Acolyte of Chayula

Barbarian

Druid

Necromancer

Rogue

Sorcerer

Spiritborn

Dominate Diablo 4 Season 8: Top Builds and Tier Lists


<p>Blizzard has posted a short story about Belial, who&#8217;s returning to Sanctuary in Season 8! The short story isn&#8217;t exactly short, so brace yourselves for a 1-hour video explaining just how the Lord of Lies returned! There&#8217;s also a written version in the blue post below. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Diablo IV | Short Story | All Who Lie" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/daU2Ar2__G4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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<p>Here&#8217;s the associated blog post by Blizzard:</p>



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<p>Sanctuary is a volatile place—danger lurks at every turn and the reappearance of Mephisto’s hatred has ushered in a new era of hardships for those who call these lands home. While its denizens may have little hope, the rich stories they’ve passed down through generations have shined truth on the darkness.</p>
<p>Learn how Belial, Lord of Lies returned to Sanctuary in a new short story. Use its knowledge to prepare for your fight against him on April 29 in <a href="https://news.blizzard.com/article/24189530/" target="_blank">Season 8: Belial’s Return</a>.</p>
<h3>“All Who Lie”<br />
By Matthew J. Kirby</h3>
<p>Under the cover of night, a father, a mother, a priest, a broker, and a Sorceress gather to raise a child from death. But is it the soul of the child they are summoning . . . or something far more foul? In this tale about the lies we tell the world—and the ones we tell ourselves—no one can be trusted.</p>
<p>Read <a href="https://bnetcmsus-a.akamaihd.net/cms/page_media/H0VGNQDXKOO91745277073653.pdf" target="_blank">“All Who Lie”</a> by Matthew J. Kirby, illustrated by Alex Maleev, or <a href="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/daU2Ar2__G4" target="_blank">listen to the audiobook</a> voiced by Ray Porter, who plays Belial, Lord of Lies, now!</p>
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“All Who Lie” Short Story


<p>Blizzard are holding an art contest to celebrate Season 8 and the Lord of Lies&#8217; return! </p>



<p>Players will have a chance to win cosmetics from the upcoming Berserk collaboration, as well as regular ones! There&#8217;s even a custom Berserk-inspired Xbox Controller and vinyl to be had! All you have to do is post your original Belial-inspired art piece on Instagram, tagging <a href="https://www.instagram.com/PlayDiablo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@playdiablo</a> with the #BelialStyle and #DiabloContest hashtags. </p>



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        <section class="blog">As Sanctuary prepares for the onslaught of Mephisto, Belial steps out of the shadows, looking to seize Sanctuary for his own diabolical scheme in Season 8, Belial’s Return. In some ill-intended circles, it is whispered that those who pay homage to the Lord of Lies with accursed art shall receive his favor in return.</p>
<p>Welcome to the Belial in Your Style art contest. Submit your original artistic interpretation of the Lord of Lies for a chance at digital codes granting <a href="https://news.blizzard.com/article/24189531/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Diablo IV and Berserk cosmetics</a>, along with a killer Berserk-inspired custom Xbox controller, and a limited-edition Beast in Black vinyl that includes an exclusive track recorded for the collaboration. Beast in Black is a Finnish heavy metal band who&#8217;s heavily inspired by Berserk. Their sound blends 80s power metal with EDM and synthwave.</p>
<p><a class="lightbox" href="https://bnetcmsus-a.akamaihd.net/cms/page_media/qn/QNXZSM3OM6MS1745348232372.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img decoding="async" class="no-border no-shadow" src="https://bnetcmsus-a.akamaihd.net/cms/page_media/qn/QNXZSM3OM6MS1745348232372.png" alt="" /></a></p>
<h3>How to Submit Art</h3>
<p>Post your original Belial-inspired artwork on Instagram between <b>April 28, 10 a.m.–May 6, 11:59 p.m. PDT</b>. When posting, tag us with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/PlayDiablo/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@playdiablo</a> along with two hashtags: #BelialStyle and #DiabloContest for your submission to be considered. You can use any medium to bring your infernal vision of Belial to life, such as illustration, 3D modelling, sculpture, digital or practical effects…your twisted imagination is the limit. Tributes forged by your own will and effort will be considered only. No AI-generated entries will be accepted.</p>
<p>Once submissions close on May 6, five winners will be selected based on creativity, quality, and relevance by a panel of diabolical visionaries. Judges include Diablo IV principal concept artist Victor Lee, lead artist Kymba Plushner, and art director Nick Chilano.</p>
<p>We look forward to receiving your dark offerings, wanderer. To participate, you must be 18 years or older and live in an eligible region.</p>
<p>For full details and rules, see our <a href="https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/d4/t/belial-in-your-style-official-rules/219264" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Forum post</a>.</p>
</section>
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Belial Art Contest Brings Sinister Prizes


