Today, we're diving deep into the Diablo 4 DLC, Vessel of Hatred, and all the new seasonal mechanics it brings to the game. Even though we're still in Season 6, this DLC introduces exciting fresh content and gameplay dynamics. So, let's explore the highlights, including Realm Walkers, Opals, and the revamped endgame options like the Under City and Citadel.
The Key Additions: Realm Walkers and Opals
One of the standout features in Vessel of Hatred is the introduction of Realm Walkers and Opals, which are closely tied to each other. To find Realm Walkers, keep an eye on your map for new event markers labeled Hatred Rising. These events pop up every 15 minutes in the original regions, and once every hour in the new Nunu region, lasting for 10 minutes each. Think of them as an evolved version of the Legion events, with a twist.
Once you reach the event, your goal is to engage the Realm Walker, a massive moving structure with a portal on its back. You can't damage it directly right away—first, you have to anger it by defeating the enemies it spawns. This process involves taking down the Bloodbound Guardians, a set of elite enemies that are tied to the Walker's movement. After clearing these, the Realm Walker will eventually expose itself, allowing you to take it down and gain access to the seething realm it guards.
Entering the Seething Realm: Rewards and Opal Farming
Defeating the Realm Walker opens a portal to the Seething Realm, a dungeon-like area filled with enemies, events, and treasure. Inside, you’ll come across a realm gate where you can select one of several Torment Challenges, each offering different rewards in the form of Opals. These Opals provide powerful buffs, including increased XP gain and reputation bonuses, which are especially useful during leveling and early progression.
There are five types of Opals to choose from, each offering different benefits:
1.Opals of Torment: Spend 200 Sigil Powder to gain a buff that increases drops of Artificier Stones, Boss Summoning Items, and Infernal Compasses. This Opal is perfect for those looking to farm endgame bosses and gather rare Uniques.
2.Opals of Gold: Spending a small amount of iron chunks grants a boost to Diablo 4 gold drops. While this might be the least attractive option for many players, it can help if you’re running low on gold for upgrades.
3.Opals of Equipment: For 25 Murmuring Obals, you can gain a buff that increases the drop rate of equipment, making it an ideal choice early in the season when you’re looking to refine your gear setup.
4.Opals of Materials: At a cost of just 5 Murmuring Obals, this buff increases your drops of herbs and other gathering materials. It’s a great way to keep your crafting resources stocked, especially when working to upgrade your gear.
5.Opals of Socketables: By using 3 Angel Breath, this Opal type focuses on increasing the drop rates of Gem Fragments and Runes. This becomes essential as the season progresses, with new higher-level gems and crafting recipes becoming available.
After selecting your desired Opal reward, the gate opens to a dungeon filled with enemies and challenges. Occasionally, you might encounter a special portal called a Seething Rupture, which offers extra rewards like a unique Butcher fight. These fights drop high-value items like scattered prisms, rare aspects, and even unique items, so always be on the lookout for these bonus opportunities.
Seasonal Reputation: The Zachum Remnants
The Vessel of Hatred DLC introduces a new seasonal reputation system called the Zachum Remnants. This faction is devoted to the teachings of Akarat and plays a crucial role in the new storyline. As you progress through the game, completing events, dungeons, and other activities will earn you reputation points. The system is designed to be player-friendly, letting you earn rep through most activities rather than being restricted to a single grindy activity, similar to past iterations like Hell Tides.
To maximize your reputation gain, you can use the buffs from Opals, as well as a new Seasonal Blessing that further boosts your reputation. As you level up your reputation with the Zachum Remnants, you’ll earn rewards ranging from basic materials and equipment to high-value items like legendaries and Uniques. The system caps out at level 12, offering an incentive to keep pushing for better rewards as the season progresses.
New Endgame Content: Under City and Citadel
Beyond the new seasonal content, the DLC also brings significant updates to Diablo 4's core endgame with the introduction of two new modes: the Under City and the Citadel.
The Under City
The Under City is a reimagined version of the Gauntlet challenges, providing a more engaging way to target farm specific D4 items. It requires players to defeat enemies and complete objectives within a time limit. The challenge lies in managing time effectively—taking down enemies and completing objectives without letting the timer hit zero. It’s particularly rewarding for those looking to level quickly or farm targeted items for their builds.
The rewards from the Under City challenges scale based on your performance, offering a valuable alternative to traditional farming methods. It’s a versatile mode that appeals to players looking for a fast-paced, skill-based activity with the potential for great loot.
The Citadel
On the other hand, the Citadel is a massive dungeon experience split into three distinct wings, each featuring a unique boss and challenges. Unlike other content, this dungeon requires a minimum of two players to complete. You'll need to coordinate with your partner to solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and progress through the dungeon.
The Citadel offers rewards in the form of weekly chests and Citadel-specific currency. This currency can be used with a special vendor located just outside the Citadel, offering exclusive rewards and cosmetics. The cooperative nature of this mode, combined with the unique challenges and rewards, makes it a refreshing change of pace from the usual solo grind.
Wrapping Up: Opals, Realm Walkers, and the New Endgame
The Vessel of Hatred DLC for Diablo 4 enriches the seasonal experience with the addition of Realm Walkers and the Opal system. The versatility of Opals makes them a must-have for optimizing your seasonal progression, whether you’re aiming to farm bosses, gather crafting materials, or simply boost your XP and reputation gains.
The new reputation system with the Zachum Remnants offers a rewarding loop for players who enjoy unlocking new tiers of rewards, while the Under City and Citadel provide diverse endgame challenges that can keep players engaged well beyond the launch window of the DLC. The Under City offers fast-paced, time-based challenges, while the Citadel provides a more methodical, cooperative experience that adds depth to the weekly grind.
So, as you dive back into the world of Sanctuary, make sure you’re taking advantage of the Opals, farming those Realm Walkers, and exploring the new endgame modes. It’s time to gear up, level up, and enjoy all the new content that Vessel of Hatred has to offer. Happy hunting, and may the loot gods smile upon you!
MMOexp Diablo 4 Team