Title: Diablo IV’s First Season Kicks Off with New Challenges and Characters
Subtitle: Season of the Malignant brings corrupted enemies and battle pass to Blizzard’s ARPG
Date: July 18, 2022
The highly anticipated first season of Diablo IV is set to launch on July 20, marking a new era for Blizzard’s latest action role-playing game. The introduction of seasons is not new to the franchise, but the way they are implemented as part of Diablo IV’s live-service elements brings a new level of excitement.
Each season in Diablo IV will require players to create a brand new character, offering a fresh start with new challenges and enemies to face. Existing characters will remain untouched and playable in the main game, residing in the “Eternal Realm” while seasonal characters embark on their adventures in the appropriately named “Seasonal Realm.” Once the season ends, seasonal characters will migrate to the Eternal Realm, allowing players to continue playing them without losing progress.
Blizzard has released a video explaining the seasonal structure and character creation process. Players are advised to complete the campaign with an Eternal character before rolling up a seasonal character, although it is possible to play through the campaign with a seasonal character after defeating Lilith at least once. However, the game currently only offers 10 character slots, raising concerns about what will happen as more seasons are added.
Diablo IV’s first season, Season of the Malignant, will introduce all-new corrupted enemies called Malignant Monsters. Players will embark on a new questline and collect Malignant Hearts from Partially Corrupted enemies. These hearts will be used in a ritual, transforming the slain creature into a Fully Corrupted enemy. The defeated Fully Corrupted enemy will then drop Malignant items that can be equipped in sockets like gems, adding a new layer of customization.
Additionally, Season of the Malignant brings Malignant Tunnels, replayable dungeons filled with Malignant Monsters, and a new boss battle against Varshan the Consumed.
A battle pass system will also be introduced in Diablo IV, offering both free and premium tiers. Players who choose not to purchase the premium battle pass will still have access to free rewards, while those who invest in it will receive cooler and exclusive items. The premium battle pass can be obtained using platinum, a premium currency that comes in different bundles, ranging from 200 to 11,500 platinum.
To progress through the battle pass, players will earn “Favor” by completing standard Diablo activities such as killing enemies and completing quests. As they progress, players will also earn “Smoldering Ashes” that provide bonuses exclusively to seasonal characters.
Before the start of Season of the Malignant, players are advised to finish the campaign, unlock additional potion slots and skill points, and decide on their first seasonal character. Guides and videos are available to help players plan their leveling strategy and understand the game’s intricate systems.
Diablo IV: Season of the Malignant is set to launch on July 20, inviting players into a new world of challenges, customization, and exciting gameplay. Don’t forget to finish the campaign and be prepared for the new adventures that await!