreDifferent Beorg Bearstruck's Bearmen of Urslo]], [[PsychoForHire Menghil's]] [[GenuineHumanHide Manflayers]], and so on. They're elite units that can join other armies, but can often be picky about which ones they'll work with, though any combination of them can be part of a Dogs of War army.
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* One expensive way to gain units in ''VideoGame/{{Kenshi}}'' is to hire members if the Mercenary Guild at a bar. Mercenaries have much higher-than-usual stats and tend to excel in combat, but are very pricey, making them unaffordable for poor parties.
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* One expensive way to gain units get allies in ''VideoGame/{{Kenshi}}'' is to hire members if of the Mercenary Guild at a bar. Mercenaries have much higher-than-usual stats and tend to excel in combat, but are very pricey, making them unaffordable for poor parties.
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* One expensive way to gain units in ''VideoGame/Kenshi'' is to hire members if the Mercenary Guild at a bar. Mercenaries have much higher-than-usual stats and tend to excel in combat, but are very pricey, making them unaffordable for poor parties.
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* One expensive way to gain units in ''VideoGame/Kenshi'' ''VideoGame/{{Kenshi}}'' is to hire members if the Mercenary Guild at a bar. Mercenaries have much higher-than-usual stats and tend to excel in combat, but are very pricey, making them unaffordable for poor parties.
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[[folder:Roguelikes ]]
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[[folder:Tactical RPG ]]
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[[folder:Tactical RPG ]]RPG]]
* One expensive way to gain units in ''VideoGame/Kenshi'' is to hire members if the Mercenary Guild at a bar. Mercenaries have much higher-than-usual stats and tend to excel in combat, but are very pricey, making them unaffordable for poor parties.
* One expensive way to gain units in ''VideoGame/Kenshi'' is to hire members if the Mercenary Guild at a bar. Mercenaries have much higher-than-usual stats and tend to excel in combat, but are very pricey, making them unaffordable for poor parties.
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Updated several entries.
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* ''Videogame/ActOfWar:High Treason''. Factions can recruit mercenaries by building a Mercenary Outpost. Mercenaries require an insurance fee and a small rolling fee after that. Also you can only recruit one team of mercs at a time.
* ''VideoGame/AgeOfEmpiresIII'' has this as a game mechanic. Every time players level up in a match, they can play a card, half of which are tech upgrades, whiel the other half send small armies to the Town Center. Some of these armies are composed of mercenary units which cannot be created in any other building in the civilization's tech tree.
** The ExpansionPack ''The Warchiefs'' introduced the Saloon building for the European civilizations, which allow them to hire mercenaries in exchange for gold.
** The ExpansionPack ''The Asian Dynasties'' introduced the Consulate for the Asian civilizations, which allow them to get buildings and units from another country in exchange for a civilization-specific resource called "Export", gathered automatically as the civilization gather the other types of resources.
* ''VideoGame/AgeOfEmpiresIII'' has this as a game mechanic. Every time players level up in a match, they can play a card, half of which are tech upgrades, whiel the other half send small armies to the Town Center. Some of these armies are composed of mercenary units which cannot be created in any other building in the civilization's tech tree.
** The ExpansionPack ''The Warchiefs'' introduced the Saloon building for the European civilizations, which allow them to hire mercenaries in exchange for gold.
** The ExpansionPack ''The Asian Dynasties'' introduced the Consulate for the Asian civilizations, which allow them to get buildings and units from another country in exchange for a civilization-specific resource called "Export", gathered automatically as the civilization gather the other types of resources.
to:
* ''Videogame/ActOfWar:High ''Videogame/ActOfWar: High Treason''. Factions can recruit mercenaries by building a Mercenary Outpost. Mercenaries require an insurance fee and a small rolling fee after that. Also you can only recruit one team of mercs at a time.
* ''VideoGame/AgeOfEmpiresIII'' has this as a game mechanic. Every time players level up in a match, they can play a card, half of which are tech upgrades,whiel while the other half send small armies to the Town Center. Some of these armies are composed of mercenary units which cannot be created in any other building in the civilization's tech tree.
** The ExpansionPack ''The Warchiefs'' introducedtree. In addition, there are also native settlements scattered across the Saloon map in any given match, and building for a Trading Post at said settlements allows players to recruit native warriors.
** All civilizations except theEuropean civilizations, Native American ones have a unique building in which allow them to hire they can train mercenaries and outlaws. The Europeans have the Saloon (Tavern in exchange for gold.
the ''[[UpdatedRerelease Definitive Edition]]'', with the Saloon being given to the American civilizations), the Asians have the Monastery, and the Africans have the Palace.
** TheExpansionPack ''The Asian Dynasties'' introduced the Consulate for the Asian civilizations, civilizations also have Consulate, which allow allows them to get buildings and units from another country in exchange for a civilization-specific resource called "Export", gathered automatically as the civilization gather the other types of resources.resources. Similarly, the African civilizations have a similar mechanic in that they age up by selecting a different alliance, which allows them to recruit units they would not normally have access to at the Palace in exchange for "Influence", their civilization-specific resource.
