PvP Guide - Diablo 4 (2024)

Diablo 4 is finally released and if you have already defeated Lilith, then it’s time to face off against more serious opponents – other players. In this guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of the PvP system in Diablo 4, explore the rewards you can earn for a successful hunt, and share some valuable tips to elevate your game. Please also check our recent guide - Diablo 4 Tier List

The Revamped PvP System

In Diablo 4, PvP has been significantly expanded upon, offering players a completely fresh way to engage in combat against one another. Unlike its predecessor, Diablo 3, which lacked a dedicated PvP mode, Diablo 4 brings a comprehensive and thrilling player-versus-player experience. This new iteration is crucial for the franchise's continued success and player engagement.

Enter the Fields of Hatred

The Fields of Hatred are the designated PvP zones in Diablo 4. Here, players can engage in fierce battles, hunting each other for valuable loot and prestige. Entering these zones transforms the game into a high-stakes battlefield where every encounter could be your last. The thrill of the hunt and the tension of being hunted create a dynamic and exhilarating experience.

Rewards for the Victor

Success in PvP yields substantial rewards. Players can earn unique currencies, valuable loot, and prestigious titles. The most coveted prize, however, is the Shards of Hatred, a special currency that can be used to purchase exclusive items and cosmetics. These rewards not only enhance your character’s abilities but also showcase your prowess to other players.

Diablo 4 PvP Mechanics

Unlike a true open-world PvP system, Diablo 4’s PvP takes place within dedicated zones known as the Fields of Hatred. These battlegrounds, located in the Dry Steppes and Kejistan, are where players can clash with one another and confront PvE mobs.

The Fields of Hatred

In these zones, players can engage in intense combat against other players while also dealing with environmental challenges. The dynamic blend of PvP and PvE elements makes the Fields of Hatred a unique and perilous place, where danger lurks around every corner.

Shards of Hatred: The PvP Currency

During PvP battles, players earn a temporary currency called Shards of Hatred. These shards can be collected by defeating other players, killing mobs, or completing specific events within the Fields of Hatred. However, to convert these shards into a spendable currency for transmog and unique items, players must interact with special shrines scattered throughout the map.

Here’s the catch: once you start the conversion process at a shrine, all players in the Fields of Hatred are alerted to your location. You then have one minute to survive the onslaught of other players who will undoubtedly try to kill you and steal your shards. If you manage to survive, you can safely convert and spend your earned shards.

PvP in Diablo 4 differs significantly from PvE in several critical ways:

1. Armor Scaling: The damage reduction from armor is scaled down to 65% of its original value in PvP. This change ensures that battles are more lethal and faster-paced.

2. Damage Reduction: Every class receives an additional 92% damage reduction in PvP scenarios. This mechanic helps balance the combat experience, making it less about instant kills and more about strategy and skill.

3. Team Play: The game mechanics do not prioritize fairness in solo encounters. Without a balanced matchmaking system, it’s common for players of vastly different levels to face each other. A level 50 player might find themselves up against a level 70 player, resulting in a one-sided battle. Therefore, participating with a well-coordinated team is highly recommended to increase your chances of survival and success.

4. Survival Tactics: Given the unpredictability and the potential for mismatched encounters, players need to be adaptable. Strategies must be fluid, allowing players to respond quickly to threats and take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

How to Unlock the Fields of Hatred

Unlocking the Fields of Hatred in Diablo 4 is a straightforward process, but mastering what lies within these PvP zones requires more insight. Here’s how you can access these areas and what you need to know to make the most of your time there.

Vessel of Hatred

Engaging in PvP in Diablo 4's Fields of Hatred is not just about combat; it's about embracing the thrill of the hunt and the risk that comes with it. To truly dominate the battlefield, you must become a Vessel of Hatred. Here’s how you can transform and what it entails.

Becoming a Vessel of Hatred

1. Mark for Blood: To start hunting players, you need to use a special emote in the PvP zone called Mark for Blood. This action signals your intent to engage in player-versus-player combat and sets you on the path to becoming a Vessel of Hatred.

2. Curse of Mephisto: As you eliminate rival players, the Curse of Mephisto courses through your veins. This curse marks your transformation into a Vessel of Hatred. With each kill, your power and presence grow, radiating menace across the battlefield.

3. Radiating Menace: Once transformed, your presence becomes known to all players within a vast expanse, possibly the entire zone. Your goal is to survive this heightened state of danger as other players will be drawn to your location, eager to claim the rewards for your defeat.

Surviving as a Vessel of Hatred

1. Stay Alive: The primary objective as a Vessel of Hatred is to stay alive. This means outmaneuvering, outsmarting, and outlasting all who come to challenge you. Avoiding hasty retreats and not relying on town portals for escape is crucial.

