Diablo 4's Vessel of Hatred expansion completely changed the game when it released back in October 2024, bringing with it not only new DLC-exclusive features like the Spiritborn class and region of Nahantu, but also overhauling the game's leveling and Paragon system for all players in the process. For Diablo 4 players who have yet to purchase the DLC, the game has been entirely playable without it for the past few seasons. However, it's becoming more apparent that Vessel of Hatred is no longer optional content for those looking to get the most out of Diablo 4 Season 9.
The next major expansion after Vessel of Hatred isn't due out until 2026, so players looking to get more out of Diablo 4 than just the base game and seasonal additions will need to look toward Vessel of Hatred for the foreseeable future. There is good reason to check out Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred in 2025, since each passing season makes it more and more obvious that the expansion will inform the future of the game. Some of Diablo 4 Season 9's most challenging content can be made significantly easier with features exclusive to the DLC, so players struggling in the late game may want to consider picking it up.
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Why Diablo 4's Vessel of Hatred DLC is More Necessary Than Ever in Season 9
Diablo 4's Spiritborn Class is at the Top of the Season 9 Meta
Arguably, the most important reason to grab the Vessel of Hatred expansion is for access to the Spiritborn class, which has proven to be one of the best classes in Diablo 4 since its release. From Season 6, when it made its debut, the Spiritborn has consistently had a presence at the top of the Diablo 4 meta thanks to powerful skills like Quill Volley and the ever-useful Rod of Kepeleke Unique. While many fans expected the Spiritborn to be nerfed significantly following its dominance in Season 6, the class has continued to thrive three seasons later.
Now in Season 9, the Spiritborn remains the top option for players looking to optimize their endgame activities. The Spiritborn's Balazan's Maxtlatl's Unique pants added this season have carried it to the upper echelons of the meta with its Unique Affix that deals 150% of the player's Thorns damage to close enemies with every attack, and 100% of this damage comes in the form of Poisoning over 3 seconds. This effect is so versatile within the Spiritborn's toolkit that several different endgame builds can utilize it, simply swapping in the Core Skill the build focuses on:
- Rake Spiritborn
- Crushing Hand Spiritborn
- Quill Volley Spiritborn
Mercenaries Are a Must-Have Feature for Escalating Nightmares
Aside from the fantastic Spiritborn class, another incredibly useful feature for Diablo 4's endgame is the Vessel of Hatred-exclusive Mercenary system. Making its return from Diablo 2, the Mercenary system allows Diablo 4 players to hire NPCs to support them in battle, complete with their own truncated skill trees. While it may not seem significant, these Mercenaries can provide invaluable support skills that could be the difference between life and death, and there are four options for Diablo 4 players to choose from:
- Raheir, the Shieldbearer
- Varyana, the Berserker Crone
- Aldkin, the Cursed Child
- Subo, the Drunken Archer
The Mercenary system is further broken down into a Primary Mercenary, who actively supports the player during combat, and the Reinforcement, who only appears briefly to use a one-time skill when triggered. These triggers can be tied to the player's actions, like Crowd Controlling an enemy or using a particular skill, meaning Raheir could potentially swoop in and use his Bastion skill to shield the player while they use their Ultimate Skill in dire situations.
Having this system of support is useful in Season 9's Escalating Nightmares, where players will need to survive the marathon of three entire Nightmare Dungeons in a row before facing the terrifying Astaroth. Having a Mercenary and Reinforcement on hand can make the fight against Astaroth much more manageable, providing cover for players while being attacked by both the Amalgam of Hatred and Astaroth himself, and puts players without the Vessel of Hatred DLC at a noticeable disadvantage.
Diablo 4
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 88 /100 Critics Rec: 93%
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- Proprietary Engine
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Hack and Slash
