In Diablo IV Season 3, a new endgame activity called The Gauntlet is being introduced. This weekly challenge dungeon will provide players with the opportunity to compete for top spots on the leaderboards, earning both fame and exclusive cosmetic rewards.
Similar to Diablo III's Challenge Rifts, The Gauntlet in Diablo IV Season 3 will require players to bring their own characters and builds into the dungeon. Each week, all players will participate in the same "fixed seed linear dungeon," aiming to achieve high scores by completing the dungeon with speed and efficiency. The Gauntlet is timed, and players will earn points by killing enemies and swiftly finishing the dungeon. To promote efficiency, loot will only drop at the end of The Gauntlet, rather than from defeated enemies along the way.
Separate leaderboards will be available for the game's classes, as well as for hardcore characters, solo runs, and group runs. Players who achieve top scores will receive Seals, special cosmetics that can be used to enhance their character portrait frames and showcase their accomplishments. The Gauntlet leaderboards will be reset each week, except for the best performers whose scores will be permanently displayed on the Hall of Ancients leaderboard.
To participate in The Gauntlet, players only need to have unlocked World Tier IV. There is no level requirement, but higher-level players with better equipment will naturally have an advantage in completing The Gauntlet more quickly compared to those who have just reached level 50 and entered World Tier IV for the first time. To be featured on the leaderboards, players must earn a minimum score from The Gauntlet.
During BlizzCon 2023, a sneak peek at Diablo IV's The Gauntlet leaderboards was shared. Alongside this, Blizzard revealed the game's first expansion titled Vessel of Hatred, set to be released in late 2024. This expansion will bring players back to a beloved Diablo II location and introduce a new, never-before-seen class. Unfortunately, it seems that fans will have to wait longer for the return of the Paladin or Templar class.
Although no specific details about Diablo IV Season 3 were disclosed, it is expected to commence in January 2024. In the meantime, players can look forward to a limited-time holiday event and new items inspired by Season 1's Malignant Powers.
Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of Diablo series, I am thrilled to hear about the upcoming Season 3 and the introduction of The Gauntlet. This new endgame activity reminds me of the Challenge Rifts from Diablo 3, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The Gauntlet promises to be an exhilarating experience, providing players with the opportunity to compete for top spots on the leaderboards and earn exclusive cosmetic rewards.
I appreciate the fact that The Gauntlet will require players to bring their own characters and builds into the dungeon. This allows for a greater sense of personalization and strategy, as players will need to carefully consider their character's abilities and equipment in order to succeed. The fixed seed linear dungeon design ensures that everyone is competing on an equal footing, and the timed nature of the dungeon adds an extra layer of excitement and challenge.