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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsVessel of Hatred is a strong reason for Diablo IV fans to return: its Spiritborn class makes combat feel nimble and expressive, while its campaign adds memorable characters and fresh build possibilities. But the story is relatively brief, and the expansion’s value depends on whether you want to keep playing after the credits. The “goodbye to your free time” is playful hyperbole, not a measured estimate of how long you’ll play.
What Vessel of Hatred adds to Diablo IV
Blizzard describes Vessel of Hatred as Diablo IV’s first expansion. It adds a campaign set in the Nahantu region, the Spiritborn class, mercenaries, and new endgame activities. Blizzard’s expansion overview is the official starting point for its feature list.
You need the base game to play the expansion. In its 2024 launch guide, Blizzard recommended finishing the original campaign before starting Vessel of Hatred if you want the full story experience; that was a recommendation, not a stated gameplay requirement. Read Blizzard’s launch guide.
Is the campaign worth playing?
The campaign’s strength is its cast and character-focused scenes. PC Gamer reviewer Tyler Colp praised the characters, loot, and expressive action in his October 4, 2024 review, which scored the expansion 90/100. He called it “Compelling characters to root for, creative loot to chase, and fiercely expressive action.” That verdict captures the expansion’s appeal, though it is one reviewer’s assessment rather than a universal consensus. Read PC Gamer’s review.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
The main caveat is length and pacing. Colp estimated the campaign at around 12 hours, describing it as shorter than the original; that is his approximate playtime, not an official estimate or a promise for every player. Windows Central’s launch-window review also praised some story moments but criticized the pacing and brevity. Taken together, the reviews suggest a campaign with worthwhile character scenes that may feel too short if the story is the only reason you are buying the expansion. Read Windows Central’s review.
Spiritborn is the clearest reason to return
Spiritborn is the expansion’s new playable class and its most immediately distinctive addition. Colp praised its flexible, fast combat and the freedom to experiment with builds. If you enjoy testing skills, adjusting a character around new loot, and making combat feel personal, Spiritborn gives Vessel of Hatred a strong replay hook beyond the campaign.
Rank #2
- 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.
That appeal is conditional: a new class matters most if you want to play Diablo IV again. The expansion is less compelling for someone who has already moved on from the game’s combat loop or has no interest in building another character.
Mercenaries add build support and company
Mercenaries can accompany your character or contribute through an activated skill, giving players another way to cover gaps in a build. Colp reported spending more than 40 hours with mercenaries during his review and praised their utility and characterization. That figure describes his review experience, not the amount of playtime the system requires.
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- 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.
Endgame and launch-era caveats
The expansion adds endgame activities, including the cooperative Dark Citadel. Windows Central’s reviewer described Dark Citadel as requiring a group and reported unlock issues and bugs near launch. Those are dated observations from the 2024 review window—not confirmation of the activity’s current state, matchmaking, or present-day bugs. If group-focused content is important to your decision, check the current in-game requirements and activity details before buying.
The reviews also differed on the lasting appeal of the endgame. PC Gamer emphasized loot and build choices; Windows Central criticized endgame rewards and argued that players uninterested in seasonal progression or continued endgame play could find the story too short for the price. Because those assessments were written around launch, they should not be treated as a verdict on current balance, seasonal structure, or patches.
Rank #4
- 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.
Who should buy Vessel of Hatred?
- Good fit: Existing Diablo IV players who want a new class, more build experimentation, and another campaign.
- Also worth considering: Players who enjoy cooperative activities and intend to spend time in the endgame.
- Wait or skip: Players interested only in a long, self-contained story, or anyone who does not want to return to Diablo IV’s repeatable progression.
Check the retailer’s current platform, edition, product format, and price before purchasing; launch-era reviews do not establish today’s availability or price. Blizzard now presents Lord of Hatred as a later expansion, and says both expansions require Diablo IV. See Blizzard’s current Diablo IV expansion information.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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