ExileApi 3.23 and beyond - Plugin framework

[EthEth]

Is it possible to preload merc data?

could make this significantly more trivial if we just open/close maps & save time target farming

The open -> scan -> close target farming is the very reason things does not work since Beasts rework. People overused this hack and made GGG block it. So, nope - until someone finds a way to make network bubble* larger, we are blind to things that are outside of some area around character.

*Network bubble - client (you) don't have the full knowledge of everything in whole area. Server sends needed info as you move. Most things are available to you from entering zone (whole map for example), some as you get closer to them - when they enter your "network bubble" (Merc's details). Preloads are data loaded when you enter zone, to prepare client for some content (to reduce lag and delay) - good example of preloads are Essences. You know what essences will be in the zone. Before, the same was with beasts - we knew that on this very map we will encounter valuable beast. But, due to mentioned before greed, GGG modified preloads mechanism to sent to client false-positive data. As for Mercenaries - they, to my current understanding, are more like Delve Walls / Fossils. You know what they are when you are close enough. Before that - they does not exist to your client.

Interesting additions:
The Network Bubble can be "experienced" by vanilla player while playing Blighted Maps. You see - towers will only operate when they are inside your bubble, but monsters will always move towards the target. Another case is spawning of Void Orbs during Shaper's fight. They will spawn only when there is character in the arena (dead or alive) or you move yourself close enough the arena from the starting zone.