** In the ''Definitive Edition'', the aptly named Mercenary Contractor politician for the Europeans was reworked so that he would unlock a unique set of mercenaries depending on the civilization at the Tavern. On a similar note, the Swedes have access to "Contract" mercenary cards which not only ship a specific type of mercenary but also unlock that mercenary type for recruitment at the Tavern. Similar cards were later given to the Dutch, Germans, Maltese, and both American civilizations (the Mexicans and United States).
* ''VideoGame/AgeOfEmpiresIII'' has this as a game mechanic. Every time players level up in a match, they can play a card, half of which are tech upgrades,
** The ExpansionPack ''The Warchiefs'' introduced
** All civilizations except the
** The
** In the ''Definitive Edition'', the aptly named Mercenary Contractor politician for the Europeans was reworked so that he would unlock a unique set of mercenaries depending on the civilization at the Tavern. On a similar note, the Swedes have access to "Contract" mercenary cards which not only ship a specific type of mercenary but also unlock that mercenary type for recruitment at the Tavern. Similar cards were later given to the Dutch, Germans, Maltese, and both American civilizations (the Mexicans and United States).
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None
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* ''TabletopGame/{{Warhammer}}'' has two variants. "Dogs of War" are generic mercenary troops, usually representing the petty human domains of Estalia and Tilea, stand-ins for Medieval Spain and Renaissance Italy, respectively. These pikemen, crossbowmen, etc. can be hired to supplement other armies, or form their own all-mercenary army, though in the latter case their willingness to fight is largely contingent on whether their general still has control of the army's pay chest. "Regiments of Renown" are more specialized and powerful mercenary units led by named characters, such as [[BowAndSwordInAccord Pirazzo's Lost Legion]], [[FlyingDutchman Richard Kreugar's Cursed Company]], [[OurDwarvesAreDifferent Long Drong's]] [[NinjaPirateZombieRobot Pirate Slayers]], [[DragonRider Asarnil the Dragonlord]], [[OurWerebeastsAreDifferent Beorg Bearstruck's Bearmen of Urslo]], [[PsychoForHire Menghil's]] [[GenuineHumanHide Manflayers]], and so on. They're elite units that can join other armies, but can often be picky about which ones they'll work with, though any combination of them can be part of a Dogs of War army.
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[[folder: Tabletop Games ]]
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* ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons''. The ''TabletopGame/ForgottenRealms'' setting has a large number of mercenary groups, many of which are listed and detailed in the original grey 1st Edition boxed set and the 2nd Edition supplement ''Gold and Glory''. Most of them have fees so low that moderately well-off {{PC}}s could hire them.
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* ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons''. ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'':
** The ''TabletopGame/ForgottenRealms'' setting has a large number of mercenary groups, many of which are listed and detailed in the original grey 1st Edition boxed set and the 2nd Edition supplement ''Gold and Glory''. Most of them have fees so low that moderately well-off{{PC}}s PlayerCharacters could hire them.them.
** The 3rd Edition ''Arms and Equipment Guide'' has, among other things, a section on normal and exotic mercenary troops, which are treated similarly to non-combat hirelings. A basic skirmisher with padded armor, a buckler, sling and halfspear only costs 21 gold to hire up-front with a 2 silver piece daily wage, while a mercenary knight with a lance, half-plate and a barded warhorse will cost 1,671 gp up front and 24 sp per day. Mercenaries expect to face threats roughly equal to their capacities, and will become unfriendly or even hostile if their employers put them in unnecessary danger, either demanding more pay or ditching the party. "Monster" races can also make for effective mercenaries, but come with their own challenges: goblins are notoriously treacherous and cowardly, minotaurs might let their bloodlust consume them in the heat of combat, and centaurs bristle at being treated as pack animals and will refuse to carry more than their own gear, to say nothing of riders.
** The ''TabletopGame/ForgottenRealms'' setting has a large number of mercenary groups, many of which are listed and detailed in the original grey 1st Edition boxed set and the 2nd Edition supplement ''Gold and Glory''. Most of them have fees so low that moderately well-off
** The 3rd Edition ''Arms and Equipment Guide'' has, among other things, a section on normal and exotic mercenary troops, which are treated similarly to non-combat hirelings. A basic skirmisher with padded armor, a buckler, sling and halfspear only costs 21 gold to hire up-front with a 2 silver piece daily wage, while a mercenary knight with a lance, half-plate and a barded warhorse will cost 1,671 gp up front and 24 sp per day. Mercenaries expect to face threats roughly equal to their capacities, and will become unfriendly or even hostile if their employers put them in unnecessary danger, either demanding more pay or ditching the party. "Monster" races can also make for effective mercenaries, but come with their own challenges: goblins are notoriously treacherous and cowardly, minotaurs might let their bloodlust consume them in the heat of combat, and centaurs bristle at being treated as pack animals and will refuse to carry more than their own gear, to say nothing of riders.
