Which Lord of Hatred Edition Do You Need? Base Game and Vessel Differences
A current ownership-based guide to the base game, Vessel of Hatred, Lord of Hatred, and the Age of Hatred Collection. It compares playable classes, regions, permanent systems, and platform licensing instead of fixing prices or sale discounts.
If you do not own Diablo IV, the Age of Hatred Collection is the shortest route because it includes the base game and both expansions. Base-game owners can buy Lord of Hatred directly because Vessel of Hatred is included; there is no need to purchase Vessel first. Base plus Vessel owners only need Lord of Hatred. Standard includes the gameplay expansions, while Deluxe and Ultimate primarily add cosmetics, Battle Pass benefits, Platinum, and similar extras—verify the account-aware store listing immediately before purchase.
What to Buy for Your Current Ownership
5You Own Nothing
Choose the Diablo IV: Age of Hatred Collection to receive the base game, Vessel of Hatred Standard, and Lord of Hatred Standard. Compare the collection on the same platform before buying the products separately.
Recommended: Age of Hatred Collection
You Own Only the Base Game
Lord of Hatred includes Vessel of Hatred. Do not buy Vessel separately first; add the desired Lord of Hatred edition to unlock both expansions.
Needed: Lord of Hatred
You Own Base + Vessel of Hatred
Add Lord of Hatred. Although Vessel is bundled with it, already-unlocked in-game items are not re-granted. Do not assume a credit or refund for prior ownership; use the signed-in store listing as the authority.
Needed: Lord of Hatred only
You Own Lord of Hatred
If the base game is also licensed on that platform, you do not need to buy Vessel separately. Check the in-game upgrade path when moving from Standard to Deluxe or Ultimate.
No gameplay purchase needed; upgrade only for extras
You Want to Play on Another Platform
Progress is shared through the Battle.net account, but Lord of Hatred must be purchased on every platform where you want to play it. Verify both the base-game and expansion licenses on the additional platform.
Check: licenses on every platform
Gameplay Scope Comparison
3Base Game and Updates for Everyone
Requires: Diablo IV base game
- Base campaign and five original classes
- Level 70, skill-tree overhaul, and itemization updates
- Loot Filter, Map Overlay, and pathfinding
- Pit and Torment updates plus eligible seasonal content
Not included: Expansion-only access such as Nahantu/Spiritborn and Skovos/Paladin/Warlock
Vessel of Hatred
Requires: Base game + Vessel, or base game + Lord of Hatred
- Vessel campaign, Nahantu, and regional Renown
- Spiritborn
- Runewords and Mercenaries
- Dark Citadel and Kurast Undercity
Not included: Lord campaign, Skovos, Paladin, Warlock, Cube, Talisman, and other Lord systems
Lord of Hatred
Requires: Base game + Lord of Hatred (Vessel included)
- Lord campaign, Skovos, and Temis
- Paladin and Warlock
- War Plans, Echoing Hatred, and Fishing
- Horadric Cube, Talisman, and expansion-only Bonus Skill variants
- Additional Stash tab and Character Slots
Not included: The base-game license; new players need the Age of Hatred Collection or another base-game purchase
Choosing Standard, Deluxe, or Ultimate
4Use Standard as the Gameplay Baseline
Standard includes the gameplay scope of Lord of Hatred and Vessel of Hatred. Deluxe or Ultimate is not required for the new classes, regions, Cube, or Talisman.
Choose Deluxe for Its Extras
Deluxe value comes from extras such as cosmetics, mounts, pets, and Premium Battle Pass benefits. Read the live comparison and do not confuse bonus items with gameplay access.
Ultimate Is for Players Who Will Use the Added Value
Compare the upgrade only if you will use its exclusive cosmetics, Platinum, and other added value. This guide does not guarantee a fixed price or effective discount.
Edition Upgrades Are Available In Game
The official FAQ says Deluxe and Ultimate upgrades are available in game. If unsure, secure gameplay with Standard and decide later from the live upgrade listing.
Six Checks Before Purchase
6- Sign in to Battle.net and verify current base-game and expansion ownership.
- Check the product on the PC, Xbox, PlayStation, or Steam platform where you will play.
- Confirm whether the product includes the base game or is expansion-only.
- Compare edition bonuses rather than assuming different gameplay scope.
- Do not count expired pre-purchase or early-access bonuses as current inclusions.
- Treat the checkout page as authoritative for price, tax, currency, sales, and Game Pass conditions.
Common Purchase-Scope Mistakes
6- The standalone Lord of Hatred expansion does not include the base game.
- Lord of Hatred includes Vessel, so base-game owners do not need to buy both expansions separately.
- Separate permanent 3.0 updates for everyone from paid classes, regions, and systems.
- Season access does not guarantee access to every expansion-specific objective or reward.
- Cross-progression is separate from product licensing; another platform requires another purchase.
- Do not present historical pre-purchase bonuses as currently obtainable items.
Continue From Here
6Skovos and Temis Guide
Review regional unlocks, Temis facilities, War Plans, and the post-purchase endgame route.
Class Comparison
Compare DLC requirements for the original five classes, Spiritborn, Paladin, and Warlock.
Build Index
Filter leveling and endgame builds by owned expansion and class.
New and Returning Player Guide
Choose a campaign start and follow the route to level 70 after purchase.
Season 14 Guide
Start the current season with base-game and expansion-only scope separated.
Diablo IV Reference
Return to the current builds, season, progression, and systems reference.