Diablo IV devs spill secrets on Berserk collaboration and Season 8

With Season 8: Belial’s Return of Diablo IV just around the corner, Blizzard Entertainment is inviting players back into the fray with one of their boldest seasonal themes yet. We sat down with Lead Season Designer Deric Nunez and Associate Director of Game Design Colin Finer to dive into what’s coming in the new update and why it’s the perfect time to jump back in.

With their road map announced and the Age of Hatred in full swing, Mephisto’s influence is creeping across Sanctuary through new seasonal twists, hellish questlines, and a few wicked surprises. With Belial’s return, chaotic upgrades to Infernal Hordes, and even a crossover with Berserk. We’re also looking forward to learning more about the next official expansion coming in 2026 after the success of Vessel of Hatred.

Designed for power plays

From the get-go, Season 8 is about one thing: bosses. But not just any bosses, you become one. What was described as “the first guiding light for Season 8”, being able to absorb and utilise boss powers is a huge draw for the min-maxxing, power hungry players out there. Throughout the season, players can collect 24 unique boss powers, each with a dual-sided nature. The main power being an expression of the bosses’ signature ability, where the other side is a modifier which can alter how that main power works or parts of your build. “We knew that we wanted to go bigger and bolder than we might have ever gone before”, said Finer.

The heart of the seasonal narrative is the return of the fan-favourite demon, Belial. Players can clash with Belial and two bosses from Vessel of Hatred as part of the updated Lair Boss system. Nunez said, “Belial is one of my favourite demons of Sanctuary so I’m excited for him being back in such a meaningful and permanent way… always stalking the player and the special ambush chance that is just an inherent part of how the Lair Boss system works.”

The Lair Boss system has also undergone some player-friendly changes. All lair bosses are now free to summon. “One of the friction areas… was you would do all of the activities required to summon the boss just to find out that you can’t defeat it”, said Finer. “So, we wanted to ease the friction… Instead, what was previously boss summoning materials… they’re now living a new life in the form of lair boss keys.”

Season 8 is the best time to play

As with past seasons, Season 8 is designed as a clean slate, more accessible to both seasoned players and newcomers. “Seasons are supposed to be a clean slate for all players in a way so it’s not overwhelming”, said Nunez. “No matter how long you’ve been playing, you always know you can come back with friends or play on your own.” The levelling curve, which was notoriously fast in Season 7, has also been rebalanced. “We saw players levelling really, really fast… It was taking on average a single digit hours just to get to maximum level”, recounted Finer. “We’ve found what I think is a pretty good middle ground… It’s still a little bit harder than Season 7, but not massively.”

After a mixed reception to previous battle passes, Blizzard has revamped the system to better align with how players already approach gear in the game. The Battle Pass’s new Reliquary System provides multiple routes and rewards to increase player choice and create a more customisable and chaseable rewards experience. Taking on feedback about players grinding for items they didn’t necessarily want or care about, the change allows you to target the things you’re looking for. So if there’s an armour set you want, that’s something you can work your way towards directly.

Season 8 also brings a new type of open world event called Apparition Incursions, designed to jumpstart progression and encourage social play. They’re a new way for players to get into the new leveling experience of Season 8 in a fast-paced way. Finer noted that while it’s the “new shiny”, Apparition Incursions are meant to fit into the “greater pantheon of other activities”, such as Helltides and Nightmare Dungeons.

Berserk crossover is a match made in Hell

For the first time in franchise history, Diablo IV is partnering with the iconic manga and anime series Berserk, and the team couldn’t be more excited. Running from 7 May AEDT / UTC+8 until the end of Season 8, we can don the most iconic looks from the classic manga to slay demons. “It’s on brand because how dark it is aligning with Diablo”, said Nunez. “Perfect match made in Hell.” We’ve been told players can look forward to “some pretty kick ass trailers”, earnable cosmetics, and purchasable items that let us look like Berserk characters while crawling through hordes of demons.

While Nunez is most excited about seeing Belial fully integrated into the endgame, Finer has big Rogue energy this season. “You get this power from the Wandering Death… he rips his cage open and he shoots these death lasers out of his chest”, said Finer. “It’s gonna pair super well with the leveling build on the Dance of Knives for Rogue.” There’s also a new unique item in the endgame for Rogues that lets you double up on death traps which sounds like the perfect item all Rogues will be looking for.

Diablo IV Season 8 launches 29 April 2025. Whether you’re chasing Berserk loot, boss powers, or just vibing with Belial, it’s shaping up to be a hellishly fun time in Sanctuary.