Infernal Hordes is D4's wave-based survival mode — fight waves of demons, collect Burning Aether, and choose risk/reward modifiers between rounds. It's the fastest way to farm gear and mats in the current meta, and the Bartuc boss gate at 666+ Aether makes it a viable Mythic Unique hunting ground.

How Hordes Work

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  Entry Infernal Compass (T1-T8). Drops from world content or craft at Occultist with Abyssal Scrolls + Forgotten Souls.
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  Waves 60 seconds each. Kill enemies, pick up Burning Aether from Aetheric Masses, Soulspires, Aether Lords, Aether Friends.
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  Offers Between waves, pick 1 of 3 Infernal Offers. Each pairs a Boon (buff) + Bane (debuff).
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  Boss After final wave: 3 random Fell Council members (default) OR Bartuc, Lord of Chaos if you banked 666+ Aether.
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  Spoils End chest is opened with Aether — pick Equipment, Materials, or Gold.

Top Boons to Stack

• Greater Aether Fiend — +X Aether per elite killed. Peak Aether/min.
• Hellborne — Player-shaped champions with Aether rewards.
• Greater Aetheric Power — Aether multiplier on Aetheric Masses.
• Aether Rush — Brief periods of massively increased Aether.
• Familiar Faces — +damage + Aether from non-boss elites.

Strategy

• ◆ Chase T8 Compass (Level 200 enemies) for best Aether-per-minute
• ◆ Aim for 666+ Aether by mid-run to unlock Bartuc boss
• ◆ Accept mild Banes for strong Boons — Aether multipliers compound
• ◆ Spend all Aether at run end — it wipes. Choose Equipment for gear, Materials for mats, Gold if capped
• ◆ Stack Area Damage and Critical Damage — density favors AoE builds