2. Rewards for Triumph: If you manage to survive without fleeing the battlefield or using a town portal, you will be rewarded with significant bounties. These rewards can include valuable loot, exclusive items, and a substantial amount of Shards of Hatred, enhancing your character and showcasing your prowess in PvP.

3. Enticing Bonuses for Defeaters: Conversely, if another player manages to vanquish you while you are a Vessel of Hatred, they will be rewarded with enticing bonuses. This creates a high-stakes environment where both the hunter and the hunted have much to gain or lose.

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Buffs and Consumables in the Fields of Hatred

In the chaos of Diablo 4's PvP zones, the Fields of Hatred, certain buffs and consumables can give you a critical edge. Understanding and utilizing these items effectively can make the difference between victory and defeat.

Buffs in the Fields of Hatred

As battles rage across the Fields of Hatred, specific buffs will appear, providing temporary boosts to players. These buffs can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness, allowing you to gain an advantage over your rivals. Keep an eye out for these opportunities and seize them whenever possible.

Consumables for Red Dust

Red Dust, a unique currency earned in the Fields of Hatred, can be used to purchase powerful consumables. These items are specifically designed to aid players in PvP combat, offering various benefits and strategic options. Here’s a list of available consumables and their effects:

1. Cursed Scroll of Chaos

   • Effect: Teleports you to a random location within the region.
   • Red Dust Cost: 1200
   • Usage: Use this scroll to escape from dangerous situations or to surprise your enemies by appearing in unexpected locations.

2. Cursed Scroll of Recklessness

   • Effect: Increases movement speed by 40% for 15 seconds, but deals 2% of your maximum life as bleed damage per second.
   • Red Dust Cost: 800
   • Usage: Ideal for quick retreats or rapid assaults, this scroll offers a speed boost at the cost of some health. Use it when you need to cover ground quickly or evade enemies.

3. Cursed Scroll of Tranquility

   • Effect: Decreases damage taken from players by 30%, but increases damage taken from monsters by the same amount. Lasts for 20 seconds.
   • Red Dust Cost: 800
   • Usage: This scroll is perfect for intense player-versus-player engagements, reducing the damage you take from other players. Be cautious, however, as it makes you more vulnerable to monster attacks during its duration.

Strategic Use of Buffs and Consumables

1. Timing: The effectiveness of buffs and consumables often comes down to timing. Use them at critical moments during battles to turn the tide in your favor. For instance, activating the Cursed Scroll of Tranquility just before a major skirmish can reduce incoming damage from other players, giving you a survivability boost.

2. Awareness: Stay aware of your surroundings and the buffs that appear in the Fields of Hatred. Grabbing a timely buff can provide you with a significant advantage, especially in a close fight.

3. Resource Management: Red Dust is a valuable resource, so spend it wisely. Prioritize consumables that align with your playstyle and current situation. For instance, if you're often finding yourself needing to escape, the Cursed Scroll of Chaos can be a lifesaver.

4. Adaptability: Be ready to adapt your strategy based on the buffs and consumables you acquire. Flexibility in your approach can catch opponents off guard and give you the upper hand.

Buffs and consumables are vital tools in the Fields of Hatred, offering players the means to survive and thrive in Diablo 4's PvP zones. By understanding their effects and costs, and using them strategically, you can enhance your combat capabilities and dominate the battlefield. Equip yourself with these powerful items, stay vigilant, and let the chaos of the Fields of Hatred work to your advantage.

Diablo 4 PvP Events

While Diablo 4 does not feature true open-world PvP, the Fields of Hatred offer a dynamic blend of PvP and PvE events, making the experience both thrilling and challenging. Here’s an in-depth look at the PvP events and the reward system in Diablo 4.

PvE Events in the Fields of Hatred

The Fields of Hatred are not just battlegrounds for player-versus-player combat; they also host various PvE events that require players to compete against one another indirectly. These events add a layer of complexity and excitement, as players must navigate both environmental challenges and rival players.

• Dynamic Events: Throughout the Fields of Hatred, dynamic PvE events will appear. These can range from defending against waves of monsters to capturing strategic points on the map. Players must balance their efforts between completing these objectives and fending off other players.

• Rewards: Successfully completing these events often yields valuable rewards, including Shards of Hatred and other loot. The competitive nature of these events means that players must be quick and efficient to outcompete their rivals.

The Bounty System

To further enhance the PvP experience, Diablo 4 includes a bounty system that rewards exceptional performance in PvP battles. This system creates high-stakes scenarios where players can earn significant rewards or lose everything in an instant.

