Insight Merc — Act 1 or Act 2?
In short
If you are out of mana, the usual fix is an Act 2 mercenary with Insight on a polearm. The Meditation aura keeps your mana recovering. Act 1 bow Insight exists, but Act 2 polearm is the normal starter choice.
Why Act 2 is default
Insight gives Meditation — fast mana regen.
Act 2 mercs are the usual aura carriers, so casters almost always start there.
Act 1 can use bow Insight, but for “I just need mana” the polearm path is simpler.
How to set it up
- 1.
Hire an Act 2 merc.
- 2.
Get a 4-socket polearm (often white base + Larzuk).
- 3.
Socket Insight runes in order.
- 4.
Equip the merc. If requirements are too high, use a lighter temp base.
- 5.
Upgrade the polearm later when you can.
Quick compare
| Act 2 polearm | Act 1 bow | |
|---|---|---|
| When | Default mana fix | Niche bow merc |
| Effect | Meditation | Meditation |
| Ease | Common guides | More base choice |
| Pick | Most beginners | Only if you want bow |