The latest installment in Blizzard’s renowned tale, Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred, takes place in a world where evil rules and darkness approaches. While it boasts exciting features like the Spiritborn class and endgame activities, will it deliver the epic experience players crave? Lets review whether the Diablo 4 Vessel of Hatred DLC can offer a worthy gameplay for you.
Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred DLC Review
“Vessel of Hatred,” the eagerly awaited Diablo 4 addition from Blizzard, has finally arrived. It brings with it plenty new features, modifications to the gameplay, and engaging material for gamers. Although the expansion succeeds in many ways, there are several areas where it falls short. Let’s dive into what makes this expansion tick.
Story and Setting
The expansion picks up right where the base game left off, with players venturing into the lush jungles of Nahantu, a brand-new region south of the main map. The narrative takes place after Mephisto’s soulstone being spirited away, laying the groundwork for what ought to be a catastrophic conflict. But the novel ends on yet another cliffhanger, seeming more like a prologue than a whole plot arc.
The new region of Nahantu provides a visually striking contrast to previous areas, with its vast jungles slowly being corrupted by Mephisto’s influence. The environmental storytelling is top-notch, creating a palpable sense of urgency as players witness the creeping corruption.
However, the campaign lasts about six hours and may seem incomplete. It ends on another cliffhanger with little resolution. Some new activities, like the Realmwalker, can feel underwhelming. Meanwhile, the Dark Citadel raid mechanics may be too simple for hardcore players.
New Features and Gameplay
One of the expansion’s standout additions is the new Spiritborn class. Specifically, this versatile character can channel the powers of four guardian spirits: jaguar, gorilla, eagle, and centipede. Each of these spirits offers unique abilities and playstyles, allowing for unprecedented customization and flexibility. Players can mix and match abilities from different spirits, creating truly unique builds that can be easily respected on the fly.
The new mercenary system introduces AI companions that can join players on their adventures. Additionally, these NPCs have unique backstories and skill progression, adding depth to solo play. This feature helps bridge the gap between solo and co-op experiences.
Endgame Content
Vessel of Hatred introduces several new endgame activities. First, The Dark Citadel is a cooperative, raid-like activity for up to four players, featuring puzzle mechanics and challenging bosses. While it’s a great first attempt at a raid for the Diablo series, some players might find the mechanics a bit too straightforward.
Next, Kurast Undercity is a multi-stage, time-attack dungeon perfect for endgame farming and leveling. It offers targeted loot and a satisfying challenge for solo players. Finally, the Party Finder is a long-awaited matchmaking system that allows players to easily find groups for various activities.
System Changes
The expansion introduces several quality-of-life improvements and system overhauls. The level cap is increased to 60, with 300 levels of overleveling for endgame progression. The Paragon system is revamped with complex perk trees, and Runewords return for more gear customization. Other than that, a new enemy intensity system will offer higher difficulty levels as well.
Is Diablo 4 Vessel of Hatred Worth It?
Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred is an expansion that brings new content and system improvements to an already excellent game. The new Spiritborn class, endgame activities, and quality-of-life changes make for a more engaging and customizable experience. However, the short and incomplete-feeling campaign, along with some stability issues, prevent it from reaching its full potential.
Despite its shortcomings, the expansion lays a promising foundation for the future of Diablo 4. It offers plenty of demonic-slaying action for players eager to return to Sanctuary or newcomers ready to face the lords of Hell. With engaging content, it means to keep you entertained for hours.
