Sanctuary is under a new threat once again. The Lesser Evils will return, and each one of them is going to spread chaos across different corners of the world. Season 11 brings these smaller versions of the bosses back in full force, as Duriel, Andariel, Belial, and Azmodan (four of the seven demon lords from the Burning Hells) have found their way into Diablo 4’s “new” endgame.
For those who need a quick lore refresher: the Greater Evils are Diablo, Mephisto, and Baal – the trio that led the Burning Hells in endless war against Heaven. The Lesser Evils served under them, each representing their own twisted aspect of sin and torment. And now, they are back to make every endgame activity feel a lot more dangerous (and rewarding).
Season 11 gives each of them a new domain to corrupt, from Helltides to The Pit and even the Kurast Undercity.
Duriel – Crawling Through Helltide
Duriel is taking over Helltide zones, turning the familiar game mode into a nightmare. The Blood Maiden decided she had had enough with being defeated over and over each season and will take a well-deserved holiday during Season 11. Instead, Duriel takes her spot, and every step you take may summon his minions.
What changes:
- Duriel replaces the Blood Maiden in Helltide.
- Maximum threat now spawns Pangs of Duriel instead of Hellbornes.
- Monster packs now include maggots, and new Portent of Pain mega-maggots.
- Hellwyrm meteors now rain down packs of maggots.
- Defeating Pangs grants Baneful Hearts, used to summon Duriel himself.
A very fitting return for the Lord of Pain; if anyone belongs in the middle of a molten chaos storm, it is Duriel.
Belial – Deception in The Pit
The Lord of Lies, Belial, on the other hand, decided he wanted to take over The Pit. His plans are a bit less maggot-filled and a bit more subtle. However, he is equally deadly. You can expect clones, illusions, and surprises around every corner.
What changes:
- Belial Eyes randomly appear. Destroying them stuns nearby enemies and spawns Belial Apparitions.
- Destroying multiple Eyes can even replace the final boss with Belial himself.
- Belial creates enemy clones throughout The Pit.
- Defeating him grants an additional Glyph upgrade and rewards.
The Pit has always been about endurance and focus – now you will have to question what is even real.
Andariel – Poison in the Kurast Undercity
Andariel, the Maiden of Anguish, is corrupting Kurast Undercity with venom and despair. Spirit Beacons are going to be more rewarding now, but they are also much deadlier.
What changes:
- Corrupted Spirit Beacons grant extra attunement, but are riskier to use.
- Three new Undercity Tributes boost rewards and guarantee Andariel as the final boss.
- Shades of Andariel now lurk in the Undercity, attacking you randomly.
- Enemies can have Wailing Spirits with homing attacks, so you will have to be careful where you position yourself.
- Purifying enemies grants Divine Favor, leveling your Divine Gifts for Seasonal Reputation.
If you thought the Undercity was already stressful, wait until Andariel’s poison starts spreading.
Azmodan – More Than Just a New World Boss
Azmodan, the Lord of Sin, is back – and he is not staying confined to one arena. As it turns out, he is not only going to be the new world boss, but you can also summon him at will. South of Zarbinzet, you will find three Altars you can use to call him to the surface. He will then take the power of one of the three Lesser Evils!
What changes:
- Supporting monsters have affixes corresponding to the chosen Lesser Evil.
- Defeat the initial enemies for Azmodan to spawn.
- Defeat Azmodan to earn chests unlockable with Corrupted Essence.
He was always the strategist among the Evils, and now he is testing players in more than one battlefield.
A Different Take on Every Endgame Mode
This update feels like Blizzard’s way of breathing new life into every endgame system. Instead of adding one new activity, they made every existing one a little more dynamic. Helltide, The Pit, and the Undercity each feel like their own mini-season now, with unique changes and bosses that link back into Diablo’s classic lore.
