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The upcoming Diablo IV expansion, Vessel of Hatred, introduces a brand new class: the Spiritborn. Launching on October 8, this class brings a unique set of abilities inspired by the primal powers of the jungle and its inhabitants.
The Spiritborn hails from the mystical jungles of Nahantu and embodies the power of four distinct Spirit Guardians: Jaguar, Gorilla, Eagle, and Centipede. Each Guardian bestows unique abilities, giving the Spiritborn a versatile moveset. According to a recent blog post by Blizzard, this new class is an “adaptive apex predator” designed to counter the nightmares from the Burning Hells.
Gameplay-wise, the Spiritborn excels in close combat, using a combination of combo attacks and acrobatic moves to dispatch foes. Additionally, their primary weapon, the glaive, is enhanced with spirit energy. Therefore, The Spiritborn can block or dodge attacks, using this energy to absorb or redirect power back at their enemies.
How will the Spiritborn play in Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred?
A notable feature of the Spiritborn class is the new Skill Tag: Incarnate. This mechanic allows players to embody the traits of their chosen Guardian, granting both passive bonuses and active abilities.
The Jaguar Guardian enhances speed and ferocity, providing rapid, fiery attacks. Skills like Rake and Ravager emphasize relentless aggression and continuous damage. On the other hand, the Gorilla Guardian focuses on resilience and sheer power, with abilities like Rock Splitter and Payback that deliver devastating blows and brutal retaliation.
The Eagle Guardian emphasizes speed and precision, enabling the Spiritborn to strike with lethal accuracy. Abilities like Soar and Quill Volley offer swift, mid-range attacks and make enemies vulnerable. Lastly, the Centipede Guardian introduces poison and crowd control into the mix, with skills such as Withering Fist and Scourge that debilitate and damage enemies over time.
Players can refine their builds with key passives, which adapt to different fighting styles. Adaptive Stances, one of these passives, provides various bonuses based on the active Spirit Guardian. Examples include increased movement speed, damage reduction, or life steal. Additionally, new Legendary and Unique items will offer even more ways to enhance and tailor the Spiritborn’s abilities.
Unlocking the full potential of the Spiritborn involves a dedicated class quest, leading to the Spirit Hall. Here, players can deepen their connection with the Spirit Guardians. Also, players can select primary and secondary Guardians for personalized playstyles.
Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred drops August 8, 2024 on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5 and PC.
