Summary
Diablo 4’s Vessel of Hatred expansion has certainly not arrived empty-handed, having introduced a brand-new story following Neyrelle into the deepest reaches of the Nahantu jungle, the new, arguably overpowered Spiritborn class, and plenty of updates to make the base game a much better experience. One ofVessel of Hatred’s more underground additions, however, is the inclusion of three new monster families toDiablo 4, two of which are a first for the series.
Diablo 4’s Vessel of Hatred expansion introduces three new monster families: The Hollows, the Dregs, and the Lacuni. Although the Lacuni have appeared in previousDiablogames, Vessel of Hatred marks the monster family’sDiablo 4debut.
Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred’s Three New Monster Families
The Hollows Are Horrific Monsters Born of Mephisto’s Corruption
The Hollows make up a brand-newDiablomonster family, and a rather horrific one at that. While it’s not initially common knowledge to the inhabitants ofDiablo 4’s Sanctuary, Hollows were unintentionally created by Neyrelle when she entered Nahantu.
After being burned byMephisto’s soulstoneand being gripped by the corruption spreading from it, Neyrelle dipped her hand and the soulstone into the water to cool off, thereby allowing Mephisto’s corruption to spread throughout the jungles of Nahantu. As the black, tar-like corruption spread further, the Hollows were born and began to wreak havoc upon the people and cities in the surrounding area. As products of Mephisto’s corruption, the Hollows are composed of the same tar-like substance and can be devastating in large numbers.
The Hollows are also the first new monster family players encounter during Vessel of Hatred’s story, shortly after meeting Raheir.
The Dregs Are Psychotic Humans Found in the Depths of the Nahantu Jungles
The Dregs are another new monster family introduced withDiablo 4’s Vessel of Hatred expansion, though they are only monsters on account of their now-psychotic nature. The Dregs are, in fact, humans, but after experimenting with hallucinogens found in Nahantu’s flora and fauna, they went into an unstoppable psychotic rage and now await players as enemies in the depths of Nahantu’s jungles.
The Lacuni Are a Feline Monster Race Who Have Evolved Throughout the Series
Of the three monster families introduced withDiablo 4’s Vessel of Hatred expansion, the Lacuni are the only family not new to the series itself. That being said, the Lacuni have evolved significantly throughouttheDiabloseries, both in their appearance and their combat roles, making their addition toDiablo 4’s monster families with Vessel of Hatred feel fresh.
As products of Mephisto’s corruption, the Hollows are composed of the same tar-like substance and can be devastating in large numbers.
The Lacuni are a highly intelligent and relentlessly savage race of feline-like, bipedal creatures commonly referred to as “Panther-men” or “Sabre Cats.” Lacuni society is a lot like that of lions in that it is patriarchal, where male Lacuni are much larger and more suited for leadership roles, and female Lacuni fill the role of huntresses in the monster family. Originating from Kehjistan, the Lacuni initially had a good relationship with humans that saw the two engaging in regular trade. However, the Lacuni turned hostile around the time of the Darkening of Tristram and have been some ofDiablo’s most iconic monstersever since.
In Vessel of Hatred, the Lacuni are encountered in theTeganze Plateau area of the new Nahantu region, where they challenge players with melee weapons or ranged attacks like javelins and grenades. It’s fitting that the Lacuni first appeared inDiablo 2and have now returned inDiablo 4’s Vessel of Hatred expansion as monsters in the Nahantu region, since Nahantu also debuted inDiablo 2.
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.
