Diablo 4’s ninth season is on the horizon, and it brings a bold twist that lets players forge their own magical abilities. Titled Sins of the Horadrim, this new chapter in Sanctuary’s saga launches May 27 on the public test server, introducing a robust spell customization system, dungeon improvements, a fresh boss fight, and fast-paced mini-dungeons.
Customize Spells With Horadric Spellcraft
At the heart of Season 9 lies Horadric Spellcraft—a new system designed to let players craft a spell entirely from three components: Catalysts, Infusions, and Arcana.
Catalysts serve as the base of each spell, forming the core ability. Players will have six Catalyst options, including abilities like Disintegrate and Propulsion, each shaping how the spell functions.
Infusions follow, layering the spell with elemental effects and added flair. These determine whether a spell scorches enemies with fire or freezes them in place with frost.
The final layer, Arcana, is where things get interesting. Up to three Arcana can be slotted to alter spell behavior—ranging from adding stealth upon casting to becoming Unstoppable. Some Legendary Arcana bring major advantages, such as the Floaty Bobble (which adds a teleportation Blink) or the Bloody Charm, capable of executing low-health non-boss enemies instantly.
While this mechanic bears some resemblance to prior seasonal power systems, Horadric Spellcrafting offers more freedom than ever before, allowing players to not only select effects but also shape their spells’ elemental nature.
Nightmare Dungeons Get a Major Overhaul
Alongside spellcrafting, Blizzard is also tuning up Nightmare dungeons. In response to player feedback and as part of the game’s 2025 roadmap, these endgame activities will now include beneficial affixes. These buffs may reward players with tailored crafting materials or class-specific gear, shifting dungeon runs toward more meaningful progression.
In a welcome quality-of-life improvement, players can now enter another Nightmare dungeon without exiting their current one—a much-requested change that streamlines high-level grinding.
Strongrooms and Escalating Challenges Await
Season 9 introduces Horadric Strongrooms—mini-dungeons hidden within Nightmare dungeons. Using a special wayfinder, players must locate and unlock these vaults under time pressure, defeating enemies along the way. The rewards and challenge level of these Strongrooms can be raised with modifiers similar to those found in Infernal Hordes.
Additionally, players can earn Horadric Jewels, which socket into gear to further enhance the spells created with the Horadric system. These modifiers help players tailor their builds even more specifically.
Another new challenge type, Escalating Nightmares, blends the effects of three Nightmare dungeons into a single escalating sequence. After completing all three phases, players will face a high-stakes showdown with Astaroth—a returning antagonist from the main storyline.
PTR Launch and Season Start Date
Season 9 will be available for public testing from May 27 through June 3. During this period, players can explore the new mechanics, test balance changes, and try out new Unique items. If all goes smoothly, the full season is set to begin on July 1.
A Look Back at Season 8
While excitement builds for what’s next, Season 8, Belial’s Return, is still ongoing. This season reshaped the boss cycle system and introduced changes to the battle pass—though not all of them were warmly received. It also marked Diablo 4’s first-ever crossover event with the Berserk franchise, though fans felt the collaboration fell short of its potential.