Diablo 4’s first major DLC, Vessel of Hatred, is launching on October 8, bringing significant updates to the game’s progression mechanics. The most anticipated change is the overhaul of difficulty and itemization systems, which many hardcore players feel was long overdue.
The adjustments aim to reduce the grueling grind required to reach level 100 and to make progression feel more rewarding. This revamp comes after widespread community feedback and is expected to make the game more engaging for both casual and dedicated players alike.
A notable demonstration of the current grind—and the upcoming improvements—is from Diablo 4 streamer Wudijo, who recently achieved level 100 on Hardcore mode using only level 1 gear. His accomplishment involved completing a Tier 100 Nightmare Dungeon while keeping his gear untouched since the beginning.
Although he upgraded the gear through imprinting and tempering, the fact that early-game items can still be viable for endgame content highlights the limitations of the current progression system. The changes in Vessel of Hatred are seen as a necessary step toward improving this aspect of the game.
Wudijo’s experience with progression shows how quickly one can optimize their character’s build. He explains how, within just 15 minutes, he found a set of gear for his Rogue and upgraded it to level 200.
Using this gear, he rushed through Capstone Dungeons and reached World Tier 4 at level 20, demonstrating that the current leveling system can be exploited for faster progression. His entire journey to level 100 took under 10 hours, excluding the challenge of the Nightmare Dungeon, showcasing how efficient the grind can be when played optimally.
The Vessel of Hatred DLC will introduce a rescaling of levels, with the maximum level now capped at 60. This change is expected to make the progression curve feel smoother and more balanced, particularly for new and returning players.
While the full details on how the leveling curve will function post-DLC are still unclear, many in the community, including Wudijo, are optimistic that the adjustments will improve the overall gameplay experience. Wudijo himself noted that the rescaling was a good idea in the video description, emphasizing the need for this overhaul.
Vessel of Hatred is set to reshape Diablo 4’s progression, especially for those tackling high-level content. With the leveling system, difficulty, and itemization getting revamped, the game’s endgame content is expected to feel more rewarding and accessible.
Hardcore players, like Wudijo, have long pushed the limits of the game’s mechanics, and these updates aim to create a more balanced and enjoyable experience for everyone. The community eagerly anticipates how these changes will impact their gameplay when the DLC launches in October.