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[[folder: Real Time Strategy ]]
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* ''Videogame/ActOfWar:High Treason''. Factions can recruit mercenaries by building a Mercenary Outpost. Mercenaries require an insurance fee and a small rolling fee after that. Also you can only recruit one team of mercs at a time.
* ''VideoGame/AgeOfEmpiresIII'' has this as a game mechanic. Every time players level up in a match, they can play a card, half of which are tech upgrades, whiel the other half send small armies to the Town Center. Some of these armies are composed of mercenary units which cannot be created in any other building in the civilization's tech tree.
** The ExpansionPack ''The Warchiefs'' introduced the Saloon building for the European civilizations, which allow them to hire mercenaries in exchange for gold.
** The ExpansionPack ''The Asian Dynasties'' introduced the Consulate for the Asian civilizations, which allow them to get buildings and units from another country in exchange for a civilization-specific resource called "Export", gathered automatically as the civilization gather the other types of resources.
* Egyptians in ''VideoGame/AgeOfMythology'' can hire mercenary infantry and cavalry that vanish once their timer expires.
* ''VideoGame/BlackCommand'' has mercenaries that you need to recruit in order to head out on missions. The mercenaries you can recruit consist of ranks, Rookie, Pro, Specialist, Veteran, Expert, Master and Legend in this order. Sometimes in collaboration events or special promos, you'll be able to recruit mercenaries based on actual or historical figures, or from other tie-in events that could for example grant access to characters from the ''Franchise/ResidentEvil'' franchise.
* ''VideoGame/CompanyOfHeroes'' allows factions to choose between one of three specialisms that confer a mix of passive bonuses, off-map support, and the ability to call-in exclusive mercenary units. Their applications can differ greatly. For example, the USA's Infantry Company offers Rangers, which essentially function like elite Riflemen. Other options are more specialist, such as the Armor Company's Sherman Calliope, which gives the USA rocket artillery.
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* ''[[VideoGame/{{Warcraft}} Warcraft III]]'':
** In some maps there are mercenary camps where "[[NeutralsCrittersAndCreeps creeps]]" can be hired for gold and lumber. Some have useful spells or abilities, but for the most part they tend to be underpowered. Except, of course, for the Dragon Roosts...
** One Alliance mission introduces mercenary units by giving you no other units to train, as Arthas is trying to deniably destroy his own ships to keep his troops from going home as they were ordered to by Uther. He then blames the mercenaries from the destruction.
** The expansion pack ''The Frozen Throne'' introduced the tavern, which is similar to the mercenary camp but you can hire {{Hero Unit}}s from it (though no more than three of the standard or mercenary heroes). It also allows you to revive a dead hero instantly, but at a much higher cost, at half HP, and no mana.
** In some maps there are mercenary camps where "[[NeutralsCrittersAndCreeps creeps]]" can be hired for gold and lumber. Some have useful spells or abilities, but for the most part they tend to be underpowered. Except, of course, for the Dragon Roosts...
** One Alliance mission introduces mercenary units by giving you no other units to train, as Arthas is trying to deniably destroy his own ships to keep his troops from going home as they were ordered to by Uther. He then blames the mercenaries from the destruction.
** The expansion pack ''The Frozen Throne'' introduced the tavern, which is similar to the mercenary camp but you can hire {{Hero Unit}}s from it (though no more than three of the standard or mercenary heroes). It also allows you to revive a dead hero instantly, but at a much higher cost, at half HP, and no mana.
to:
* ''[[VideoGame/{{Warcraft}} Warcraft III]]'':
**In some maps ''VideoGame/CrusaderKings'', rulers can hire mercenary companies who will abandon you as soon as you run out of gold. Alternatively, you can petition holy orders such as the UsefulNotes/KnightsTemplar to join your cause in exchange for Piety points, but they'll only fight against infidels.
* In ''VideoGame/EuropaUniversalis'' there are mercenarycamps units that act just like regular units except they cost considerably more to hire and maintain, but with the benefit that they don't draw from your manpower pool and are much faster to recruit. This makes them a good choice for nations with lots of spare cash but low manpower, or as a last resort when you desperately need more troops quickly.
* ''VideoGame/KnightsAndMerchants'' features the Town Hall, where"[[NeutralsCrittersAndCreeps creeps]]" units can be hired for multiple chests of gold and lumber. Some have useful spells or abilities, but for the most part they tend to be underpowered. Except, of course, for the Dragon Roosts...
** One Alliance mission introduces mercenary units by giving you no other units to train, as Arthas is trying to deniably destroy his own ships to keep his troops from going home as they were ordered to by Uther. He then blames the mercenaries from the destruction.
** The expansion pack ''The Frozen Throne'' introduced the tavern, which is similar to the mercenary camp(the regular warriors require a single chest, but you also need to produce weapons and armor for them).
