Disco Elysium Mercenary Trial Guide How to Judge the Mercenary in Disco Elysium

There are many characters and achievements in Disco Elysium, and to achieve them, you can refer to the guide for the Mercenary Trial. In Disco Elysium, the Mercenary Trial (the Great Trial) is a significant plot event in the later stages of the game, involving the Hardie brothers, the mercenary Cotton Arden, and the revelation of the case's truth. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully protect the Hardie brothers during the trial and unlock related achievements.

1. Preparation before the trial

Before the trial, gather key evidence. During the autopsy, choose to examine the inside of the body to find bullet fragments proving that the deceased was shot rather than hanged. By investigating Ruby's gun and the Gray Area Dimensional Compressor, prove that she is not the killer. Additionally, you must have a weapon before the trial; otherwise, the Hardie brothers will be massacred by Cotton Arden.

To obtain a weapon, complete the union mission and find Porcelain. Then, during the confrontation with Ruby, destroy the Gray Area Dimensional Compressor and pick up her gun after she commits suicide. Also, prepare molotov cocktails, which require high "Inland Empire" skills and can be synthesized using the Terror Tie + Blue Alcohol.

2. Choices during the trial

During the trial, support the Hardie brothers and point out that the mercenary is the real threat. Also, use the bullet fragment evidence to prove that the deceased was shot, not killed by the Hardie brothers. This process also involves defeating Cotton Arden. You can first engage in dialogue to distract him, increasing the success rate of a surprise attack. Then, attack with a weapon (gun/molotov cocktail), or else the Hardie brothers will all be eliminated.

3. Key interactions after the trial

After the conclusion, you also need to shake hands with Titus Hardie to improve the "Esprit de Corps" skill (high "Esprit de Corps" can enhance your relationship with the Hardie brothers). Finally, get Titus to join the RCM or accept his invitation to become a member of the Hardie brothers to unlock the "Hero of the Hardies" achievement. It is recommended to save the game before the trial to avoid the Hardie brothers dying due to failure.

If you want to successfully unlock more achievements, you should understand the guide for the Mercenary Trial in Disco Elysium. By following the above steps, you can successfully complete the Mercenary Trial, protect the Hardie brothers, and unlock related achievements. However, other dangers and critical points may still arise during this process, so make sure to save your progress.