MonsterCritic
Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred cover image

80

MONSTER

Star Icon

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred

2024
GenresAction, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer
AvailableOct 8, 2024
PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PC, PlayStation 5
DeveloperBlizzard Entertainment
Overview

The first story expansion for Diablo IV.

Elsewhere
Score icon

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

74

TL;DR

While praised for nostalgia, character depth, and lore expansion, Vessel of Hatred crashes under uneven pacing, a rushed plot, and an anticlimactic ending, leaving fans frustrated by its placeholder-like structure and unfulfilled potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

74

Positive Reviews (80-100)

41%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

5%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred receives mixed praise, with several critics highlighting its efforts to expand the franchise’s lore and character depth. PC Gamer commends its “brighter and more expressive story” featuring human characters, compassion, and humor, while Eurogamer Germany notes “character development and nostalgic elements from Diablo 2.” COGconnected appreciates its compelling narrative despite being “slightly convoluted,” and God is a Geek calls it a “solid continuation” with new antagonists like Urivar. The expansion’s focus on Neyrelle’s journey, Mephisto’s influence, and the return of familiar characters is seen as engaging by some, such as IGN Spain, which praises its character-driven storytelling and “well-written characters.” Additionally, GINX TV highlights strong environmental storytelling and cinematics, even if the ending feels unsatisfying. These positives suggest the narrative has moments of depth and creativity that resonate with fans of the series. However, the majority of critics criticize Vessel of Hatred for its underdeveloped plot, rushed pacing, and lack of closure. Ragequit.gr calls the story “poorly executed, disjointed, and lacking a satisfying climax,” while Games.cz deems it “weak and unengaging” as filler between expansions. Multiplayer.it criticizes the “underdeveloped antagonist” Urivar and a “rushed conclusion,” and GameSpot describes it as an “awkward middle chapter” prioritizing the new class over meaningful storytelling. Hobby Consolas finds the open-ended ending “anticlimactic,” and GamingBolt points to “contrived scenarios and predictable betrayals.” The expansion’s brevity is another recurring issue, with SECTOR.sk calling it a “teaser for future expansions” and XboxEra noting its “unsatisfying ending” that feels like setup rather than resolution. Even Eurogamer Poland criticizes the “forced scene” and “disappointing ending,” underscoring broader frustrations with the narrative’s execution. Overall, while Vessel of Hatred is acknowledged for its nostalgic nods, character moments, and lore expansion, it faces significant criticism for being uneven in pacing, underdeveloped in key areas, and overly reliant on future content. Critics like PC Gamer and Eurogamer Germany praise its ambition, but the consensus leans toward disappointment, with many viewing it as a flawed bridge between Diablo IV and potential future stories. The narrative’s reliance on cliffhangers, rushed conclusions, and filler-like elements—highlighted by outlets such as GameSpot, IGN, and SECTOR.sk—suggests that while it retains the series’ dark themes, it fails to deliver a cohesive or satisfying standalone experience. Despite some praise for its emotional depth and world-building, the expansion’s shortcomings in storytelling structure and character development leave many fans wanting more from this chapter of Diablo’s saga.

TL;DR

story and narrative

While praised for nostalgia, character depth, and lore expansion, Vessel of Hatred crashes under uneven pacing, a rushed plot, and an anticlimactic ending, leaving fans frustrated by its placeholder-like structure and unfulfilled potential.

86

TL;DR

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred delivers a thrilling expansion with the Spiritborn class—a dynamic, versatile addition praised for its depth and build variety—while new systems like Runewords and co-op dungeons boost replayability. Despite balance issues, underdeveloped mechanics, and repetitive elements, critics call it a bold, immersive upgrade that revitalizes Diablo IV’s core, offering fresh challenges and creative freedom despite minor flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

86

Positive Reviews (80-100)

