Blizzard has shared details on the first Diablo 4 season headed to the game on 20 July. Diablo 4 Season 1 is called Season of the Malignant and follows characters across Sanctuary as they try to fight mutated demons called Malignant.
According to Blizzard, the first season of the game will feature a new quest line, new characters, new enemies, new powers and the game’s first Battle Pass. The story takes place after the main events of the game and introduces players to Cormand, an ex-priest from the Cathedral of Light. Cormand is trying to stop the spread of this disease known as Malignant.
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The main mechanics behind Diablo 4 Season 1 are these Malignant monsters. Any Elite monster in Diablo 4 can spawn as an infected version which grants them additional power and buffs. Players need to defeat these Malignant demons by drawing out their corruption and trapping their Malignant Hearts. You can then use these hearts to socket into rings and amulets.
Blizzard says that new builds are possible in Diablo 4 Season 1 thanks to these Malignant powers. The developer claims some of these builds which players can experiment with are “stupidly powerful”.
The studio also confirmed that alongside the monsters, the game will also get a new boss monster, legendary items, unique items and more. These items are also available across all versions of the game so you don’t have to own the seasonal content to obtain them.
Of course, players will need to start a new character in Diablo 4 Season 1. You can then play through the campaign and experience the added mechanics. Some features from your already-completed campaign do carry over to the new character.
There’s also a new Seasonal Journey feature arriving on 20 July. This acts as a seven-chapter list of objectives which you’ll have to complete in order to progress through the Battle Pass. Each objective rewards you with Favor which is then used to unlock rewards in the pass.
The Diablo 4 Battle Pass includes a paid tier and a free tier. So you can participate in the progression regardless of purchasing the premium pass. You can also purchase it at any time and instantly unlock what you already have obtained.
Diablo 4 Season 1 goes live on 20 July. If you own the Deluxe Edition or Ultimate Edition you’ll instantly get access to the Premium Battle Pass tiers and the seasonal content. You can read more about the seasonal content here.
