Diablo IV’s Season of the Malignant is approaching, and Blizzard has revealed more information about the potent, gem-like items players will pursue during the ARPG’s inaugural season.
Quick Facts
- Malignant Hearts are available in four types, each granting different powers.
- These items provide effects similar to Legendary powers and can be slotted into gear.
- Diablo IV Season of the Malignant will be released on July 20.
Malignant Hearts, the name of these items, come in four forms and each drops from monsters whose names include the corresponding heart-type. Vicious Hearts, for instance, drop from Vicious Malignant monsters and grant offensive powers. Brutal Hearts offer defensive power, Devious Hearts provide utility-based powers, and the rarest type, Wrathful Hearts, are said to grant a “super power.”
In a recent developer update livestream, Blizzard mentioned that Malignant Hearts will provide effects similar to Legendary powers and can be placed into gear like gems. This feature will enable some “stupid, broken” new builds, according to the developer.
However, unlike gems, each Malignant Heart type has a specific color and can only be inserted into gear with a matching socket-type. Wrathful Hearts’ immense power comes from their ability to be slotted into any piece of gear, regardless of color type. Blizzard suggested during its livestream that players should use all four types of Malignant Hearts for a well-rounded build.
Blizzard has not yet disclosed the specific effects of Malignant Hearts. What is known is that there will be 32 distinct Malignant Heart powers to collect and choose from. Players will obtain hearts by defeating Malignant enemies and then must perform a ritual using a Heart Cage to transform the heart into a usable Malignant Heart power.
The Season of the Malignant will launch on July 20, introducing a seasonal quest line that Blizzard refers to as a “side story” to the main campaign. To participate in seasonal content and earn Malignant Hearts, players must first complete the campaign on at least one character. This will enable them to skip the campaign on subsequent characters and dive directly into the new Season of Malignant content.
Besides finishing the campaign, there are other ways to prepare for the Season of the Malignant and a complete breakdown of how Diablo IV’s seasons and battle pass function. Blizzard recently advised players who have exhausted Diablo IV’s content to “take a break” and stated that new seasons would be excellent entry points for returning players.