* In ''VideoGame/LordsOfMagic'', you can either recruit units or hire mercenaries. Hired units are more expensive up front but cost less to maintain. Mercenaries are cheap upfront but are expensive to maintain. Their combat stats are the same either way.
* ''VideoGame/SinsOfASolarEmpire'' has a variant. Players can post anonymous bounties on rival empires and the [[HardCodedHostility pirates]] will focus their raids on the one with the highest price on their heads. Though the AI has a habit of bid sniping. In the ''Rebellion'' ExpansionPack, TEC-Rebels can hire{{Hero Unit}}s from it (though no more than three a small fleet of those selfsame pirates through the standard or mercenary heroes). It also allows you to revive a dead hero instantly, but at a much higher cost, at half HP, and no mana.broadcast station.
**
* In ''VideoGame/EuropaUniversalis'' there are mercenary
* ''VideoGame/KnightsAndMerchants'' features the Town Hall, where
** One Alliance mission introduces mercenary units by giving you no other units to train, as Arthas is trying to deniably destroy his own ships to keep his troops from going home as they were ordered to by Uther. He then blames the mercenaries from the destruction.
** The expansion pack ''The Frozen Throne'' introduced the tavern, which is similar to the mercenary camp
* In ''VideoGame/LordsOfMagic'', you can either recruit units or hire mercenaries. Hired units are more expensive up front but cost less to maintain. Mercenaries are cheap upfront but are expensive to maintain. Their combat stats are the same either way.
* ''VideoGame/SinsOfASolarEmpire'' has a variant. Players can post anonymous bounties on rival empires and the [[HardCodedHostility pirates]] will focus their raids on the one with the highest price on their heads. Though the AI has a habit of bid sniping. In the ''Rebellion'' ExpansionPack, TEC-Rebels can hire
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* ''VideoGame/SinsOfASolarEmpire'' has a variant. Players can post anonymous bounties on rival empires and the [[HardCodedHostility pirates]] will focus their raids on the one with the highest price on their heads. Though the AI has a habit of bid sniping. In the ''Rebellion'' ExpansionPack, TEC-Rebels can hire a small fleet of those selfsame pirates through the broadcast station.
* Egyptians in ''VideoGame/AgeOfMythology'' can hire mercenary infantry and cavalry that vanish once their timer expires.
* ''VideoGame/AgeOfEmpiresIII'' has this as a game mechanic. Every time players level up in a match, they can play a card, half of which send small armies to the Town Center[[note]]the other half are powerful tech upgrades[[/note]]. Some of these armies are composed of mercenary units which cannot be created in any other building in the civilization's tech tree.
** The ExpansionPack ''The Warchiefs'' introduced the Saloon building for the European civilizations, which allow them to hire mercenaries in exchange for gold.
** The ExpansionPack ''The Asian Dynasties'' introduced the Consulate for the Asian civilizations, which allow them to get buildings and units from another country in exchange for a civilization-specific resource called "Export", gathered automatically as the civilization gather the other types of resources.
* TheEmpire faction in ''Videogame/WarlordsBattleCry III'' has mercenary cavalry, which has the advantage of being recruited instantly. It can also hire random units from other factions as mercenaries for ConfusionFu.
* In ''VideoGame/LordsOfMagic'', you can either recruit units or hire mercenaries. Hired units are more expensive up front but cost less to maintain. Mercenaries are cheap upfront but are expensive to maintain. Their combat stats are the same either way.
* ''VideoGame/KnightsAndMerchants'' features the Town Hall, where units can be hired for multiple chests of gold (the regular warriors require a single chest, but you also need to produce weapons and armor for them).
* In ''VideoGame/CrusaderKings'' rulers can hire mercenary companies who will abandon you as soon as you run out of gold. And there's also holy orders such as the UsefulNotes/KnightsTemplar whom you can hire by spending piety but will only fight infidels.
* In ''VideoGame/EuropaUniversalis'' there are mercenary units that act just like regular units except they cost considerably more to hire and maintain, but with the benefit that they don't draw from your manpower pool and are much faster to recruit. This makes them a good choice for nations with lots of spare cash but low manpower, or as a last resort when you desperately need more troops quickly.
* Egyptians in ''VideoGame/AgeOfMythology'' can hire mercenary infantry and cavalry that vanish once their timer expires.
* ''VideoGame/AgeOfEmpiresIII'' has this as a game mechanic. Every time players level up in a match, they can play a card, half of which send small armies to the Town Center[[note]]the other half are powerful tech upgrades[[/note]]. Some of these armies are composed of mercenary units which cannot be created in any other building in the civilization's tech tree.
** The ExpansionPack ''The Warchiefs'' introduced the Saloon building for the European civilizations, which allow them to hire mercenaries in exchange for gold.
** The ExpansionPack ''The Asian Dynasties'' introduced the Consulate for the Asian civilizations, which allow them to get buildings and units from another country in exchange for a civilization-specific resource called "Export", gathered automatically as the civilization gather the other types of resources.
