# Diablo 4: 5 Ways to Gear Up for the Vessel of Hatred Expansion and Season 6
In just a matter of days, **Diablo 4** will embark on a new journey with the launch of the **Vessel of Hatred** expansion and the kickoff of **Season 6**. On **October 8**, Sanctuary will unveil a host of new opportunities, challenges, and lore. Before you immerse yourself in the latest content, there are various steps you can take to ensure you’re adequately ready for the forthcoming changes. Whether you’re an experienced player or just starting out, these pointers will help you maximize your time as you approach the expansion.
## Getting Ready for Vessel of Hatred
### 1. Revisit the Story
The **Vessel of Hatred** expansion will expand upon the narrative of Diablo 4, so it’s wise to **refresh your knowledge of the storyline**. The main game introduced vital characters like **Leynelle** and **Lorath**, and this expansion is set to further explore their arcs. Instead of frequently searching for information on the Diablo wiki, consider replaying the campaign.
– **If you have the time**, go through the campaign again to jog your memory.
– **If time is tight**, skim a story summary or view a recap video to quickly catch up.
This approach will ensure you’re deeply engaged in the lore and ready to enjoy the new narrative developments without confusion.
### 2. Take Advantage of Preloading
If you’re keen to jump into gameplay the moment the expansion launches, be sure to **preload the update**. Battle.net users can start downloading the expansion now, and console players will soon have their preload option as well. This will enable you to dive into the game right as the servers activate at **1 a.m.** on the day of release.
– **Verify the specific preload schedules** for your platform to be prepared.
– **Free up hard drive space** when needed to prevent any last-minute complications.
By preloading, you can sidestep lengthy download processes and server delays on launch day, providing you with an advantageous start to explore the new content.
### 3. Elevate Your Reputation to Level 4
Reputation plays a significant role in Diablo 4, and with the expansion, the rewards associated with reputation levels will be **switched**. Notably, **level 4 and level 5 rewards** will be exchanged, offering you **four additional paragon points** sooner than prior.
– **Finish any outstanding quests** to enhance your reputation where it’s lacking.
– **Aim to reach level 4** in all regions so you can benefit from the revised reward system.
This is an excellent chance to amplify your character’s strength ahead of the expansion, giving you a solid base to face new challenges.
### 4. Adjust to New Difficulty Levels and Build Strategies
With the debut of **Vessel of Hatred**, fresh difficulty levels will emerge, and your build will be vital in managing them effectively. The expansion will introduce **Agony 1 through 4**, and to access these difficulties, you’ll need to conquer the **Foreman’s Pit** with specific time mastery at varying levels:
– **Trial 1:** Level 20
– **Trial 2:** Level 35
– **Trial 3:** Level 50
– **Trial 4:** Level 65
When selecting your build, ensure it is tailored for these trials. If you’re uncertain about which build to choose, don’t fret—**GlobalESportNews** will be rolling out comprehensive guides on top builds for Season 6 shortly.
– **Try out various builds** now to identify which one is most suitable for the forthcoming challenges.
– **Consult build guides** to confirm you’re employing the most efficient strategies for the new content.
### 5. Tidy Up in the Eternal Realm
If you don’t plan on beginning anew with a fresh character in Season 6, there are still many tasks to tackle in the **Eternal Realm** to gear up for the expansion. While much of your current gear may become outdated with the new content, there are still several important preparations you can undertake:
– **Stockpile gold and upgrade materials**: These will be just as crucial for enhancing the new items you’ll acquire in the expansion.
– **Gather summoning materials** for the **Tormented Bosses at level 200**: These bosses yield important items for crafting the new runes, essential for optimizing your gear in the expansion.
By organizing your resources now, you’ll be set to delve into the new content without fretting over material or gold farming.
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## Concluding Remarks
The **Vessel of Hatred** expansion and **Season 6** of Diablo 4 promise to be an exhilarating period for players.