Summary
Vessel of Hatredgame director Brent Gibson remains committed to the idea of adding more group-only content toDiablo 4and offers advice to solo players. Since it launched over a year ago,Diablo 4has continued to build momentum with each season, culminating with the positive reception to its first expansion,Vessel of Hatred.
Alongside a new campaign and other content,Diablo 4Vessel of Hatredadded the Dark Citadelas an endgame activity. However, in a first for the franchise, the Dark Citadel is a PvE co-op only experience, essentially locking solo players out of it completely and leaving many frustrated about not being able to experience a core piece of the expansion. Based on recent comments by Blizzard, the Dark CItadel likely won’t be the first and last experience of its kind going forward.
In a recent interview withPolygon,Diablo 4:Vessel of Hatredgame director Brent Gibson admitted to being happy with howDiablo 4’s Dark Citadelhas been received by players. Acknowledging it isn’t for everyone, for players that have experienced it, the feedback has seemingly been positive. In addition, Gibson essentially doubled down on the idea of group-only based content, indicating that he was “sticking to his guns” on it. Gibson continued, “So I expect us to continue to watch the Citadel and see what kind of additional feedback that we’re going to get on it. But yeah, I’m sticking to my guns on it.”
Diablo 4 Not Backing Down From Group Content
For solo-based players hoping for a change, Blizzard doesn’t appear to be backing down from group-only activities. In fact, both Gibson andDiablogeneral manager Rod Fergusson are in agreement that they’re happy with how muchcontent theDiablo 4endgame offersplayers, with it continuing to evolve with diverse experiences. Essentially,Diablo 4players now have many different activities they can choose as alternative paths within the same endgame loop, including Kurast Undercity, the Pit, Infernal Horde, or Dark Citadel to name a few.
It’s not an easy mode for everybody to go into, but for those players who have been playing, it’s a lot of fun. So I expect us to continue to watch the Citadel and see what kind of additional feedback that we’re going to get on it. But yeah, I’m sticking to my guns on it.
For now, all eyes have begun to turn to the upcoming Season 7, which is currently being tested on the PTR server before launching. While a firm release date isn’t yet set in stone, Blizzard hasn’t been shy about revealing new content, even confirming a few upcoming features in recent Campfire Chats. Specifically,Diablo 4Season 7 is making some quality of life changes, like no longer forcing players to repeat Class Quests as they’re now tied to accounts rather than individual characters. The reward will instead be granted for hitting that specific level requirement rather than running the same quest again.
Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred
WHERE TO PLAY
Uncover the next chapter of Diablo® IV in Vessel of Hatred™. Continue your fight to thwart the diabolical plot of the Prime Evil, Mephisto. Battle as the all-new Spiritborn class, empowered by mystical Spirits. Expand your map to the new region of Nahantu and traverse through its lush jungles. Recruit new Mercenaries, take on new enemies, dungeons, a new PvE co-op challenge, and more. Plus, explore base game updates that will introduce new power and continue to enhance the world of Diablo® IV.New class: SpiritbornThe Spiritborn, apex predator of the jungle, is poised to strike. Battle with styles and mystical synergies that could only be awakened deep beneath the jungle’s canopy with an entirely new class to the iconic Diablo® series.New region: NahantuExpand Sanctuary to discover new Towns and bygone civilizations shrouded in the vast region of Nahantu. Battle courageously through new dungeons and Strongholds and take on new enemies from ferocious demons to warring Tribes.More campaign, more evilPrepare for the next chapter of Diablo® IV. Your search for Neyrelle takes you deep into an ancient jungle in an attempt to uncover Mephisto’s malicious agenda and put his corruption to an end once and for all. But be warned - within the jungle await gruesome new foes plotting your demise.Team up for the Dark CitadelParty up to take on a new multi-faceted dungeon with powerful challenges and promising rewards. First of its kind to Diablo®, this dungeon will require eager warriors to team up and take down the challenge together.Recruit your MercenariesDiscover and recruit new Mercenaries to join you on your quest. These powerful allies fight alongside you, grow in power as they progress and aid you in combat with unique abilities.Tons of base game updatesAll Diablo® IV players can venture forward with new Pets to aid in gold and material pickup today! Plus, experience more updates coming to all players when Vessel of Hatred™ releases. Empower your favorite classes with new skills, added Paragon Boards, and Legendary Glyphs. Explore new dungeon types, added activities and rewards from the Tree of Whispers, and replayable Strongholds, with even more updates on the way.
