| Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred | |
|---|---|
| |
| Developer(s) | Blizzard Entertainment |
| Publisher(s) | Blizzard Entertainment |
| Released | October 8, 2024[1] |
| Genre(s) | Action roleplaying |
| Platform(s) | PC Xbox One/Series X & S PlayStation 4 & 5 Steam Deck |
| Input methods | Keyboard & mouse Controller |
Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred is the first expansion of Diablo IV. It was announced at BlizzCon 2023.[2]
Plot[]
Vessel of Hatred is set in Nahantu,[3] and takes place in 1336. It focuses on Mephisto and his designs for Sanctuary.[2] His fate, as well as Neyrelle's, will be revealed over the course of the expansion's storyline.[4] Isolation, and the effects it has on people, is the game's primary theme.[5] This is represented in the game's plot shifting from Neyrelle's isolation at the start to the idea of being stronger together (i.e. the bond between the Wanderer and Neyrelle).[6]
Gameplay[]
The Spiritborn
To play Vessel of Hatred, players do not have to complete the base campaign of Diablo IV. If they so choose, they can watch a recap video before diving straight in. The game adds the following:
- Additional quests
- An entirely new class,[3] the Spiritborn[7]
- Mercenaries[8]
- The Dark Citadel; a new PvE endgame co-op activity[8]
- Pets[9]
- Season 6 (concurrent launch)[10]
- The return of Rune Words[3]
Special Editions[]
Vessel of Hatred has an ultimate and deluxe edition. Each edition comes with the following perks:
- Deluxe
- Alkor, Snow Leopard Pet
- Hratli, Canine Pet
- Mother's Lament (Diablo Immortal legendary gem)
- Nahantu Veilwalker Spiritborn Armor
- Nahantu War-Cat Mount and Armor Bundle
- One Premium Battle Pass Token
- Ultimate
- All Deluxe Edition perks
- 3,000 Platinum
- Nahantu Unearthed Armor Bundle (5 class armor sets)
- Nahantu town portal
- Natalya, Tiger Pet
- Wings of the Faith cosmetic[8]
Development[]
Vessel of Hatred is designed to contrast with the darker tones of the base game.[4]
The developers deliberated whether to reintroduce a classic class from previous games or create a new one. Ultimately, they decided to go with the latter.[4]
Prior to its official reveal at BlizzCon 2023, datamining indicated the name of the expansion was "Lord of Hatred."[11]
Reception[]
The release of Vessel was delayed by a few hours due to a technical issue, which led to the game being review bombed on Steam.[12] Overall reception to the expansion was mixed—many praised the expansion for the ovehauls it brought to the game, while the game's price point and slow plot progression were criticized.[13]
Scores[]
- The AU Review: 4.5/5[14]
Trivia[]
- While Diablo IV can be played for free via Xbox Game Pass, players will still have to purchase Vessel of Hatred to gain access to its content.[3]
- The game's launch was delayed due to server issues.[15]
References[]
- ↑ 2024-06-22, Diablo IV Campfire Chat - Season 5: PTR | June, 2024. YouTube, accessed on 2024-07-14
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2023-11-04, Diablo IV’s First Expansion Vessel of Hatred Is Coming In Late 2024. Kotaku, accessed on 2023-11-05
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 2023-11-04, Every Diablo announcement at BlizzCon 2023: Vessel of Hatred expansion details, and more. Windows Central, accessed on 2023-11-05 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; name "EverythingVessel" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 2023-11-04, Diablo 4 Campfire Chat Recap – November 4. Pure Diablo, accessed on 2023-16-11
- ↑ 2024-06-10, Diablo IV | Expansion Date Revealed, Pets Are Here, and More!. YouTube, accessed on 2024-06-13
- ↑ 2024-09-18, Diablo IV | Vessel of Hatred | The Next Chapter. YouTube, accessed on 2024-09-18
- ↑ 2024-06-09, PREPARE TO EMBODY THE SPIRITBORN – PRE-PURCHASE VESSEL OF HATRED. Blizzard Entertainment, accessed on 2024-06-15
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 2024-06-09, PREPARE TO EMBODY THE SPIRITBORN – PRE-PURCHASE VESSEL OF HATRED. Blizzard Entertainment, accessed on 2024-06-19
- ↑ 2024-06-11, Diablo 4: Vessel Of Hatred Dev Teases "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" After Trailer Acclaim. Dual Shockers, accessed on 2024-06-15
- ↑ 2024-06-11, "We definitely heard the feedback, we know people are excited about Paladins." Diablo 4 lead talks about taking a new direction with the Spiritborn class and more about Vessel of Hatred. Windows Central, accessed on 2024-06-15
- ↑ 2023-11-04, We May Know What Class Diablo 4’s Vessel Of Hatred Expansion Will Bring. Forbes, accessed on 2023-11-05
- ↑ 2024-10-08, Diablo 4 Vessel of Hatred DLC boosts Steam players to record high, despite rocky launch. Eurogamer, accessed on 2024-10-15
- ↑ 2024-10-18, One of Blizzard’s Own Games is Eating Away Diablo 4 Players, But They’re Calling it a “Huge Positive”. Fandom Wire, accessed on 2024-10-21
- ↑ 2024-10-11, Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred succeeds at strengthening and expanding upon the core experience. The AU Review, accessed on 2024-11-10
- ↑ 2024-10-07, The Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred launch has been delayed (and delayed), but servers are now online!. Blizzard Watch, accessed on 2024-10-09
External Links[]
Core Series — Diablo • Diablo II • Lord of Destruction • Diablo Immortal • Diablo III • Reaper of Souls • Rise of the Necromancer • Diablo IV • Vessel of Hatred
Licensed Expansions — Hellfire • Unearthed Arsenal
Tabletop RPGs — Dungeons and Dragons: Diablo II Edition (The Bloodstone Tomb, The Awakening, Diablerie, To Hell and Back, The Secret Cow Level) • Diablo: The Roleplaying Game
Board Games — Diablo Chess • Diablo III Mahjong • Diablo: The Board Game
Re-releases — Diablo Battle Chest • Diablo II: Resurrected • Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition • Diablo III: Eternal Collection
Canceled — Salvation • Diablo Junior • Diablo III • Diablo MMO • The King in the North • Project Hades