Diablo 4 Announcement at Blizzcon: Battle Pass and Caged Hearts

At this year's Blizzcon, Blizzard announced several exciting updates for Diablo 4, including a new battle pass system and the introduction of Caged Hearts. The battle pass is set to launch on July 20 alongside the Season of the Malignant, offering 27 free tiers that allow players to earn cosmetics and Smoldering Ashes – a new resource that can be used in the Season Blessing system.

One of the most notable features of the battle pass is the ability to unlock new powers for your character. There are 32 new Malignant powers available, each corresponding to a socket color on gear collected from the Seasonal Realm. These powers can be socketed into gear and offer an enormous amount of power – so much that the Diablo 4 team has joked about creating 'broken builds' by being strategic with item placement.

Another exciting feature is the Caged Heart system. This system replaces gems, allowing players to summon Malignant enemies in their area and defeat a powerful elite for a chance to drop a new item called a Caged Heart. Defeating this enemy will expose a Malignant Heart, which can be used with a Cage of Binding to begin a ritual.

Regardless of whether you're playing on your original character or a Seasonal one, there's always a chance to encounter a Malignant enemy in the open world. Diablo 4 Season 1 is introducing a range of new mechanics, systems, and items that stem from the plague spreading across Sanctuary – adding depth and excitement to the game.

Overall, the battle pass and Caged Hearts system promise to offer a fresh and exciting experience for Diablo 4 players. With 27 free tiers and numerous opportunities to earn rewards and powers, this update is sure to keep fans engaged and eager for more.

Diablo 4 announcement blizzcon