<p>We&#8217;re looking at an animated infographic for Diablo 4&#8217;s <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/diablo-4-latest-season/">Season 8</a>!</p>



<p>The latest D4 season launches on <strong>April 29</strong> and here&#8217;s a amazing animated infographic to take you through the main features:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://i.redd.it/9gr4lyte3jxe1.gif" alt=""/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Source: <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/1k9ptw8/diablo_4_season_8_infographic_enus_animated/">Reddit</a></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Season Highlights</h2>



<p>The infographic provides:</p>



<ul>
<li>Animations of some of the new <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/boss-powers-guide/">Boss Powers</a>.</li>



<li>Details about the <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/apparition-incursion-guide/">Apparition Incursion Events</a>.</li>



<li>Information about the <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/lair-boss-system-guide/">Boss Ladder System</a>.</li>



<li>Additional info on the <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4-x-berserk-crossover-brings-iconic-armor-behelits-and-more/">Diablo 4 x Berserk crossover</a>.</li>
</ul>


Animated Season 8 Infographic

All Existing Unique and Legendary Aspect Changes in Season 8


<p>Blizzard is making major adjustments to Diablo 4&#8217;s leveling experience in Season 8, targeting how item quality and loot progression will feel early on. Here is a full breakdown of the changes you can expect when the new season starts:</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Item Drop Changes During the Leveling Phase</h2>



<ul>
<li>Starting in S8, Common quality items will no longer drop after Level 6.</li>



<li>From Level 6+, Magic quality gear will dominate until around Level 25, when Rare and higher-tier items will gradually take over.</li>



<li>Magic items will roll with 1-2 affixes, with 2 affixes becoming standard as players gain levels.</li>



<li>Rare Items will consistently roll with 2-3 affixes, with 3 appearing more frequently at higher levels.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Legendary Item Drop Rate Reductions</h2>



<ul>
<li>Blizzard&#8217;s nerfing the drop rates of Legendaries during leveling.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Exactly Does That Mean?</h2>



<p>Well, instead of seeing legendaries drop early for you in Season 8, you will first see <strong>Common</strong>, <strong>Magic</strong>, and <strong>Rare</strong> gear drop, which means a significant nerf to gearing while leveling.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why the Nerf?</h2>



<p>Blizzard implemented the nerf to address feedback about Legendaries dropping to quickly at low levels.</p>



<p>Here&#8217;s the portion about gearing nerfs taken from the official patch notes:</p>



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<li>Common quality items will no longer drop beyond Level 6. Magic quality items will be the most prevalent until around Level 25 whenRare and beyond items start to take precedent.</li>
<li>Magic items will now appear with 1-2 Affixes, with 2 Affixes becoming standard as player’s level increases.</li>
<li>Rare items now always appear with 2-3 Affixes, with 3 Affixes becoming more common as your level increases.</li>
<li>Legendary Item changes
<ul>
<li>Legendary item drop rates have been reduced during levelling.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote><p><strong>Developer’s Note: </strong><em>We&#8217;ve increasing the power of Magic and Rare items during levelling while reducing the Legendary item drop rates to address feedback about Legendaries too quickly become the only item rarity you care about.</em></p></blockquote>
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Blizzard’s Nerfing Gearing While Leveling in Season 8


