Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred – Everything We Know

For many RPG fans, Diablo tops the list of some of the best franchises to grace their consoles. The highly acclaimed series was a hit from its first release in 1997 before the original developer closed operations in 2005. Blizzard Entertainment took over the title, continuing the series with installations that are always a hit. After four impressive sequels, fans are all over Diablo IV’s first expansion pack, Vessel of Hatred. However, the developer is yet to release much of the details pending the game’s launch. For now, fans can only wait for July 18, 2024, when Blizzard Entertainment will live stream a deeper dive into its gameplay. But before then, here is a quick glimpse at everything we know about Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred.

What is Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred?

Blizzard Entertainment announced the upcoming release of its expansion for the highly acclaimed action RPG Diablo IV. Coming to the scene as Vessel of Hatred, the expansion will definitely be the apex of the Diablo series’ fourth instalment. It comes with an exciting next chapter of the game, although holders of the main entry can still enjoy the base game. Players will battle in a new class and explore a new and expanded map, and a host of features that elevate the overall Diablo IV world and gameplay. 

Story

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred’s story continues from where the Diablo IV story left. However, Blizzard also integrates a new story in honor of Mephisto’s legacy. The game is still set in the world of Sanctuary but with a new region, Nahantu, which the outsiders call Torajan. In the base game, the events happen 50 years after Diablo III’s Reaper of Souls. But for Vessel of Hatred, it happens 72 years after Diablo 2. 

After the Wanderer and Neyrelle trace Lilith to the Cathedral of Hatred, the Wanderer follows Mephisto’s advice and kills Lilith. Before she dies, she warns the Wanderer that they would not triumph over the Prime Evils without her. Neyrelle, on the other hand, considers Mephisto the greater evil, so she uses the Soulstone to capture Mephisto. She then flees alone, knowing that the Prime Evils are trailing her. Neyrelle only hopes she will find a way to annihilate them completely. 

The Vessel of Hatred unlocks the next chapter in the story, with the party searching for Neyrelle. She is now suffering the consequences of her choice to imprison Mephisto and her intent to end the Prime Evil for good.

Gameplay

Players are on a mission to trace Neyrelle, journeying across the Sanctuary with the Soulstone. Knowing the Prime Evils are trailing her, prepare for epic combat moments and become the apex predator of the land. Explore the vast jungle into the new region of Nahantu with your mercenaries in an all-new Spiritborn class. You will love how perfectly the new class blends with the jungle’s theme. And you can now make your favorite classes even more powerful with fresh Paragon Boards, new skills, and Legendary Glyphs. The mercenaries you recruit will aid in combat, and you can now engage in a new PvE co-op mode. Unleash fighting styles and new mystical synergies previously only awakened beneath the canopy of the lush jungle.

Traverse the Sanctuary, discover Mephisto’s ulterior agendas, and deserted towns overtaken by civilization. It’s a journey of survival with your life and that of Neyrelle’s hanging in the balance. Encounter warring tribes only comparable to the survivors of the Teganze desert or the Kurast’s hellish overgrowth. Clash with the gruesome enemies awaiting you in the dungeons and plotting your downfall. Only partying up will help you survive a multi-faceted dungeon. The mercenaries are your powerful allies whose power keeps growing as you fight through the jungle.

Aside from the combat, Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred offers players new pet options. From Alkor the Snow Leopard to Natalya the Tiger, and Hratli the Canine, you have a team of beastly buddies by your side. They will help you gather and stack material and gold from the map. And. The catch for your pets is that you can equip them in your wardrobe and marvel at the heart-warming cuteness of your pet buddies. You can also explore the added activities in the dungeons and benefit from the rewards of the Tree of Whispers. 

Development

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred maintains the Diablo franchise’s development and publishing team from Blizzard Entertainment. The developers present the game, arousing fans' anxiety with the promise of a deeper story, new class, map regions, and endless evil. The team also incorporates the game into three different editions, including a Diablo IV expansion bundle for players who do not own the base game. 

Trailer

Blizzard Entertainment has already released an announcement trailer. Fans can watch the trailer on YouTube for an early glimpse into the expansion’s environment and characters. The 03:43-minute video begins with Neyrelle grasping onto the Soulstone and making chants. Moments later, she’s interrupted by a character on a boat. A monster in her mother's body then appears, captures her, and tears her apart. “You made a choice, and I warned you there would be consequences,” the monster speaks.

After holding her momentarily, Neyrelle is set free. She turns to the character who sought to offer help. Only to find the character struck in the chest to death. Neyrelle ventures on the boat alone, still uttering the chants. 

Release Date & Platforms

Vessel of Hatred is set to launch on October 8, 2024, to allow fans to experience the enriching new chapter in the Diablo IV edition. The game will be available on Blizzard Entertainment’s Battlenet, the Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Steam. Fans can choose any of the game’s different versions, including the Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition, and Ultimate Edition.

So, what are your thoughts on the upcoming Diablo IV expansion, Vessel of Hatred? Will you be pre-purchasing the game before its launch? Let us know your thoughts here on our socials or down in the comments.