Blizzard is all set to launch the first season of Diablo 4 on July 20, and in preparation, they have unveiled the various types of Malignant Hearts and where players can farm them. Despite a successful launch, Diablo 4 has faced some criticism, and players are eagerly awaiting improvements.
The Season of the Malignant in Diablo 4 is not only a step towards addressing these issues but also an expansion of the base game.
A Fresh Start in Season of the Malignant
In the Season of the Malignant, Diablo 4 players will start from scratch. They will begin with an empty stash and no currency, relying solely on their knowledge as they strive to conquer the endgame of Diablo 4 once again. The season will introduce new Legendary Aspects and Uniques, but the main attraction is the Malignant Hearts.
These are similar to Diablo 3’s Legendary Gems and will provide powerful bonuses when slotted into a piece of jewelry, provided the socket color matches.
The Four Types of Malignant Hearts
Blizzard’s official Diablo Twitter account posted about the four types of Malignant Hearts, confirming their number and where to find each type.
There are a total of 32 Malignant Hearts coming in the Season of the Malignant, divided into four types, suggesting eight Malignant Hearts per type.
Particularly, these are:
- Vicious Hearts, which provides strong Offensive bonuses
- Brutal Hearts offer a Defensive bonus
- Devious Hearts specialize in Utility powers
- Wrathful Hearts are what the developers have described as more powerful and rarer than the other three
Target-Farming Malignant Hearts
While Blizzard has stated that players will be able to target-farm Malignant Hearts in Season 1, they will also need to hunt for specific Malignant Monsters. Some fans have expressed concerns that the Malignant Hearts in Diablo 4 are too dependent on RNG compared to Legendary Gems, as players also need to find Infested rolls on best-in-slot jewelry while ensuring that the new socket is the correct color.
Interestingly, Blizzard’s infographic reveals that players can also craft Malignant Hearts using Cormond’s wagon. This is a significant development as one of the main criticisms of Diablo 4 has been its lack of crafting at launch, especially compared to Diablo 3’s Blacksmith.
The seasonal storytelling of Diablo 4 will also commence on July 20, and players will need to either skip the campaign or complete it fully to enjoy the next chapter in the world of Sanctuary. Here’s the ultimate guide for Diablo 4’s Season 1 if you’re up for the challenge!