79%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

21%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred received widespread acclaim for its innovative mechanics, expanded content, and refined systems. Critics highlighted the introduction of the Spiritborn class as a standout feature, with many praising its versatility and dynamic combat. Gaming Nexus noted that the Spiritborn’s “complex but enjoyable” mechanics, including spirit guardians and build diversity, added depth to the experience. IGN Italia and Eurogamer Germany emphasized the class’s unique abilities and flexibility, while PlayStation Universe and Push Square celebrated its “huge amount of build variety.” New systems like Runewords, mercenaries, and seasonal content were also lauded for enhancing customization and replayability. Endgame activities such as The Dark Citadel (a co-op dungeon) and Kurast Undercity were praised for their engaging challenges, with GamingBolt and Eurogamer Poland noting their contribution to the game’s “variety” and “replayability.” The expansion also improved pacing and progression, with 4Players.de and SECTOR.sk highlighting streamlined leveling systems and reduced grind. Despite these positives, several critics pointed to notable flaws. The Spiritborn class, while praised for its potential, faced criticism for balance issues and a lack of distinctiveness compared to other classes. TheSixthAxis argued it “lacks balance and distinctiveness,” while Multiplayer.it and GameStar noted that its complexity sometimes overshadowed enjoyment. Some systems, like Runewords and mercenaries, were seen as underdeveloped or repetitive. Eurogamer Poland and Jeuxvideo.com mentioned that Runewords felt “underwhelming” and that dungeon layouts occasionally lacked originality. Additionally, the Dark Citadel raid was criticized for its lack of true teamwork by TheSixthAxis, though PlayStation Universe acknowledged its value as an endgame co-op experience. Repetitive sections, termed “Durststrecken” (droughts) by 4Players.de, and reliance on affix optimization were also cited as drawbacks. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Vessel of Hatred significantly enhances Diablo IV’s gameplay. While issues like class balance and underdeveloped systems were acknowledged, they were often framed as minor setbacks rather than major flaws. IGN, Eurogamer, and PC Gamer praised the expansion’s “exhilarating” changes to leveling, loot, and dungeons, while critics like GamingTrend and Checkpoint Gaming highlighted its “depth and variety.” The Spiritborn class, despite its issues, was frequently described as a “refreshing addition,” with many noting its potential for creative builds. As IGN and Forbes emphasized, the expansion successfully expands Diablo IV’s core experience, offering players “new life” through fresh mechanics, endgame content, and improved systems—solidifying its status as a strong, if imperfect, expansion.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred delivers a thrilling expansion with the Spiritborn class—a dynamic, versatile addition praised for its depth and build variety—while new systems like Runewords and co-op dungeons boost replayability. Despite balance issues, underdeveloped mechanics, and repetitive elements, critics call it a bold, immersive upgrade that revitalizes Diablo IV’s core, offering fresh challenges and creative freedom despite minor flaws.

85

TL;DR

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred dazzles with jaw-dropping visuals, especially Nahantu’s lush jungles, eerie swamps, and Aztec-inspired ruins, hailed as a masterclass in atmosphere and detail. Critics rave about its cinematic quality, nostalgic nods, and ecological diversity, though some call parts repetitive or underdeveloped—still, the expansion elevates Blizzard’s art direction to new heights.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

85

Positive Reviews (80-100)

73%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

27%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics overwhelmingly praise the graphics and visual design of Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred, particularly highlighting the new region of Nahantu as a standout achievement. Reviewers such as But Why Tho? and CGMagazine laud its "gorgeous" and "visually stunning" landscapes, emphasizing lush jungles, ancient ruins, and eerie swamps that align with the series’ dark aesthetic. Checkpoint Gaming and Eurogamer Poland note the region’s "visually dense" and "ecologically diverse" environments, which offer a refreshing contrast to Diablo’s typical hellish settings. The attention to detail in areas like the Bazaar in Kurast and nostalgic nods to Diablo II (as highlighted by Eurogamer Poland and CD-Action) further enriches the visual experience. GamesRadar+ and IGN France commend the atmospheric depth, with IGN France specifically praising the Aztec/Maya/Inca-inspired environments and "rich" environmental storytelling. The cinematics and in-game visuals are also celebrated for their cinematic quality, as noted by GamersRD, who highlights ray-tracing textures and top-tier ARPG visuals. While the consensus is largely positive, some critics point to minor shortcomings. KeenGamer notes that the graphics are "similar to the base game," with acceptable but unremarkable jungle-oriented environments, while XboxEra describes parts of Nahantu as "nothing too memorable." MGG criticizes repetitive zone designs and underutilized elements like the Fétiches, and SECTOR.sk mentions that the chaotic enemy hordes detract from the region’s beauty. Additionally, Siliconera observes a lack of variety in enemy types, and Eurogamer Poland points out some areas feel "disconnected" from the main game world. While these critiques are relatively minor, they reflect a general sense that while the visuals excel in atmosphere and detail, they occasionally fall short of groundbreaking innovation. Overall, the critical reception underscores that Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred delivers exceptional graphics and visual design, with nearly all reviewers agreeing on its strengths. The new region of Nahantu is consistently praised for its immersive, atmospheric environments and artistic cohesion, as highlighted by COGconnected, Multiplayer.it, and Windows Central. While some critics like XboxEra and KeenGamer note minor flaws—such as repetitive layouts or unmemorable visuals—the majority emphasize that the expansion elevates the series’ visual standards. As Eurogamer and PCGamesN observe, the game’s art direction and environmental storytelling maintain Blizzard’s high bar, offering a visually rich experience that enhances both exploration and narrative depth. The consensus is clear: Vessel of Hatred is a triumph in visual design, even if it doesn’t entirely break new ground.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred dazzles with jaw-dropping visuals, especially Nahantu’s lush jungles, eerie swamps, and Aztec-inspired ruins, hailed as a masterclass in atmosphere and detail. Critics rave about its cinematic quality, nostalgic nods, and ecological diversity, though some call parts repetitive or underdeveloped—still, the expansion elevates Blizzard’s art direction to new heights.

