Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred – The Ultimate Guide to Conquering the Expansion

Are you ready to dive into the world of Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred? This expansion takes the thrilling narrative and action-packed gameplay of the base game to new heights. You’ll find yourself embarking on a gripping journey to rescue Neyrelle from the ominous grasp of Mephisto, while discovering the mysterious new region of Nahantu. Whether you are here for the story or the challenges that await, this guide will help you navigate every aspect of the expansion. We’ll break down the main campaign quests, share tips for conquering the new Strongholds, and walk you through the endgame content.

What Is Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred?

Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred is an expansion that builds upon the dark, immersive world of Diablo 4. The story follows Neyrelle’s struggle against Mephisto, with players drawn into a quest filled with powerful enemies, dark secrets, and rich lore. However, the real draw isn’t just the story it’s the gameplay. The expansion is packed with new areas to explore, challenging quests, formidable dungeons, and plenty of loot.

If you want to experience everything the expansion has to offer, you’ll need to complete the campaign. The main storyline takes you across the treacherous terrain of Nahantu, where dangers lurk around every corner. Alongside the narrative, you’ll find an array of new mechanics and features designed to keep you on your toes. Whether you’re a lore enthusiast or a gameplay-focused grinder, this expansion is designed to keep you engaged.

Main Campaign Overview: A Quest for Survival

The core campaign of Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred is extensive, featuring 30 main quests spread across four chapters, with a gripping epilogue to conclude your journey. Completing these quests is essential if you want to access all the endgame activities, including Helltides, Nightmare Dungeons, and the newly introduced co-op dungeon, The Dark Citadel. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each chapter:

Chapter 1: The Art of Salvaging What Remains

• Rekindled Faith
• A Fist of Fire
• Pursuit of Justice
• A Magpie in Flight
• Enmity Rising

Chapter 1 sets the stage for the story, focusing on Neyrelle’s struggle and the rising darkness that threatens Nahantu. Players must complete these quests to unlock new abilities and progress to the more challenging tasks that lie ahead.

Chapter 2: The Wound Heals, The Pain Lingers

• Thrust Into the Dark
• The Hand Remembers The Blade
• A Path Laid in Blood
• Unknowing Survivors
• Reaching Through the Veil
• A Flickering Light
• The Heart of All Rot
• To Kurast
• Madman, Crowned
• Fundament of Faith

Chapter 2 dives deeper into Nahantu’s history and brings new challenges as you confront enemies guarding ancient secrets. Here, you’ll explore Kurast and face enemies that will test your combat skills.

Chapter 3: Darkening Clouds

• Darkening Clouds
• Forgotten Gods
• Across the Threshold
• A Deeper Sickness
• Fragile Blessings
• Reunion
• Living Memory
• Burning Crusade

Chapter 3 takes players to the heart of Nahantu’s chaos, as ancient gods and curses converge. Each quest brings new revelations about Mephisto’s plans and the dark forces controlling the region.

Chapter 4: False Prophets, Fallen Saints

• The Way Out is Through
• Perspective
• In His Footsteps
• All Good Things
• Catharsis
• To Walk a Different Path
• Presaging Fate

In the final chapter, the stakes reach their peak. Players must fight through waves of enemies and make difficult choices that will shape the future of Nahantu. Finishing Chapter 4 opens up the epilogue, Deeds of a Champion, which ties up the story and unlocks endgame content.

All Endgame Activities and Features in Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred

Completing the main campaign isn’t the end it’s just the beginning of the real challenge. Here’s what you can expect once you’ve finished the story:

Unlocking the Endgame Content

After completing the final quest, Deeds of a Champion, players can access a host of endgame features, including:

• Helltides and Seasonal Events: These events can be played without finishing the campaign, but they become even more rewarding after completion.
• Nightmare Dungeons: Dive into even tougher dungeons with unique modifiers and higher-level enemies.
• The Pit of Artificers: A new crafting hub where you can forge powerful gear.
• Infernal Hordes: Swarms of enemies that periodically invade Nahantu, providing a great way to earn XP and loot.
• Kurast Undercity Activities: Explore the underground ruins of Kurast, filled with secrets, challenges, and treasure.