<p>Blizzard has made some additional changes to <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/runewords-guide/">Rune Words</a> based on 2.2.0 PTR testing. Here is a list of changes that will go live for all the Rune Words in the new <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/diablo-4-latest-season/">Season</a>!</p>



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        <p><b>Xan</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Previous: Your next skill critically overpowers. Overflow: 1% damage per 10 Offering.</li>
<li>Now: Your next attack will cause your hits to be a guaranteed Critical Strike and Overpower for 0.35 seconds. Overflow: Increase duration.</li>
<li>Duration increased from 0.25 to 0.35 seconds.</li>
<li>Offering required reduced from 700 to 300.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Qax</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Previous: Your next non-Basic skill spends all your Primary Resource to deal up to 100% increased damage based on the percentage of Resource spent.</li>
<li>Now: Casting a Skill other than a Basic or Defensive spends all your Primary Resource to increase your damage up to 100% for 1 second.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Vex (+1 to all skills for 10s. Overflow: More ranks up to 3)</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Offering cost reduced from 150 to 100.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Lum (Gain max resource)</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Offering gained increased from 2.5% to 3.5%.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Ahu</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Previous: Lucky hit: 100% when hitting an Injured enemy.</li>
<li>Now: Lucky hit: 100% when hitting a non-Healthy enemy.</li>
<li>Offering gained reduced from 25 to 15.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Tec</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Damage reduced from 1,400% to 700%.</li>
</ul>
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<p></p>


All Rune Word Changes Coming in Season 8 Revealed


<p>Blizzard&#8217;s implementing sweeping changes to the Lair Boss system in <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/diablo-4-latest-season/">Season 8</a> and we&#8217;re looking at how players will climb up the ladder!</p>



<ul>
<li>All bosses are free to summon in Season 8.</li>



<li>Items that were formerly known as the &#8220;summoning items&#8221; are now living a new life as so-called Lair Keys.</li>
</ul>



<p>During the S8 Campfire Chat, Blizzard revealed the following flowchart which explains how the system will work, adding that this will really put your build to the test!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-24-at-20.14.11.jpg" alt=""/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Key Highlights</h2>



<ul>
<li>Initiate Lair Bosses have an easier takedown.</li>



<li>As you go up the ladder, the bosses become more difficult.</li>



<li>If you’re unsure about your strength to face a Lair Boss, you can now jump in and try, as no summoning materials are required.</li>



<li>The new system ensures a much better user experience.</li>



<li>When a Lair Boss dies, each player must individually spend boss materials, called Hoard Keys, to open their Hoard.</li>



<li>Lair Keys stack up to 9.</li>



<li>All Initiate Tier Lair Bosses will not just drop the associated key for the next boss that they are linked to, but they&#8217;ll also drop <a class="icy-gtnbrg-link" href="#"><span class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip"><img decoding="async" class="icy-gtnbrg-tooltip-img" src="https://static.icy-veins.com/wp/static/d4/latest/images/icons/2DInventory_Materials_35.webp" alt="Stygian Stone"><span class="tooltip-spell-name" data-item-type="Boss Summoning" data-item-quality="normal">Stygian Stone</span></span></a>s, which can be crushed and turned into a Lair Key for any of the Greater Lair Bosses.</li>



<li>Any of the Initiate or Greater Lair Bosses has a chance to get a surprise Belial ambush, which is the key to getting the <strong>Betrayer&#8217;s Husk</strong> to challenge his <strong>Supreme Form</strong>.</li>



<li>This new system puts a stop to chain farming. The developers didn&#8217;t like how you could just jump into any party and get a bunch of Uniques free. They want you to work for some of the loot in Diablo.</li>
</ul>



<p>For more details on how the system works, check out our in-depth <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/lair-boss-system-guide/">Lair Boss System guide</a>.</p>


