The first season of Diablo IV, Season of the Malignant, launches on July 20. Learn more about Season 1's story, new dungeons and bosses, seasonal characters, and battle passes.
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Diablo IV's First Season Launches on July 20
Get Ready To Face Malignant Monsters
Season of the Malignant, the first season of Diablo IV, is scheduled to be released on July 20 at 10 AM PDT. Players will begin on an exciting quest to battle the evil forces afflicting Sanctuary with its many new features and challenges.
Along with a compelling plot and the debut of Malignant Monsters, the season will include a Battle Pass with various awards and benefits. Fans may anticipate another announcement on July 18 revealing new rare items and Legendary Aspects as the release date draws near.
Battling the Malignant Threat
In the Season of the Malignant, players face the threat of Malignant Monsters, sinister creatures born from Lilith's machinations. These decaying abominations relentlessly attack Sanctuary, prompting players to embark on a Questline led by Cormond, a former priest, to capture the Malignant Hearts fueling their power. By harnessing these hearts, players will gain the ability to alter their builds, but it is crucial to eliminate this spreading malignancy before it engulfs the entirety of Sanctuary.
New Dungeons and Boss Battles
The Season of the Malignant introduces Malignant Tunnels, replayable dungeons teeming with formidable adversaries. Exploring these dank tunnels will yield Malignant Hearts, allowing players to engage in thrilling encounters.
Among these challenges awaits Varshan the Consumed, the latest Boss battle, whose defeat promises excellent rewards for those brave enough and strong enough to face the peril.
Seasonal Characters
To participate in Seasons, you will need to create a new character specifically on the Seasonal Realm. You don't need to buy anything extra to participate in the Seasonal content, but you do need to complete the campaign on either the Eternal or Seasonal Realm with at least one character.
Once you've completed the campaign, your Seasonal character will get some nice benefits, like the ability to skip the campaign, instant access to your mount, unlocked Altars of Lilith, and revealed areas of the map. You'll also get some Renown for each of these things.
At the end of the Season, your character and their progress will be transferred to the Eternal Realm. This includes all of the items you've collected, as well as those in your Seasonal stash. You can then use this character in Sanctuary whenever you want. However, some Season-specific features, like Malignant Hearts, will no longer be available after the Season ends.
Introducing the Battle Pass
Diablo IV's Season of the Malignant also unveils the Battle Pass, commencing on July 20. This comprehensive system features 90 Tiers, with 27 Free Tiers and 63 Premium Tiers. Progression through the Battle Pass earns Smoldering Ashes, which can be utilized to activate Season Blessings. These blessings offer experience, Gold, or Obols bonuses, enhancing your gameplay until the end of the season.
Premium Battle Pass holders gain exclusive access to Awoken Armor Sets, Mount and Mount Armor, Platinum, and more. Players who purchased the Digital Deluxe or Ultimate Edition of Diablo IV can redeem their Battle Pass by accessing the Seasons section of the Shop.
Additionally, Tier skips are available for 200 Platinum per skip, allowing players to progress quickly. It's worth noting that certain Tiers unlock rewards of Smoldering Ashes, which require meeting specific Character Level requirements.