One of the Seven Evils spawned from Tathamet, Belial, the Lord of Lies, has always preferred manipulation over brute force. In Diablo’s history, he was mentored by Mephisto, has orchestrated rebellions, manipulated mortals, and twisted Sanctuary’s fate from the shadows. Now, he is coming back in Diablo 4’s Season 8, waiting for the perfect moment to deceive and destroy.
What Happened to Belial in Diablo 3?
Belial last played a major role in Diablo 3, where he posed as Emperor Hakan II, the ruler of Caldeum. Under his disguise, he:
- Controlled the city’s army and the demonic Coven, manipulating Caldeum’s fall into chaos.
- Deceived the Nephalem, convincing them of his false innocence while secretly unleashing his forces.
- Created a false Horadrim order through a dark mage, attempting to control Sanctuary.
Ultimately, his illusion was shattered, and he revealed his true monstrous form in a final battle. Despite his raw power, the Nephalem defeated him, sealing his essence inside the Black Soulstone.
However, when Malthael destroyed the Black Soulstone in Reaper of Souls, Belial’s essence was freed, allowing him to eventually return to Sanctuary. And now, in Diablo 4, his influence rises again.
How Belial Returns in Diablo 4 Season 8
Belial’s return will be tied to the Lair Boss system.
- Surprise Ambushes: After defeating any Initiate or Greater Lair Boss, Belial’s smaller form can ambush you. If you defeat him, you double your loot from the original boss.
- Betrayer’s Husk: A rare item dropped from Belial’s ambushes, required to unlock the fight against his supreme form.
- The Exalted Lair Boss: Belial’s true form will be one of the hardest fights yet, but players can choose his reward pool, meaning his loot can match any Lair Boss’s drops.
- High-End Rewards: A guaranteed Ancestral Unique and a solid source of Infernal Compasses, making him a great farming target.
Belial’s Influence – More Than Just a Boss Fight?
Belial is not just another demon. His return could have lasting effects on Sanctuary. As the master of deception, could he be pulling the strings behind the scenes once again?
His past schemes have nearly destroyed civilizations, and his hunger for power has never faded. If Belial is back, who else might be under his influence?
Season 8 will not just be a test of strength: Will you fall for his deception or rise to the challenge?