The Dark Citadel: A Co-Op Dungeon Challenge

One of the highlights of the expansion is The Dark Citadel, a co-op dungeon that is only available after completing the story. Located beyond the Crater of Lost Souls, this dungeon challenges you to work with other players to overcome powerful enemies and solve intricate puzzles. It’s one of the most difficult and rewarding dungeons in the game, offering exclusive gear and achievements.

Stronghold Strategy Guide: Conquering Nahantu’s Challenges

Strongholds in Nahantu are a key feature of Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred, offering intense battles and valuable rewards. Each Stronghold has its own set of challenges, and clearing them rewards players with 100 Renown and access to new waypoints. Here’s how to tackle each one:

How to Clear Chakhir Stronghold

Chakhir Stronghold is located west of the Kurast Bazaar in the Seven Stones area. To clear it:

1. Destroy Toxic Cauldrons: Find and destroy cauldrons filled with toxic magic, guarded by powerful Elite enemies known as Cauldron Keepers.
2. Defeat Darm: After destroying the cauldrons, the mini-boss Darm will appear. Dodge his poisonous attacks and focus on taking him down.
3. Summon and Defeat Sinerat and Skerg: After Darm, you’ll face the final bosses. These enemies hit hard, so make sure you’re well-equipped before engaging.

Rewards for clearing Chakhir include 100 Renown and access to new areas in Nahantu.

How to Clear Kichuk Stronghold

Kichuk Stronghold lies northeast of the Teganze Plateau. To complete this Stronghold:

1. Free the Villagers: Rescue NPCs trapped in cages and lead them to safety while defending them against waves of enemies.
2. Collapse the Caves: Enter the caves and destroy pillars to prevent further attacks, all while dodging dangerous enemies.
3. Defeat Kirma: Kirma is a regenerating boss, making it difficult to bring down. Focus on damage output and interrupting its healing abilities.

Clearing Kichuk grants 100 Renown and unlocks the Kichuk Waypoint.

How to Clear The Festering Dark Stronghold

The Festering Dark Stronghold is known for its challenging visibility mechanics. Here’s how to conquer it:

1. Use the Reliquary Lantern: You’ll need to carry a lantern to see in the dark. Drop it when fighting enemies, and use runes to retrieve it if lost.
2. Light Braziers: As you explore the dungeon, light a series of braziers to weaken enemies and dispel barriers.
3. Defeat Vesicator and Maleficium: Take down the mini-boss Vesicator to reach the Gates of the Necropolis, where you’ll face Maleficium. Relight the braziers during the fight to make Maleficium vulnerable.

Completing this Stronghold rewards 100 Renown, new fast-travel waypoints, and access to the Betrayed Tomb Dungeon.

FAQs About Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred

Q: How long is the main campaign in Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred?
A: The main campaign is fairly lengthy, with about 30 quests spread across four chapters. Players can expect to spend at least 20-30 hours completing the storyline, depending on their playstyle and difficulty level.

Q: Can you replay the campaign with a new character?
A: Yes, once you finish the story, you can choose to replay the campaign with a new character. This allows you to experience the story again while testing out different builds and strategies.

Q: What level should I be before tackling Strongholds?
A: It’s best to reach at least level 50 before attempting to clear the more challenging Strongholds, as enemies scale in difficulty. Make sure to complete side quests and upgrade your gear for a smoother experience.

Q: Are the new Mercenaries and Reinforcements unlocked through the story?
A: Yes, most of the new expansion features, including the Mercenaries and Reinforcements system, are unlocked as you progress through the main campaign quests.

Q: Is it worth making a new character for the expansion?
A: While not necessary, creating a new character can give you a fresh experience with the new class mechanics and challenges introduced in the expansion. It’s a great way to see how different builds perform in Nahantu.