86

TL;DR

Critics hail Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred's sound design as a masterclass in immersive atmosphere, with glowing praise for its dark, cinematic score, technical polish, and emotional resonance—though a few noted minor hiccups in memorability compared to the series' legacy.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

86

Positive Reviews (80-100)

75%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

25%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred received widespread acclaim from critics, with many highlighting their immersive and atmospheric contributions to the game. Reviewers such as Games.cz praised the soundtrack for maintaining Blizzard’s tradition of "immersive, gloomy audio that complements the game's dark themes," while PCGamesN emphasized its "exceptional" quality, noting specific elements like the cello sting and traditional music in Nahantu that enriched storytelling. GINX TV and IGN France both celebrated the musical score for enhancing cinematic moments, with the former noting its ability to pair intense situations with appropriate soundtracks. Additionally, Gamer.no and Jeuxvideo.com highlighted the synergy between Blizzard’s music, CGI sequences, and voice acting—particularly in French—to create a cohesive, immersive experience. The audio design also received praise for its technical quality, as noted by Push Square, which called the game’s sound "phenomenal," and Vandal, who praised the "captivating soundtrack" and well-implemented sound effects. These critiques underscore a strong consensus that the audio elements significantly elevated the game’s atmosphere and emotional depth. While the majority of reviews were positive, some critics pointed to minor shortcomings. KeenGamer noted that while the spells and monster sounds were immersive, the music felt "forgettable" and lacked the impact expected from an iconic series like Diablo. Similarly, Windows Central observed that though the soundtrack and voice acting were "spectacular," some players might find the number of standout moments "lacking" compared to the base game. These critiques, however, were relatively isolated and did not detract from the overall praise for the audio design. The feedback suggests that while the music was generally well-received, a few reviewers felt it didn’t fully meet the high expectations set by previous Diablo entries or the game’s ambitious scope. The overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the sound design and music of Vessel of Hatred being celebrated as a standout feature. Most reviewers, including Games.cz, PCGamesN, and SECTOR.sk, emphasized how the soundtrack effectively reinforced the game’s dark, immersive atmosphere, while others like GINX TV and Jeuxvideo.com highlighted its cinematic quality and emotional resonance. Even critics who noted minor flaws, such as KeenGamer and Windows Central, acknowledged the technical excellence of the audio work. This suggests that while no element is without critique, the majority of reviewers agree that the sound design and music significantly enhanced the experience, solidifying Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred as a strong entry in the series’ legacy.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics hail Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred's sound design as a masterclass in immersive atmosphere, with glowing praise for its dark, cinematic score, technical polish, and emotional resonance—though a few noted minor hiccups in memorability compared to the series' legacy.

