Diablo IV’s Season Of The Malignant Kicks Off July 20

Diablo IV’s first season kicks off on July 20, and it’s called Season of the Malignant. Blizzard announced the details for the update and a brand new trailer in a Blizzard livestream. 

Season of the Malignant introduces a new questline set after the main campaign in which Malignant Monsters, born from Lilith’s corruption, are terrorizing Sanctuary. It’s up to you and a former priest named Cormond to locate and eradicate the source of this blight. 

By killing them, players can use their heart corruption to gain new powers. These monsters can give birth to up to 30 new Malignant powers. This power is then imbued in Rings and Amulets. Varshan, the Consumed is a brand new boss that appears in this update. The players can earn seven Legendary elements and six Unique aspects. You can also earn a Mastery Title and a Scroll of Amnesia, which will reset the Skill Tree and Paragon Board for free. 

New characters are created at Level 1. New characters begin at Level 1 but players retain all Renown progress, Altars of Lilith benefits, and unlocked mounts. All characters will be placed into the Eternal Realm at the end of the Season, allowing them to remain there permanently. The seasonal elements, like the Malignant Hearts collected from monsters who have fallen, will vanish once the event ends. The season lets experienced players try out new builds/classes, with Blizzard promising that the season’s features offer new ways to customize heroes.

The Season Journey unfolds over multiple chapters, and completing objectives within these chapters, alongside simply playing the game, earns Favor that progresses the battle pass. Season Boosts can be earned in 27 of the 90-tiered levels. The 63-tier paid Premium track includes exclusive cosmetics. Tier skips are also optional. Smoldering Ash, a currency earned by progressing through the Battle Pass, is then used to unlock Season Blessings. These are special seasonal bonuses that will last the entire season. This includes increased XP gains or better chances to find salvage materials. 

Blizzard has a blog where you can find out more information about Season of the Malignant. Check out our Diablo IV review for more information.