When Diablo IV first launched, I dipped my toes back into the world of Sanctuary, a place I had ventured through before but never truly connected with. Blizzard Entertainment’s dedication to creating rich, dark fantasy environments is undeniable, and Diablo IV continues that legacy with stunning visuals and atmospheric storytelling. But, like with previous installments, the solo experience left me feeling a bit detached. The game’s fixed camera angle and straightforward dungeon-crawling mechanics didn’t initially grab me the way other expansive RPGs, like Final Fantasy and Elder Scrolls, have. It felt like a grind—one that, without friends to share the experience with, just wasn’t that engaging.
However, with the release of Vessel of Hatred, I decided to give the new season a try—and this time, I enlisted friends to join the adventure. I’ll be the first to say it: playing with friends completely transformed the experience.
Let’s start with the basics. Vessel of Hatred introduces a vibrant, new map that stands in stark contrast to the usual desolate and dreary environments. The setting is lush and tropical, teeming with life, and snakes—lots of snakes. These tropical jungles are filled with winding paths and dangerous flora, making it feel alive and unpredictable. The poison damage from these enemies hits harder than before, requiring more tactical planning. It feels like Blizzard has really leaned into the idea of environmental dangers, making every area feel like a new challenge to navigate.
And then there’s the loot. If you’re a seasoned Diablo player, you know that loot is the lifeblood of the game. But in Vessel of Hatred, it feels like rare drops have become even rarer, forcing you to work a little harder and grind a little longer for those powerful pieces. At first, I found this frustrating—until I realized how much more satisfying it felt when something valuable finally dropped. That sense of triumph and discovery is heightened, especially when you have friends by your side to share the excitement (and maybe bicker a bit over who gets the shiny new weapon).
With my friends, I decided to start fresh, creating a new character—a Spirit Born Kitty Tosser (The Hunter) with a Boomerang Eagle (Razer Wings). Yes, you read that right.
The Kitty Tosser build, which allows you to throw spirit cats as magical projectiles, has a delightful absurdity to it, and the Boomerang Eagle adds an additional layer of fun. The Hunter does a big meow after eliminating enemies. The eagle swoops around, hitting enemies multiple times before returning, making combat feel dynamic and a bit chaotic—in the best way possible.
The biggest change for me, though, is how playing with friends shifts the entire vibe of the game. What felt like an isolating grind when I played solo transformed into a collaborative and laughter-filled adventure. The frustration of repeated battles and long loot chases melted away when shared with others, and I finally understood why Diablo has such a loyal, cooperative fanbase. It’s a game meant to be enjoyed with others, and Vessel of Hatred proves that Blizzard is keen on leaning into that, offering more engaging multiplayer experiences and tactical opportunities for team-based gameplay.
So, if you’ve been wondering whether the new season is worth your time—especially if you already enjoy Diablo IV’s core mechanics—I wholeheartedly recommend giving Vessel of Hatred a shot. Whether you’re into the new lush map, the spicier poison mechanics, or just want an excuse to hang out with friends in a new, vibrant environment, this season offers something fresh. It’s a reminder that even if you didn’t click with Diablo before, the right team can make it feel like an entirely new game.
For those, like me, who may have hesitated to embrace Diablo IV, Vessel of Hatred is the perfect opportunity to dive back in. If you’ve got friends to join you, I guarantee it’s an experience worth sharing.
