“Diablo 4 Season 1 Update: Uncovering Release Time, Delving into Battle Pass Costs, and More”

Diablo 4 Season 1 Update: Release Time, Battle Pass Costs, and More

By | July 6, 2023

Diablo 4, the highly-anticipated game from Blizzard Activision, is set to receive a massive update with the introduction of Season 1. This update brings new content, a battle pass system, and a release date for eager players. Let’s dive into the details.

Release Date and Start Time

According to a recent dev stream, Diablo 4’s Season 1 update, titled “Season of the Malignant,” will be released on July 20th. While the end date of the season is yet to be confirmed, Blizzard has assured players that their Seasonal characters will be transferred to the “Eternal” realm when Season 2 begins. It’s important to note that certain season-specific items will no longer be available at that time.

The release time for Diablo 4 Season 1 is set for 10 a.m. PDT, 12 p.m. CT, 1 p.m. ET, and 6 p.m. GMT. Players around the world can expect the update to launch simultaneously based on these time zones.

Battle Pass Costs

Diablo 4’s battle pass system follows the popular structure of having a free track and a premium track. The free track includes 27 unlocks and is available to all players at no cost. The premium battle pass, on the other hand, can be purchased for 1000 Platinum, equivalent to $10. There is also an accelerated battle pass option priced at 2,800 Platinum (approximately $25) that automatically unlocks 20 tiers of rewards.

Players who purchased the Diablo 4 Ultimate Edition will receive an accelerated battle pass as part of their package. It’s worth noting that battle passes are seasonal, meaning players will have to purchase a new one each season. Currently, there are no indications that premium currencies will be rewarded through the battle pass, so players will need to purchase Platinum separately if they desire it.

Content in the Diablo 4 Season 1 Update

Season of the Malignant takes place after the main Diablo 4 campaign, requiring players to complete the campaign before accessing the seasonal realms. In this new season, a malignant force corrupts creatures in Sanctuary, transforming them into formidable and dangerous foes. Players will encounter Malignant versions of elite monsters, which are stronger and drop Malignant Hearts upon defeat.

Malignant Hearts can be socketed into equipment and provide powerful abilities. Once equipped, they cannot be removed but can be replaced with other Malignant Hearts. There are over 32 abilities to collect throughout Season of the Malignant. Additionally, players can acquire new Legendary Aspects, Unique items, and Malignant gear, which offer increased power compared to normal gear.

The Seasonal Journey, divided into seven chapters, offers various objectives and rewards. Players can earn crafting materials, unique Legendary Aspects, and Favor, which is crucial for advancing through the battle pass. The Malignant Tunnels, special areas that spawn Malignant enemies more frequently, allow players to search for specific types of Malignant Hearts. A new end-game boss named Varshan the Consumed adds an extra challenge to this dangerous new area.

Character Resets in Season 1

One noteworthy feature of Diablo 4’s battle pass system is that players cannot use the same character for each season, nor can they transfer an existing character to a Seasonal Realm. Each new season will require players to start with a new character and progress from scratch. According to the developers, this design choice allows each season to iterate on the base experience and encourages players to try different classes and builds.

However, players can retain certain progress from their existing character after completing the campaign. This includes the mount, previously discovered Altar of Lilith Rewards and areas on the map, and earned Renown rewards. The developers have not yet provided details on how the migration process from an existing character to a Seasonal Realm character will work, but it is a one-time transfer per season.

Overall, Diablo 4’s Season 1 update brings exciting new content and features to the game, giving players a fresh and engaging experience. The battle pass system offers both free and premium tracks, allowing players to unlock a variety of rewards. The Seasonal Journey and the introduction of Malignant Hearts and gear add depth to gameplay and provide new challenges for seasoned players.

As the release date approaches, players can look forward to a vibrant and evolving Diablo 4 experience that will keep them engaged until the next premium expansion.