You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here
Wondering how to start the Vessel of Hatred of expansion? Vessel of Hatred expands on Diablo 4’s stellar campaign with a brand new story act set in the fresh Nahantu region and includes stacks of other content and features, including the Spiritborn class. Figuring out how to skip the lengthy original campaign and dive straight into the DLC can be a bit tricky, especially for first-time players or those that haven’t visited Sanctuary in a while. We’ll walk you through how to start the Vessel of Hatred campaign and skip the base game’s campaign.
Tap Change Campaign State in the character creator. Captured by VideoGamer
Select Start with the Vessel of Hatred campaign. Captured by VideoGamer
How to start Vessel of Hatred
In keeping with previous season launches, accessing the Vessel of Hatred content requires a new character. Create a new one in the character creator as you would normally, select a class, and customise. When you get to the Finalize screen where you input a character name and select the Seasonal or Harcore gameplay options, tap the button marked ‘Change Campaign State’ in the window on the left side of the screen. You’ll see two options, including one to start with the original Diablo 4 campaign. Select the second ‘Start with the Vessel of Hatred campaign’ option, confirm, then start the game to load into the expansion.
Sit through or skip the cut scene that recaps the base game story campaign and sets the scene for your task of tracking down Neyrelle and Mephisto in Nahantu. You’ll load in Kyovashad. Make your way towards the Rekindled Faith quest marker to the northeast near the Cathedral of light.
Head to the marker near the Cathedral of Light. Captured by VideoGamer
Talk to Olya. Captured by VideoGamer
Talk to Olya by the bonfire to trigger another cut scene starring Urivar performing a bleak immolation and unlock a series of four quests:
- Fist of Fire
- Pursuit of Justice
- A Magpie in Flight
- Enmity Rising
Head to the cabin to track down Lorath. Captured by VideoGamer
Defeat the knights then talk to Nawal. Captured by VideoGamer
Fast travel to Gea Kul. Captured by VideoGamer
Talk to Raheir in Gea Kul. Captured by VideoGamer
Talk to Uriva to complete the Fist of Fire quest and unlock Pursuit of Justice. Head to Lorath’s cabin, defeat the Burned Knights, then talk to Nawal and Reverend Mother Prava to unlock A Magpie in Flight. Fast travel to Gea Kul and speak with Raheir the steelsmith and mercenary. Fight off the Hollow to unlock the Enmity Rising quest. Destroy the defilements and make your way to the bridge to enter Nahantu and dive into the meat of the expansion.
Once you’ve completed Vessel of Hatred on your account, you can skip both the base and expansions campaigns when creating a new character.
Should you skip the campaign?
If you’re playing solo and are just diving into Diablo 4, you’ll want to play through the campaign if only to get to grips with the story as well as the mechanics, world, classes, and levelling system. Diving into the Vessel of Hatred expansion blind will leave you scratching your head about the events that led to Neyrelle going to Nahantu. If you’ve completed the base campaign, you should jump straight into Vessel of Hatred.
If you’re playing co-op with friends, then the answer is a little murkier. It depends on where you’re at. If you’ve all completed the campaign, then head straight for the expansion. If you’re all starting fresh, playing the base campaign first is recommended for the same reasons as above. If you’re all at different stages, it’s likely best to load into the new expansion and complete any missed content at a later date.
About the Author
Diablo 4
- Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X
- Genre(s): Action, Action RPG, RPG
