Blizzard, the developers of Diablo 4, have made an official announcement stating that they will commence Season 1 in the upcoming weeks. This new season brings exciting enhancements to the action-RPG gameplay, and Blizzard has shared all the essential details for eager adventurers to get ready. Join us as we explore the enticing offerings that Diablo 4's inaugural season has in store for all players.
Release Date?
The debut of Diablo 4 Season 1 is scheduled for Thursday, July 20, at 10:00 am PT (1:00 pm ET / 6:00 pm BST / 7:00 pm CEST), as officially announced by the developers. Prior to the season's commencement, players can anticipate the availability of a pre-download for the update, expected to be around 10-20 GB in size, approximately 12 hours ahead of the launch.
During the first season of Diablo 4, players will engage in fierce battles against formidable corrupted adversaries in order to acquire Malignant Hearts. These Hearts, totaling 32 in number, are divided into four distinct categories and can be found throughout the Sanctuary. Each Malignant Heart offers its own set of fresh and distinctive advantages. Additionally, the inaugural season of Diablo 4 introduces an intriguing location called the Malignant Tunnel. This dungeon provides endless opportunities for replayability, teeming with enemies that must be conquered. Within this labyrinthine structure, players will encounter the formidable boss known as Varshan the Consumed.
What's New Content?
Official information has been provided regarding the various additions in store for Diablo 4 Season 1. Let's delve into the specifics.
Fresh Questline: Challenging the Malignant
When Diablo 4 Season 1 commences, a brand-new questline awaits your participation.
Caution: Plot details ahead! This questline involves collaborating with Cormond, a former clergyman, as you embark on a journey to unravel the origins of an unusual malevolence that is rapidly infecting Sanctuary. This corruption has spawned roaming hordes of adversaries known as "The Malignant."
Introducing Malignant Powers:
In Diablo 4 Season 1, players will encounter a new enemy force known as the Malignant. Defeating Elite Malignant enemies provides a chance to obtain Malignant Hearts. These hearts can then be used to acquire brand-new abilities, with over 30 options available. While details are yet to be confirmed, it is believed that each class will have its own set of Malignant Powers, rather than a shared pool of 30 skills.
Face Varshan the Consumed:
Prepare to confront Varshan the Consumed, the new boss awaiting players in the "Malignant Tunnels," a fresh area introduced in Season 1. This formidable adversary serves as the final boss of the Season 1 quest line mentioned earlier.
Discover New Gear:
While specific information about the upcoming gear in Diablo 4 Season 1 is limited, developers have confirmed the inclusion of new Uniques and Aspects. It is expected that these aspects and Uniques will be distributed evenly among the various classes.
Diablo 4: Seasonal Character System:
The introduction of season 1 in Diablo 4 brought along details about the new system for seasonal characters. To take part in the seasons, players must create a fresh character and complete the campaign on either the Eternal or Seasonal Realm. Seasonal characters will begin their journey with the following perks:
- The ability to skip the campaign.
- Immediate access to your Mount.
- Unlocking all Altars of Lilith previously discovered, along with the associated Renown.
- Revealing all previously explored areas on the map and their corresponding renown.
Once the season comes to an end, the character and its progress will be transferred to the Eternal Realm.
Diablo 4 Season 1: Battle Pass?
Diablo 4 Season 1 is set to begin, and along with it comes the introduction of the game's very first Battle Pass. The Battle Pass will commence on July 20th at 10 am PDT and offers a total of ninety tiers. Among these tiers, twenty-seven will be available for free, while the remaining sixty-three will require a premium purchase.
By progressing through the Battle Pass, players can earn Smoldering Blessings, which can be used to activate Season Blessings. These Season Blessings provide various benefits, such as increased experience, gold, or obols. These bonuses will remain active until the Season of Malignant concludes.
To advance through the tiers of the Battle Pass, players must complete specific tasks within the season journey. This journey is divided into chapters, and each chapter completion rewards players with favors. These favors are necessary to ascend the tiers of the Battle Pass and unlock its corresponding rewards.
Battle Pass cost?
The Battle Pass in Diablo 4 will consist of two tracks: a free track with 27 tiers and a paid track with 63 tiers. The Premium Battle Pass will cost $10 (£8). Additionally, players can choose to purchase tier skips with the Accelerated tier for an extra cost of $25 (£21), which also includes an additional cosmetic item. Each season of the Battle Pass will last for approximately three months.
The rewards available in the Diablo 4 Battle Pass include emblems, emotes, cosmetic items, titles, and Smoldering Ashes. To progress and unlock these rewards, players need to earn Favor. Favor can be earned by completing quests, defeating enemies, participating in events, fulfilling seasonal objectives, and completing Season Journey chapters.
The development team of Diablo 4 emphasizes that paying for power is not possible in the game. They made this point clear multiple times during a live stream, explaining the mechanics in place to prevent players from advancing their characters by paying money. It is estimated that players will need around 80 hours of gameplay to fully level up the Battle Pass.The team subsequently clarified that there will be two tiers for the Battle Pass: a complimentary tier with 27 levels and a premium option with 63 levels. This adds up to a total of 90 levels, and players will be given approximately three months to finish the Battle Pass.