Diablo 4 Season 1 Update: All You Need to Know About Release Time, Battle Pass Costs, and More

Diablo 4 Season 1 Update: Release Time, Battle Pass Costs, and More

A Promising Start for Diablo 4

Diablo 4, the highly anticipated action role-playing game from Blizzard Activision, has had a lot to live up to, given the mixed reactions to its predecessors, Diablo 3 and Diablo Immortal. However, with its launch, Diablo 4 has proven to be a fun and addictive game that has captured the attention of players. But, like many modern video games, Diablo 4 is not immune to the trends of the industry. Blizzard Activision has developed the game with a live service season system and battle pass in mind, ensuring ongoing content updates and engagement for its player base.

Season 1: Release Date and Start Time

When Diablo 4 first launched, it did not include seasons or battle passes. However, Blizzard Activision assured players that these features would be introduced in future updates. Now, during a recent dev stream, the company has provided more details about Season 1. Titled “Season of the Malignant,” it is scheduled to release on July 20th. While the end date for the season has not been announced, Blizzard has confirmed that Seasonal characters will be transferred to the “Eternal” realm when Season 2 begins. It’s important to note that, although some season-specific items will no longer be available in the Eternal realm, much of the progress made by Seasonal characters will be retained.

Battle Pass Costs

Diablo 4’s battle pass is divided into two tracks: a free track and a premium track. The free track, available to all players, includes 27 unlocks. The premium battle pass comes with a cost of 1000 Platinum, equivalent to $10. Alternatively, players can purchase the accelerated battle pass for 2,800 Platinum, approximately $25, which automatically unlocks 20 tiers of rewards. Those who purchased the Diablo 4 Ultimate Edition will receive one accelerated battle pass. It should be noted that battle passes are seasonal, meaning a new one will need to be purchased for each season. While some games offer premium currencies as battle pass rewards, Diablo 4 requires players to purchase Platinum from the shop if they desire it.

Additional Content in Season 1

Season 1 of Diablo 4 aims to keep the game fresh and engaging in-between premium expansions. Titled “Season of the Malignant,” it takes place after the main campaign and introduces a new threat corrupting the creatures of Sanctuary. Throughout this season, players will encounter Malignant versions of elite monsters that are stronger than usual. Defeating them will yield Malignant Hearts, which can be socketed into equipment to unlock powerful abilities. Additionally, players can acquire new Legendary Aspects, Unique items, and Malignant gear, all of which enhance gameplay.

Character Resets and Seasonal Progression

One contentious aspect of Diablo 4’s season system is that players cannot use the same character for each season, nor can they transfer an existing character to a Seasonal Realm. This means that with the start of each new season, players will need to roll a new character and start from scratch. Blizzard justifies this approach by stating that each new season is designed to iterate on the base experience. However, players can transfer some progress from existing characters to Seasonal characters after the campaign is completed. This includes the player’s mount, previously discovered Altar of Lilith Rewards, areas on the map, and earned Renown rewards. It is worth noting that this progress can only be migrated once per season.

Editorial

Diablo 4’s Season 1 update brings new content, battle passes, and an ongoing live service system to the game, aligning with industry trends and maintaining player engagement. While some players may have reservations about the seasonal character resets, the decision to introduce fresh experiences with each season allows for experimentation with different classes and builds. The inclusion of a free track in the battle pass ensures that all players can enjoy the majority of the content, while premium cosmetic items remain exclusive to those who purchase the battle pass. This approach strikes a balance between rewarding dedicated players and maintaining accessibility for all.

Advice

For Diablo 4 players eager to jump into Season 1, it is recommended to start preparing for the upcoming release. Take advantage of the pre-season update patch that will be released on July 18th, ensuring that you are ready to embark on new adventures when the season officially begins on July 20th. Consider the various battle pass options, weighing the benefits of the premium track and accelerated options against your personal preferences and budget. Don’t forget that you can still enjoy the majority of the Season 1 update without purchasing a battle pass. And finally, embrace the character resets as an opportunity to try out new classes and build combinations, discovering fresh strategies and keeping the game experience exciting.