When did Diablo IV Season 1 start?

Season of the Malignant launched July 20, 2023 and ended October 17, 2023.

What was the seasonal mechanic in Season 1?

Malignant Hearts — 32 Caged Hearts captured from Partly Corrupted enemies using the Cage of Binding. Hearts socketed into new Infested sockets on jewelry. Four categories: Vicious, Brutal, Devious, Wrathful.

Why was Season 1 controversial?

Patch 1.1.0 launched with sweeping XP, defense, and cooldown nerfs that triggered massive backlash. Blizzard held an emergency Campfire Chat and walked back many changes in Patch 1.1.1.

Diablo IV

Diablo IV Season 1 (July 2023) archive. Malignant Hearts, Varshan boss, Ball Lightning Sorc meta, and the controversial 1.1.0 patch.

Season Archive Jul 20 → Oct 17, 2023

Season 1 — Season of the Malignant

The first D4 season. Historical archive.

Diablo IV's first season launched July 20, 2023, introducing the Malignant Hearts system and a seasonal boss in Varshan the Consumed. It will be remembered less for its content than for the Patch 1.1.0 nerf controversy that triggered one of the rockiest periods in the game's life.

Seasonal Mechanic — Malignant Hearts

A corruption called "Malignance" infected Sanctuary. Players used a Cage of Binding to capture Malignant Hearts from Partly Corrupted enemies (which transformed into Fully Corrupted versions when attacked). 32 Caged Hearts across four categories — Vicious, Brutal, Devious, Wrathful — socketed into new Infested sockets on jewelry.

Notable Hearts included Heart of the Picana, Tempting Fate, Malignant Pact, Revenge, and The Barber.

Seasonal Boss

Varshan the Consumed — summoned with Malignant body parts. Better chance at rare black Wrathful Hearts. Varshan persists post-season as a Lair Boss.

Top Meta Builds

◆ Ball Lightning Sorcerer (dominant all season)
◆ Hammer of the Ancients Barbarian
◆ Twisting Blades Rogue
◆ Pulverize Druid
◆ Bone Spear Necromancer

The Patch 1.1.0 Controversy

Season 1 shipped alongside Patch 1.1.0, which nerfed XP gains, defense stats, and class cooldowns across the board. The community backlash was severe enough that Blizzard held an emergency Campfire Chat with game director Joe Shely and GM Rod Fergusson apologizing for the changes. Patch 1.1.1 walked back many of the nerfs, and Sorcerer + Druid received emergency survivability buffs. The episode defined community sentiment heading into Season 2.