The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred and Season 6 missed their scheduled October 7, 2024 launch, then went live early the next morning after Blizzard delayed access for a technical issue and additional cross-platform preparation. During the delay, Windows Central reported that the expansion’s Steam reviews had reached “Mostly Negative,” amid player complaints about login problems. That was a snapshot of the launch window, not a current Steam rating.
Why was Vessel of Hatred delayed?
Blizzard community lead PezRadar said on the official Diablo IV forum on October 7 that a “small technical issue” caused the delay. Blizzard also said it needed additional time to help players across platforms start at the same time. The explanation came from Blizzard; it did not specify the technical fault.
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Blizzard’s initial post said it would begin locking out new Diablo IV logins at 4 p.m. PDT. That was part of preparing the launch, not a revised release time for the expansion.
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The forum timestamps below show how Blizzard described the rollout. The posts cover the evening of October 7 and early hours of October 8, 2024.
#1 Best Overall
| Forum timestamp | Blizzard update |
|---|---|
| October 7, 9:30 p.m. | PezRadar reported a technical issue and said Blizzard needed more time to coordinate a simultaneous start across platforms. The post said new logins would be locked out at 4 p.m. PDT. |
| October 7, 11:03 p.m. | Blizzard said it had begun blocking new logins and that players would start disconnecting while the team prepared the launch. |
| October 7, 11:33 p.m. | Blizzard said Steam players could download patch 2.0.2 and warned that a login/license error was expected. |
| October 8, 1:32 a.m. | Blizzard estimated the work would take “upwards of two hours” and said Battle.net players needed an additional sizable update. |
| October 8, 3:29 a.m. | Blizzard said the update was nearly finished uploading and it was carrying out final QA checks. |
| October 8, 4:16 a.m. | PezRadar said PC Battle.net players could download the update and posted, “We are now LIVE!” |
These times are the timestamps in Blizzard’s forum thread. The 4:16 a.m. post marked the live announcement; the thread’s earlier posts describe the preparation and platform updates.
Why did Steam reviews turn Mostly Negative?
Windows Central reported on October 8 that Vessel of Hatred’s Steam review status had become “Mostly Negative” during the delay. The outlet connected the backlash with launch issues and user-reported difficulty logging in. Blizzard’s own thread had warned of an expected login/license error for Steam players, but the available reporting does not establish how many reviews mentioned login trouble or whether reviewers coordinated their response.
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.
“Review bomb” was Windows Central’s characterization of the reaction, not proof that the reviews were organized. Steam’s displayed review status and totals can change over time and vary by locale, so the contemporaneous label should not be read as the game’s present rating.
Do you need Diablo IV to play Vessel of Hatred?
Yes. Steam’s Vessel of Hatred listing says the expansion requires the Diablo IV base game. The launch-delay report concerns access to the expansion and Season 6; it does not change that prerequisite.
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.
Sources
- Blizzard Entertainment, Diablo IV Forums: “Adjustment and Delay to Vessel of Hatred Launch Start Time”
- Valve, Steam: Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred listing
- Jennifer Young, Windows Central: launch-delay and Steam review report, last updated October 8, 2024
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