With the launch of Vessel of Hatred, the first major expansion of Diablo 4, players are greeted with an exciting array of features and changes. This expansion introduces a new character class, innovative gameplay mechanics, and revamped progression systems, enhancing the overall experience in the hellish world of Sanctuary. Here are the ten most significant changes you can expect.

1. Introduction of the SpiritBorn Class

The standout feature of the Vessel of Hatred expansion is the SpiritBorn, a new character class. This tribalistic magical warrior harnesses the power of Guardian spirits, allowing players to customize their builds in unique ways. Unlike other classes that may steer players toward specific archetypes, the SpiritBorn offers a flexible playstyle. Players can mix mobility-focused Eagle abilities with poison-heavy life-stealing powers, making adapting strategies on the fly easy. The ability to skip the main campaign means you can jump straight into the action in the new region of Nantu.

2. Mercenary System

In a significant enhancement for solo players, the mercenary system allows you to recruit NPC allies to aid you in combat. Four mercenaries, each with distinct traits, can be unlocked during the Vessel of Hatred campaign. Notable options include Bounty Hunter Subo, specializing in ranged attacks, and Demon Child Alkin, using dark magic. As players explore, they will level up these mercenaries and unlock unique skills, providing additional tactical battle options.

3. Runewords for Build Crafting

Returning from the original Diablo, Runewords add depth to the build crafting experience. Players will discover these powerful combinations throughout the campaign and from certain enemies. Equip items with two open slots and combine a Ritual Rune with an Invocation Rune to create custom triggers for unique effects, such as summoning poison clouds upon drinking health potions. This feature adds complexity and versatility to character builds, especially in the endgame.

4. The Dark Citadel Activity

The Dark Citadel is a new raid-like activity designed for group play. Players can team up with up to three others to tackle a series of challenging battles, puzzles, and bosses in exchange for high-end loot. This activity consists of three distinct wings, each with a series of challenges that can be completed sequentially without losing progress. Unlocking the Dark Citadel requires completing the Vessel of Hatred campaign and progressing to at least Torment 1 difficulty.

5. Party Finder Tool

The Party Finder tool simplifies the process of finding like-minded players for cooperative gameplay. This matchmaking feature allows you to filter groups by activity type, ensuring you can join others who share your goals—grinding specific dungeons or engaging in voice chat. This improvement fosters community interaction and enhances the cooperative experience.

6. Kurast Undercity

Another new feature is the Kurast Undercity, an infinitely replayable dungeon with a time-attack mode. Players navigate procedurally generated environments, battling foes as quickly as possible. To maximize rewards, players can offer tributes to the Spirit Brazer before entering. This activity is reminiscent of Greater Rifts from Diablo 3, providing an enjoyable way to farm loot and experience.

7. Level Cap Reduction

To address the extensive grind previously required, the level cap for all characters has been lowered to 60. This change significantly reduces the time needed to reach maximum level, allowing players to dive into endgame content faster. As soon as players feel their builds are strong enough, they can advance to higher World Tier difficulties without feeling burdened by a lengthy grind.

8. Reworked Paragon System

The Paragon progression system has received a significant overhaul, with the maximum level raised to 300 and shared across all characters. This change encourages players to experiment with different builds and characters without losing progress. Players will still engage with the intricate perk boards and rune slotting, but the enhanced flexibility adds to the meaningfulness of progression.

9. Reduced Damage Numbers

One amusing change is the reduction in visible damage numbers. Players may notice a decrease in the size of damage figures, making the game feel less chaotic. However, this adjustment allows for more meaningful tracking of damage output, enabling players to better gauge their power growth.

10. New Seasonal Activity: Realm Walker

Finally, the expansion introduces the Realm Walker seasonal activity. Players can find this new event marked on their map, where they will engage in battles against a large demon. Defeating it allows players to enter a traditional dungeon activity with substantial rewards, including Seething Opals that grant additional loot and experience. This seasonal activity complements the overall gameplay experience, making it worthwhile for players seeking to enhance their character builds.
The Vessel of Hatred expansion brings significant enhancements and fresh experiences to Diablo 4. From the introduction of the Spirit Born class and mercenary system to reworked progression mechanics and exciting new activities, players have much to explore and enjoy. Embrace these changes as you venture deeper into the hellish landscape of Sanctuary and confront the Lords of Hell!

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