Hexes, Headrotten, and Havoc: Unveiling the Lore of Diablo IV’s Witchcraft Season

Darkness looms over the swamps of Hawezar. On January 21, the Tree of Whispers—a grim yet crucial fixture in Sanctuary—faces an attack in Diablo IV’s newest edition, Season of Witchcraft. This seventh season plunges you into the eerie narratives of Hawezar, unveiling the secrets of the witches who guard the Tree and the dark happenings that disrupt its ancient order. In this realm, when power is seized, truths come to light, and agreements go awry. Everything is affected.

The Cries of the Tree of Whispers

Standing grand and enigmatic, the Tree of Whispers has served as a guide and a judge for countless years. Its colossal branches are adorned with severed heads stuffed with knowledge, the ultimate price paid by those who once sought the Tree’s insight. These grim reminders are tethered to the Tree, upholding the bargains made for power and top-tier secrets.

However, this relentless cycle has been disturbed by an unknown force. Severed Fugitive Heads, eager for freedom, have been stolen and scattered around Sanctuary. This sacrilege gives rise to the dreaded Headrotten—ghastly creatures overflowing with thorns, roots, and decay as they seek bodies to possess. With the Tree’s influence diminishing, it’s up to you to heed its call for retribution. Malevolent powers are at play, and if stability isn’t restored, Sanctuary will face grave consequences.

Meet the Witches of Hawezar

In your quest, you’ll team up with the Witches of Hawezar, a reserved yet powerful trio linked to the Tree of Whispers. Each witch offers unique and formidable skills, reflecting their tie to the swamp and the Tree’s age-old powers.

• Gelena: A disciplined leader with magic focused on the mind, she excels in illusions and divination. She perceives the unseen, but her strict adherence to rules keeps her grounded amidst chaos.
• Caidin: A maverick from Scosglen who mixes dark wit with malevolent abilities. His swamp-based talents conjure plagues and potions, but his erratic nature is a force all its own.
• Ouna: The mysterious youngest witch who walks the line between life and death. Her supernatural magic embodies the haunting cycle of growth and decay, making her skills both uncanny and terrifying.

Together, Gelena, Caidin, and Ouna seek your assistance to reclaim the Fugitive Heads. Yet, their differing intentions and methods create a fragile alliance. Be wary of where you place your trust, as everything comes with a price.

Witchcraft Powers Unleashed

The Season of Witchcraft brings a thrilling new feature: Witchcraft Powers. Dive into supernatural energies and build your style from three unique schools of magic:

• Eldritch Magic (Fire & Shadow Damage)
• Psyche Magic (Mind & Soul Manipulation)
• Growth & Decay Magic (Damage Over Time & Healing)

Moreover, discover rare, hidden powers of Witchcraft unknown to both the Coven and the Tree. Each school presents opportunities to explore new styles of power. Occult Gems, new Seasonal Legendary Gems, further enhance these Witchcraft skills. Customize your gear and combat approach with these potent tools to ensure every spell leaves an indelible mark.

Headhunts and the Rise of the Headrotten Bosses

This season’s gameplay intensifies with Headhunts—fierce subzone events similar to Helltide mechanics. The Tree of Whispers identifies areas crawling with Headrotten activity, urging players to rid Sanctuary of their decaying corruption.

Headrotten bosses patrol these regions, each linked to a Fugitive Head and their lingering thoughts. Some are mere parasites, while others transform into rare Headed Headrotten Bosses, fully merged with their stolen hosts. These grotesque adversaries wield devastating powers, demanding strategy to overcome them and secure legendary rewards.

As you complete Whisper bounties during Headhunts, keep alert for Rootholds. These seasonal dungeons offer extra challenges and rewards to bolster your effort supporting the Coven.

Even More New Features

Beyond Witchcraft mechanics and Headhunts, Season of Witchcraft introduces long-awaited updates and thrilling seasonal perks:

• Armory Feature: Seamlessly switch between saved loadouts. Save Skill Points, Paragon Points, and gear sets for quick swaps between builds.
• Seasonal Rewards & Legendaries: Access new Uniques, Legendaries, and gameplay updates, including three new Runes and exclusive tiers in the Seasonal Journey. Advance through these tiers to unlock cosmetic enhancements like the sought-after Raven Pet.
• Coven’s Favor Battle Pass: Achieve distinguished rewards by conquering Coven-themed challenges linked to the season’s theme.

Claim Balance from Chaos

Diablo IV: Season of Witchcraft promises to be one of the series’ most captivating adventures. By unveiling the Tree of Whispers’ secrets and partnering with the Witches of Hawezar, you’ll dive into a richly immersive tale filled with moral challenges and ever-present dangers lurking in every corner.

Sanctuary is counting on your courage, Wanderer. The Tree seeks justice, and its whispers demand action. Will you rise to the occasion?

Don’t miss the beginning of Season of Witchcraft, arriving on January 21.