The cinematic trailer for the highly anticipated Diablo 4 DLC “Vessel of Hatred”was unveiled during the Xbox Games Showcase 2024, centering on the Prime Evil, Mephisto – who is both the father of Lilith and the brother of Diablo.
While seasons in Diablo 4 typically introduce new gameplay elements, the “Vessel of Hatred”expansion marks a significant new chapter in the narrative, featuring an unexplored region, a fresh class, and an array of exciting new features. This will be the inaugural annual expansion for Diablo 4.
Mephisto is making a grand return in “Vessel of Hatred.”
Diablo 4 Vessel of Hatred Release Date
The release date for the Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred expansion is set for October 8, 2024. Players can pre-download the expansion to be ready for the launch.
This expansion continues the story following the original Diablo 4 campaign, focusing on Neyrelle’s journey as she carries Mephisto’s soul stone.
Vessel of Hatred Platforms
Similar to the base game, the Vessel of Hatred expansion will be playable on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5.
Diablo 4 Vessel of Hatred Trailer
The official cinematic release date trailer for Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred premiered on June 9, 2024, during the Xbox Games Showcase 2024.
The 3-minute trailer illustrates Neyrelle grappling with her decision to imprison the Prime Evil Mephisto in the soul stone while seeking a way to obliterate him in the new region of Nahantu.
Neyrelle receives a vision from her mother, Vhenard, offering comfort as she heads to Akarat’s tomb to attempt destroying the stone. Unbeknownst to her, the vision is a ploy by Mephisto, attempting to manipulate her and escape. Nevertheless, Neyrelle resists and continues her dangerous quest.
Vessel of Hatred New Spiritborn Class
The expansion will introduce a new character class called the Spiritborn. This new class, inspired by the innovative character designs from Diablo Immortal, is specific to the expansion’s new environment and originates from a warrior sect fighting against Mephisto.
In terms of gameplay mechanics, the Spiritborn combines abilities from the Witch Doctor and the Monk classes, empowering players to defeat enemies with enhanced weaponry, execute powerful combinations, and utilize deadly poisons alongside shadow magic for effective demon-slaying.
It will be exciting to see if the Spiritborn inherits any of the Witch Doctor’s distinctive voodoo or summoning capabilities or if such abilities will be exclusive to the Necromancer and Druid classes. The Spiritborn class will be accessible to all who acquire the DLC and can be utilized throughout the original campaign.
The Spiritborn class combines elements from both the Witch Doctor and Monk.
Diablo 4 Vessel of Hatred New Features
The trailer for Vessel of Hatred indicates players will revisit the jungles of Kurast while exploring new territories. This is particularly fitting, as Kurast was a significant locale for Mephisto in Diablo 2, suggesting connections to the previous game.
Following the introduction of pets in Diablo 4 during Season 4, the Vessel of Hatred DLC will also revive the Mercenaries feature, reminiscent of Diablo 2, resembling the Follower system from Diablo 3. Players can recruit Mercenaries and equip them with various armor and weaponry.
During Gamescom: Opening Night Live, Blizzard showcased the dynamic Mercenary companions in gameplay. Game Director Brent Gibson noted that these characters from the Pale Hand are “ordinary people with extraordinary skills.”
The Mercenary candidates include: Raheir the Shieldbearer, Aldkin the Cursed Child, Varyana the Berserker Crone, and Subo the Bounty Hunter.
- Raheir is trained by the Iron Wolves and excels with his protective Shield effects.
- Varyana is a former cannibal with impressive melee combat skills, benefiting from her unique Massacre meter.
- Aldkin, who is part demon, can shapeshift into a formidable creature, making him a popular choice.
- Subo is a disgraced archer specializing in unleashing rapid volleys against demonic threats.
View the Pale Hand in action in the teaser trailer below:
During the Opening Night Live event, Gibson also introduced the Kurast Undercity, described as “an all-new multilayered dungeon” designed to offer players choice in challenges and rewards.
Fans can also anticipate the Dark Citadel, a cooperative PvE dungeon that introduces innovative combat mechanics and includes multiplayer puzzles.
Preliminary patch notes for Vessel of Hatred confirmed that Nahantu will, like other areas in the game, feature Dungeons, Strongholds, and side quests, alongside new legion events and Nahantu Monster Families.
Additional features include Runewords, the Kurast Undercity, and an option for trading expansion-specific resources. Notably, the DLC elevates the level cap from 50 to 60.
Players can also expect to equip new mounts native to the jungle regions, with exclusive pets, mounts, and gear available for those who pre-order the expansion.
As we await the release of Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred, check out our build guides for each class including the Barbarian, Necromancer, Rogue, Druid, and Sorcerer.
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