Blizzard has posted a video on Vessel of Hatred, revealing various exciting tidbits from the upcoming campaign!
This post contains story spoilers.
The Vessel of Hatred story kicks off with us defeating Lilith and Neyrelle sailing south with Mephisto’s Soulstone in hand. In the new expansion, Neyrelle seeks salvation from Mephisto and searches for a way to banish him back into the abyss.
The Story So Far
As we wrap up D4, there has been a huge battle between Inarius and Lilith and all of her demons. Throughout the campaign, you’re trying to defeat Lilith, so you team up with characters like the young Neyrelle and Lorath who ends up being the catalyst of the group.
Inarius thought that by defeating Lilith, he would be accepted by heaven, which didn’t prove true, even though he stabbed Lilith. She used that against him and killed Inarius. Her goal was to devour her father Mephisto and we ended up stopping her.
What’s Coming in Vessel of Hatred
Neyrelle is left with the Soulstone and decides to take his essence. Lorath will help us find information on where Neyrelle went. Over time, things start to unfold, and she will realize she can’t do this alone and you will start searching for her.
The Burnt Knights
The Cathedral of Light in Vessel of Hatred is in disarray with the death of Inarius. It became split and this created an opening for a whole new sect to rise up and take things into their own hands, and so you end up with the militant wing of the church that is the Burnt Knights. The Burnt Knights are led by Urivar, Survivor of Hell. He is uncompromising and feels that he’s going to make better decisions for the church. They battled in Hell and now they’re on a manhunt for Neyrelle and Lorath. They want them to pay for their crimes.
Hatred’s Corruption
Mephisto is the Lord of Hatred, and probably the one Prime Evil that can create the most deep-rooted chaos, breaking up the people of Sanctuary. In the events of Diablo II, he was destroyed. He’s been slowly resurrecting himself in Hell, and he wants to come back and bring himself back to Sanctuary. Now that he’s trapped in the Soulstone that Neyrelle carries, this is his opportunity.
The Herald of Hatred is Mephisto’s wolf form. It’s this astral-projected form that he gets to put out and connect with the player, and whisper in people’s ears. The connection between Neyrelle, the player, and Mephisto is the fate of the world. Neyrelle wants to get rid of him, but the more time she spends with the stone, the tighter the bond between her and the stone is. The corrupting influence of Mephisto’s Soulstone is going to convince her to bring Mephisto back instead of destroying him as she originally wanted, so we need to make sure that she fulfills her original intent and doesn’t fall to Mephisto’s influence.
Akarat and the Spirit Realm
Neyrelle plans to bring the Soulstone to the Vault of Light to purify it of Mephisto’s essence. The vault is a sacred place that Akarat created. His presence is important through the history of Sanctuary. Akarat wandered the world, speaking the teachings of the Zakarum faith. His tomb is said to be in the Vault of Light, which is in Nahantu. Akarat discovered the Spirit Realm.
When the Worldstone was forged and Sanctuary came out of it, this veil was created, and that’s what created the Spirit Realm. Angels aren’t there, Demons aren’t there, it’s a very special place for humanity. For a long time, the Spirit Realm remained untouched and now Mephisto’s corruption is creeping its way and that’s the fear that everybody in Nahantu is thinking about.
Eru is a spiritual leader with a deep connection to Nahantu who helps us on our journey to find Neyrelle, who has been spotted in the jungle.
The Vessel of Hatred story is about isolation. Neyrelle is trying to do this alone, but at some point, you realize that things are escalating, so we move from isolation to the idea of being strong together.
Below you will find the official blog post and the video detailing this new lore!
With Mephisto’s Soulstone in hand, Neyrelle sails south to the jungles of Nahantu to banish him for good. Knowing that Mephisto can corrupt even the most resolute beings, pushing them to insanity, you must track down Neyrelle to present a united front against the Lord of Hatred’s machinations and save Sanctuary together!
Those looking to envelop themselves in the malign events of Diablo IV’s main questline before jumping into the Vessel of Hatred expansion should watch the Story So Far video below.
Whether you’re new to the world of Diablo or a battle-scarred demon slayer ready for your next harrowing challenge, watch the Inside the Game: The Next Chapter video below to see what’s in store for you in our first expansion, Vessel of Hatred. Please note that this video contains spoilers for Vessel of Hatred’s main questline.
Pre-Purchase Vessel of Hatred Today
Pre-purchase to embark on an expedition to the jungles of Nahantu when the Vessel of Hatred expansion launches on October 8. Not only will you receive access to the Vessel of Hatred expansion upon launch, but you’ll also be granted a bevy of in-game rewards today!*
Pre-Purchase the Diablo IV Vessel of Hatred-Ultimate Edition and receive:
- Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred Expansion***
- Nahantu Veilwalker Spiritborn Armor***
- Alkor, Snow Leopard Pet** (Pre-Purchase Bonus)
- Mother’s Lament Legendary Gem for Diablo Immortal**** (Pre-Purchase Bonus)
- Hratli, Canine Pet**
- Nahantu War-Cat Mount and Armor Bundle**
- One Premium Battle Pass Token
- 3,000 Platinum
- Natalya, Tiger Pet**
- Nahantu Unearthed Armor Bundle (5 class armor sets)
- Wings of the Faith Cosmetic
- Nahantu Themed Town Portal
Pre-Purchase the Diablo IV Vessel of Hatred-Deluxe Edition and receive:
- Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred Expansion***
- Nahantu Veilwalker Spiritborn Armor***
- Alkor, Snow Leopard Pet** (Pre-Purchase Bonus)
- Mother’s Lament Legendary Gem for Diablo Immortal**** (Pre-Purchase Bonus)
- Hratli, Canine Pet**
- Nahantu War-Cat Mount and Armor Bundle**
- One Premium Battle Pass Token
Pre-Purchase the Diablo IV Vessel of Hatred-Standard Edition and receive:
- Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred Expansion***
- Alkor, Snow Leopard Pet** (Pre-Purchase Bonus)
- Mother’s Lament Legendary Gem for Diablo Immortal**** (Pre-Purchase Bonus)
*Diablo IV base game required. After purchase, instantly available items will be delivered in-game after next login.
**Mount or pet feature (as applicable) must be unlocked in-game before the item can be used.
*** Available upon Vessel of Hatred release on October 8, 2024.
****Diablo Immortal® downloaded separately.
