Can the Rogue Mercenary Beat Diablo 2?

[@____GoMeZ____]

Amplisa: " Man this mercenary AI sucks! He doesn't even attack!" lol

[@zarfen]

Hahaha this made me laugh! 😆

[@ToadstedCroaks]

"Keeps wandering away from me, wears gear with no damage stats, spends more time looking for ancient tablets than fighting demons, just drinks all the time, spends all our money on gambling .... I heard from the previous people he's worked with that he just calls everyone Amplisa. Doesn't even bother to learn our names!"

[@evil001987]

Oh, Amplisa. I was listening on my second screen, I thought he called him Aunt Lisa the entire time.

[@zarfen]

@evil001987 I find it very funny that there have been several comments about mishearing her name and they all heard Aunt Lisa 😁

[@jeffrey778]

best line ever that needs to be a feature lol =)

[@megadeth116]

Loved how you sent Amplisa for retirement and recuited Amplisa instead

[@kylepangilinan9075]

Nono, he just had her respec since she cleared Den. It's very easy to miss.

[@Leo.de69]

​@@kylepangilinan9075Amplisa is a better option than amplisa. Unless you want amplisa then amplisa would be the better choice.

[@norijagar]

Dude, I can't believe you did it. I've put somewhere between 5,000 and 10,000 hours into Diablo 2 over the last 20+ years (I'll never know exactly) and I never once imaged something like this would be possible. Kudos to you my friend. Well earned.

[@jackdan5920]

it's like masochism =))))

[@donwampo1]

so if i remember correct we had act 2 mercs back in the days that also easy solo every boss in the game. shure they were equipt with the best of the best but it was possible back then :D

[@leventebolyos8060]

Arent you used to /players 8? :) This is considerable more manageable. Still, massive respect for the grind!

[@PrimeInChina]

@@donwampo1 Bro, forget PVM..my necro had an a2 might merc with the EBOTD WP that had like 1300+ max dmg. I'd amp REAL players.. barbarians and shit and I'd 1 hit them.

[@Sara.Space.H]

Amplisa fan here! Wooo! Also good job - I wouldn't have the patience for this.

[@zarfen]

Amplisa has fans all over the world! Thanks, it did require a lot of patience…

[@michaellarsen180]

This is by far the most time consuming way to play the game. I love that you did it, so we dont have to!

[@hazardeur]

the iron man challenge is worse

[@Diskoblastula]

Zarfen is my favorite diablo anime girl.

[@zarfen]

Thank you …I think?

[@Diskoblastula]

@@zarfen No worries bubba. I'd say you're even above Emilio and Amplisa if there ever will be a contest for best anime protagonist in the Loot Goblin Universe.

[@TheBucknative]

Weird

[@vaelisiousantorus]

NOW KISH - Brike Myson

[@Diskoblastula]

@@TheBucknative no u

[@AntakaCh]

"Andariel kept swinging at me, and I kept swinging health portion" - Perfectly sum up this whole challenge. Well done!

[@darianclark3980]

Seer 🤜🤛 Zarfen: Their Love for Amplisa (in different ways) I really like these unique yet erratically chaotic runs in Diablo ll

[@Zelgeist]

Most impressive. I respect that playthrough, especially knowing how little of the playerbase actually is willing to play throught the game, instead of being rushed by other players online

[@absalomvane7776]

At first I wondered why you didn't choose a necro; all points into curses would have provided so much utility, but then you got to Duriel and I remembered how much extra damage act bosses do to mercs. You really do have to take all the hits like a good mercenary!

[@looter_game]

Respect your patience 👍

[@zarfen]

Thanks Looter 🫡

[@vololode]

Cuz patience is the only option 😊

[@crossnicholson2121]

"I put on my vigor aura, and just ran for it... and I ran, and I ran. and I didn't stop till I reached the arreat summit" hahahahah. thank you for your videos. i dont even play much D2 anymore but they are just fun. thank you for the time to share these with us.

[@TheFiveStarMan]

Dude I'm so happy you decided to go all the way to hell with this, and gave all the final mobs the proper non-cheese respect they deserved. I was skeptical about this run, but you put in the extra time and effort to make it a satisfying win for us all. Thank you for your service.