1. Timed Bounty: Players who perform exceptionally well in PvP combat may be marked with a timed bounty. This mark makes them a prime target for other players, as their location may be highlighted on the map, increasing the risk and excitement.

2. Survival Reward: If the bountied player manages to stay alive for the duration of the bounty, they will receive a substantial reward. This can include a large number of Shards of Hatred, exclusive items, and other valuable loot.

3. Hunter’s Reward: Conversely, if the bountied player is killed before the timer expires, the player who delivers the fatal blow will receive all of the bountied player’s shards. This makes hunting bountied players a lucrative but dangerous endeavor, as others will likely be vying for the same prize.

Strategic Tips for PvP Events

1. Stay Mobile: Mobility is crucial in the Fields of Hatred. Whether you're participating in a PvE event or being hunted as a bountied player, staying mobile can help you avoid ambushes and quickly reach objectives.

2. Team Up: While solo play is possible, teaming up with other players can provide a significant advantage. A coordinated team can control PvE events more efficiently and protect each other from would-be attackers.

3. Use Consumables Wisely: The consumables available for Red Dust can be game-changers during PvP events. Whether it's the Cursed Scroll of Chaos for a quick escape or the Cursed Scroll of Tranquility for reducing incoming damage, using these items at the right moment can turn the tide of battle.

4. Monitor Bounty Timers: If you’re marked with a bounty, keep a close eye on the timer. Plan your movements and engagements to maximize your chances of survival. If you're hunting a bountied player, be mindful of other hunters and the timer to time your attack effectively.

The PvP events in Diablo 4’s Fields of Hatred provide a rich and varied experience that combines intense player combat with challenging PvE content. The bounty system adds an extra layer of excitement, making every encounter potentially rewarding or disastrous. By understanding the mechanics and utilizing strategic gameplay, you can dominate these events and reap the rewards that come with victory. Gear up, stay vigilant, and embrace the chaos of the Fields of Hatred!

How to Avoid Fights in Diablo 4 PvP

There can be several reasons why you venture into the Fields of Hatred in Diablo 4. Whether you’re collecting the Altars of Lilith, using the zone as a shortcut, or farming Red Dust without wanting to engage in PvP, avoiding conflicts is key to staying safe. Here are some tips to help you steer clear of unwanted battles.

Tips for Avoiding PvP Encounters

1. Use a Horse

   • Benefit: A player on horseback is extremely difficult to catch. Most other players won’t bother chasing you if you're riding a horse.
   • Strategy: Stay mounted whenever possible. This mobility allows you to quickly traverse the Fields of Hatred and escape potential threats.

2. Utilize Waypoints

   • Benefit: Waypoints provide a quick and safe travel option, reducing the time spent in dangerous areas.
   • Strategy: Plan your route to use Waypoints whenever possible. This helps you avoid lingering in high-risk zones where PvP encounters are more likely.

3. Avoid PvP Events

   • Benefit: Events attract players due to the high rewards, making them hotspots for PvP activity.
   • Strategy: If you don’t intend to farm Red Dust or engage in PvP, steer clear of events. Focus on your primary objective and move quickly through these areas.

4. Collecting Altars of Lilith at Lower World Levels

   • Benefit: Lower world levels generally have fewer and weaker players, reducing the risk of running into strong opponents.
   • Strategy: When your goal is to collect the Altars of Lilith, do so at a lower world level. This minimizes the chance of encountering powerful adversaries.

5. Use the Cursed Scroll of Chaos

   • Benefit: This scroll teleports you to a random location within the Fields of Hatred, offering a quick escape from dangerous situations.
   • Strategy: Keep a Cursed Scroll of Chaos on hand. If an enemy manages to catch up with you and defeat seems imminent, use the scroll to relocate and escape the threat.

Practical Scenarios and Actions

• Scenario 1: Passing Through Quickly

  • Action: Mount your horse and head straight to your destination, avoiding any detours that might lead to events or PvP hotspots. Use Waypoints for faster travel.

• Scenario 2: Collecting Altars of Lilith

  • Action: Set your world level lower to reduce the risk of encountering strong players. Plan your route efficiently to collect the Altars quickly and avoid lingering.

• Scenario 3: Farming Red Dust with Low PvP Engagement

  • Action: Focus on areas with fewer players. If you’re weaker, prioritize quick, smaller skirmishes and always have a Cursed Scroll of Chaos ready for emergencies.