* TheEmpire faction in ''Videogame/WarlordsBattleCry III'' has mercenary cavalry, which has the advantage of being recruited instantly. It can also hire random units from other factions as mercenaries for ConfusionFu.
* In ''VideoGame/LordsOfMagic'', you can either recruit units or hire mercenaries. Hired units are more expensive up front but cost less to maintain. Mercenaries are cheap upfront but are expensive to maintain. Their combat stats are the same either way.
* ''VideoGame/KnightsAndMerchants'' features the Town Hall, where units can be hired for multiple chests of gold (the regular warriors require a single chest, but you also need to produce weapons and armor for them).
* In ''VideoGame/CrusaderKings'' rulers can hire mercenary companies who will abandon you as soon as you run out of gold. And there's also holy orders such as the UsefulNotes/KnightsTemplar whom you can hire by spending piety but will only fight infidels.
* In ''VideoGame/EuropaUniversalis'' there are mercenary units that act just like regular units except they cost considerably more to hire and maintain, but with the benefit that they don't draw from your manpower pool and are much faster to recruit. This makes them a good choice for nations with lots of spare cash but low manpower, or as a last resort when you desperately need more troops quickly.
to:
* Egyptians in ''VideoGame/AgeOfMythology'' can hire mercenary infantry and cavalry that vanish once their timer expires.
* ''VideoGame/AgeOfEmpiresIII'' has this as a game mechanic. Every time players level up in a match, they can play a card, half of which send small armies to the Town Center[[note]]the other half are powerful tech upgrades[[/note]]. Some of these armies are composed of mercenary units which cannot be created in any other building in the civilization's tech tree.
** The ExpansionPack ''The Asian Dynasties'' introduced the Consulate for the Asian civilizations, which allow them
* TheEmpire faction in ''Videogame/WarlordsBattleCry III'' has mercenary cavalry, which has the advantage of being recruited instantly. It can also hire random units from other factions as mercenaries for ConfusionFu.
* In ''VideoGame/LordsOfMagic'', you can either recruit units
* ''VideoGame/KnightsAndMerchants'' features the Town Hall, where units can be hired for multiple chests of gold (the regular
* In ''VideoGame/CrusaderKings'' rulers can hire mercenary companies who will abandon you as soon as you run out of gold. And there's also holy orders such as the UsefulNotes/KnightsTemplar whom you can hire by spending piety but will only fight infidels.
* In ''VideoGame/EuropaUniversalis'' there are mercenary units that act just like regular units except they cost considerably more to hire and maintain, but with the benefit that they don't draw
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** The Apocalypse DLC adds Marauders, a cross between SpacePirates and TheHorde in space. Normally, they send raiding fleets out to demand tribute from[=/=]pillage regular empires at random intervals, but any empire can also pay them to raid one of their rivals or hire an admiral or general to lead their military. After the first century of the game, they'll even start hiring out entire fleets as mercenaries, though said fleets will leave their clients and join up with the [[GalacticConqueror Great Khan]] if one arises.
** Overlord enables regular empires to convert fleets into mercenary enclaves that can hire out fleets and armies to other empires, they can also provide logistical support for a client (raising naval capacity) or provide trainers that increase fire rates. The empire that established the enclave can spend resources to upgrade them and in return is paid periodic dividends, and can persuade them to recall fleets hired out to their rivals.
* ''VideoGame/BlackCommand'' has mercenaries that you need to recruit in order to head out on missions. The mercenaries you can recruit consist of ranks Rookie - Pro - Specialist - Veteran - Expert - Master - Legend in this order. Sometimes in collaboration events or special promos, you'll be able to recruit mercenaries based on actual or historical figures or from other tie-in events.[[note]]The latter will consist of real and actual ties-in with the Resident Evil series.[[/note]]
* ''VideoGame/CompanyOfHeroes'' allows factions to choose between one of three specialisms that confer a mix of passive bonuses, off-map support, and the ability to call-in exclusive mercenary units. Their applications can differ greatly. For example, the USA's Infantry Company offers Rangers, which essentially function like elite Riflemen. Other options are more specialist, such as the Armor Company's Sherman Calliope, which gives the USA rocket artillery.
* ''Videogame/ActOfWar:High Treason''. Factions can recruit mercenaries by building a Mercenary Outpost. Mercenaries require an insurance fee and a small rolling fee after that. Also you can only recruit one team of mercs at a time.
* The ''VideoGame/StarcraftII'' custom map Diplomacy - DV lets you recruit local mercenaries if you control cities corresponding to their place of origins (e.g. Gallowglass archers from Ireland or Nubian warriors from Egypt).
** Overlord enables regular empires to convert fleets into mercenary enclaves that can hire out fleets and armies to other empires, they can also provide logistical support for a client (raising naval capacity) or provide trainers that increase fire rates. The empire that established the enclave can spend resources to upgrade them and in return is paid periodic dividends, and can persuade them to recall fleets hired out to their rivals.