[@michaeleminidis6247]

I always watch your videos, but this time, I was doing chores and just listening. Up until 5 minutes before the end of the video, I thought you were calling her Aunt Lisa 😂😂😂

[@zarfen]

Haha Aunt Lisa, I love it! 😂

[@BlackMercy-it1jp]

Fun tips for anyone attempting this madness 1. Buy/find use wand with charges of decreipify, amplify, weaken, lower res or confuse they really help 2. Use Holy Bolt to heal your merc 3. Unpopular tip use Necro instead of a Paladin. He comes with curses and most importantly bone armor and bone prison 4. Learn how to deal with Unravellers, Succubi, black souls & skeleton archers because these are your true bane of existence Awesome video btw Zarf

[@Zelgeist]

About number 2, if the rule is to not deal damage to enemies/kill enemies yourself, then it is troublesome. Holy bolts deals damage to demons and undead, so by trying to heal your mercenary you may kill some enemies by accident

[@Linkforlife199]

Seer tried a smiliar challenge to this one, but he was using the Act 2 merc with the necromancer, pretty sure he stopped after Nightmare difficulty though.

[@zarfen]

I appreciate you sharing some tips, but I just want to point out that Amplify damage and Decrepify can’t spawn as charges on wands, and holy bolt would be tricky with this exact rule set since it damages demons and undead. And thanks!

[@viperswhip]

@@zarfen You will definitely need lifetap for the melee mercs though.

[@GaleStream]

​@@Linkforlife199 He didn't, actually! In terms of edited commentary videos, he's done the parts for Normal and Nightmare. But hop on to the Live vods tab of his channel, you can see the VoD of him clearing Hell. He just hasn't made the video for it (yet?)

[@jilldaviau]

"The restless tank pulling aggro too quickly. Am I right, MMO players?" As a former WoW raid healer, no comment. 😉 I am very fond of the Rogue mercs, but, yes, their endless repositioning is so frustrating. An inspirational and amazing video. This must've taken such patience.

[@zarfen]

😁 Thank you!

[@ntw3002]

Memories of loading into a random dungeon group to find the tank already dead and yelling at me

[@jilldaviau]

@@ntw3002 😂

[@AtrociousNightmare]

Ok, this challenge takes the top! You're an insane man with the patience of a god! Cool tricks (that constant swap between bows!), many lessons learned, and infinite cool factor achieved! Btw I snort-laughed at the Khalim saying "Hello" XD The one thing I did not understand is your thing for the Prayer aura xD the passive healing is so bad compared to any other defensive thing! Controversial take: I unironically love Act 3. The forest is so well done atmosphere-wise, and the monsters too, and it's so different from the other acts! Also, once you learn how the map generates, it becomes pretty easy to navigate as well. Plus all the cool spots for farming, Mephisto, the Council, the terrifying Flayer Dungeon and Durance of Hate, the cool NPCs in town, the dark wanderer moment at the beginning, the division of the act in the pre-Kurast and Kurast maps... so much to offer! And that music

[@zarfen]

I can agree I might have over valued prayer a bit, especially later on in hell, but if fights take 5 minutes then the healing really adds up over time! 😁 Ok I have to give credit to the dark wandered moment, I still remember the surprise I felt when I first saw it!

[@AtrociousNightmare]

@@zarfen You make a good point tbh with the fights taking that long! I guess it just stops being a thing though when attacks take too much of your life in one hit. Thank you for answering btw! It's crazy that you read all the comments!

[@absalomvane7776]

I am a proud member of the Moser's Fan Club, that thing is such a fantastic find on any playthrough.

[@Rosielx]

Amplisa froze and destroyed Baal's body, what a disrespectful move hahahaha

[@zarfen]

“No fancy death animation for you!”

[@ziljin]

Other possible merc only challenge builds. Curse only necro! Support merc with curses. Enchantress power up merc with enchant. This was is probably great normal mode but then terrivlr vs fire immunes. Barb can only do shout and battle orders to buff merc defenses and then rest into passives and find potion/item. Probably the worst.

[@Mosvicious]

Amazing challenge. Btw, because of you, I have started playing HC in the new season of PD2 and am learning a lot compared to how I ususally play of just corpse running.

