Diablo 4: Infernal Hordes Guide

Diablo 4’s Infernal Hordes is the newest and most intense endgame activity, designed for players who thrive on high-stakes combat and strategic gameplay. This wave-based survival mode challenges you to battle through increasingly difficult waves of enemies, culminating in a unique boss encounter. Here’s everything you need to know to conquer the Infernal Hordes.

Unlocking Infernal Hordes - Diablo 4 infernal hordes

To access Infernal Hordes, you must first reach World Tier 3. The mode is introduced through a priority quest titled "The Eyes of the Enemy," which begins in Zarbinzet, Hawezar. This questline follows the story of Istel, a new character in Season 5, and upon completion, you’ll receive your first Infernal Compass. This key item allows you to open a portal to the Gates of Hell, where the Infernal Hordes await.

How Infernal Hordes Works - Diablo 4 infernal hordes

Infernal Hordes is a multi-tiered challenge, with difficulty levels ranging from Tier 1 to Tier 8. Each tier presents tougher enemies and more waves to survive. For example, Tier 1 starts with monsters at level 60 and includes five waves, while Tier 8 features level 200 monsters and ten waves. Players can upgrade their runs by using Abyssal Scrolls, obtained by salvaging Infernal Compasses, which further increases the difficulty and rewards.

Gameplay Overview - Diablo 4 infernal hordes

The objective in each Infernal Horde run is to survive all waves, defeat the Fell Council—a trio of powerful bosses—and collect as much Burning Aether as possible. Burning Aether is the currency used to unlock Spoils of Hell chests at the end of each run, containing valuable loot, including Legendary and Unique items, crafting materials, and gold.

Wave Mechanics - Diablo 4 infernal hordes

Each wave has a 60-second timer, and while players don’t need to kill every demon that spawns, they must survive and complete events to gather Burning Aether. These events, known as Aether Events, are crucial as they are your main source of Burning Aether. They include encounters like destroying Aetheric Masses, slaying Aether Fiends, and surviving waves of Hellborne. Positioning is key, as many events are triggered by player proximity, particularly in the four corners of the Abyssal Verge where stationary encounters frequently occur.

Infernal Offers -Diablo 4 infernal hordes

At the end of each wave, players must choose from three Infernal Offers—boons that enhance future waves by providing beneficial effects but also come with banes, increasing the challenge. These offers can stack throughout the run, adding layers of strategy as players weigh the benefits against the risks. For example, an Infernal Offer might increase your movement speed after gathering Aether but also cause Hellfire to rain down upon you during waves. The right combination of boons and banes can make or break a run, so choose wisely.

Fighting the Fell Council - Diablo 4 infernal hordes

After surviving all waves, you’ll face the Fell Council, a group of three resurrected high priests from Diablo’s lore. Each member of the council has unique abilities and attack patterns, making this final encounter the ultimate test of your skills. For instance, Bremm the Maelstrom summons two-headed Hydras that shoot lightning, while Geleb the Flame bombards players with meteors. The fight escalates as you defeat each council member, with their attacks growing more powerful and complex.

Rewards and Spoils of Hell - Diablo 4 infernal hordes

Once the Fell Council is defeated, you can spend your accumulated Burning Aether on various Spoils of Hell chests. These chests offer different rewards, such as:

Spoils of Equipment: Contains Legendary, Unique, or Mythic Unique items with potential GA rolls.
Spoils of Greater Equipment: Guarantees GA rolls on items.
Spoils of Materials: Includes herbs, ores, and Abyssal Scrolls for crafting and upgrading.
Spoils of Gold: Converts remaining Aether into gold.

Additionally, Infernal Hordes allows players to target farm specific Uniques, making it an ideal activity for those looking to complete their gear sets or acquire rare items.

Strategic Tips for Success - Diablo 4 infernal hordes

To maximize your success in Infernal Hordes, focus on efficient Aether collection by prioritizing Aether Events and making smart choices with Infernal Offers. Positioning is crucial—staying near the four corners of the Abyssal Verge can help you trigger stationary events early. Keep an eye on the mini-map, as it displays critical information like incoming events and dropped Aether.

Understanding the stacking nature of Infernal Offers is also vital. As the waves progress, the available offers become riskier but also more rewarding. Regularly check the Options menu to review your active boons and banes, which can help you adjust your strategy on the fly.

Infernal Hordes Leaderboard - Unveiling the Elite Performers!

Welcome to the Infernal Hordes Leaderboard, where we spotlight the top-performing classes and builds that have dominated the game!

Dive into our leaderboard to see which classes are raking in the most aether and climbing to the highest tiers. Whether you're looking to learn from the best or simply see where you stand

Conclusion

Infernal Hordes in Diablo 4 offers a thrilling and challenging endgame experience that tests both your combat skills and strategic thinking. By mastering the mechanics, making calculated decisions with Infernal Offers, and efficiently collecting Burning Aether, you can conquer the waves, defeat the Fell Council, and reap the rich rewards that await in the Spoils of Hell.

Whether you’re a seasoned Diablo veteran or new to the endgame grind, Infernal Hordes provides an engaging and rewarding activity that keeps players coming back for more. Prepare your gear, sharpen your skills, and dive into the depths of Hell—if you dare!