Blizzard Entertainment has released a substantial update for Diablo IV, with Patch 2.2.0 introducing Vessel of Hatred expansion content and significant base game improvements. The main update launched on April 29, 2025, followed by hotfixes on May 1 and May 2, 2025, addressing critical issues across all platforms.
Vessel of Hatred Expansion Brings New Class and Systems
The highlight of Patch 2.2.0 is the introduction of the Spiritborn class, which has received several balance adjustments in this update. Rushing Claw damage increased from 60% to 80%, while the Sepazontec damage saw a significant boost from 50-100% to 80-130%. The patch also introduces the Rune Words system featuring various runes like Xan, Tec, Qax, and Vex, each bringing unique effects to enhance gameplay.
Alongside the new class comes fresh gear, including the Sunbird's Gorget unique item that creates a firestorm when picking up Storm Feathers, with its damage increased from 150-300% to 200-400%. The Rip and Tear Aspect enhances the Rushing Claw ability with different effects based on charges, adding new build possibilities.
Belial's Return Challenges Players With New Boss Mechanics
Diablo IV players can now face Belial, Lord of Lies, in a challenging new encounter with three difficulty tiers: Initiate, Greater, and Exalted. The development team has carefully balanced boss abilities, reducing Andariel's Flaming Skull damage from 1800% to 450% and Belial's Eye Beams from 1750% to 438% while making the encounters more mechanically engaging.
The update introduces a significant change to the loot system - bosses no longer drop loot directly but instead spawn Hoards requiring Hoard Keys to access. The keys cost varies by difficulty: Initiate (12), Greater (3), and Exalted (2).
What's New for Each Class?
All classes received substantial balance changes:
- Barbarian: Whirlwind damage increased by 20%, with reduced fury costs for several core abilities
- Druid: Improved Storm Strike chain acquisition and increased Ravens passive damage from 31% to 90%
- Necromancer: Blood Lance mechanics improved, and Vampiric Curse now considered a Curse Skill
- Rogue: Shadow Clone always counts as a Cutthroat Skill, with trap mechanics rebalanced
- Sorcerer: Refined Familiar casting for snappier gameplay and completely reworked Avalanche passive
Quality of Life Improvements
The update brings numerous user experience enhancements, including renamed damage types (Shadow DoT to Corruption, Cold DoT to Frostbite, Lightning DoT to Sparking), improved tooltip clarity, and enhanced inventory sorting. Party teleporting to other members is now available through the Social menu, and cosmetic items can be consumed by any class.
Experience gains from monster kills until Level 25 have been reduced, while the loot distribution system has been revised with improved Magic and Rare items during leveling. Common quality items no longer drop beyond Level 6, creating a more rewarding progression experience.
For complete details on all changes, players can visit the official patch notes.