[@wilmernyman]

I absolutely love your challenges! Your patience is limitless. Keep up the amazing work, always fun to see your content!

[@olafkozerawski5088]

I mean, respect for that. Bro did it and it looks like it’s his next character in this style, just casual „15 minute Diablo fight”. Love this challenges and im gonna do myself some of it to try it. Cheers bro

[@sebastianantonsson9789]

You are insane for pushing through this challenge. Very impressive!

[@flygone2032]

Amazing video! Now I want to see all mercenaries. :D I think getting them later is fine because even for act 5 merc there’s still 2 full difficulties ahead.

[@zarfen]

Thanks! That does sound fun… at least the barb one, iron wolves - not so much 😅

[@Da1337Man]

@@zarfen The Necromancer seems like a good pairing with the iron wolves due to his lower resists curse. I guess the paladin could do the same with conviction aura, but the Necro would still be fun to see to compare him to the paladin.

[@Hammerite]

"potions and patience" That's a good Mantra for Zarfen challenge runs. If you ever sell merch, that should be on a shirt.

[@zarfen]

That’s a great slogan! I love it! 😁

[@SelevanRsC]

Awesome ;D

[@powerplay9422]

Loot Goblin be like "Let's go gambling! *poison resist* Aw dang it! *poison resist* Aw dang it! *poison resist* Aw dang it! *poison resist* Aw dang it! *poison resist* Aw dang it! *poison resist* Aw dang it! *all resistances* hmm...nah let's go gambling again! *poison resist* Aw dang it! *poison resist* Aw dang it!

[@zarfen]

What’s that quote about doing the same thing but expecting different outcomes?

[@VVindicate]

The quote “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results” is often attributed to Albert Einstein, but it is actually misattributed: Origin: The quote likely originated in the 1980s in literature published by Narcotics Anonymous. Original author: The original quote is attributed to Rita Mae Brown, a mystery novelist. ​@@zarfen

[@thebrewster]

​@@zarfeninsanity

[@robsonclark9678]

Needing a bigger sample size! (I dislike rhat lame insanity quote ha) ​@@zarfen

[@iiKrafty]

Babe wake up, new Zarfen video just dropped

[@jovialjack]

Dude I love your videos. The concepts and the clips as well as the commentary are absolutely interesting and so much fun to watch. Please keep going!

[@zarfen]

Thanks, I’m glad you like the videos :)

[@Ravnesss]

1:40 i forgive you for taking a swing at that zombie.

[@maximilianroth9634]

Lol, was looking for this comment! 😄

[@CobaltContrast]

I like how this comment pops right around the time stamp

[@BigHeadClan]

Man what an absolute slog this looked like it was kudos to you and our hero merc for making it through, the drop luck seemed really bad this go around as well.

[@TopSecretGG]

Another insane feat my friend, kudos to Amplisa and the tankadin! :D

[@Aliplus]

I don't often watch D2 videos if at all but yours are the ones I actually enjoy for the challanges and the narrative, and every time I do they make me reinstall and play D2 again :D Thanks

[@kokofaser]

realy fun watch. respect for that grind! also tip for the future prebuffing in the river of flames wp is much easier and faster :)

[@nikolamirkovski9447]

I would have gone insane after the 1st fallen shaman group

[@fadhilyudistira2266]

no indirect damage is hardcore, but I guess that makes you a true support of the party

[@AlexanderWitchfinder]

The last time in which I spent 52 minutes of my life so excited was the first time in which I listened to Opeth's "My Arms Your Hearse" 25 years ago. This is KZbin's quality peak.

[@zarfen]

Thank you!

[@AtrociousNightmare]

I'm here for the random Opeth reference. That album took a while for me to truly appreciate, but then it became one of my favs forever. "When" is love.

[@AlexanderWitchfinder]

For me it was love at first listen, haha. Reference is random, but it was the first album with 52 minutes length I love I thought about.

