While Kenshi's open-world can feel like an inhospitable place, there are a few strategies that can make it much less intimidating. One of the best ways to do this is through the game's recruitment dynamic. Instead of facing the hostile bands of NPCs and aggressive creatures alone, players can grow their crew as they play the game.
Much like finding a good place to shelter in Kenshi, this important part of the game can be a challenge to master. Especially with the long list of competing factions to keep track of in this universe. For those players looking to recruit characters in Kenshi, this guide is here to help.
How To Recruit Characters In Kenshi?
There are two basic ways players can go about recruiting characters in Kenshi: finding them at bars and talking to drifters. The first option can be a bit more expensive, especially for players who haven't managed to make a lot of Cats yet, the in-game currency in Kenshi. It is, however, a fairly reliable option to get a character with some decent skills.
It is likely that players will find at least one person for hire at one of the many bars across Kenshi's world. For example, in the Hub, players can find a small assortment of characters they can hire for around 6,000 Cats.
Drifters, however, are less easy to find as they wander the lands in the game. Unfortunately, these characters don't usually have great stats and sometimes won't even speak with the player to be hired.
Aside from these characters, players also have a chance of recruiting NPCs they free from cannibals and slavers as well as those they purchase from slavers. Either way, adding to a player's group is important because it makes healing easier in Kenshi and improves a player's chance of survival.
How Do Mercenaries Work In Kenshi?
Mercenaries are a type of recruit that can be hired temporarily. While the characters that players encounter and hire at bars don't usually come along with impressive stats or equipment, mercenaries are the complete opposite. Typically, a group charges around 2,000 Cats per day, and they are worth this price because of their capabilities.
Mercenaries can be found at bars, mercenary camps, and roaming around Kenshi's challenging open-world. They are a great option for those looking for some temporary relief from the bandits and aggressive bands that can deal serious damage to a player's character. Three days of work, however, will likely cost as much as a much longer partnership would with a single, traditional recruit.
Kenshi is available on PC.