Unveiling the Dark Path: Unraveling Diablo 4's Cinematic Location

Most fans of Diablo who played through the main campaign story of Diablo 4 have nothing but admiration for the cinematics. The "By Three They Come" cinematic, which showcases Lilith's arrival on Sanctuary, effectively sets the tone for what players can anticipate from this fourth installment. However, it is more than just a cinematic.

In reality, the area explored by Symon, Elias, and the two mercenaries can be visited as part of a side quest chain. It originates in Hawezar, located south of the Fractured Peaks, and takes players through four sections that delve deeper into the backstory of the group of graverobbers Elias deceived. The quest ultimately concludes in the very room where Lilith was summoned to Sanctuary.

Part One: To Walk A Dark Path

Working alongside a Demon, regardless of the agreement made, leads down a sinister path for any inhabitant of Sanctuary. Symon, a devoted follower of Akarat, was unfortunate enough to discover this truth unknowingly. In the introductory cinematic of Diablo 4, titled "By Three They Come," Symon, a Curate, becomes the unwitting priest who is guided into Lilith's summoning chamber by Elias. lured by the promise of knowledge. Despite Father Dymus' warning about Elias, who disguised himself as a swordsman in Zarbinzet, Symon became captivated by his persuasive words.

This section of the questline entails players following in Symon's footsteps as he and the swordsman journey towards the east. The By Three They Come quest commences when players speak to Father Dymus, located at the northern end of Zarbinzet. To begin, open your world map and mark the first objective's location, Symon's writings. During this stage, Symon discloses that he and the swordsman continued their journey further east to visit the statue of Tibault.

Upon arrival, the player is confronted by two individuals who are tormented by Elias. After subduing them, players have the opportunity to question them and discover that Symon and Elias have passed through. They set off for a concealed camp (not the one found in Diablo 3), distinguishable by tusks in the marshes... towards the eastern direction.

Part Two: At Any Cost

The terrified pilgrims lead players to the marshes of Hawezar, where they discover a cabin that is conspicuously empty of Elias or Symon. Although Symon has long since left by the time Lilith enters Sanctuary, the player's character is still tasked with searching for any signs of their presence. After examining each object in the camp, a seemingly lifeless Acolyte of Rathma suddenly begins to speak.

It awakens and instructs the player to claim its head as a valuable relic, believed to offer assistance in their quest. The reanimated body of the acolyte puts up a resistance, but ultimately surrenders its head upon being defeated.

The acolyte's leader directs the players to ignite three candles, unveiling a vision of Elias encountering the Acolyte of Rathma disguised as a one-eyed swordsman. It becomes evident that the acolyte was on a hunt for Elias, and upon Symon's discovery of the lifeless body, Elias urges them to hasten their journey to Backwater. The vision abruptly concludes.

Part Three: Turbulent Waters

After completing their time in the secret camp, players embark on the third part of the By Three They Come questline. Their next destination is the port town of Backwater, located on the opposite side of Hawezar. The objective is to uncover the fate of Symon, and to do so, players are directed to a gem stand in the southern area of the town. Here, they will meet Nivro, who holds information about Sev, the sole survivor of Symon's group.

Make sure to have some gold with you to purchase Mead for Sev, as she will only speak after receiving some. Located near the southern edge of Backwater, she shares her experience and reasons for running away. Sev also mentions two other characters introduced in the opening scene of Diablo 4: Fionn, a rogue from Scosglen (who is the first of the three recruits to perish), and Gelwa, a barbarian hailing from the Dry Steppes, who witnessed Elias' transformation from a swordsman to a Servant of Hell.

Upon learning about Elias' demise, Sev discloses that the team ventured to Esret with the purpose of uncovering both "treasure" and "knowledge". Interestingly, this destination is conveniently situated in the Fethis Wetlands just southeast of Zarbinzet.

Part Four: By Three They Come

Fast travel back to Zarbinzet and head southeast out of the city. Make sure to mark the quest location on the world map for in-game guidance on the mini-map as well. Once you reach the Accursed Ruins of Esret, Sev will separate from the player and descend into a Hole of Dark Portent that has been dug beneath an old chapel.

This is the very same abyss that sets the stage for the opening cutscene, as the camera delves into its depths and unveils Symon and his companions. In what could be seen as a nod to the original Diablo, where the entire story unfolded beneath the town of Tristram, players must descend into this very abyss to uncover the location where the game's primary demon was summoned.

The Halls of Dark Portent are rather unremarkable, featuring a few demonic adversaries that can be easily dealt with. This location also showcases various other scenes from the movie. For instance, the entrance to the Ancient Gate still bears fresh stains from Symon and others who willingly sacrificed their blood. However, players must rely on their sheer power to demolish the stone door instead.

After defeating the ghouls and successfully entering, players are confronted with a formidable adversary known as the Blood Echo. This boss, believed to be a lingering manifestation of Lilith's sacrilegious summoning, emerges just moments after players have a chance to appreciate the exquisite glow of the Ancient Gate's lavishly decorated chamber, adorned with delicate blood petals.

The Blood Echo possesses an offensive move that exposes its targets to vulnerability through a rapid succession of shots, along with a lethal grab. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a defensive stance and constantly maneuver in a circular motion to ensure being positioned behind the creature, thus ensuring safety. Although the boss battle is not exceedingly challenging, its agility can be unexpectedly impressive.

Players can find the lifeless body of Symon, slumped over the pillar located in the northeasternmost area, after successfully defeating the formidable Blood Echo. Among his belongings, players will come across Symon's Tattered Journal, in which he candidly expresses his concerns regarding the concluding stages of the expedition. To finalize the By Three They Come quest line and also earn the accompanying achievement, players must return the journal to Father Dymus in Zarbinzet.

Diablo 4 is currently accessible on various platforms including PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, as well as Xbox One and Series X|S.