[@thenuclearrabbit]

Just gonna go ahead and give props for the random Opeth reference. Good stuff :D

[@genki2469]

great concept / storytelling as always. looking forward to the next one :)

[@zarfen]

Thank you! :)

[@RavenKitten]

i really like these videos. it really shows the differences in the game. thanks for taking so much time and making so much effort with these videos. your awesome. Raven

[@zarfen]

Thanks! Glad you like the videos

[@Haploanddogs]

Discovered this channel thanks to this video! Super funny, laid back vibe. I really enjoyed your commentary, and laughed at the idea of the hero mercenary. What a cool idea

[@zarfen]

Thank you, I’m glad you liked it

[@FrameEmpireStudios]

Love your content and your way of presenting it. Engaging, funny, and immersive. The voice works great for it, too.

[@zarfen]

Thanks! Happy to hear it

[@Capital_KP]

Mad man, this was a nice challange, good job!

[@hydriumetern7808]

I'd love to see you do some challenge runs with the reimagined mod!

[@zacki666666]

havnt been playing for 20 years... and just watched the full video... longest video in a long time ive watched. Thanks, great entertainment... i can still remember as a 13yo how tough diablo 2 was...

[@zarfen]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@undudeme]

Absolutely enjoying your content. Subscribed!

[@jamesclark2663]

This is the kind of stuff that Diablo2 was made for. It's fun to do mega-chad min/maxed killing machines but honestly, farming all day for a slightly more optimal piece of gear when you've already beaten the game's challenges seems... pointless. This stuff that you post, on the other hand, is a true challenge that requires you to play the game the way it was meant to be. From beginning to end, making use of what you find to push forward and progress. Another great one to watch! I'm always amazed that you find ever more interesting and difficult things to try!

[@NurseTony]

Another insane challenge done. Good work bro! I actually can't believe you did it. I'd like to think that your merc alone made the challenge a lot harder than your vendor one lol.

[@Sicktoid]

A very interesting experiment. Definitely the most intriguing D2 video I've seen in a long time. Good job!

[@zarfen]

Thanks! Glad you liked it

[@Calvin1911]

Mann I commend your dedication to doing crazy runs like this! Well done!!

[@Omegalux]

Hi Zarfen, I did a similar run once with the Shadow Master summoned by the Assassin. It was a LOT of fun, as if you focus on building up her melee abilities, she can be quite formidable. If you ever fancy trying such a run, I would love to watch it.

[@edgardomella833]

Hat off, hands down. This challenge is something i'll never dare to do. This deserve subs

[@sumawav]

I absolutely love these videos. Seeing a new upload makes me feel like a kid again ✌🏽

[@Templarfreak]

this is _basically_ how you have to play Summoner Necromancer for the first 10-15 levels.

[@AnimusBehemoth]

Finally remembered to subscribe after loving your other challenge runs. Got super excited when I saw the "Challenge runs" playlist. Got sad when I realized I'd already watched all of them. Quite the rollercoaster. I know it's just so much easier to say "please do more challenge runs" than it is to do them, but that doesn't make me want them less.

[@zarfen]

I’m glad you enjoy the challenge vids! They do take a while to make, but more are coming!

[@rosgoncharuk2403]

Act 3 merc is just as silly walking around randomly, but a lot harder to gear up. Act 5 is a ridiculously crazy lad, you should help him become a hero next time!

[@adi6293]

I made myself an absolute monster of a Rouge mercenary before for my paladin , she actually had a frost aura and a fire aura and a lightning aura , all at once :P Great video btw , I couldn't stop watching it haha

[@opgedronken]

Thanks for doing all these niche playthrough challenges I sometimes think about giving a try, but can never motivate myself to actually do.

[@Ruffzn]

Theoretically it would have been possible (though tedious) to lvl Up to lvl 8 by luring enemies to the rouge npc at the cold Plains 😁😁😁

[@LeoReo88]

Can you make video on conversion necrodin? Basically the idea is to use only conversion, and treat your converted monster as your army, and boost them with your aura, heals, curses, and all the buffs you can find in the game. In short playing paladin as necromancer. Assassin also has similar skill but, paladin seems more viable for necro style. Edit: you are also allowed to use summoning items which has necro, druid, and even Amazon Valkyrie charges. You can have your army of whatever you can find, but your army will only deal with monsters not you. I have to add this one because if your converted monsters die in boss fight that would be hectic for you. It's quite a easy one for you compared to the challenges you have already achieved 😅

[@zarfen]

@@LeoReo88 how would such a character deal with act bosses? iirc converted monsters are on kind of a short duration. Fun idea but seems very difficult. I don’t think I have ever used paladins conversion skill ever!

