Blizzard Entertainment has unveiled the Season of the Deceived for Diablo IV, featuring Belial, Lord of Lies, as the central antagonist. With Mephisto distracted elsewhere, Belial seizes his chance to spread deception throughout Sanctuary, bringing new challenges and rewards for players.
Belial Returns as a Permanent Threat
The Lord of Lies isn't just making a temporary appearance - Belial will permanently join the Lair Boss roster, giving players a persistent endgame challenge. Those who own the upcoming Vessel of Hatred expansion will gain access to two additional Lair Bosses: Urivar and the Harbinger of Hatred, further expanding the endgame content.
Players will encounter Belial's influence through new Apparition Incursions world events. By defeating these apparitions and bosses, adventurers earn Unveiler's Oath reputation and can even challenge Belial's Supreme form for double rewards.
New Boss Powers System Adds Strategic Depth
The Season introduces a Boss Powers system featuring 24 unique powers that can be combined for 48 different combinations. This mechanic promises to add significant strategic depth to character builds and combat approaches as players mix and match abilities from defeated bosses.
What's New with the Season Journey?
The Season Journey interface has been completely redesigned with Smoldering Ashes moved from the battle pass to the Season Journey progression. Completing the journey rewards players with "Iris," a new pet that assists with gold and material pickup - a welcome quality-of-life improvement for all players.
Reliquary System Replaces Traditional Battle Pass
Perhaps the most significant change is the new Reliquary system replacing the traditional Battle Pass. This player-choice focused approach features four main Reliquaries:
- Belial's Return (free for all players)
- Weapons Reliquary (Premium)
- Beasts Reliquary (Premium)
- Armor Reliquary (Premium)
The Premium Battle Pass Bundle (1000 Platinum) grants access to all Premium Reliquaries, while the Deluxe Bundle adds instant unlocks for the Guise of the Deceiver armor set, Wings of the Deceiver, and an Orinocta owl pet. A new Favor currency system will carry over between seasons (capped at 99 tokens).
Limited-Time Berserk Collaboration Event
From May 6 to June 3, 2024, Diablo IV will feature a collaboration with the dark fantasy manga/anime Berserk. This event includes themed cosmetics and a special Event Reliquary with exclusive rewards for fans of both franchises.
The Season of the Deceived represents a significant evolution for Diablo IV's seasonal model, emphasizing player choice in progression while expanding the endgame with permanent content additions. The combination of Belial's return, the new Boss Powers system, and the revamped rewards structure should give players plenty of reasons to return to Sanctuary.