79

TL;DR

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred’s voice acting shines with rich character depth, stellar multilingual performances, and cinematic flair, but struggles with tonally flat player dialogue and uneven direction, leaving some immersion gaps despite overall praise.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

79

Positive Reviews (80-100)

75%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

13%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred receives largely positive feedback, with several critics highlighting its strengths. PC Gamer praises the expansion for adding depth to characters, allowing the player’s role in the story to feel more dynamic and engaging. Windows Central commends the fresh voiceovers for both male and female models across all character classes, emphasizing their contribution to the game’s high-quality audio-visual direction. Additionally, Jeuxvideo.com specifically lauds the French voice acting as excellent, enhancing narrative immersion, while 4Players.de notes that German conversations are well-voiced, enriching the game’s immersive experience. ZTGD also applauds the cinematic cutscenes and voice acting as some of the industry’s best, citing their ability to evoke emotional engagement and storytelling depth. These critiques underscore a general appreciation for the technical execution and variety in vocal performances across different languages and character roles. However, several critics point out notable shortcomings. But Why Tho? criticizes the player character’s dialogue for feeling tonally inconsistent and out of place, which detracts from their overall immersion. SECTOR.sk goes further, describing the voice acting as “flat” and poorly directed, with actors appearing to recite lines without emotional coherence or direction. Meanwhile, Vandal notes that while Spanish voice acting is praised for being more inspired than in the base game, some English accents are missing, suggesting a lack of attention to linguistic authenticity. These critiques highlight concerns about the player character’s delivery and broader directional issues, which may undermine the otherwise strong performances of side characters and supporting roles. The overall consensus among critics leans toward appreciation for the voice acting’s technical quality and narrative contributions, particularly in supporting characters and specific language options. While there are valid criticisms regarding the player character’s tonal inconsistency and some directional flaws, these seem to be outliers rather than widespread issues. The majority of reviews celebrate the expansion’s enhancements to dialogue depth, the variety of vocal performances across languages, and the emotional impact of cutscenes. This suggests that while Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred’s voice acting is not without its flaws, it largely succeeds in delivering a compelling auditory experience that aligns with the game’s dark, immersive tone.

TL;DR

voice acting

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred’s voice acting shines with rich character depth, stellar multilingual performances, and cinematic flair, but struggles with tonally flat player dialogue and uneven direction, leaving some immersion gaps despite overall praise.

71

TL;DR

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred delivers strong, consistent performance on Xbox but struggles with PC instability, ray tracing glitches, and crashes, highlighting uneven optimization and lingering bugs that demand post-launch fixes for a polished experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

71

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred receives mixed but largely positive feedback across platforms, with notable strengths on Xbox Series X/S and PC. On Xbox, Eurogamer Poland and Generación Xbox highlight smooth gameplay at 4K/60 FPS without crashes or significant issues, while Malditos Nerds notes minimal bugs and overall stability. GINX TV also praises the Steam Deck’s performance, citing solid frame rates despite minor FPS drops in specific areas. On PC, Windows Central commends the game’s broad optimization, noting smooth performance across devices from low-end to high-end hardware, while GamersRD highlights DLSS 3’s benefits for frame rates. Eurogamer (PC) acknowledges the expansion as the “most polished version” since launch, emphasizing improved difficulty scaling and stability. These reviews suggest that both platforms generally handle the game well, with Xbox showing stronger consistency in performance. However, technical issues persist, particularly on PC. Critics like CD-Action and COGconnected report instability with ray tracing, lighting glitches, and compatibility problems with Nvidia 40-series GPUs, while Games.cz and GameStar criticize frequent crashes and subpar quality assurance. Jeuxvideo.com and SECTOR.sk note unresolved lag, freezes, and black screens, and Merlin'in Kazanı highlights frustrations with movement mechanics and test server instability. On Xbox, IGN’s review stands out as a negative, citing crashes, quest bugs, and NPC duplication that detract from the experience. While some issues on PC are attributed to pre-launch builds (e.g., MMORPG.com), others like those mentioned by The Games Machine (Ray Tracing frame drops) and Stevivor (sudden difficulty spikes) suggest lingering technical challenges. These problems indicate uneven optimization, particularly on PC, where performance can vary based on hardware and settings. Overall, the consensus leans toward a balanced assessment: while Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred demonstrates strong technical foundations, especially on Xbox, it faces notable stability and optimization hurdles on PC. Critics like Eurogamer (PC) and Windows Central acknowledge improvements in polish and performance, but others such as IGN (Xbox/PC), CD-Action, and Games.cz highlight persistent bugs that may require patches. The expansion’s success hinges on Blizzard addressing these issues, with some reviewers expressing skepticism about quality control despite the game’s visual and technical ambition. While Xbox users generally enjoy a smoother experience, PC players face more variability, underscoring the need for continued post-launch support to refine the game’s technical aspects.

