Blizzard’s Diablo 4 just got its first expansion, Vessel of Hatred, and a new season called Hatred Rising. The game, which launched in June 2023, has been a major hit, selling millions of copies and drawing in a dedicated player base. Brent Gibson, the game director, revealed the details in a recent announcement.
“Today is the day,” Gibson shared, emphasizing the excitement around the new content. The spotlight of this expansion is the all-new Spiritborn class. This class is designed for players seeking flexibility, with options to engage in close combat using the Gorilla stance or keep enemies at a distance with the Eagle stance. Players can mix and match these approaches by attuning to Spirit Guardians, creating a more personalized gameplay experience.
The expansion also introduces a new story set in a dense jungle environment. Players must race against time to save Neyrelle from the dangerous pull of Mephisto’s Soul Stone, adding a new layer of urgency and tension to the game. Additionally, Vessel of Hatred offers fresh gameplay modes, including the Dark Citadel—a cooperative PvE challenge—and the Kurast Undercity, a time-limited dungeon where players can influence the loot they earn.
Since its release, Diablo 4 has undergone numerous updates aimed at refining the player experience. Blizzard revamped loot systems, enhanced endgame content, and adjusted progression to keep players engaged. “We’ve made big changes to progression,” Gibson said, emphasizing new difficulty options and improved leveling systems.
For those who enjoy teaming up, the new Party Finder makes multiplayer easier to navigate, even if you don’t own the expansion. And for players diving into Hatred Rising, some of the new jungle threats will spill into familiar territories, shaking up the gameplay experience in older zones.
Vessel of Hatred and the new season are now available on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, bringing more action, challenge, and adventure to Diablo 4. “Welcome to the jungle. We’ll see you in Sanctuary,” Gibson added, setting the stage for players to explore what’s next.
