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Everything Coming in Diablo IV’s New Season of Infernal Hordes

Diablo IV’s next big update is set to arrive on August 6, introducing an exciting new mode called Infernal Hordes. This update, part of version 1.5.0 and Season 5, promises to enhance the action RPG’s core appeal of battling massive enemy swarms.

Infernal Hordes Mode

The standout feature of this update is the Infernal Hordes mode, available in both the seasonal and eternal realms. Players earn Infernal Compasses through end-game activities, which initiate this wave-based horde mode. Each 60-second wave of enemies becomes progressively harder, and players can select various Infernal Offerings to augment rewards and difficulty. Key features include:

• Limited revives and special mini-bosses.
• Collecting Burning Aether to unlock rewards.
• Facing three different Fell Priests with unique abilities at the end of each run.

Gameplay Updates and Improvements

Blizzard has detailed numerous gameplay updates aimed at improving player experience:

• Removal of the masterworking material penalty for other party members in The Pit.
• Increased legendary drop rates for monsters over level 100 in Helltides.
• Major reworks to every unique piece of gear in the game.

Overhauled Uniques and New Gear

Season 5 introduces extensive changes to uniques, with the goal of making them more impactful and desirable. Uber Uniques are now rebranded as Mythic Uniques and feature significant stat improvements.

“With Season of the Infernal Hordes, we wanted to make Uniques special again, in pursuit of equalizing all builds across the game.” — Blizzard

Some examples include:

• Doombringer: Increased health percentage, healing per lucky hit, damage reduction, and overall damage output.
• Harlequin Crest: Enhanced maximum life, cooldown reduction, and armor.

New Content and Features

• Infernal Compasses: Acquirable through more frequent means, including high-tier Nightmare Dungeons and Pit runs.
• Questlines: Multiple new questlines and over 50 additional unique and legendary pieces of gear.
• Baneful Hearts: More plentiful in Helltides.
• Experience Boosts: Increased XP from higher-level enemies.
• Battle Pass: New cosmetics and unlockables.

Class-Specific Updates

Blizzard has also made numerous updates to class-specific skills and items:

• Barbarian: Adjusted skills for better Fury generation and damage output.
• Druid: Enhanced animal-themed skills and mobility.
• Necromancer: Improved minion aggression and new skill interactions.
• Rogue: Increased damage and functionality for various skills.
• Sorcerer: Boosted elemental damage and reworked enchantments.

Patch Notes Highlights

Infernal Hordes:
- Distinct audio cues for wave beginnings and ends.
- Adjusted wave numbers and timers.
- Increased monster count and reduced health pools of bosses.

General Changes:
- Increased legendary drop rates in Helltides.
- Enhanced crafting and salvage options for Infernal Compasses.
- Significant reward increases from chests.

Bug Fixes:
- Addressed numerous issues across all classes to improve gameplay stability and performance.

Looking Forward

Season of the Infernal Hordes is a major update that sets the stage for the upcoming Vessel of Hatred expansion in October. With new modes, revamped gear, and extensive gameplay improvements, Diablo IV continues to evolve and engage its player base.