Summary

  • Some Diablo 4 players are reporting that The Dark Citadel raid-like in the new Vessel of Hatred DLC doesn't support couch co-op.
  • The rest of the game supports split-screen play.
  • Blizzard hasn't explained why this is the case or if couch co-op will be added to the endgame content in the future.

Someone playing the new Vessel of Hatred DLC for Diablo 4 discovered a massive issue with the multiplayer aspect of The Dark Citadel raid, in which they seemingly couldn't access couch co-op mode. Released in June 2023 and developed by Blizzard Entertainment, Diablo 4 is the fourth main installment in the role-playing, dungeon-crawling series.

Continuing the story of Neyrelle, an adventurer and scholar in Horadric arts, the Vessel of Hatred expansion features brand-new quests, loot-filled dungeons, and exciting endgame content. Diablo 4's DLC also introduces the Spiritborn, a new playable class that utilizes abilities inherited from ancient jungle warriors. The Spiritborn has proven to be a big hit with players due to its high damage output, but not everyone is as happy with the co-op functionalities of Diablo 4's newest raid-like endgame activity, The Dark Citadel.

In a post on Reddit, user MaidenlessRube shared a major setback that they came across while trying to play Vessel of Hatred's new Dark Citadel raid. In the thread, the player pointed out that they had been enjoying the rest of the DLC happily with their partner in couch co-op mode, but when they tried to enter the inner Citadel together, the raid apparently couldn't be accessed. While frustrating for both parties, there currently doesn't seem to be a solid explanation for why this has occurred, since this activity can't be played solo and requires at least two online players to complete, although it is intended for groups of four.

Diablo 4 Player Frustrated With Lack of Couch Co-Op Mode in Dark Citadel Raid

In the comment section of the post, other players were also left scratching their heads at this confusing predicament, as Diablo 4 does allow couch co-op split screen throughout the rest of the game. One Redditor offered an interesting explanation as to why they thought the couple couldn't play the Dark Citadel raid, stating that because there is a boss to fight in different locations, couch co-op players may not be able to be on the same screen during this particular event.

It's a shame that those enjoying the couch co-op features of Diablo 4 have had to discontinue their playthrough due to multiplayer restrictions on an activity that requires players to work together. For fans who haven't played Diablo 4's The Dark Citadel yet, the endgame raiding activity offers many challenging puzzles, powerful loot, and unique cosmetics, not to mention thrilling boss fights meant to test even the most powerful players.

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Diablo 4 Tag Page Cover Art
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Action RPG
Hack and Slash
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Systems
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Top Critic Avg: 88 /100 Critics Rec: 93%
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Released
June 5, 2023
ESRB
Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
Developer(s)
Blizzard
Publisher(s)
Blizzard
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Diablo 4 Press Image 1
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
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Diablo® IV is the ultimate action-RPG experience with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish dungeons, and legendary loot.

Embark on the epic campaign solo or with friends, meeting memorable characters through a gripping story in a beautifully dark world, or explore an expansive end game: battle iconic bosses for powerful loot, fight back the encroaching onslaught of Hell in Helltides, master the Forge to create your ultimate weapons and progress powerful characters, with cross-play and cross-progression on all available platforms.

Welcome to Hell

Discover the critically acclaimed franchise that defined the Action RPG genre. As the battle between the High Heavens and Burning Hells rages on, hatred devours Sanctuary as evil spreads and a new wave of cultists and worshippers arise to embrace Lilith’s coming. Only a brave few dare to face this threat and bring light to the all-consuming darkness.

Expansive Open World

Forge your own path through the corrupted lands of Sanctuary, an ever-growing, fully explorable world teeming with challenges, quests, enemies, and loot. Join your fellow adventurers, rescue and retake besieged towns, delve into nightmarish dungeons and uncover lost secrets as you fight back evil. The many zones of Sanctuary are yours to explore, and with rotating areas of extreme peril like World Bosses and Helltide, danger lurks at every turn.

Immersive Character Development

Create and customize your character to face the encroaching darkness. Choose from one of five classes and build your hero with skills, abilities and cosmetics, creating a champion that is uniquely your own. Grow stronger as you progress through powerful Skill Trees and develop even more unique end game specializations with Paragon Boards.

Legendary Gear, Epic Battles

Discover and experiment with a vast arsenal of powerful weapons, armor and more to fight back against the demons threatening Sanctuary. Explore unique combinations, create your own upgrades and collect a plethora of powerful tools to battle in immersive, action-packed combat against the deadliest of enemies.

Seasons & Events

The tales of Sanctuary continue to unfold. Create Seasonal Characters and join in fresh adventures - master new mechanics and take on the latest threats in each new Season. Complete harrowing feats of the Season Journey and earn new Battle Pass rewards. Plus, sharpen your swords and get in the spirit of the seasons when Limited-Time Events sweep through Sanctuary.

End Game Undertakings

There’s even more Diablo® IV to explore as you reach higher levels and more fearsome World Tiers. Face the greatest challenge yet as you take on the most powerful demons in The Pit, steel yourself against Uber Bosses to reap uber unique rewards, fight back overflowing armies of Hell as Helltides emerge across Sanctuary, battle larger-than-life World Bosses, and master the Forge to create the mightiest weapons fit for a hero.

Engine
Proprietary Engine
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
Cross-Platform Play
All platforms
Cross Save
All platforms
Franchise
Diablo
Number of Players
1-2 players
Steam Deck Compatibility
Verified
Genre(s)
Action RPG, Hack and Slash
How Long To Beat
26 Hours
X|S Optimized
Yes
PS Plus Availability
N/A
File Size Xbox Series
158.25 GB
Local Co-Op Support
1-2 players (console only)
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty