Season of the Construct

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Season of the Construct was the third season of Diablo IV. It launched on January 23, 2024, and concluded on May 14. The season theme was around mecha-enemies (and allies) of Zoltun Kulle and his associates.

Plot

"Ah. Welcome, Wanderer. I sense that recent events have brought you to me. These are strange times, indeed. Though many fear the inexplicable, I deal in it. And you...You seek answers. This will lead you to the knowledge you desire. Legends say this rune is the missing piece of an arcane construct. A mighty weapon capable of harnessing ancient power for the one strong enough to control it. But be warned, for the construct is buried deep beneath Kehjistan in the ancient vaults of Zoltun Kulle. Untouched for centuries, they are protected by deadly traps of Kulle's own design, and guarded by his mechanical horrors. But the architect Zoltun Kulle overestimated his cleverness. In his hubris, the mage abandoned his work, leaving darker forces free to corrupt his machinations and claim the vault's power for themselves. The answers await you in the depths. Take the rune...if you dare."

- Season intro^(src)

Season artwork

Ancient forces threaten Sanctuary. Deep beneath the swirling sands of Kehjistan, elemental forces are amassing for malicious whims of the demon Malphas, who has appropriated the Loom—an ancient piece of technology designed by Zoltun Kulle and Ayuzhan. Malphas has twisted the Loom to his cruel whims, threatening the mortal realm.

Aided by their Seneschal companion, the Wanderer must brave the many traps and constructs beneath the deserts of Kehjistan, and cull this cursed threat from its root. Guided by Ayuzhan, the Wanderer must traverse the treacherous vaults, stop Malphas, and prevent his deadly constructs from overtaking Sanctuary.

Gameplay

Season 3 artwork

The main mechanic of the season is a robot companion called the Seneschal, which can be upgraded with various abilities/traits. The main overworld change is the addition of Arcane Tremors. Vaults are also introduced, which are a new type of dungeon. Vaults are accessed through Gatehall; a new town located beneath Kehjistan.

Season 3 introduces leaderboards and the Gauntlet.

Season 3 also introduces a number of quality of life features, including:

• Helltides: These are now always active somewhere on the overworld
• WASD controls are now available for PC players
• Extra stash tab

Unlike previous seasons, the Season Journey does not have to be completed to progress through the main storyline.

Reception

Season artwork

Reception to season 3 was largely negative. The main questline was broken upon release, though was later fixed. The trap system was also criticized, as many felt that the style of gameplay was at odds with an ARPG. Criticisms were also levied at the Seneschal, with many players feeling it was too weak, and took too long to upgrade.

Its highest concurrent Steam player count was 15,343.