It should be easy to transfer old mercenary equipment to new mercenaries or drop it on the ground, but it can bring great benefits to players. Please fix this problem in the next patch!!
3 Likes
Not a bug. Nothing to fix.
Maxroll/Diablo II/Resources/Mercenary/Mechanics
- Hiring a new Mercenary while having one already causes items on the already existing Mercenary to disappear forever. Make sure to take off the items first before choosing a new Mercenary!
The Arreat Summit/Basics/Hirelings/Hireling Continuity
Before you replace a Hireling, open the Hireling Inventory and remove any items you want to keep. Otherwise, you will lose that equipment.
Diablo Wiki/Hirelings/Notes
- Hiring a new Hireling while you still have your old one with you will cause them to despawn along with any of the items they are wearing.
Good luck and good hunting in your future Adventures! 
Maybe it’s not a bug, but please tell me why it’s designed like this. It is always easy for people to lose their equipment because of negligence. In addition, this matter was not mentioned in the confirmation pop-up window of replacing mercenaries.
1 Like
Because this game punishes mistakes. Just like there is no confirmation when allocating points, when selling items, etc. This game came out decades ago, when men were men and not pampered children. Take this as a learning experience.
3 Likes
it’s a 20 y/o game with graphic updates. it’s recommended to do your homework before getting ur hands dirty.
1 Like
it is not a bug but I would like to see it changed as an improvement.