Diablo 4 Season 11 makes DLC optional in name only

Diablo 4 Season 11 is shaping up to be a pretty exciting update. Divine gifts, sanctification, and new uniques and items will give players the power they need to face the lesser evils that take center stage this season. Azmodan joins Andariel, Duriel, and Belial as they attack various aspects of the game, and with the brutal quartet finally complete with the arrival of this iconic boss, season 11. Diablo 4 It's the perfect setup to be a big hit.

However, this season has some fine prints that might spoil the fun for some players. A new encounter with Andariel is closed behind vessel of hatredMeaning players without the expansion cannot claim seasonal loot to fight Lesser Evil or best him. Diablo 4 Season 11 is the first example of DLC-locked seasonal content – and unfortunately, it likely won't be the last.

Some Diablo 4 Season 11 content requires a vessel of hatred

Players are left behind without Diablo 4's first expansion

Azmodan, one of the main antagonists Diablo 3Finally joins his Lesser Evil kin Diablo 4 Season 11. All four of these terrifying foes invade the game world in various other activities, adding a diabolical and unexpected twist to otherwise familiar material:

Azmodan can appear in place of other world bosses.
Duriel replaces the Blood Maiden encounter in Helltides.
Belial takes it Diablo 4 Pit of Artificers as its final boss, calling out across his eyes.
Andariel is facing the Kurast Undercity.

That said, there's a big caveat with these special low-bad appearances: this version of Andariel can only be accessed by players. vessel of hatred. Added to the Kurast Undercity expansion is a special timed dungeon activity that is only accessible from restricted areas to players with the base game. While Andariel can still be fought in her original version Diablo 4The new encounter in the Kurast Undercity – and all of his seasonal powers and rewards – will be unavailable to those without the DLC.

no sale, Diablo 4 Cost $50, and vessel of hatred is $40. While the two can be purchased together for $70, fans who already own one Diablo 4 Getting the DLC again costs the same as the base game.

Diablo 4 Season 11 Belial Eye Pit of Artificers

This is the first time that players who do not own the expansion will be unable to enjoy one of the main features of the expansion. As long as Diablo 4 This change before the start of the season on December 9, without players Diablo 4: Vessel of Hate Not only will it miss out on content, but it will be at a disadvantage compared to their DLC-owned brethren.

Expansion-locked seasonal content in Diablo 4 was inevitable

Unfortunately, this development does not come as a surprise. when vessel of hatred When first released, Blizzard warned players that eventually future seasons would have DLC-locked features. As a direct service game, this is only natural Diablo 4 It wants to weave its seasonal content into its newest areas and features, but it's still unfortunate for fans who picked it up. vessel of hatred.

All things considered, it's really impressive that it took this long to happen in the first place. Diablo 4: Vessel of Hate Started on October 8, 2024, meaning Diablo 4 DLC-lock went on for over a year without seasonal content. Sadly, it looks like time is coming to an end in Season 11, and now that the floodgates are open, fans can expect it to appear more often in the future.

The next era of Blizzard's hit ARPG is on the horizon, with a reveal for 2026 Diablo 4 The expansion is expected before the end of this year. While fans may be able to make it a while without picking up this anonymous DLC, they'll want to keep it. vessel of hatred On their Christmas lists, or else pray it goes on sale for the holidays and buy it yourself.