[@LeoReo88]

@@zarfen I figured much, but I just added few things in my comment. I know it's a silly play style but will be fun to watch a paladin played as necro. You can also play this as build guide video, it doesn't have to be a challenge video if it's not viable that way.

[@IBlowitByTheOh]

"Quite an easy one?" Bro, do you even diablo 2? 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@zarfen]

@LeoReo88 yeah silly or unique play styles makes for interesting videos :) Edit: just read your edit!

[@nfapeng187]

I couldnt imagine doing this challenge holy cow man. Big props cause the AI sux on D2R, im used to PD2. Its at least better merc wise.

[@Russet_Mantle]

Some of the most entertaining D2 content I've watched in a while, and I watch a lot of them lol

[@zarfen]

Thank you!

[@Kaktanternak]

Amplisa and Emilio would be unbeatable together

[@zarfen]

Now THIS is a Diablo 2 mod I want!

[@CzekoakaTStarEFFECT]

You should use trick called "mix" in PvP. If you alternate between might, concentration and fanatiscim over and over and over again, all of the 3 auras effect would add up and be active at the same time, giving your mercenary (or teammates) massive attack boost.

[@fridgeffs5662]

I spent the last part of the 90s religiously playing diablo 2. These videos are great.

[@KlabauterManiac]

That's neat! How'd you do that considering the game came out in 2000?

[@SavageBunnyGirl]

A long time ago, I had done something like this, but it was an Act 2 merc with a Paladin. The goal wasn't to win the game with the merc but to just be a character that could provide every (useful) aura in the game and support any party and play in a unique way. It primarily spammed very fast and very strong Holy Bolts on allies and could turn anything into a tank (except for sorcs that got one-shot). It was fun! The paladin I appropriately named Medical Officer.

[@augustinadriancristea5873]

P.S. Just finished watching, Zarfen. "The distance between genius and insanity is measured only by success!" - that is what comes to mind while watching this INSANE RUN.. And, as it shows, it is successful. You are successful, as such, congrats, brother! Keep doing what you like, and don't stress, do it while it suits you

[@Crateron1]

Hey Zarfen, nice job! What a pain it must have been to go all the way through with this challenge. The Act 1 merc AI is so horrible...I use one of those (coincidentally I think her name is Amplisa) with my pally and it's terrible. She thinks she is an act 2 or act 5 merc, running past me and right into groups of enemies, especially when we are running around instead of teleporting. The only enemies she always runs away from? Dolls....the only enemies for which I could use some tanking from her XD. Anyway, I would love to see this same challenge with the other mercs!

[@LiuKangmk2]

Great video as always ! I would have used the harmony rune word bow on Amplisa, instead of kuku for the increased phys dmg, spread elemental dmg and vigor aura, also a bulwark for survivability. That being said you made it work, and I tip my hat to you :D

[@zarfen]

Glad you liked it! Yeah I was loosely planning beforehand to use Harmony, for the reasons you bring up. But I never got around to it, mainly because a lack of a good 4os bow (though I had plenty of socketing quests to spare at the end…)

[@HaitianBlue]

This video earned my subscription! Well done!

[@bya_fox]

Holy crap I can't believe you did it.

[@Enruler]

You have the patience of a saint, there is no way I could have ever done this, I would have given up in frustration at so many points lol

[@ungracefulls]

A random comment about recharging the teleport staff. an ort rune + a chipped gem and a weapon in the cube repairs the weapon and recharges it, instead of spending all your gold on recharges. Great video very entertaining!

[@zarfen]

A good tip I didn’t think of while playing. Glad you liked it!

[@tomastesar5569]

Congratulations! Big cheer for Kuko Shakaku and Moser's Shield a one especially for you for not cheesing ancients and Baal Waves!

[@petrdemuth4963]

20k Subscribers! Congrats buddy!

[@zarfen]

Thanks! It’s crazy

[@Stratocaster42]

I love your videos so much. You didn't even have to ask me to put all notifications on because I'm so happy when one of your videos shows up!

