In the Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred DLC, players can unlock and engage in a new endgame activity called the Dark Citadel. This extensive activity provides an opportunity to elevate your Paragon Levels even further, featuring three distinct wings to conquer.
The Vessel of Hatred DLC for Diablo 4 introduces a wealth of new features and mechanics that players can explore. This includes a new class, fresh Runes, and an array of new items and gear that accompany each season. To fully take advantage of what this DLC has to offer, players should thoroughly explore the map to discover all the new content and see how it impacts their gaming experience.
Before diving into the Dark Citadel, players need to make sure they’re eligible to enter. There are several criteria to meet before unlocking this new activity, and reaching the required level is essential.
To begin, players must complete the Crater of Lost Souls Priority Quest. This requires having also finished the story campaign for Vessel of Hatred, and thus you will need to own the DLC. This is why the Dark Citadel is classified as an endgame activity. Fortunately, you can accomplish this quest shortly after completing the campaign, assuming you’ve quickly reached your maximum level.
Keep in mind that the Dark Citadel is strictly a multiplayer dungeon. Solo play is not possible, and you cannot utilize Mercenaries for assistance.
Next, talk to Priestess Cualli, located near the World Tier Statue in Upper Kurast, to initiate the quest. It’s important to ensure you are operating on Torment Difficulty, as this is a requirement for both the quest and the Dark Citadel itself.
While at least two players are needed to tackle the Dark Citadel, you can gather a party of up to four. Once unlocked and your team is set, you’ll navigate through three wings to complete the activity, with your progress being saved at various intervals.
There are a total of three wings you must go through before reaching the dungeon’s conclusion. Each wing presents its challenges, but with a strong team, the journey can be significantly more manageable. For a visual guide, check out YouTuber Zizaran’s video. Below is a guide on how to navigate through all three wings:
In this section of the Dark Citadel, players must utilize Ward Stones and Sealing Wards to successfully complete the dungeon. You will need to defeat elite enemies known as Ward Guardians to obtain the Ward Stones, which can then be placed on the Sealing Wards located on the doors.
Additionally, stepping on colored tiles that correspond to nearby barriers is necessary to eliminate those barriers. Keep an eye out for Soul Siphons, which are areas that activate when you step inside. Remaining within their radius until they fully charge is essential to progress through this wing.
As you navigate the Dark Citadel, you’ll be building up a debuff called Impending Doom. To remove this debuff, look for Soul Dampeners, which will allow you to dispel the effects of Impending Doom.
Your goal will be to defeat the boss of this wing, Gorschak. One party member needs to enter the Spirit Realm by collecting Realm Shards from defeated enemies and using them at the Gateway. Subsequently, this player can teleport back while another remains to assist the rest of the team. If you are having difficulty with this encounter, consider using optimal builds for the season to help you succeed.
The member in the Spirit Realm will need to defeat Ward Guardians to acquire Ward Stones to deactivate Sealing Wards, which will then summon the elite enemy Fragmented Soul of Gorschak. Once you eliminate this enemy, you will gain the Soul Essence required to return, and make sure to utilize Soul Dampeners to manage your Impending Doom effectively.
Be prepared to wait for your teammates to reopen the Gateway when needed.
Once you’ve gathered enough Soul Essence, deposit it in the Conduit of Souls to make Gorschak vulnerable for the damage phase. Repeat these steps at each health threshold until you finally defeat Gorschak and proceed to the next wing.
Most of the mechanics used in the Left Wing will be present here as well, so keep that in mind as you venture into this part of the dungeon. In addition, you’ll encounter Sigil Rooms and Barrier Guardians. Make sure to take out the Barrier Guardians to gain access to the corresponding Sigil Rooms.
You will need to correctly match the Sigils to their respective rooms, which may require locating them near the defeated Barrier Guardians. As you progress, you’ll once again navigate through the Realm of Oblivion, managing Impending Doom with Soul Dampeners as you go.
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While progressing through the dungeons, you’ll encounter Faeroch, who possesses a powerful attack capable of wiping out party members. To avoid this, simply remain within the protective bubble that appears during the attack. After the threat has passed, you can counterattack and reposition as necessary.
The final encounter in this wing will be Lorzuul, the Gorger. Players must find additional Sigils and match them with corresponding markings around the battleground to make Lorzuul susceptible to damage. Once all Sigils are matched, Lorzuul will lose his immunity, allowing you to unleash your attacks until he is defeated.
This central wing’s primary mechanic revolves around taking down Spell Guardians to acquire a Counterspell Stone. This stone will enable you to repel Soul Orbs from the bosses, thereby unlocking a portal. Players must then activate the pedestals around the portals to negate a barrier. Within these portals, you will again collect Ward Stones and address Sealing Wards.
Eventually, you’ll arrive at the Exalted Cloister, utilizing many of the previously learned mechanics, such as stepping on pedestals and employing Ward Stones. You’ll confront the bosses Vorshok and Hurstt, along with more Spell Guardians for the coveted Counterspell Stones, which will allow you to deflect a Soul Orb from either boss.
Once that is accomplished, you’ll have the chance to enter the Spirit Realm to eliminate the boss you countered. After fighting that boss, return through the portal and repeat the process to bring down the other one.
Continuing on, you’ll face Zagraal, who merges various mechanics from prior boss fights. Initially, you’ll use portals to whittle down his health, but like other bosses, he will become impervious at times. Activate the pedestals to eliminate the barrier and then engage the conduit. Following that, you must charge all four Soul Siphons and place a Sigil on the corresponding Soul Siphon. Once this is achieved, a Spell Guardian will materialize, granting you a Counterspell Stone.
Utilize the Counterspell Stone as in previous instances to re-enter the damage phase. You’ll need to replicate these steps to eventually finish Zagraal. Upon his defeat, you’ll be granted the chance to collect rewards, including new armor cosmetics in Diablo 4.
Rewards Awarded for Each Wing | |
|---|---|
Enclave of Strife | Helm of Khazra Cosmetic; Legendary Cache |
Labyrinth of Souls | Gloves of Khazra Cosmetic; Legendary Cache |
Dominion of Zagraal | Severed Head of Zagraal; Khazra Armor Cosmetic; Legendary Cache |
Overall, tackling the Dark Citadel will grant players a Weekly Cache, making it beneficial to run this dungeon once per week. Additionally, players will earn Citadel Coins, which can be redeemed for exclusive cosmetics tied to the Dark Citadel in Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred.
Video Credit: YouTube/Zizaran
