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To start Vessel of Hatred in Diablo IV, make sure the expansion is owned on the account and platform you’re playing on, then create a character and select “Expansion 1 Start: Vessel of Hatred.” The full base-game campaign is recommended for story context, but it is not required to begin the expansion campaign.
How to start Vessel of Hatred
- Confirm you own the expansion. The campaign requires purchasing Vessel of Hatred; downloading a game update alone does not grant access. Blizzard’s launch guide states that the campaign requires the expansion purchase.
- Create a character. At character creation, select “Expansion 1 Start: Vessel of Hatred.” This is the named option in Blizzard’s current campaign guide.
- Choose a supported character route. Blizzard’s launch instructions allow a new character on either the Eternal or Seasonal Realm, or an existing Eternal Realm character.
- Enter the expansion campaign. Follow the in-game prompts after choosing the expansion start.
Do you have to finish the Diablo 4 campaign first?
No. Completing the base campaign is recommended if you want the full narrative context, but Blizzard’s launch instructions allow a newly created character to skip the main campaign and begin the expansion route. The expansion story follows the base game and takes you to Nahantu.
If you have not finished the original campaign and want to jump ahead, Xbox Wire’s launch guide describes completing the short prologue, returning to Character Select, and then accessing the Vessel of Hatred campaign. See Xbox Wire’s launch guide for that route.
Choose the route that suits you
| What you want | Route | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Full story context | Finish the base campaign, then start Vessel of Hatred. | More time in the base campaign before reaching the expansion. |
| Reach the expansion sooner | Create a character, select “Expansion 1 Start: Vessel of Hatred,” and follow the skip/prologue route if prompted. | You’ll enter the continuing story without having played the full base campaign. |
Why the menu wording matters
Blizzard’s September 2024 launch guide predates the later campaign-selection interface and refers to skipping the campaign. The current guide lists the direct option by name: “Expansion 1 Start: Vessel of Hatred.” Use that current label when choosing your starting point.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- DELUXE EDITION CONTENT — Includes Vessel of Hatred Standard Edition, Lord of Hatred, the High Heavensguard Paladin Cosmetic Bundle, Skartaran Basilisk Mount Bundle, Mini Chimera Pet, and Premium Battle Pass Bundle.
- LORD OF HATRED EXPANSION — Includes Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred Standard Edition and Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred. The Diablo IV base game is required to play.
- IN-GAME EXTRAS — Get 1 Extra Stash Tab, 2 Additional Character Slots, and 3 Decor Items in World of Warcraft.
- NEW CLASSES AND REGION — Master two new classes and explore the ancient region of Skovos in the Lord of Hatred expansion.
- ACTION RPG ADVENTURE — Slay demons, master abilities, explore nightmarish dungeons, and find legendary loot in a dark open world.
Rank #4
- AGE OF HATRED COLLECTION — Includes Diablo IV Base Game, Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred, and Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred Standard Edition.
- IN-GAME EXTRAS — Get 1 Extra Stash Tab, 2 Additional Character Slots, and 3 Decor Items in World of Warcraft.
- NEW CLASSES AND REGION — Master two new classes and explore the ancient region of Skovos in the Lord of Hatred expansion.
- ACTION RPG ADVENTURE — Slay demons, master abilities, explore nightmarish dungeons, and find legendary loot in a dark open world.
- NEW CAMPAIGN AGAINST MEPHISTO — Make your stand against the Prime Evil Mephisto in a rich new story featuring new enemies, regions, and narrative twists.
Rank #3
- ULTIMATE EDITION CONTENT — Includes Vessel of Hatred Standard Edition, Lord of Hatred, Ultimate Edition cosmetic bundles, a Premium Battle Pass Bundle, and 3,000 Platinum.
- LORD OF HATRED EXPANSION — Includes Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred Standard Edition and Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred. The Diablo IV base game is required to play.
- IN-GAME EXTRAS — Get 1 Extra Stash Tab, 2 Additional Character Slots, and 3 Decor Items in World of Warcraft.
- NEW CLASSES AND REGION — Master two new classes and explore the ancient region of Skovos in the Lord of Hatred expansion.
- ACTION RPG ADVENTURE — Slay demons, master abilities, explore nightmarish dungeons, and find legendary loot in a dark open world.
Rank #2
- LORD OF HATRED EXPANSION — Includes Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred Standard Edition and Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred. The Diablo IV base game is required to play.
- IN-GAME EXTRAS — Get 1 Extra Stash Tab, 2 Additional Character Slots, and 3 Decor Items in World of Warcraft.
- NEW CLASSES AND REGION — Master two new classes and explore the ancient region of Skovos in the Lord of Hatred expansion.
- ACTION RPG ADVENTURE — Slay demons, master abilities, explore nightmarish dungeons, and find legendary loot in a dark open world.
- NEW CAMPAIGN AGAINST MEPHISTO — Make your stand against the Prime Evil Mephisto in a rich new story featuring new enemies, regions, and narrative twists.
#1 Best Overall
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