Diablo 4: Your Essential Pre-Season 1 Checklist for Domination!
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
So, the Season of the Malignant is almost upon us! You’ve been slaying demons, hoarding loot, and maybe even enjoying the sights (if you can call Sanctuary’s hellscape “sightseeing”). But before you jump headfirst into the fresh seasonal content, there are crucial tasks to complete to ensure a smooth and powerful start. Here’s a breakdown of what you absolutely need to do before Diablo 4 Season 1 kicks off:
-
Complete the Campaign: This is non-negotiable. Seriously, do it. Seasonal content is gated behind campaign completion. If you haven’t finished the main storyline on at least one character on the Eternal Realm, you’ll be stuck replaying it on your seasonal character, which is a major time sink you don’t want. Blast through it – you can even lower the World Tier to make it faster.
-
Log in with your Most Progressed Character: This is how the game will record what discoveries you will keep for season 1. You need to log in with the character that has the most progressed map, most discovered Altars of Lilith, and the highest level achieved, so that the game knows what to carry over into Season 1.
-
Uncover the Map: Exploration pays off big time! The map progress you make on your Eternal Realm characters will carry over to your Season 1 character. That means less time spent wandering around and more time killing demons. Focus on unlocking all the areas in each zone.
-
Find All Altars of Lilith: These statues provide permanent stat boosts to all your characters, including your Season 1 character. They are well worth the time investment. Use online maps if needed; there are plenty available. The stat boosts include things like Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Willpower and Maximum Obols.
-
Maximize Renown in Each Zone: Renown rewards are account-wide! Completing side quests, dungeons, and Strongholds in each zone will boost your Renown level, unlocking skill points, potion capacity, and Paragon Points. While the Renown itself won’t carry over, the rewards will. So, completing the first three tiers of each region will unlock the rewards for your season 1 character.
-
Clear Strongholds: These provide a good source of XP and Renown but have a few useful advantages as well. Claiming them will give you a new town in the region as well as unlock other dungeons and side quests that may have previously been unavailable.
Diablo 4 Season 1: FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding Diablo 4 Season 1, designed to give you a more complete understanding of what’s coming and how to best prepare:
Gameplay & Progression
1. Do I have to make a new character for Season 1?
Yes. Seasonal content is exclusive to characters created specifically for that season on the Seasonal Realm. Your existing characters on the Eternal Realm will remain untouched.
2. What happens to my Seasonal character at the end of Season 1?
Once Season 1 ends, your Seasonal character will be automatically transferred to the Eternal Realm. You’ll keep all your gear, progress, and loot.
3. Can I play with my friends who aren’t playing the Season?
No, not directly. To play Season 1 content, you must be on a Seasonal character. However, after the season, you can play your transferred character with your friends on the Eternal Realm.
4. Is there a level cap for Season 1?
The level cap remains at 100. The focus is on new content, quests, and the seasonal mechanic (the Malignant Hearts).
5. Will my stash carry over to Season 1?
No, your stash is tied to your Eternal Realm characters. Season 1 characters start with a fresh, empty stash.
Classes & Builds
6. What’s the easiest class to play in Season 1?
The Necromancer is frequently cited as a beginner-friendly class due to its minion-based gameplay and survivability. However, the “easiest” class is subjective and depends on your play style. The Barbarian is also considered easy to start with.
7. Has the Necromancer been nerfed for Season 1?
While specific balance changes are subject to change, the Necromancer’s power was adjusted during testing. The extent of the impact will become clearer once Season 1 launches.
8. Is the Sorcerer still the weakest class in Season 1?
Class balance is constantly being adjusted. Player opinions on class strength vary. Check community resources and patch notes for the most up-to-date information.
9. What is the strongest class to play in season 1?
The Rogue is currently considered one of the strongest classes in Season 1, even after some nerfs to Twisting Blades. The Druid is also another powerful class.
Transfers & Carries
10. Do Paragon points carry over to my Season 1 character?
No, Paragon points do not transfer. You’ll need to earn them again by leveling up past 50 and completing Renown tasks.
11. Will skill points I got from Renown carry over to my Seasonal character?
Yes, the skill points rewarded for reaching Renown in each area will transfer, but only if you unlocked them on the Eternal Realm before Season 1 starts.
12. If I haven’t unlocked the Tree of Whispers, can I still access Season 1 content?
No. Unlocking the Tree of Whispers requires completing the campaign. It is essential to complete the main story.
Season Specifics
13. What are Malignant Hearts?
Malignant Hearts are a seasonal mechanic. These items can be socketed into special Infested Sockets in your gear, granting powerful buffs. They are a key part of the Season 1 experience.
14. Is there a Battle Pass for Season 1?
Yes! Diablo 4 features a Battle Pass with both free and premium tiers. Completing seasonal objectives and playing the game will earn you progress toward unlocking cosmetic rewards and other items.
15. Where can I learn more about game-based learning?
To explore the intersection of gaming and learning, please visit the Games Learning Society website. You can find them at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ and GamesLearningSociety.org. This site is a valuable resource for understanding how games can be leveraged for educational purposes.
By completing these pre-season tasks and familiarizing yourself with the above information, you’ll be well-prepared to dominate Diablo 4 Season 1. Get ready to slay some demons, collect those Malignant Hearts, and climb the leaderboards!
Diablo 4 Season 1 will reset characters, so make sure you enjoy the Eternal realm while you still can!