Summary
The latest details revealed aboutDiablo 4: Vessel of Hatredgives fans a lot to get excited about, as the expansion is set to add new features like mercenaries, the brand-new Spiritborn class, and a new campaign following Neyrelle’s journey through the region of Nahantu. From what was shown in the trailer, it appears as though Neyrelle is traveling to Nahantu in search of the tomb of Akarat, a legendary figure withinDiablo’s lore. While not much is known about how this character could factor into the plot ofDiablo 4: Vessel of Hatred, an emphasis on Akarat could warrant the return of two Legendary items fromDiablo 3.
Although Blizzard hasn’t confirmed that Vessel of Hatred will feature new gear, it seems likely given that each season ofDiablo 4has introduced a handful of new Unique pieces of gear. Additionally,Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatredis confirmed to be adding other new gameplay elements like new skills for established classes, newParagon Boardsand Legendary Glyphs, and new dungeon types, so it would follow that new types of gear would be added as well. If new gear does make its way into Vessel of Hatred, then twoDiablo 3Legendaries named after Akarat himself seem like obvious choices.
Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred Could Bring Back Two Diablo 3 Legendaries as New Uniques
Legendary pieces of gear inDiablo 3function somewhat differently than those inDiablo 4. This quality inDiablo 3is more akin toDiablo 4’s Uniquequality, making them the rarest level of item that players can find. As such, two Legendary items fromDiablo 3, Akarat’s Awakening and Relic of Akarat, would make perfect additions toDiablo 4’s pool of Uniques with a few reworks.
Akarat’s Awakening
Akarat’s Awakening is a shield only for use byDiablo 3’s Crusader class, which doesn’t exist inDiablo 4. As such, it would likely need to be reworked slightly for theNecromancer class— the only class inDiablo 4that can use shields. To this end, many of the Block-increasing effects could stay, but giving Akarat’s Awakening a Unique affix that benefits the Necromancer’s skill tree would be necessary for it to be included in Vessel of Hatred.
Relic of Akarat
Similarly, the Relic of Akarat would need to be reworked as well since it is a Templar Relic for use byDiablo 3’s Kormac the Templar follower. SinceDiablo 4doesn’t currently feature followers, the Relic of Akarat would likely have to be reworked into a Unique accessory like an Amulet or Ring. Alternatively, the addition ofrecruitable mercenaries coming inDiablo 4: Vessel of Hatredcould be the perfect excuse to re-introduce relics to the series as equipable gear by these mercenaries, with the Relic of Akarat being the game’s first Unique version of this gear type.
The difference between howskills and stats work inDiablo 3andDiablo 4would likely mean these items would take on a completely new form if added toDiablo 4: Vessel of Hatred. However, there is precedent forDiablo 4to include Unique and Legendary gear from past games, and the presence of Akarat as an important figure in the Vessel of Hatred expansion makes the inclusion of these reworked pieces of gear seem like an appropriate addition.
Diablo 4
WHERE TO PLAY
Diablo® IV is the ultimate action RPG experience with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish dungeons, and legendary loot. Embark on the campaign solo or with friends, meeting memorable characters through beautifully dark settings and a gripping story, or explore an expansive end game and shared world where players can meet in towns to trade, team up to battle world bosses, or descend into PVP zones to test their skills against other players – no lobbies necessary – with cross-play, cross-progression, and couch co-op on Xbox.This is only the beginning for Diablo® IV, with new events, stories, seasons, rewards, and more looming on the horizon.