Avoiding fights in Diablo 4's Fields of Hatred requires strategic planning and quick thinking. By using your horse, leveraging Waypoints, steering clear of events, collecting Altars at lower world levels, and keeping escape items handy, you can navigate these treacherous zones with minimal conflict. Stay alert, plan your movements carefully, and prioritize your objectives to ensure a safe and successful journey through the Fields of Hatred.

Where to Spend Red Dust in Diablo 4

In Diablo 4, PvP battles and exploring the Fields of Hatred yield a valuable resource known as Red Dust. This guide will walk you through how to earn and spend Red Dust, ensuring you get the most out of your PvP and PvE endeavors.

Earning Red Dust

1. Seeds of Hatred: When you engage in PvP battles or explore the Fields of Hatred, you earn Seeds of Hatred. These can be obtained by defeating other players, killing monsters, or opening chests within the PvP zones.

2. Altar of Extraction: To convert Seeds of Hatred into Red Dust, you need to purify them at the Altar of Extraction. Be cautious, though, as other players can attack you during this process to steal your Seeds of Hatred. It's wise to have a group of friends to defend you while you complete the extraction.

3. Secure Your Red Dust: Once the Seeds of Hatred are purified into Red Dust, the currency is yours to keep and cannot be taken by other players.

Spending Red Dust

With Red Dust secured, you can head to the local vendors in the Fields of Hatred to purchase a variety of unique PvP cosmetics and other rewards. These items not only enhance your character's appearance but also serve as symbols of your achievements in the dangerous PvP zones.

1. Trophies and Outfits: Show off your PvP prowess with exclusive trophies and outfits. These items are designed to display your success and can be a source of pride among players.

2. Mounts and Weapons: Purchase unique mounts and weapons that not only look impressive but can also give you a slight edge in PvP encounters. These items are tailored to enhance your experience and status in the Fields of Hatred.

3. Seasonal Rewards: The rewards available for Red Dust will change with each new season. This means there's always something new to strive for, keeping the PvP experience fresh and exciting.

4. Decorative Rewards: Besides practical items, you can also spend Red Dust on decorative rewards that add a personal touch to your character. These items allow for customization and help you stand out in the crowded fields.

Tips for Maximizing Red Dust

1. Group Play: Engage in the Fields of Hatred with a group of friends. This not only increases your chances of surviving encounters with other players but also provides protection while you purify Seeds of Hatred.

2. Strategic Timing: Choose less busy times to purify your Seeds of Hatred to reduce the risk of being attacked. Early mornings or late nights might be safer times for extraction.

3. Avoid Peak PvP Areas: If you’re more focused on farming Seeds of Hatred rather than engaging in PvP, avoid areas known for high player activity. Stick to the outskirts or less popular spots in the Fields of Hatred.

In the Fields of Hatred, Red Dust is the key to acquiring powerful and unique items. Among the most coveted items are those from the Killer’s set, which can significantly enhance your arsenal. In both zones, you will encounter vendors known as Odds and Ends. Fatin operates in Alzuuda, while Askar can be found in Denshar. These vendors offer the sought-after Killer’s set. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the items and their costs:

The Killer’s Set

The Killer’s set is designed to provide formidable enhancements to your character’s capabilities, giving you a strategic edge in both PvP and PvE encounters. Each piece of this set comes at a significant cost in Red Dust, but the benefits are well worth the investment.

Acquiring the Killer’s Set

1. Fatin in Alzuuda: Located in Alzuuda, Fatin is one of the Odds and Ends vendors you’ll need to visit to purchase items from the Killer’s set.

2. Askar in Denshar: Askar, the other Odds and Ends vendor, operates in Denshar. Make sure to check both vendors to complete your set.

Strategies for Collecting Red Dust

1. Efficient Farming: Focus on efficient farming techniques to gather Seeds of Hatred quickly. Participate in PvE events, defeat monsters, and open chests within the Fields of Hatred to collect seeds.

2. Safe Purification: Use the Altar of Extraction strategically. Have a group of friends defend you while you purify your Seeds of Hatred into Red Dust. Choose less crowded times to reduce the risk of being attacked during the process.

3. Avoid Unnecessary PvP: If your primary goal is to gather Red Dust for the Killer’s set, avoid unnecessary PvP engagements that could lead to loss of Seeds of Hatred. Focus on farming and purification.

4. Group Play: Engaging in group play not only provides protection but also increases efficiency in collecting Seeds of Hatred. Coordinate with your group to cover more ground and protect each other during purifications.

Benefits of the Killer’s Set

Equipping the Killer’s set provides significant advantages:

• Enhanced Protection: Each piece of the set offers superior protection, making you more resilient in combat.
• Boosted Capabilities: The set improves various attributes, giving you an edge in both offense and defense.
• Prestige and Aesthetics: Wearing the Killer’s set is a mark of prestige, showcasing your achievements and dedication in the Fields of Hatred.

