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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Vessel of Hatred adds a new campaign, region, class, and endgame activities to Diablo IV, but it is paid downloadable content and requires the base game. Blizzard’s official feature information establishes what is included; it does not establish how good the story, combat, or endgame feel in play. Here is what buyers can expect—and what to weigh before purchasing.
What is Vessel of Hatred?
Vessel of Hatred is the first paid expansion for Diablo IV. It requires the base game, and access to the expansion campaign requires owning the expansion. Its story continues after the main campaign: the player follows Neyrelle into Nahantu as Mephisto’s influence threatens the region. Blizzard recommends completing the base campaign first for the full experience, though a new character can skip it and begin the expansion campaign.
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If you do not own the base game, look for a listing for Diablo IV, not the expansion alone. Check the current store listing for platform compatibility and availability. Blizzard’s product page also says Vessel of Hatred can be unlocked through purchase of Lord of Hatred; bundle contents and separate purchase options can change, so verify the live store before deciding which edition to buy.
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Blizzard identifies these as expansion features:
- The Nahantu region and a continuing campaign
- The Spiritborn class
- Runewords
- Mercenaries
- The Dark Citadel cooperative endgame activity
- Kurast Undercity, a timed, reward-targeting dungeon
Spiritborn and Mercenaries
Spiritborn is the expansion’s new playable class. Mercenaries add companion support: Blizzard names Raheir, Aldkin, Varyana, and Subo. In solo play, one can be hired as a companion, while another can be assigned as a reinforcement that responds to a configured combat opportunity. The official feature guide describes their skills and progression, but does not establish how strong or balanced they feel in practice.
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Dark Citadel and Kurast Undercity
The Dark Citadel is an endgame activity divided into three wings, combining combat, puzzles, and coordination. It requires at least two players, and Blizzard recommends a party of four. That makes it a meaningful consideration for players who mainly play alone; the available feature description does not settle how well matchmaking or repeat runs work.
Kurast Undercity is a multistage time-attack dungeon. Tributes can steer future runs toward particular rewards, and Attunement earned during a run improves reward quality. Its structure is aimed at players who enjoy timed runs and targeted loot, though the feature description alone cannot tell you whether those runs feel varied or rewarding.
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- 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.
Which changes are free base-game updates?
Not every change released alongside Vessel of Hatred requires buying the expansion. Blizzard’s launch guide lists these as base-game updates:
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- Progression changes and new difficulty tiers
- Paragon and item-quality changes
- Additional character slots
- New class skills and passives
- Party Finder
The distinction matters if you are buying mainly for a broader progression overhaul: those changes are not, by themselves, a reason to purchase the expansion. The Spiritborn, campaign, Nahantu, Runewords, Mercenaries, Dark Citadel, and Kurast Undercity are the expansion-specific draws.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you buy Vessel of Hatred?
The confirmed case for buying is straightforward: you want another Diablo IV campaign, are interested in trying Spiritborn, or want access to the expansion’s new activities. If you play solo, Mercenaries and Kurast Undercity may be more directly relevant than the group-required Dark Citadel; if cooperative endgame is a priority, factor in its two-player minimum and four-player recommendation.
Whether it is worth the price depends on the quality of those experiences, current pricing, and your own play style. The official feature information confirms what the expansion contains, but does not answer questions about story quality, campaign length, combat feel, balance, performance, endgame longevity, or value. Check a full review with firsthand play and the current store listing before making a purchase decision.
Quick Recap
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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.
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.
