Blizzard released the pre-load update for Diablo IV version 2.18/1.118 on September 14, deploying data required for the "Legacy of Hell" season in advance. The new season launches on September 15, bringing seasonal quests, new encounters, equipment system adjustments, and various balance changes.
The seasonal storyline will have players challenge echoes of Diablo, Baal, and Mephisto at Tristram Cathedral, Mount Arreat, and the Prison of Hatred respectively, collecting three shards of evil. Players can choose the power of one of these Prime Evils and increase their reputation through corresponding War Plan activities.
"Lucid Nightmares" will recreate iconic events from the 30-year history of the Diablo series, featuring multi-layered Greater Rifts, regular dungeons, and mini-boss encounters in the open world. After reaching Torment level 10, players can also challenge higher-tier versions of the Greater Rifts.
The new season includes eight types of soul shards related to demons or artifacts. Players can equip up to three simultaneously and upgrade them using the Horadric Cube. Each shard grants a signature ability while increasing the damage taken by the character from the corresponding Prime Evil.
War Plan reputation will be shared among eligible characters within the same account, but each character will retain its own planning and allocation schemes. Eternal characters can also be converted into level 1 seasonal characters through "Rebirth," retaining their class, name, appearance, cosmetics, and cumulative playtime; equipment must be unequipped before conversion.
This update also adjusts Mythic gear crafting and permanently adds nine classic-style Unique items to the game. The seasonal progression features 9 tiers and 125 objectives, with rewards including up to 14 skill points, 42 Paragon points, 10 Radiant Sparks, and 5 Mythic Unique gear chests.
In terms of class balance, the Barbarian's Strength damage scaling, two-handed sword bleed bonuses, and several Paragon damage abilities have been nerfed; the Druid's Willpower scaling has been increased from 1.25% per 10 points to 1.625%, and several Unique items have been buffed. Additionally, players who pre-order or purchase "Songs of the Past" on Battle.net will receive a Geralt-themed skin from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt in Diablo IV.