Prepare for a return to Sanctuary with the upcoming Diablo 4 DLC and expansion packs. We’ve gathered everything we know about what lies ahead after the conclusion of Diablo 4.
In contrast to seasonal content, Diablo 4 DLC is not mere minor additions or new questlines; instead, it will be substantial expansions akin to Diablo 2: The Lord of Destruction or Diablo 3’s Reaper of Souls. Typically, these expansion packs expand the storyline, introduce a new Act, and may even bring forth new character classes.
As many players approach the culmination of the game and witness its ending, the prospect of Diablo 4 DLC becomes a prominent consideration. Here’s our insight into the future content of Diablo 4, encompassing details about the inaugural major expansion pack, Vessel of Hatred, and what lies beyond.
Be cautioned that spoilers for the conclusion of Diablo 4 may be revealed below.
Is Diablo 4 DLC On The Way?
Certainly, the inaugural major expansion for Diablo 4, titled “Vessel of Hatred,” is slated for a 2024 release. The narrative of this expansion unfolds after the defeat of Lilith, where Neyrelle endeavors to bring Mephisto’s Soulstone to Sanctuary, aiming to cleanse the world of the Prime Evils. However, the DLC’s title suggests a twist – Mephisto seems to manipulate Neyrelle, planning his invasion and utilizing her as a conduit or “vessel.”
Veteran enthusiasts of Diablo 2 and Diablo 3 are likely familiar with Blizzard’s approach to Diablo DLC. Following Diablo 3’s launch, the significant narrative progression came with the arrival of Reaper of Souls, accompanied by the introduction of the Crusader and Necromancer character classes. A similar pattern was observed with Diablo 2’s The Lord of Destruction.
During Gamescom, Rod Fergusson hinted at the concept of annual updates, hinting that Diablo 4 might see an expansion pack each year, in addition to multiple seasonal updates. He explained, “If you look at the launch of the game and this first season, we see that as building a foundation on which we can build for the future. So, as we look at our quarterly seasons, and we look at our annual expansions, those are the things that we’re really focused on for our live service.”
What Could Diablo 4 DLC Involve?
Following the triumph over Lilith, the dying demon princess imparts a chilling warning to the player regarding the Prime Evils. Without her intervention, they could potentially invade Sanctuary once more. The player is then granted a vision indicating a looming return of Diablo, the Lord of Terror.
Nyrelle, in an enigmatic move, absconds with Mephisto’s Soulstone, embarking on a ship to an undisclosed destination. In a written message to the player character, she urges them not to pursue her, asserting her knowledge of the situation. The concluding scene hints at the wolf aspect of Mephisto trailing Nyrelle, suggesting that he might be the initial Prime Evil to confront in forthcoming DLC. Data miners have unearthed supportive evidence for this theory.
The trailer for Vessel of Hatred also appears to confirm Mephisto’s journey back to Kurast, the site he ravaged in Diablo 2:
While Lilith took on the role of the primary antagonist in the base game, the central villains of the series, Diablo, Baal, and Mephisto, were anticipated to make a return or be foreshadowed in some capacity. Notably absent in Diablo 4, Diablo himself becomes conspicuous. Now, with Mephisto’s resurgence in Sanctuary, there’s potential for him to corrupt Nyrelle, while Diablo and Baal may harbor their own schemes for a return. Could this have been the overarching plan of the Prime Evils? With Lilith, their most formidable adversary, eliminated, their path to dominance in Hell, Heaven, and Sanctuary might be unobstructed.
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