Catch up on Diablo 4’s story before the Vessel of Hatred expansion, which continues the battle for Sanctuary and introduces a new threat: Mephisto. Learn about Lilith, Inarius, and Neyrelle’s fate.
BollywoodFever: Diablo 4 took a different narrative approach compared to its predecessors, set in a world recovering from the past assaults of Diablo and the Prime Evils. While their presence still looms over Sanctuary, they are currently bound to Hell, and new threats have emerged in their absence.
A World Recovering from the Prime Evils
Unlike Diablo 1, 2, and 3, which focused on the return of Diablo himself, Diablo 4 explores a world where faiths have risen around the world’s creators, the Angel Inarius and the demon queen Lilith. In the years since Diablo’s defeat, the main religion in Sanctuary venerates Inarius, while a growing cult follows Lilith, whom Inarius banished to Hell after she waged war to protect her Nephalem children.
Diablo 4’s Main Story
In Diablo 4, Inarius regrets his involvement with Lilith and longs to return to Heaven. Meanwhile, Lilith’s cult manages to resurrect her, and she returns to Sanctuary. Horrified by what has become of her world, Lilith seeks to conquer it, not out of malice, but to protect it from threats from both Heaven and Hell, including her father, Mephisto, the Lord of Hatred.
This leads to conflict with Inarius, who believes that killing Lilith will grant him entry back to Heaven. Lilith, however, defeats Inarius and turns her attention to the game’s protagonist, attempting to sway them to her side. Despite her good arguments, Lilith’s demonic nature proves she is unfit to rule. In the end, the player uncovers a more dangerous enemy lurking behind the scenes: Mephisto.
Mephisto’s Manipulation
Throughout the game, Mephisto has been subtly manipulating events, preparing for his return to the world. The player and their ally, Neyrelle, manage to trap Mephisto in a soul stone, preventing his return. Lilith’s plans to consume the Prime Evils are thwarted, and a final battle leads to her banishment to Hell.
Before her defeat, Lilith warns that without her protection, Sanctuary remains vulnerable to Diablo and Mephisto. Following this, Neyrelle steals the soul stone containing Mephisto and flees to Kurast, leaving a letter behind, promising she has a plan. However, Mephisto begins to exert his influence on her, setting the stage for the Vessel of Hatred expansion.
Vessel of Hatred: Neyrelle’s Struggle
In Vessel of Hatred, Neyrelle becomes the “Vessel of Hatred,” fighting against Mephisto’s attempts to possess her. Historically, characters who have tried to contain the Prime Evils have met tragic fates, from Diablo’s Vessels like Prince Albrecht to Leah in Diablo 3. Neyrelle’s situation seems dire, and the player will likely need to track her down in Kurast to prevent Mephisto’s return.
Seasonal Stories and Their Connection
Each season in Diablo 4 has introduced self-contained stories, but many connect to the overarching narrative.
- Season 1 focused on defeating a powerful demon using Malignant Hearts.
- Season 2 featured the rise of Sanctuary’s long-dormant vampires.
- Season 3 saw the player team up with the Seneschal, a mechanical construct, to battle ancient demon-possessed constructs, bringing back fan-favorite Zoltun Kulle.
- Season 4 reunited the player with the Iron Wolves, key allies from Diablo 2, to prevent Mephisto’s return.
- Season 5 hinted heavily at Mephisto’s imminent return, setting the stage for the Vessel of Hatred expansion, which will release alongside Season 6.
What to Expect in Vessel of Hatred
With Neyrelle as the Vessel of Mephisto, the player’s journey will continue in Kurast, facing off against the Lord of Hatred himself. As past experiences show, no Vessel has ever survived the influence of the Prime Evils for long, and it’s up to the player to stop Mephisto before he reclaims his power and poses a greater threat to Sanctuary.
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