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The Complete Story of Diablo 4 So Far: A Casual Player's Guide

  • Writer: Alebeard
    Alebeard
  • Sep 21
  • 7 min read

Dark demonic figure, Lilith, with large horns and wings against a red background. Text "Diablo IV" is centered below. Ominous and intense mood.

From the rise of Lilith to the ongoing threat of Mephisto - everything you need to know about Sanctuary's darkest hour


TL;DR: The Story So Far


Diablo 4 centers around Lilith, daughter of the Prime Evil Mephisto and co-creator of Sanctuary alongside the fallen angel Inarius. After being summoned back to the world, Lilith seeks to unlock humanity's dormant Nephalem powers to protect them from coming threats. The player character ultimately defeats both Lilith and Inarius, but scholar Neyrelle takes Mephisto's soulstone and flees to destroy it. The Vessel of Hatred expansion follows her journey into the Nahantu jungle, where Mephisto's corruption spreads and he eventually possesses the spirit of Akarat, setting up future conflicts.


The Foundation: What Came Before


The Eternal Conflict


The backdrop of Diablo's world consists of an eternal war between Heaven and Hell, with neither side gaining a decisive victory. Angels and demons are constantly reborn into this endless battle, both seeking the Worldstone - an object of unfathomable power that can alter reality and create life.


The Creation of Sanctuary


Three thousand years before Diablo 1, Inarius (an archangel) and Lilith (a demon and daughter of Mephisto) grew tired of the eternal war. They stole the Worldstone, created Sanctuary as a refuge, and gave birth to the Nephalem - powerful half-breeds with the potential to control all realms. When other angels and demons grew fearful of these powerful offspring, Lilith went into a frenzy and killed many of them. Inarius then banished her to the Void and used the Worldstone to weaken the Nephalem, turning them into the humans we know today.


Diablo 4: The Main Campaign


The Return of Lilith


Set 50 years after the events of Diablo 3: Reaper of Souls, Diablo 4 begins with Sanctuary devastated by Malthael's assault on humanity. Populations were decimated, cities ravaged, and even the High Heavens closed their gates. Amidst this despair, a pale man named Elias summons Lilith back to Sanctuary.


A World Divided


The story unfolds in a world where humans have formed two main religious factions: the Cathedral of Light worshipping Inarius, and a cult pledging allegiance to Lilith as the "Mother of Sanctuary." Meanwhile, the once-mighty Horadrim order has become a shadow of its former self.


The Player's Journey


As the player character (known as "The Wanderer"), you begin investigating strange cultist activities and eventually team up with Neyrelle, a young Horadric scholar, and Lorath Nahr, an aging member of the Horadrim. Throughout the campaign, Lilith claims she wants to give humanity protection and freedom by unlocking their dormant Nephalem potential, warning that more Prime Evils will threaten Sanctuary without the powers she can grant.


The Climactic Battles


The story builds toward a confrontation between Lilith and Inarius. During their battle, Inarius hesitates briefly, giving Lilith the chance to kill him. This provides enough time for the player and Neyrelle to reach Mephisto. Neyrelle captures Mephisto in a soulstone, believing he poses the greater threat to Sanctuary.


The Final Confrontation


The player then faces Lilith in the Throne of Hatred. After a grueling battle, Lilith is reduced to dust, though it's unclear if she's truly dead forever. In her final moments, she warns that Sanctuary will face even greater threats without her protection. The player then sees a vision suggesting Diablo himself may return.


Lilith battling a hero, amid red flames and sparks. Text reads "Echo of Lilith, Mother of Mankind." Intense scene.

The Ending's Implications


At the campaign's end, Neyrelle steals away with Mephisto's soulstone, leaving a letter telling the player not to follow her. She believes she has a plan to deal with Mephisto, but the demon's influence can already be seen affecting her as she sails away.


Vessel of Hatred: The First Expansion


Following Neyrelle's Trail


After the deaths of Lilith and Inarius, Neyrelle disappears into the jungles of Nahantu with Mephisto's soulstone. A fanatic named Urivar, who survived Inarius' failed assault in Hell, now leads the Cathedral of Light and seeks to hunt her down. The player begins following her trail and is nearly killed by Urivar, but is rescued by a Spiritborn elder named Eru near the ancient city of Kurast.


Mephisto's Growing Influence


On her journey into Nahantu, Neyrelle accidentally spreads Mephisto's corruption through the jungle after dipping her hand and the soulstone into the water. This spawns horrifying monsters called Hollows and progressively kills much of the region's flora and fauna.


The Search for Akarat


The trail leads to the ruined Zakarum temple-city of Travincal, where Mephisto was once imprisoned. They find Neyrelle in Mephisto's former prison, the Durance of Hate, where she struggles to contain the soulstone. The spirit of Akarat, founder of the Zakarum faith, directs the player to seek help from another spirit, Ah Bulan, to aid Neyrelle.


Betrayal and Loss


During the expansion, Eru, the Spiritborn mentor who has been helping the player, ultimately betrays them. This betrayal strengthens Mephisto, who emerges in his wolf form and transforms into the Harbinger of Hatred for the final battle.


The Pyrrhic Victory


The battle culminates with the player defending Neyrelle and the spirit of Akarat. Just as things look hopeless, Akarat awakens and uses the last of his energy to help defeat Mephisto's wolf form. However, this was only an aspect of Mephisto - he still lives. Akarat then ascends to the High Heavens, leaving Neyrelle free from the soulstone but still bound to Mephisto in some way.


