The theme of the starting season will revolve around the spreading corruption.

On July 20th, the first season called "Season of Malignant" will begin in Diablo 4. Its theme will revolve around the spreading corruption that has infected all creatures in Sanctuary. According to the storyline, the player, along with the former priest of the Church of Light named Cormand, will have to save the world.

In the new season, players will encounter infected monsters. By killing them, they can obtain Malignant Hearts, which will trigger an event. As a reward for completing the event, the hero will receive a Purified Heart, which can be inserted into rings and amulets to increase their power. After purification, the heart will acquire one of 32 types of powers, represented by three colors: white, blue, and orange. When the color matches the socket in the jewelry, they provide additional bonuses. If an item doesn't have a socket, a jeweler can create one of any chosen color. It is not possible to change the color of a socket once it is created.

Here are some additional details:

• By completing unique quests in the first season, players will learn to locate special dungeons where they can acquire Malignant Powers.
• In the debut season, players will be able to find new unique items and legendary aspects, which will also be available to "non-seasonal" characters. These additions will be introduced on July 18th.
• Unique season mechanics will not be available to those who haven't completed the main campaign. According to the developers, the season is a continuation of the campaign's events.
• The seasonal journey consists of 7 chapters.
• If a player dislikes a specific type of content, they can skip it and continue to progress through the Battle Pass, completing the seasonal adventure.
• The Battle Pass includes character power upgrades. The first upgrade will be received at Battle Pass Level 8 and will require the character to be at level 40. The Battle Pass will have a total of 90 levels.
• Seasons allow players to earn Amnesia Scrolls for "non-seasonal" characters, which will enable them to reset all skill points and enhancements for free.
• Cosmetic items in the game apply to characters in any mode and season.
• Significant class rebalancing will only occur at the beginning of each season to avoid disappointing players.

Additionally, on the night of July 6th to 7th, the developers will release update 1.0.4. It will address the most common issues and also enable players to obtain unique items from Helltide chests.