TL;DR

technical performance

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred delivers strong, consistent performance on Xbox but struggles with PC instability, ray tracing glitches, and crashes, highlighting uneven optimization and lingering bugs that demand post-launch fixes for a polished experience.

80

TL;DR

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred delivers a massive boost to replayability with fresh endgame content, inventive mechanics, and class customization, but its co-op focus, loot stagnation, and grindy repetition risk alienating solo players and casual fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

80

Positive Reviews (80-100)

59%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

41%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The reviews of Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred highlight a strong emphasis on replayability through expanded endgame content and diverse mechanics. Multiple critics praise the introduction of new regions like the Dark Citadel, Kurast Undercity, and Realmwalker challenges, which offer varied experiences for players. The Spiritborn class, Mercenary system, and Runewords are frequently cited as key additions that encourage experimentation with builds and playstyles (Dexerto, Checkpoint Gaming, IGN). Additionally, features such as seasonal events, dynamic dungeons, and respec mechanics allow players to revisit content with fresh strategies (PC Gamer, IGN Spain, GamesRadar+). Critics like Games.cz and MGG note that the expansion’s focus on endgame activities—such as the Citadelle sombre and seasonal updates—provides substantial reasons to return, while XboxEra and GamingTrend emphasize the appeal of co-op and solo-friendly systems. The variety of challenges, from timed raids to open-world exploration, creates a compelling loop for dedicated players. However, several critics point to limitations that could hinder long-term engagement. A recurring concern is the mandatory co-op requirements, particularly in areas like the Dark Citadel, which may alienate solo players (Games.cz, CD-Action). The loot system’s potential for stagnation after reaching level 60 is another issue, with TheSixthAxis noting that meaningful upgrades become scarce. Balancing problems with new mechanics, such as the Party Finder and the Spiritborn class, are also highlighted as drawbacks (PlayStation Universe, GamePro Germany). Additionally, some critics argue that core content is accessible via free updates, reducing the expansion’s necessity for casual players (Eurogamer Poland, Windows Central). The repetitive nature of farming and grinding is another point of contention, with KeenGamer and COGconnected suggesting that while there’s plenty to do, some activities lack lasting rewards. These issues create a divide between hardcore fans and those seeking more varied or solo-focused experiences. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Vessel of Hatred significantly enhances Diablo IV’s replay value through its depth and variety, though with caveats. Most agree that the expansion’s endgame content, class customization, and seasonal updates provide substantial long-term engagement (IGN, PC Gamer, IGN Spain). However, the co-op focus and balancing issues are seen as potential barriers for some players. While Games.cz and TheSixthAxis raise valid concerns about solo play and loot progression, others like Eurogamer Germany and GamingBolt emphasize the game’s ability to keep players invested through its dynamic systems. The expansion is widely viewed as a strong addition for fans of Diablo’s core loop, but its success in maintaining replayability depends on individual preferences for co-op, grind, and class experimentation.

TL;DR

replay value

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred delivers a massive boost to replayability with fresh endgame content, inventive mechanics, and class customization, but its co-op focus, loot stagnation, and grindy repetition risk alienating solo players and casual fans.

Overall verdict

Overall Verdict

80

MONSTER

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OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

80

Positive Reviews (80-100)

