Diablo 4: How to Unlock and Complete The Dark Citadel in Vessel of Hatred

3 Key Takeaways:

1. The Dark Citadel is an advanced endgame dungeon in Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred, requiring teamwork and high-level characters to unlock and complete.
2. It features three wings filled with challenging bosses, mechanics, and puzzles, with rewards such as Legendary Caches and exclusive cosmetics that make the grind worthwhile for seasoned players.
3. Completing the Dark Citadel requires precise coordination, as the multiplayer-only dungeon introduces complex mechanics that make it a true test for players on Torment Difficulty.

With the release of the Vessel of Hatred expansion, Diablo 4 introduced many new features and activities, but none more exciting or challenging than the Dark Citadel. This cooperative endgame dungeon is designed to push players to their limits, combining intense combat, intricate mechanics, and substantial rewards. Whether you’re looking to level up your Paragon Levels, farm exclusive gear, or prove your mastery in Diablo 4, the Dark Citadel is your ultimate test.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about unlocking and completing the Dark Citadel, including the dungeon’s mechanics, boss fights, and rewards. So, gather your team and prepare for one of the most epic challenges in Diablo 4.

How to Unlock the Dark Citadel in Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred

Requirements for Accessing the Dark Citadel

Unlocking the Dark Citadel isn’t as simple as walking through a door; it’s an activity reserved for high-level players who are ready for the most punishing content in Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred. Here’s how you can unlock the Dark Citadel:

1. Complete the Main Campaign of Vessel of Hatred: Before anything else, you must complete the Vessel of Hatred campaign. This will also unlock access to other endgame activities that you’ll need to progress through.
2. Finish the Crater of Lost Souls Quest: Once you’ve completed the campaign, the Crater of Lost Souls Priority Quest will become available. This is essential for unlocking the Dark Citadel.
3. World Tier 4 Requirement: The Dark Citadel can only be accessed on Torment Difficulty (World Tier 4), so you need to reach a high enough level (70+) and complete both Capstone Dungeons to unlock World Tier 4.
4. Multiplayer Only: You cannot tackle the Dark Citadel solo. You’ll need at least two players, though it’s highly recommended to form a full party of four to maximize your chances of success.

Once these prerequisites are met, head over to Priestess Cualli in Upper Kurast near the World Tier Statue. She’ll start you on the final steps of unlocking the Dark Citadel.

How to Complete the Dark Citadel Dungeon: A Full Walkthrough

The Dark Citadel is composed of three distinct wings, each with its own challenges, puzzles, and bosses. Your objective is to clear all three wings and defeat the final boss, Zagraal, to claim your rewards.

1. Enclave of Strife (Left Wing)

The first section of the Dark Citadel is the Enclave of Strife, where you will be introduced to the mechanics of Ward Stones, Sealing Wards, and Soul Siphons.

• Ward Stones and Sealing Wards: Defeat Ward Guardians (elite enemies) to collect Ward Stones. These are used to break the Sealing Wards that block your path.
• Soul Siphons: You’ll encounter circular Soul Siphon areas that must be charged by standing inside them. Stay within the circle until it fully lights up to progress.
• Impending Doom Debuff: Throughout your journey, you will accumulate the Impending Doom debuff, which needs to be removed by entering Soul Dampeners small safe zones that cleanse the debuff.

The wing’s boss is Gorschak, and the fight is divided into several stages:

• One player will need to enter the Spirit Realm using Realm Shards and teleport via the Gateway. The Spirit Realm player will fight Fragmented Soul of Gorschak to collect Soul Essence while the others manage the battlefield outside.
• Once enough Soul Essence is collected, deposit it in the Conduit of Souls to make Gorschak vulnerable. Repeat this process as needed to defeat him and move on to the next wing.

2. Labyrinth of Souls (Right Wing)

The second wing introduces additional mechanics, such as Sigil Rooms and Barrier Guardians.

• Sigil Rooms: Kill Barrier Guardians to collect Sigils. You’ll need to match these Sigils with their corresponding rooms to progress.
• Faeroch Fight: The first major encounter is against Faeroch, who has a party-wiping attack if you’re not careful. Stay inside the protective bubbles that appear to avoid being wiped out, and counterattack during his vulnerable moments.
• Lorzuul, the Gorger: The final boss in this wing is Lorzuul. You’ll need to collect more Sigils to break his immunity shield before you can deal damage. Once vulnerable, unleash your full strength to take him down.

3. Dominion of Zagraal (Center Wing)

In the final section, you’ll face the most complex mechanics of the Dark Citadel.

• Spell Guardians and Counterspell Stones: Defeat Spell Guardians to obtain Counterspell Stones, which are used to deflect Soul Orbs from bosses and open portals.
• Vorshok and Hurstt: This boss fight requires you to deflect Soul Orbs to enter the Spirit Realm, where you can defeat one of the bosses before returning to kill the other. Use the same mechanics learned earlier to open portals and collect Ward Stones.
• Zagraal Fight: The final encounter with Zagraal combines many of the mechanics from the previous wings. Use portals to weaken him, step on pedestals to dispel barriers, and charge the Soul Siphons to progress through the fight. You will also need to defeat Spell Guardians to gather Counterspell Stones for the damage phase.

After multiple phases and careful coordination, Zagraal will finally fall, and you’ll claim victory.

Rewards for Completing the Dark Citadel

Each wing of the Dark Citadel offers its own exclusive rewards, including Legendary Caches and unique cosmetics. Here’s what you can expect:

• Enclave of Strife (Left Wing): Helm of Khazra Cosmetic, Legendary Cache
• Labyrinth of Souls (Right Wing): Gloves of Khazra Cosmetic, Legendary Cache
• Dominion of Zagraal (Center Wing): Severed Head of Zagraal, Khazra Armor Cosmetic, Legendary Cache

Additionally, completing the entire Dark Citadel dungeon will grant you a Weekly Cache, making it worth running every week for new rewards. You’ll also earn Citadel Coins, which can be spent on exclusive Dark Citadel cosmetics in the game’s shop.

FAQ Section

Q: How do I unlock the Dark Citadel in Diablo 4?
A: To unlock the Dark Citadel, you need to complete the main campaign of Vessel of Hatred, finish the Crater of Lost Souls quest, and reach World Tier 4.

Q: Is the Dark Citadel a solo dungeon?
A: No, the Dark Citadel is a multiplayer-only dungeon, requiring a minimum of two players, though it is highly recommended to have a full party of four.

Q: What rewards can I earn from the Dark Citadel?
A: Each wing offers Legendary Caches and unique cosmetics, and completing the entire dungeon rewards players with a Weekly Cache and Citadel Coins for exclusive items.

Q: How long does it take to complete the Dark Citadel?
A: The Dark Citadel is an extensive dungeon with three wings, each filled with challenging mechanics and bosses. It typically takes a coordinated group a few hours to complete.

The Dark Citadel in Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred is a true test of skill, teamwork, and strategy. As one of the most rewarding endgame activities, it provides both exclusive loot and a thrilling gameplay experience. By mastering the mechanics of each wing and working closely with your team, you can conquer this dungeon and claim the powerful rewards waiting inside. If you’re up for the challenge, gather your party and dive into the Dark Citadel today.