* ''VideoGame/BlackCommand'' has mercenaries that you need to recruit in order to head out on missions. The mercenaries you can recruit consist of ranks Rookie - Pro - Specialist - Veteran - Expert - Master - Legend in this order. Sometimes in collaboration events or special promos, you'll be able to recruit mercenaries based on actual or historical figures or from other tie-in events.[[note]]The latter will consist of real and actual ties-in with the Resident Evil series.[[/note]]
* ''VideoGame/CompanyOfHeroes'' allows factions to choose between one of three specialisms that confer a mix of passive bonuses, off-map support, and the ability to call-in exclusive mercenary units. Their applications can differ greatly. For example, the USA's Infantry Company offers Rangers, which essentially function like elite Riflemen. Other options are more specialist, such as the Armor Company's Sherman Calliope, which gives the USA rocket artillery.
* ''Videogame/ActOfWar:High Treason''. Factions can recruit mercenaries by building a Mercenary Outpost. Mercenaries require an insurance fee and a small rolling fee after that. Also you can only recruit one team of mercs at a time.
* The ''VideoGame/StarcraftII'' custom map Diplomacy - DV lets you recruit local mercenaries if you control cities corresponding to their place of origins (e.g. Gallowglass archers from Ireland or Nubian warriors from Egypt).
to:
** The Apocalypse ''Apocalypse'' DLC adds Marauders, a cross between SpacePirates and TheHorde in space. Normally, they send raiding fleets out to demand tribute from[=/=]pillage regular empires at random intervals, but any empire can also pay them to raid one of their rivals or hire an admiral or general to lead their military. After the first century of the game, they'll even start hiring out entire fleets as mercenaries, though said fleets will leave their clients and join up with the [[GalacticConqueror Great Khan]] if one arises.
**Overlord ''Overlord'' enables regular empires to convert fleets into mercenary enclaves that can hire out fleets and armies to other empires, they can also provide logistical support for a client (raising naval capacity) or provide trainers that increase fire rates. The empire that established the enclave can spend resources to upgrade them and in return is paid periodic dividends, and can persuade them to recall fleets hired out to their rivals.
*''VideoGame/BlackCommand'' has ''VideoGame/{{Warcraft}} III'':
** In some maps there are mercenary camps where "[[NeutralsCrittersAndCreeps creeps]]" can be hired for gold and lumber. Some have useful spells or abilities, but for the most part they tend to be underpowered. Except, of course, for the Dragon Roosts...
** One Alliance mission introduces mercenary units by giving you no other units to train, as Arthas is trying to [[BurningTheShips destroy his own ships]] to keep his troops from going home as they were ordered to by Uther. He then [[TheScapegoat blames the mercenaries for the destruction]], joins his men in killing them, and declares that they have no choice but to continue their campaign in Northrend.
** The expansion pack ''The Frozen Throne'' introduced the tavern, which is similar to the mercenary camp but youneed can hire {{Hero Unit}}s from it (though no more than three of the standard or mercenary heroes). It also allows you to recruit revive a dead hero instantly, but at a much higher cost, at half HP, and no mana.
* TheEmpire faction inorder to head out on missions. The ''Videogame/WarlordsBattleCry III'' has mercenary cavalry, which has the advantage of being recruited instantly. It can also hire random units from other factions as mercenaries you can recruit consist of ranks Rookie - Pro - Specialist - Veteran - Expert - Master - Legend in this order. Sometimes in collaboration events or special promos, you'll be able to recruit mercenaries based on actual or historical figures or from other tie-in events.[[note]]The latter will consist of real and actual ties-in with the Resident Evil series.[[/note]]
* ''VideoGame/CompanyOfHeroes'' allows factions to choose between one of three specialisms that confer a mix of passive bonuses, off-map support, and the ability to call-in exclusive mercenary units. Their applications can differ greatly. For example, the USA's Infantry Company offers Rangers, which essentially function like elite Riflemen. Other options are more specialist, such as the Armor Company's Sherman Calliope, which gives the USA rocket artillery.
* ''Videogame/ActOfWar:High Treason''. Factions can recruit mercenaries by building a Mercenary Outpost. Mercenaries require an insurance fee and a small rolling fee after that. Also you can only recruit one team of mercs at a time.
* The ''VideoGame/StarcraftII'' custom map Diplomacy - DV lets you recruit local mercenaries if you control cities corresponding to their place of origins (e.g. Gallowglass archers from Ireland or Nubian warriors from Egypt).
for ConfusionFu.
**
*
** In some maps there are mercenary camps where "[[NeutralsCrittersAndCreeps creeps]]" can be hired for gold and lumber. Some have useful spells or abilities, but for the most part they tend to be underpowered. Except, of course, for the Dragon Roosts...
