With the launch of Diablo 4’s Season 7 on January 21st, many players are eager to know what this new season means for them. From what happens to your characters when the season ends to whether you need to buy the expansion pack to join in on the fun, there’s a lot of information to unpack. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from seasonal versus eternal characters, the benefits of seasonal gameplay, and a deep dive into the new seasonal mechanics and powers.
Seasonal vs Eternal Characters: What’s the Difference?
When you create a new character in Diablo 4, you’ll be prompted to choose between Seasonal and Eternal realms. But what does this mean, and why should you care?
- Seasonal Characters: These characters start fresh each season. Every time a new season begins, you get a clean slate with no carry-over gear or experience. This makes seasonal gameplay exciting as you’re always on equal footing with other players. The main appeal of seasonal characters is the exclusive seasonal mechanics and powers that are only available during the duration of the season. Think of it as a chance to explore new content and experiment with fresh builds in a fully reset environment.
- Eternal Characters: If you prefer to continue progressing without starting over, then the Eternal realm is for you. These characters carry over from season to season, maintaining all their gear, abilities, and achievements. However, Eternal characters won’t have access to seasonal powers, which means no new content exclusive to the current season. You also won’t be able to participate in the seasonal challenges and rewards that make each season unique.
In short, seasonal characters are perfect for players who love a fresh start and seasonal content, while eternal characters are ideal for those who prefer to steadily build their progress over time.
What Happens to Your Characters at the End of the Season?
One of the most common questions players ask is, “What happens to my seasonal character when the season ends?” Here’s the breakdown:
- Seasonal to Eternal Transition: Once a season ends, your seasonal character will automatically move to the Eternal realm. This means that all the Diablo 4 items, gear, and rewards you earned during the season will be transferred to your stash. However, keep in mind that seasonal powers do not carry over, so your character will return to the Eternal realm without those special abilities.
- Deleted Stash Items: The items in your seasonal stash are only safe if you withdraw them before the season ends. Any unclaimed items in the stash will be deleted, so make sure to clear it out before the transition. This includes everything from seasonal cosmetics to powerful gear you may have acquired.
Do You Need the Expansion to Participate in Season 7?
A big concern for many players is whether they need to purchase the expansion pack to participate in the new season. The answer is no—you do not need the expansion pack to participate in Season 7.
- Base Game Content: All players, whether they own the expansion or not, will have access to the new seasonal mechanics. This includes the fresh season powers and the Whispers system, which allows you to unlock rewards and level up through various seasonal tasks. The Head Hunts and Occult Gems will also be available to all players.
- Expansion Pack Benefits: If you own the expansion pack, you will gain access to additional content, such as the new region, Nantu, and endgame activities like the Under City and Dark Citadel. The expansion also unlocks access to mercenaries, runes, and other high-end features that will enhance your overall experience but aren’t required for enjoying the season.
In short, you can enjoy the full seasonal content without purchasing the expansion pack. However, owning the expansion will give you additional features and content for a more expansive Diablo 4 experience.
Season 7: New Seasonal Mechanics and Powers
Every new season in Diablo 4 brings fresh content, and Season 7 is no different. Here are some of the most exciting additions you can expect:
- Seasonal Powers: The big draw for Season 7 is the return of seasonal powers, which were last seen in Season 2. These powers are only available to seasonal characters and offer a wide range of unique abilities to augment your playstyle. There are four different types of powers: Eldrich, Psyche, Growth, and Decay. The most powerful of these are the Lost Powers, which you can unlock throughout the season as you level up your character and gain a reputation.
- Whispers System: The main seasonal mechanic for Season 7 is Whispers, which involve completing various tasks for a Coven to gain rewards. As you progress through the season, you’ll be able to unlock new powers and items by completing these Whispers. The system is being revamped, making it more engaging and rewarding for players.
- Head Hunts: These high-density areas will offer intense combat and valuable loot. During Season 7, you’ll encounter four active Head Hunt zones filled with powerful monsters and numerous rewards. These zones are designed to be a major source of leveling, offering huge loot drops right from the start. Players will encounter tons of Whispers during these zones, making it an essential part of your progression.
- Occult Gems: These powerful gems interact directly with your seasonal powers. Each gem has its unique properties, and you can craft them at the Jeweler. Occult Gems are perfect for building synergy with your character’s powers, allowing you to fine-tune your build in ways that were previously unavailable. Whether you want to boost damage, defense, or other stats, these gems provide exciting new possibilities for Theorycrafting builds.
What’s Next? The End of Season 7 and Beyond
Season 7 kicks off on January 21st, but what happens after the season ends? Blizzard has traditionally started new seasons immediately after one ends, so expect little downtime between Season 7 and the next. If you’re gearing up for the start of Season 7, keep an eye out for Blizzard’s campfire chat in the week leading up to the launch, where they’ll reveal more details about the season’s content and changes.
The new Armory system, a much-anticipated feature, will also make its debut soon, allowing players to save and quickly switch between different builds. This will be a game-changer for players who want to experiment with different playstyles without having to redo their entire character setup.
Final Thoughts
Season 7 of Diablo 4 promises to be an exciting chapter in the game’s ongoing evolution. With new seasonal powers, the revamped Whispers system, Head Hunts, and Occult Gems, there’s plenty of content to look forward to. Whether you’re a seasonal or eternal player, you’re bound to find something new and fun to dive into. And remember, you don’t need to purchase the expansion to participate in Season 7, so everyone can enjoy the fresh content.