Diablo 4’s Vessel of Hatred expansion is a firm statement that Blizzard is and will keep updating the game in the next few years. The DLC addresses some pain points fromD4’s rocky history from launch until now, such as more build variety for all classes, withDiablo 4classes getting new active and passive skillsto give players more options. This is a good direction for the game, and it’s something that Blizzard is likely to keep doing over time, most likely for all the elements of the ARPG to improve on each of its pillars. Most recently, Vessel of Hatred gave a new spin toDiablo 4’s multiplayer aspect with the Dark Citadel raid.
The fact that Dark Citadel as an activity was even shipped is a good indication that the MMO part ofDiablo 4may not be going anywhere, for better or for worse. Action RPGs and looter games featuring multiplayer elements are not uncommon, but it can be frowned upon by the community and fans of the genre to have some gear pieces locked behind these activities.Destiny 2is a good example of this, andDiablo 4is following in its footsteps with the Dark Citadel.
Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred’s Dark Citadel Multiplayer Controversy Explained
One reason theDark Citadel inDiablo 4is not receiving an overly positive reception, as noted upon its reveal before launch, is that communication and group play are both necessary, essentially removing the solo play aspect of the ARPG for this specific activity. In fact, the Dark Citadel cannot physically be completed solo since at least two players are required to open doors and complete puzzles in between encounters. This is a typical aspect of raids in MMOs, and games likeWorld of WarcraftorDestiny 2are no strangers to this.
Recent data shows that over 85% of Diablo 4 players are mainly or exclusively solo.
Recently,Destiny 2’s Exotic Class Items were criticizedbecause they were a big part of The Final Shape expansion, but they were made obtainable exclusively via a 2-person activity. Though other methods to get the items were available, the first had to be unlocked via this multiplayer activity that requires heavy communication between players. As such, it doesn’t come as a surprise thatDiablo 4is facing similar criticism for an activity that cannot be completed solo, regardless of its difficulty. However, the Dark Citadel is well worth it for those willing to play it, though it’s not all roses.
The Dark Citadel raid also comes with the typical MMORPG trappings, like weekly rewards for clearing the activity and exclusive loot, which can be quite controversial and has proven to be as much with other games. Another potential problem is finding a group, which can be done quite easily thanks toDiablo 4Season 6’s new party finder, but it would also be beneficial to have people with the same level of power and buildcrafting in order not to ruin the experience for others. On top of that, Dark Citadel runs can eventually award the coveted and equally problematic Scroll of Restoration.
The Scroll of Restoration resets Tempering attempts on a given item, which has long been requested by fans due to how frustrating Tempering can be for itemization in Diablo 4.
Why Diablo 4’s Dark Citadel is Worth Running
Despite these issues, the Dark Citadel raid is a rather unique piece of endgame content inDiablo 4, and arguably one of the best parts of the Vessel of Hatred expansion. It’s not something all players will run, much like only a small percentage of the playerbase completesDestiny 2Raids, but it’s a good piece of content that challenges players to think strategically, solve puzzles, and master their builds before running it. The fact that players can’t truly carry others through the activity can be off-putting, as it’s necessary to know what to do and become involved with the mechanics, but the Dark Citadel is quite rewarding even beyond the loot it offers.
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.