** One Alliance mission introduces mercenary units by giving you no other units to train, as Arthas is trying to [[BurningTheShips destroy his own ships]] to keep his troops from going home as they were ordered to by Uther. He then [[TheScapegoat blames the mercenaries for the destruction]], joins his men in killing them, and declares that they have no choice but to continue their campaign in Northrend.
** The expansion pack ''The Frozen Throne'' introduced the tavern, which is similar to the mercenary camp but you
* TheEmpire faction in
* ''VideoGame/CompanyOfHeroes'' allows factions to choose between one of three specialisms that confer a mix of passive bonuses, off-map support, and the ability to call-in exclusive mercenary units. Their applications can differ greatly. For example, the USA's Infantry Company offers Rangers, which essentially function like elite Riflemen. Other options are more specialist, such as the Armor Company's Sherman Calliope, which gives the USA rocket artillery.
* ''Videogame/ActOfWar:High Treason''. Factions can recruit mercenaries by building a Mercenary Outpost. Mercenaries require an insurance fee and a small rolling fee after that. Also you can only recruit one team of mercs at a time.
* The ''VideoGame/StarcraftII'' custom map Diplomacy - DV lets you recruit local mercenaries if you control cities corresponding to their place of origins (e.g. Gallowglass archers from Ireland or Nubian warriors from Egypt).
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* ''VideoGame/AgeOfWondersPlanetfall'': Units and technologies can be purchased from NPC minor factions. The units available depend on your diplomatic status with the faction, with the best stuff reserved for closest allies. Purchases are made using the Influence resource, which is primarily gained by completing quests for factions or annexing certain landmark buildings.
* ''Dukedom'', a ''VideoGame/{{Hamurabi}}'' [[RecycledInSpace spin-off]] in TheMiddleAges, allows [[FeudalOverlord the player]] to hire up to 75 mercenaries who, if not paid, [[RapePillageAndBurn will kill, plunder and rape peasants]].
* ''Videogame/EndlessLegend'' has a Mercenary Market technology that allows you to hire units from minor factions, including from those that you haven't assimilated into your empire. Mercenaries hired by the [[ProudMerchantRace Roving Clans]] are stronger than average, which is good for them since their regular military units are a little on the weak side. A later technology lets you use bands of mercenaries to pull off {{False Flag Operation}}s.
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* ''Videogame/EndlessLegend'' has a Mercenary Market technology that allows you to hire units from minor factions, including from those that you haven't assimilated into your empire. Mercenaries hired by the [[ProudMerchantRace Roving Clans]] are stronger than average, which is good for them since their regular military units are a little on the weak side. A later technology lets you use bands of mercenaries to pull off {{False Flag Operation}}s.
* ''Dukedom'', a ''VideoGame/{{Hamurabi}}'' [[RecycledInSpace spin-off]] in TheMiddleAges, allows [[FeudalOverlord the player]] to hire up to 75 mercenaries who, if not paid, [[RapePillageAndBurn will kill, plunder and rape peasants]].
* ''VideoGame/WorldInConflict'' had a variant where normal units would be summoned at the team base after a set period of time using a limited pool of reinforcement points. However, you could also summon units (including unique units like the paratroopers) via Tactical Aid points, which is usually much faster and allows you to have more units at one time than your reinforcement points normally would allow.
* ''Dukedom'', a ''VideoGame/{{Hamurabi}}'' [[RecycledInSpace spin-off]] in TheMiddleAges, allows [[FeudalOverlord the player]] to hire up to 75 mercenaries who, if not paid, [[RapePillageAndBurn will kill, plunder and rape peasants]].
* ''VideoGame/WorldInConflict'' had a variant where normal units would be summoned at the team base after a set period of time using a limited pool of reinforcement points. However, you could also summon units (including unique units like the paratroopers) via Tactical Aid points, which is usually much faster and allows you to have more units at one time than your reinforcement points normally would allow.
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* ''VideoGame/AgeOfWondersPlanetfall'': Units and technologies can be purchased from NPC minor factions. The units available depend on your diplomatic status with the faction, with the best stuff reserved for closest allies. Purchases are made using the Influence resource, which is primarily gained by completing quests for factions or annexing certain landmark buildings.
to:
* ''VideoGame/AgeOfWondersPlanetfall'': Units and technologies can be purchased from NPC minor factions. The ''VideoGame/WorldInConflict'' had a variant where normal units available depend on your diplomatic status with would be summoned at the faction, with the best stuff reserved for closest allies. Purchases are made team base after a set period of time using a limited pool of reinforcement points. However, you could also summon units (including unique units like the Influence resource, paratroopers) via Tactical Aid points, which is primarily gained by completing quests for factions or annexing certain landmark buildings.
usually much faster and allows you to have more units at one time than your reinforcement points normally would allow.
