Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred launched on October 7, 2024, at 4 p.m. PDT, so it is no longer an upcoming release. It is Diablo IV’s first expansion, adding a new campaign, the Nahantu region, the Spiritborn class, Mercenaries, Runewords, Kurast Undercity, and the Dark Citadel. The base game is required, and the Dark Citadel is the expansion’s co-op endgame activity.
What does Vessel of Hatred add to Diablo IV?
The expansion continues the story after Diablo IV’s base-game conclusion and brings a collection of campaign, character, and endgame additions. Blizzard’s launch guide distinguishes these expansion features from several changes released for all Diablo IV players at the same time, including updates to leveling, difficulty, Paragon, item quality, and Party Finder.
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| Feature | What it adds |
|---|---|
| Campaign and Nahantu | A new story chapter set in the Nahantu region. |
| Spiritborn | A new playable class. |
| Mercenaries | Companions and reinforcements that support solo play. |
| Runewords | A new system for combining runes. |
| Kurast Undercity | A new activity in the expansion. |
| Dark Citadel | An endgame challenge designed for co-op. |
Blizzard’s later Lord of Hatred announcement says that Vessel of Hatred is included with that follow-up expansion. It describes Vessel’s story as following the base game’s conclusion: Neyrelle seeks a way to cleanse Mephisto’s soulstone in Nahantu, a thread that sets up the next chapter.
Do I need the base game to play Vessel of Hatred?
Yes. Vessel of Hatred is an expansion, not a standalone game; you need Diablo IV to access it, and owning the expansion is required to play its campaign. Blizzard’s Lord of Hatred announcement also says Vessel of Hatred is included with that follow-up expansion, which offers another route to its content for players considering the later release.
#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.
What is the Spiritborn class?
The Spiritborn is the expansion’s new playable class. It is a central reason to consider Vessel of Hatred if you want a new character option, but the official feature information cited here does not establish a current build recommendation or balance ranking.
Can I play the expansion solo?
Yes. Mercenaries are designed to support solo play as companions or reinforcements, and their skill choices can be tailored to complement your style. Blizzard lists four: Raheir the Shieldbearer, Aldkin the Cursed Child, Varyana the Berserker Crone, and Subo the Bounty Hunter.
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.
Finding a group for co-op
Party Finder can help locate players for activities such as the Dark Citadel. Blizzard says Party Finder is available to all Diablo IV players; the Dark Citadel and Mercenaries, by contrast, are Vessel of Hatred content.
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The Dark Citadel is an endgame co-op challenge. Blizzard says it requires at least two players and recommends a party of four. It is therefore not a solo activity; players looking for a strictly solo expansion experience can instead use Mercenaries for support.
Rank #3
- 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.
Who is Vessel of Hatred for?
The expansion is most relevant if you want to continue Diablo IV’s story, explore Nahantu, try the Spiritborn, or use Mercenaries while playing solo. The Dark Citadel is an additional draw if you want a group endgame challenge. If you are only interested in the simultaneous changes to leveling, difficulty, Paragon, item quality, or Party Finder, Blizzard’s launch guide presents those as updates available to all players rather than features exclusive to the expansion.
Quick Recap
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.
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