Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred - Mastering the Spiritborn Class

The highly anticipated Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred expansion has finally arrived, and with it, the introduction of the powerful Spiritborn class. As a reviewer who had the opportunity to experience the new content early, I'm here to share my insights and strategies to help you make the most of your Spiritborn journey.

Unlock the Spiritborn's Untapped Potential

Spiritborn: The Dominant Force in Diablo 4

It's no secret that the Spiritborn class is currently the powerhouse of Diablo 4. Blizzard has seemingly unleashed the full might of this new addition, making it a force to be reckoned with. While it's possible that the Spiritborn may be reined in over time, for now, it's the clear choice for those seeking to dominate the game. If you weren't already planning to start with the Spiritborn, I highly recommend reconsidering your decision and embracing the class's unparalleled capabilities.

Mastering the Spiritborn's Animal Spirits

The Spiritborn's unique ability to harness the power of different animal spirits is a crucial aspect of the class. You'll be presented with the choice between Jaguar, Gorilla, Eagle, and Centipede, each offering distinct playstyles and abilities. While a blend of two spirits may eventually become the optimal approach, the poison-based Centipede is currently the top choice, with powerful builds that are likely to dominate the meta for the foreseeable future. The Eagle, with its focus on lightning-based abilities and enhanced mobility, is also a strong contender. My personal experience with a Jaguar-Gorilla combination was enjoyable, but I found that my damage output eventually fell behind as I progressed through the higher Torment tiers.

Navigating the Revised Difficulty Curve

Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred has introduced a significant change to the game's difficulty curve. With four pre-Torment levels and four Torment levels, the challenge has been adjusted, and players may find that certain difficulties present unexpected obstacles. During the testing period, the early stages of the game, particularly on the Hard difficulty, were notably more challenging than in the past. However, as I've continued playing, the difficulty curve seems to have smoothed out, though caution is still advised when venturing into higher tiers. The endgame has also been significantly more demanding, with substantial increases to enemy health, making it more difficult for even the most skilled players to breeze through content as they once did. This shift in difficulty is intentional, as Blizzard aims to provide a more engaging and rewarding endgame experience for players.

Embracing the Power of Companions

At first glance, the companions in Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred may have seemed like a mere addition to the game, but they have proven to be much more than that. These companions can be integral to your build and playstyle, offering unique abilities and synergies that can significantly enhance your performance. For instance, in my Spiritborn build focused on Vulnerable, the little demon child companion had a skill that could make large groups of enemies Vulnerable, consistently aiding me in combat. Other companions may provide buffs or debuffs that complement your chosen playstyle. Take the time to thoroughly examine each companion's skills and determine which one best suits your needs.

Runes: The New Gem Meta

Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred introduces a new rune system that aims to shift the focus away from the traditional gem meta. This change means that the double armor gem slots you once relied on are now dedicated to runes, which can have a significant impact on your build. It's important to note that gems have also been modified, with some losing their previous importance. For example, a ruby in your armor no longer provides the valuable Max Life % bonus, but instead grants an increase in Strength. In this case, you may find that using runes in those slots is more beneficial than relying on gems. However, some gem slots, such as those in jewelry, remain unchanged and cannot accommodate runes, so they still hold value. Adapting to this new rune-centric system will be crucial for optimizing your character's performance.As you embark on your Spiritborn journey in Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred, keep these insights in mind to maximize your chances of success. The Spiritborn's power, the importance of animal spirits, the revised difficulty curve, the value of companions, and the new rune system are all key factors to consider as you navigate the ever-evolving world of Sanctuary. With a deep understanding of these elements, you'll be well on your way to becoming a formidable Spiritborn champion.