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* Some games in the ''VideoGame/TotalWar'' series let your generals hire mercenary units while out on campaign, usually for a higher initial and recurring gold cost than normal units, but they join the army instantly. Sometimes these mercs are best used as CannonFodder, but they can also be quality troops that outperform your initial levy units, and in the right regions you can hire elite soldiers like [[VideoGame/RomeTotalWar Cretan Archers]] or WarElephants. ''VideoGame/MedievalIITotalWar'' also lets armies on crusade/jihad hire special religious mercenaries that make up in fervor and zeal what they might lack in discipline and training.
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* ''TabletopGame/BattleTech'': Mercenaries are ubiquitous in the Inner Sphere for most of the common gameplay time periods. Many famous mercenary units have special optional rules tor represent their unique skill sets in scenarios.
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[[caption-width-right:350:[[NotInThisForYourRevolution He's not in this for your crusade]].]]
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[[quoteright:250:[[VideoGame/BlackCommand https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/bc_merc_hire_list_hunk.jpg]]]]
[[caption-width-right:250:Well whaddya know? [[VideoGame/ResidentEvil2 There's a familiar mercenary in his natural habitat.]]]]
[[caption-width-right:250:Well whaddya know? [[VideoGame/ResidentEvil2 There's a familiar mercenary in his natural habitat.]]]]
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[[quoteright:350:[[VideoGame/CrusaderKingsIII https://static.tvtropes.
[[caption-width-right:250:Well whaddya know? [[VideoGame/ResidentEvil2 There's a familiar mercenary in his natural habitat.]]]]
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** One Alliance mission introduces mercenary units by giving you no other units to train, as Arthas is trying to deniably destroy his own ships to keep his troops from going home as they were ordered to by Uther. He then blames the mercenaries from the destruction.
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* The ''VideoGame/StarcraftII'' custom map Diplomacy - DV lets you recruit local mercenaries if you control cities corresponding to their place of origins (e.g. Gallowglass archers from Ireland or Nubian warriors from Egypt).
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* ''VideoGame/AgeOfWondersPlanetfall'': Units and technologies can be purchased from NPC minor factions. The units available depend on your diplomatic status with the faction, with the best stuff reserved for closest allies. Purchases are made using the Influence resource, which is primarily gained by completing quests for factions or annexing certain landmark buildings.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
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* ''VideoGame/CossacksEuropeanWars'': Mercenaries can be hired at the Diplomatic Center for gold and are [[RidiculouslyFastConstruction produced extremely fast]]. They're all less effective versions of regular infantry and cavalry (Austrian roundshier, Algerian light infantry, Algerian archer, grenadier, Zaporozhian Cossack and 18th century dragoon) that can't be upgraded and thus serve primarily as CannonFodder (or cheap recon unit in the case of the Zaporozhian Cossack). A good supply of gold is needed in order for them not to mutiny, and the gold cost of the dragoons increases the more the player produces them. Until ''Back to War'' introduced the Bedouin, mercenary grenadiers and dragoons were the only units with firearms that Algeria could get.
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* ''VideoGame/CossacksEuropeanWars'': Mercenaries can be hired at the Diplomatic Center for gold and are [[RidiculouslyFastConstruction produced extremely fast]]. They're all less effective versions of regular infantry and cavalry (Austrian roundshier, Algerian light infantry, Algerian archer, grenadier, Zaporozhian Cossack and 18th century dragoon) that can't be upgraded and thus serve primarily as CannonFodder (or cheap recon unit in the case of the Zaporozhian Cossack). A good supply of gold is needed in order for them not to mutiny, and the gold cost of the dragoons increases the more the player produces them.them (to truly ludicrous levels just to get a lot of them). Until ''Back to War'' introduced the Bedouin, mercenary grenadiers and dragoons were the only units with firearms that Algeria could get.
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* ''VideoGame/CossacksEuropeanWars'': Mercenaries can be hired at the Diplomatic Center for gold and are produced extremely fast. They're all less effective versions of regular infantry and cavalry (Austrian roundshier, Algerian light infantry, Algerian archer, grenadier, Zaporozhian Cossack and 18th century dragoon) that can't be upgraded and thus serve primarily as CannonFodder (or cheap recon unit in the case of the Zaporozhian Cossack). A good supply of gold is needed in order for them not to mutiny, and the gold cost of the dragoons increases the more the player produces them. Until ''Back to War'' introduced the Bedouin, mercenary grenadiers and dragoons were the only units with firearms that Algeria could get.
to:
* ''VideoGame/CossacksEuropeanWars'': Mercenaries can be hired at the Diplomatic Center for gold and are [[RidiculouslyFastConstruction produced extremely fast.fast]]. They're all less effective versions of regular infantry and cavalry (Austrian roundshier, Algerian light infantry, Algerian archer, grenadier, Zaporozhian Cossack and 18th century dragoon) that can't be upgraded and thus serve primarily as CannonFodder (or cheap recon unit in the case of the Zaporozhian Cossack). A good supply of gold is needed in order for them not to mutiny, and the gold cost of the dragoons increases the more the player produces them. Until ''Back to War'' introduced the Bedouin, mercenary grenadiers and dragoons were the only units with firearms that Algeria could get.
