First Look at Diablo 4's Dark Citadel, New PvE Co-op Challenge in Vessel of Hatred

Diablo IV Posted 2024/08/21 at 9:46 AM by Tharid

Highlights:

The Dark Citadel is a gameplay experience tailored for 4 players, but you can enter the dungeon with 2 players at a minimum.

Players will fight the "First Khazra" within the dungeon, who are trying to use the citadel's powers to summon their "Dark God."

Besides just fighting monsters, players must coordinate and use cooperative mechanics to progress through the gameplay experience.

Players can earn a weekly reward cache every week, which, for example, can include Scrolls of Retempering.

There will be a custom currency called Citadel Coins that can be used for exclusive cosmetics like complete Armor sets.

You will also be able to buy Citadel-exclusive consumables, like the Scroll of Abundance, which restores health and drops Health Potions, or the Scroll of Contained Goblins, which can be used to summon a treasure goblin.

Repel the Khazra Threat in Dark Citadel

Deep in the heart of Nahantu lies a twisted testament to the depths the First Khazra will go to achieve their ends. Within lies the ultimate co-op challenge, the first of its kind in Diablo IV. This endgame, cooperative dungeon rewards groups of players that can best the many perils that lay within. Venture through three individual wings to solve challenges, face deadly battles, and collaborate to emerge bloodthirsty to face the final boss.

More than one wanderer has tried—and failed—to break this fortress. Only together with others can you expect to prevail over an evil that slowly grows stronger.

The Dark Citadel is ruled by The First Khazra, who use the powers of the Citadel to perform wicked experiments on captured villagers, all in an attempt to resurrect an almighty demon by sacrificing souls.

Brave the Dark Citadel

The Dark Citadel holds three separate Wings, each with their own secrets to unlock and demonic plans to unravel. Brute force will only let you venture so far; the cooperation of your allies is the key to besting each Wing before finally facing off against the final boss.

Besting these complex bosses and intricate wings will require the efforts of your entire party. Each wing can be taken down as a group, and can be done in multiple visits if you require respite during this grand task. Communication with your allies will be key within the walls of the Citadel, and a new Marker System will be available to help indicate your next intended move.

Earn Coveted Rewards

Every week you can earn a Weekly Rewards cache the first time the Dark Citadel is completed. These caches could grant you resplendent and exclusive items only offered from Dark Citadel.

Throughout the Dark Citadel, you’ll earn Citadel Coins, which are key to unlocking cosmetics exclusive to Dark Citadel that evoke the regal mania of its demonic owners.

Unlock the Path to the Citadel

The Dark Citadel becomes available once you reach the endgame. You’ll receive an introductory Quest to begin your journey, which only needs to be completed once on your Account.

Find Allies and Bolster your Party

Mastering this challenge requires a minimum of two players, but it’s recommended to raise arms with a party of four for the best chance at emerging triumphant. The ideal way to approach this mighty challenge is to search far and wide for like-minded players…

Comment by AlustrielAnother nail in the Diablo IV coffin.

I like the reward of the treasure goblin summoning scroll and the retempering scrolls, but I will NEVER play with other players so you are only rewarding people who enjoy or can tolerate each others company to team up whether or not they know each other online or in real life, which leaves the soloists in the dust, thus killing your own game. Yes, it is my choice, thank you for telling me that, but that is the way I am and how I enjoy my time, alone.Comment by TwoTastyTicTacsAnother nail in the Diablo IV coffin.

I like the reward of the treasure goblin summoning scroll and the retempering scrolls, but I will NEVER play with other players so you are only rewarding people who enjoy or can tolerate each others company to team up whether or not they know each other online or in real life, which leaves the soloists in the dust, thus killing your own game. Yes, it is my choice, thank you for telling me that, but that is the way I am and how I enjoy my time, alone.Comment by NeroburnerAnother nail in the Diablo IV coffin.

I like the reward of the treasure goblin summoning scroll and the retempering scrolls, but I will NEVER play with other players so you are only rewarding people who enjoy or can tolerate each others company to team up whether or not they know each other online or in real life, which leaves the soloists in the dust, thus killing your own game. Yes, it is my choice, thank you for telling me that, but that is the way I am and how I enjoy my time, alone.Comment by lelailaThx for nothing. Diablo is and should not be a multiplayer game. Don't like it. And now we get endgame content only for groups..Comment by harulezI think this approach to raiding is a HUGE mistake, not because it requires group play, but because it has puzzles designed for multiple players blocking your progress.

One big problem with these kind of puzzles is where when one player not doing correctly will wipe the entire grp, this will ultimately lead to toxic players and gatekeeping. I would have much rather preferred just a wow style raid where you kill a bunch of mobs and a raid boss with no puzzles in them.

This type of raid style in diablo 4 will fail for sure.