80%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

20%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall reception of Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred is largely positive, with critics praising its fresh content, gameplay enhancements, and revitalization of the franchise. Many highlight the introduction of the Spiritborn class, mercenaries, Runewords, and new endgame activities as standout additions that breathe life into the game. Dexerto, for instance, calls it “what Diablo 4 needed,” emphasizing its compelling narrative and meaningful mechanics, while IGN Spain lauds its refined formula and exceptional visual design. The expansion’s improvements to systems like group coordination and quality-of-life features are also frequently noted, with GameSpot and IGN (both outlets) praising the Spiritborn class and engaging endgame content. Critics like Voxel and GGRecon commend the expansion for its depth and potential, with Voxel awarding it a 90/100, calling it essential for maximizing Diablo 4’s potential. The consensus is that Vessel of Hatred successfully reinvigorates the base game, offering fans a compelling reason to return. However, several critics point to notable flaws that temper the enthusiasm. Issues with the story’s predictability and lack of narrative depth are recurring concerns, with PlayStation Universe and TheSixthAxis criticizing it as a “setup for future content” and lacking emotional impact. Balancing problems with the new Spiritborn class, as noted by TheSixthAxis and Games.cz, raise questions about long-term enjoyment, while others like Eurogamer Germany and IGN France mention pacing issues and an abrupt ending that leaves some players unsatisfied. Technical hiccups, grind elements, and mandatory multiplayer requirements are also cited as drawbacks, with CD-Action and Merlin’in Kazanı acknowledging these flaws despite overall praise. Additionally, some critics, such as Games.cz and Eurogamer Poland, argue the expansion feels more like a patch than a substantial update, raising questions about its value for players seeking groundbreaking changes. Despite these criticisms, the majority of reviewers view Vessel of Hatred as a strong, worthwhile expansion that addresses many of Diablo 4’s initial shortcomings. While not without flaws, it is seen as a significant improvement over the base game, with critics like IGN, GINX TV, and Malditos Nerds highlighting its ability to rekindle player interest and deliver fresh experiences. The mixed reactions around story depth and pacing reflect a broader debate about its long-term appeal, but the consensus leans toward optimism. As Eurogamer notes, the expansion “rekindles interest in Diablo 4,” while GamePro Germany calls it a “must-have for fans.” Ultimately, Vessel of Hatred is celebrated as a solid step forward for the series, even if it leaves room for future refinement.

TL;DR

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred earns high praise for revitalizing the franchise with bold new content like the Spiritborn class, Runewords, and engaging endgame features, but struggles with a predictable story, balancing issues, and rushed pacing—proving a strong update overall, despite flaws.

80

MONSTER

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Reviews

115 reviews found

100

Eurogamer Germany

PC

Oct 20, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Vessel of Hatred is a worthwhile expansion for fans seeking new features and gameplay mechanics, though the story may not satisfy those prioritizing narrative depth. It balances praise for content and improvements with critiques of pacing and storytelling.

Read full review

Full review

95

Gaming Nexus

PlayStation 5

Oct 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred is a strong expansion worth returning to, with abundant content and improvements that re-engage even casual players.

Read full review

Full review

95

Stevivor

PC

Oct 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Vessel of Hatred as a redemption for Diablo 4, highlighting its transformative changes and improved systems. However, it notes some lingering issues that need addressing, concluding with optimism about the game's future.

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Full review

95

God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Oct 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A superb continuation of the original campaign with quality of life improvements, a fantastic new class, and engaging gameplay, despite some minor issues with the new biome and mercenary system.

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Full review

92

Merlin'in Kazanı (Turkey)

PC

Oct 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Vessel of Hatred as an enriching expansion that enhances Diablo 4 with new mechanics, a deeper story, and strategic elements. However, it acknowledges some flaws, such as technical issues and the need for more content, resulting in a generally positive but nuanced conclusion.


90

Malditos Nerds

Xbox Series X

Oct 21, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A highly praised expansion that improves Diablo IV in all aspects, offering fresh content and enhancing the original experience. Recommended for fans and newcomers alike.

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Full review

90

GINX TV

PC

Oct 17, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The expansion is hailed as a resounding success, fixing Diablo 4's endgame issues and delivering a satisfying experience with minor flaws. It is praised for its depth, systems, and ability to rekindle the player's passion for the franchise.

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Full review

90

The Games Machine

PC

Oct 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Vessel of Hatred is a successful expansion that revitalizes Diablo IV with new content, improved mechanics, and fresh challenges. It emphasizes the game's depth, variety, and appeal to both newcomers and veterans.

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90

MMORPG.com

PC

Oct 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Vessel of Hatred is praised as a strong expansion that improves upon Diablo IV’s foundation. It offers fresh content, new mechanics, and sets up future growth. The review recommends it for both newcomers and returning players.

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Full review

90

PCGamesN

PC

Oct 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred is a complete Diablo experience that surpasses the base game, blending elements from previous titles while introducing new features and classes, ultimately leaving the reviewer more excited for the future of the series.

Read full review

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