Season 1 in Diablo 4 is coming, and it’s called Season of the Malignant. It is a big event anticipated by many fans. If you want to prepare for it, read our article. We will tell you everything you need to know and do before the new season kicks in.
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Diablo 4 is a hit, without a doubt. Nevertheless, developers do not forget about their creation after a success. The game is constantly being improved and creators try to attract even more players and give new content to those who have already bought the title. Because of that, there will be the release of Season 1 (“Season of the Malignant”) on July 20 along with the release of patch 1.04. It will bring some novelties to Diablo 4, and fans wait for it impatiently. If you are one of them, you may want to prepare for the big event. We will tell you how to do it.
You have probably done that already, but if not, you should hurry up. The basic requirement to take part in Diablo 4 Season 1 attractions is to complete main story at least once.
Taking part in Season 1 means a fresh start. Of course, you won’t lose your precious heroes and heroines, but you can’t use them in the event. You have to pick a new character. It means that you should know beforehand which class you wish to play and what kind of build is the best for it. Luckily, the character you level up during seasonal content will become a part of your regular team after the event.
Fortunately, if you have reveled the map, you won’t have to do it again in Season 1. So, it’s a good idea to do it before it starts. Additionally, unlock all Altars of Lilith if you can because perks connected to them will carry over to the new content, too. What is more, exploration is the only way to get “free” Renown before the beginning of the event, so, it is worth to pay some attention to that.

What carries over into Season 1 of Diablo 4:
Blizzard announced that along the launch of patch 1.04 and beginning of Season 1 in Diablo 4, an event called "Season of the Malignant" will commence. As soon as you finish the main campaign of Diablo 4, you will start encountering Malignant monsters in the world, even if you haven't created a seasonal character. However, to fully benefit from the new features, you have to pick one (a seasonal character, that is) and start playing from level 1. Luckily, as it was mentioned, some of the bonuses earned in the main Diablo 4 campaign will transfer to Season 1, making power leveling easier at the same time.
Season 1 of Diablo 4 introduces a lot of new mechanics, items, monsters and locations. If you defeat the Malignant enemies in the game world, they will drop the Malignant Heart. After starting the ritual, you will summon a powerful elite monster, defeating it will get you a Cage Heart. The item is a new gem (similar to the legendary gems from Diablo 3). You can socket it into an item to receive powerful bonuses. What is more, as many as 32 new Malignant powers will be added, which you will be able to use with the help of gems. Interestingly, sockets now have colors. There are only 3 socket colors, but there are 4 gem colors – the fourth color is universal and fits all.
Malignant Tunnels will also appear in the game world – these are new, special, seasonal dungeons, in which you will be able to farm Malignant Hearts. Of course, there will be new, unique items along with new affixes. For dessert, along with Season 1, the Battle Pass will debut, featuring a plethora of cosmetic items. You will receive first 27 tiers of the Battle Pass for free, while the rest will be unlocked only after purchasing it. There will also be a new seasonal currency – Smoldering Ashes, which you will spend on special seasonal bonuses to facilitate leveling.
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Author: Damian Gacek
Graduate of English Philology and English in Public Communication. His portfolio includes a scientific article on video game translation. Working with Gamepressure.com since 2019, writing for various departments. Currently, deals with guides and occasionally supports the newsroom. Interested in electronic entertainment since childhood. Loves RPGs and strategies, often also immersing himself in the depths of indie games. In his free time, works on a book and learns film editing.