[@zarfen]

Thank you! Glad you enjoy the videos

[@TheKougaxKagome]

Amplisa trying to give up multiple times but her side kick cheering her on with unwavering fortitude and cheer “you can do it!”

[@guest578]

Well done, I had a smile on my face for the whole video

[@SobeR999]

Respect for the time and patience for making this video

[@Mirz89]

Insane job lol. Nice video. I Think an Eth Rune in the bow would have been a game changer tbh

[@SirLasselots]

You're crazy man 😂😂 Hilarious challenge! Keep them coming

[@karotconcarne3325]

Emilio_II: Requires blasting Amplisa the Hero Mercenary: So anyway, I started walking

[@11219tt]

"Tactical repositioning during battle." 😂😂😂

[@BjornInHell]

Jag är riktigt imponerad av ditt tålamod. Jag skulle aldrig palla att göra det själv, men det är sjukt roligt att titta på!

[@zarfen]

Kul att du gillade videon! :)

[@michaptak4314]

i used this video as a white noise generator, glad that uve made it to the end

[@nagashvoidbringer4623]

Crazy challenge. Your patience is next level hahah. GG's man.

[@moogleking]

Act 1 mercenary MVP

[@vitalijusmotikas4186]

49:57 2:21. Litle known fact: a moment before visiting Diablo for the first time the sidekick Emilio_II proposed to the Hero Amplisa. "You'll get the answer after I beat the big bad boss" was her reply. Eventually Emilio II decided to break up with her since there were always more big bad ones. This is why we see the ascendence of a new hero later on. If i'm not mistaken, they got married shortly after the victory over Baal.

[@BalgaBear]

I NEED TO GET WITHIN RANGE MERCENARY! *walks 5-50-15-25 paces within range of the enemy and then considers shooting* The hero is now here!

[@TonyAwesomePants]

The 4x sol @ hell lister had my dying LOL epic vid

[@MagpieMcGraw]

Before watching the video: I often use a rogue. My favorite combo is playing an Immo-zon, and using a cold rogue. Gear for her is Treachery, at least 1 source of cold damage, and as much attack speed and +skills as you can get. She absolutely destroys packs of fallen. And she can kill packs of doom knights. I do typically put 20 points in decoy, which gives me a strong decoy and strong Valkyrie for tanking.

[@Dreschzocker]

Rogue works pretty fine with Summoner Necro. In early game she can carry Bramble Bow ( only TirTalAmn, very cheap ). Most important skill: doesn't die when protected by Skeletons. Works pretty well even into late game.

[@hbostrom6419]

love this even b4 i pressed play, love the content, keep it up

[@curbynet]

Great idea! Please do this with the other mercenaries. If you'd like, you could get rushed through to Act 5 and hire a barb merc (or another merc) then go back in single player and play through the game with both you and the merc at level 1. :D

[@PocketsandOutlaw]

This is incredible! I would have thought this was impossible.

[@blackomen100]

Great video as always, now you gotta do it with each different merc type

[@zarfen]

Thanks! I’m working on some other stuff first, but if I do - which merc do you think would be the most interesting?

[@blackomen100]

@@zarfen probably the act 5 merc just due to the variety of gear you could get for him

[@zarfen]

@blackomen100 it’s also the one I have used the least so it would be fun to see what he can do

[@TheBionicfury]

21:42 hot swapping the bow to mitigate the health regen is a tactic that has possibly never been done before, amazing

[@aroundthefur1210]

Love your vids Zarfen and i'm glad to see your subscriber count grow. Have you ever considered trying out Project D2 to make some videos on that?

[@zarfen]

Thanks! Glad you like the videos. Probably not going to get into PD2 or any of the other mods for the time being.

[@EricMinimus]

Poor mercenaries with their mitten hands. Great idea for a challenge run, good video bro.

[@Mynmeisjeff]

insane dedication - that looked painful to play through :) Great video

[@zarfen]

It was for the most part, but also somehow quite fun and “fresh” to play Glad you liked it

[@mmessner1353]

@zarfen, i dont know if you know this, but there is a merc bug that prevents monsters from attacking the merc. can be done in late act 1 near some wp. you just need to lock the merc up, and walk away. as soon as the merc teleports to you, he/she doesnt attract any aggro.

[@zarfen]

I did not know that!