Gearing Up in Diablo 4: The Gambling Mechanic

Diablo 4 brings back the beloved gambling mechanic, offering players a thrilling way to upgrade their gear and obtain impressive loot drops. Here’s how the gambling system works in Diablo 4, along with tips on how to make the most of it.

Introduction to Gambling

The gambling mechanic in Diablo 4 is straightforward and accessible, allowing players to try their luck without any prerequisites or quest completions. The key figure in this process is the Purveyor of Curiosities, a vendor who provides random item drops in exchange for Obols.

Locating the Purveyor of Curiosities

Players can first encounter the Purveyor of Curiosities around level 10, upon reaching the central hub of the Fractured Peaks area, known as Kyovashad. Here’s how to find the vendor:

• Location: The Purveyor of Curiosities is situated south of the main waypoint in Kyovashad, one street below the Blacksmith.
• Access: No quests or special requirements are needed to interact with this vendor. Simply visit the location and start gambling.

Using Obols to Gamble

Obols are the currency used to gamble for gear. Here’s how to acquire and spend them:

• Earning Obols: Players can earn Obols by completing various activities and events throughout the game, such as world events, dungeon challenges, and other in-game tasks.
• Spending Obols: At the Purveyor of Curiosities, players can exchange Obols for random item drops. The items available for gambling can range from common to legendary, making it an exciting gamble each time.

Tips for Effective Gambling

1. Save Obols for Higher Levels: While it’s tempting to gamble early, consider saving your Obols for higher levels. The gear obtained later in the game will be more beneficial as it scales with your character’s progression.

2. Identify Needs: Focus on gambling for items that fill gaps in your current gear. If you’re lacking in a particular slot, prioritize gambling for that type of item.

3. Frequent the Vendor: Regularly visit the Purveyor of Curiosities to check for new items and opportunities. Consistent gambling can yield high rewards over time.

4. Participate in Events: Engage in world events and other activities to continuously earn Obols. The more Obols you have, the more opportunities you get to gamble for better gear.

Benefits of the Gambling Mechanic

• Variety of Gear: The gambling mechanic offers a wide variety of gear, from common items to rare legendaries, providing players with multiple opportunities to enhance their equipment.
• Accessibility: The lack of prerequisites means players can start gambling as soon as they reach Kyovashad, making it an easy and quick way to potentially boost gear quality.
• Excitement and Reward: The randomness of the item drops adds an element of excitement, as players never know when they might score a powerful upgrade.

In Diablo 4, players can earn Obols by completing bounties and other missions, though they are less common than other in-game currencies. With Obols, players can purchase Curiosity Boxes, which have a chance to contain rare and powerful gear upgrades. For those feeling particularly adventurous, spending more Obols can increase the odds of obtaining better loot. However, it's important to note that while gambling in Diablo 4 is exciting, the chances of getting rare items are still low, so players should carefully consider how they spend their hard-earned Obols.

Once you've amassed enough Obols, you can visit the Purveyor of Curiosities to start gambling. Keep in mind that the items you receive are completely random and can range from Magic to Rare to Legendary. Unfortunately, Unique items cannot be obtained through gambling. To help you plan your gambling strategy, the table below details the different types of items available at the Purveyor of Curiosities and their corresponding costs in Obols.

Curious about the Whispering Key in Diablo 4? In the Fields of Hatred, you can complete quests to unlock Silent Chests. These chests provide loot similar to what you can obtain from any other activity in the open world. However, with Silent Chests, you can "manage" your luck by choosing a chest with a specific slot that you hope to improve.

The Gambling Mechanic

The gambling mechanic in Diablo 4 remains a fun and exciting feature that can help players upgrade their gear and earn valuable loot drops. With the Purveyor of Curiosities offering a variety of items to gamble for, players will always have something to aim for. The randomness and potential rewards make this feature a staple of the Diablo experience.

PvP and the Fields of Hatred

With the introduction of the Fields of Hatred and the innovative Shards of Hatred system, Diablo 4’s hardcore PvP offers a fresh and thrilling experience. The combination of PvP battles, PvE events, and unique rewards creates a dynamic environment for players seeking intense combat and valuable loot.

Conclusion

Thank you for taking the time to read this article on Diablo 4’s exciting PvP mechanics. We hope you found the information useful and share our excitement for the game’s release. This article was prepared by theSimple Carry team, and we look forward to bringing you further updates on Diablo 4 as they become available. Stay tuned for more news and information on this highly anticipated game.