Exciting news for fans of *Age of Empires Mobile*—a brand-new **Mercenary Troops system** has arrived, shaking up the battlefield like never before. This innovative addition allows players to recruit units that are normally exclusive to other civilizations, opening the door to historically epic (and sometimes hilariously impossible) combinations. Ever dreamed of commanding Roman Centurions under the legendary Joan of Arc or sending Japanese Samurai across continents to lay siege to Rome? Now you can, all within the palm of your hand.
How to Unlock Mercenary Troops
The Mercenary system becomes available once your civilization reaches **level 26**, unlocking the new **Mercenary Camp** structure. From here, you can begin contracting and recruiting powerful units from rival factions. Not only can you deploy these foreign troops directly into battle, but you'll also have access to unique tech upgrades that further enhance their combat effectiveness. Best of all, a special in-game event is currently live, giving players the chance to claim their first set of mercenaries absolutely free.
Available Mercenary Units
Here's a list of elite units now available through the Mercenary Troops system:
- Byzantine Cataphracts
- Swiss Pikemen
- Persian Immortals
- Indian Battle Elephants
- Roman Centurions
- Egyptian Chariot Archers
- Japanese Samurai
- Korean Archers
Each unit comes with its own strengths and specialties, and thanks to dedicated upgrade tech trees, they can become even more dominant on the battlefield. Whether you're looking to fill a tactical gap in your army or just enjoy some historical fantasy warfare, this system adds a rich layer of strategy and fun.
A Touch of Total War Vibes – And Some Balance Concerns
The introduction of mercenary troops feels reminiscent of the famed *Total War* series, where hiring freelance armies could tip the scales of war in your favor. I personally can’t help but smile recalling how devastating—or chaotic—a massive force of hired swords could be in games like *Rome: Total War* and *Medieval II*. While it’s too early to tell how balanced these units will be in competitive play, there’s no denying the excitement of experimenting with them.
Of course, not everyone may be thrilled—this change could divide the player base. Some may argue it disrupts the carefully maintained balance between factions. But as with any major update, time will tell how well it integrates into the game’s meta. There's even room for future expansions, such as the potential inclusion of iconic units like Landsknechts or other historically inspired additions.
Looking Ahead
If you’re just getting started with the new system or want to make sure you're using the strongest heroes to lead your mercenary forces, we’ve got you covered. Check out our comprehensive Age of Empires Mobile hero tier list, where we break down every hero by power level so you know exactly who’s worth investing in—and who should probably stay on the bench.