Diablo 4 Season 8: Major Lair Boss Changes, Free Summons, and New Lair Keys Explained


<p>Diablo 4&#8217;s upcoming collab with Berserk is about to unleash one of the strangest pets upon Sanctuary! Meet Chimimoryo, the unusual astral creature making its way into the game as part of the <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4-x-berserk-crossover-brings-iconic-armor-behelits-and-more/">Diablo 4 x Berserk event</a>, launching May 6!</p>



<blockquote class="reddit-embed-bq" style="height:500px" data-embed-height="547"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/1k59g3h/im_speechless_new_berserk_event_pet/">I&#8217;m speechless. (New berserk event pet)</a><br> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/spartanb301/">u/spartanb301</a> in<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/">diablo4</a></blockquote>



<p>Community reactions to Chimimoryo have been mixed. Some players are excited about this pet, praising its uniqueness. Others feel the new pet looks too bizzard for Diablo 4&#8217;s world.</p>



<blockquote class="reddit-embed-bq" data-embed-height="220"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/1k59g3h/comment/mogjf5w/">Comment</a><br> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/spartanb301/">u/spartanb301</a> from discussion<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/1k59g3h/im_speechless_new_berserk_event_pet/"></a><br> in<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/">diablo4</a></blockquote>



<blockquote class="reddit-embed-bq" data-embed-height="220"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/1k59g3h/comment/mogno54/">Comment</a><br> by<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/spartanb301/">u/spartanb301</a> from discussion<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/comments/1k59g3h/im_speechless_new_berserk_event_pet/"></a><br> in<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/diablo4/">diablo4</a></blockquote>



<p>Adding to the oddity, Schnoz features an animation where a booger visibly dangles from his nose, as revealed in the latest <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/news/diablo-4-season-8-campfire-chat-highlights/">S8 Campfire Chat</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to Get Schnoz During the Crossover Event?</h2>



<p>The official blog post about the crossover event mentions that Schnoz will be bundled together with the Mask of Rakshas Mount Trophy and Chimimoryo&#8217;s Resemblance.</p>


Diablo 4 x Berserk Crossover Introduces Bizarre New Pet — Schnoz Arrives May 6


<p>Big savings are here for D4 players just ahead of the highly-anticipated <a href="https://www.icy-veins.com/d4/guides/diablo-4-latest-season/">Season 8</a> launch on April 29! Blizzard has <a href="https://us.shop.battle.net/en-us/sale/spring-sale-2025#diablo">reduced prices across the board</a>, making it the perfect time to dive into Sanctuary or upgrade your experience!</p>



<p>The <a href="https://us.shop.battle.net/en-us/sale/spring-sale-2025#diablo">Diablo 4 Expansion Bundle</a>, which includes the base game and the Vessel of Hatred expansion, is now available for $41.99, a 40% discount from its original price of $69.99.</p>



<p>If you already own Diablo 4, you can directly upgrade to Vessel of Hatred with discounted options:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Standard Edition</strong>: $27.99 (30% off, originally $39.99)</li>



<li><strong>Deluxe Edition</strong>: $41.99</li>



<li><strong>Ultimate Edition</strong>: $62.99</li>
</ul>



<p>These discounts are available both on Battle.net and Steam, making it easy to play the game ahead of Season 8!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://preview.redd.it/blizzard-offering-discount-on-steam-not-on-their-own-v0-6r95xl8y2dxe1.png?width=642&amp;format=png&amp;auto=webp&amp;s=6851739b186e58e974e50523444259c93daa3240" alt=""/></figure>



<p>Hurry up though, the sale ends May 7!</p>


Dominate Diablo 4 Season 8: Top Builds and Tier Lists

Note About Rankings

Leveling Build Tier List

Speed Farming Build Tier List

Endgame Push Build Tier List

Boss Killer Tier List

Class Tier List for Season 8

Best Classes for Leveling in Season 8

Best Classes for Speed Farming in Season 8

Best Classes for Endgame Pushing in Season 8

Diablo IV News