A Dark New Beginning


The expansion ends with a devastating cliffhanger: Akarat's mortal body lies in Travincal, surrounded by Mephisto's black corruption. Mephisto mocks Akarat for failing to be the Shepherd of Light. As the corruption consumes Akarat's body, Mephisto's soulstone can be seen buried in his chest. The body then levitates, a sword forms from his hand, and his eyes open - Akarat has become Mephisto's new vessel.


The Seasonal Stories: Side Adventures in Sanctuary


Each season in Diablo 4 features its own self-contained storyline taking place after Lilith's defeat. These stories are usually unrelated to the main plot but may result from actions in the main campaign. Here's what has unfolded:


Season 1: Season of the Malignant (July 2023)


A new threat emerged after Lilith's defeat - powerful demons called Malignant. Players searched for Varshan the Consumed while dealing with the blight by interacting with Malignant Hearts that could be socketed for powerful effects.


A sinister figure, Lord Zir, stands with arms outstretched, wearing a crown and ornate red robes. The background is dark, enhancing a menacing mood.

Season 2: Season of Blood (October 2023)


The long-dormant vampires of Sanctuary, led by Lord Zir, made their move. Players could obtain up to 22 vampiric powers and faced new endgame bosses during Blood Harvest events.


Season 3: Season of the Construct (January 2024)


Players gained access to Seneschal, a robot companion that could be upgraded with abilities and traits. This season introduced Vaults (a new dungeon type), leaderboards, and permanently active Helltides.


Season 4: Season of Loot Reborn (May 2024)


Members of the Iron Wolves mercenary group (who helped the Diablo 2 protagonist defeat Mephisto) began disappearing under suspicious circumstances. This season also introduced major itemization overhauls.


Season 5: Season of the Infernal Hordes (August 2024)


Players joined forces with remnants of Lilith's cult as they worked to redeem themselves by preventing Mephisto's return. The season featured Infernal Hordes activities where players battled waves of demons and faced the Fell Council.


Season 6: Season of Hatred Rising (October 2024)


Launched alongside Vessel of Hatred, this season saw a massive overhaul to leveling systems, reducing the maximum level from 100 to 60, then adding 10 more levels for a new cap of 70.


Season 7: Season of Witchcraft (January 2025)


This season focused on stolen Heads from the Tree of Whispers, spreading madness throughout Sanctuary. Players gained access to 25 Witch Powers across four categories and could participate in Headhunt events. The season also introduced a coven of witches storyline that connects to the broader Diablo 4 narrative.


Season 8: Belial's Return (April 2025)


The Lord of Lies returned to Sanctuary, introducing new boss encounters with Belial, Urivar, and the Harbinger of Hatred. Players worked with Sayeena and Jarius to investigate Apparition monsters and uncover Belial's master plan. Boss Powers replaced the previous season's Witch Powers.


Season 9: Sins of the Horadrim (July 2025)


Taking place in Cerrigar, players meet Druid Bryona, who deals with dangerous consequences from Donan's past decisions. Donan, the Horadric mage who sealed away Astaroth, left behind corrupted Blood Relics. Players must track down and destroy these relics before demons can use them. The season introduces Horadric Spellcraft, allowing players to craft custom spells, and culminates in facing Astaroth, who splits into two bosses during the encounter.


What's Next: The Future of Sanctuary


Season 10 and Beyond


Season 10, the Season of Infernal Chaos, launches September 23, 2025, featuring Bartuc, the Warlord of Chaos, as the main antagonist. The season will introduce "chaos" variations of existing unique items and make changes to the Infernal Hordes activity.


A infographic of information for Diablo 4 Season 10, the Season of Infernal Chaos.

The Bigger Picture


Beginning with Season 7, Diablo 4's seasonal content is shifting toward larger, interconnected narratives rather than standalone stories. Rod Fergusson, the game's general manager, wants future updates to focus on wider narratives that connect to the main storyline rather than isolated adventures.


A Second Expansion


Blizzard has confirmed that a second expansion is planned for 2026, which will likely continue the story of Mephisto's new vessel and the growing threats to Sanctuary.


Why This Story Matters


Diablo 4's narrative represents a more grounded, character-driven approach compared to previous entries in the series. The developers aimed to create a story that revolves around the simple folk of Sanctuary rather than "politics, kings, or another high-fantasy theme."

The game explores themes of isolation, sacrifice, and the price of power through characters like Neyrelle, who takes on an impossible burden to protect others. At its heart, the Vessel of Hatred storyline is about isolation and the lengths someone will go to protect the people they love.


Getting Started: What You Need to Know


  • Campaign Length: The main campaign takes approximately 35 hours to complete

  • Seasonal Content: You must complete the campaign once to access seasonal storylines, but can skip it for future seasonal characters

  • Expansion Requirements: Starting with Season 7, players need to own Vessel of Hatred to participate in seasonal content

  • Story Continuation: The main storyline continues through expansions, while seasons offer side stories that may connect to the larger narrative


Whether you're jumping in fresh or returning after a break, Diablo 4 offers a rich, dark fantasy world where your choices as The Wanderer shape the fate of Sanctuary - and there's still much more story to unfold as Mephisto's influence grows stronger with each passing season.


Ready to face the darkness? Sanctuary awaits...

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