Diablo 4 developer Blizzard is working hard on Season 5, which introduces a new wave-based horde mode, new weapons, items, plus a brand new questline. While Season 5 won’t be available until August, fans can actually sample the new season early, simply by signing up to the public test realm (PTR). Indeed, if you want to check out the new horde mode and have signed up to the PTR with a PC Battle.net account, then limited-time early access to Season 5 will be available from June 25 until July 2. Based on previous Blizzard and Diablo 4 updates, you can expect the Season 5 test period to go live at 6pm BST UK time. The limited-time early access period will give Blizzard the chance to test the new game mode, and adjust balance accordingly for launch.
The Season 5 fun begins with the new questline, which takes place after the Main Questline and is available on both Seasonal and Eternal Realms. According to Blizzard, it will remain on the Eternal realm once Season 5 has concluded.
To access the questline, you’ll need to visit Hawezar in World Tier III and investigate a disturbance within the city. Once you finish the questline you’ll be able to access the Infernal Hordes, which is the new wave-based mode at the centre of Season 5.
Blizzard explains more: “The Infernal Hordes is an activity where you slay hordes while earning Burning Aether to unlock powerful weapons and rewards.
“Successfully slay the Hordes and you’ll be able to fight the powerful Fell Council.”
You can enter the Realm of Hatred and battle the hordes by using an Infernal Compass, which can be found by defeating bosses, Helltides, Nightmare Dungeons and Whispers.
Far from being a straightforward horde mode, Diablo 4’s new activity features roguelike elements, as players select one of three different power-ups after defeating each wave.
Needless to say, you’ll earn a ton of new rewards and powerful items by completing runs and defeating the Fell Council.
If this sounds like something you want to try, then check out the step-by-step guide to signing up for the PTR below.
How to sign up for the Diablo 4 PTR…
• Open the Blizzard Battle.net App and select Diablo IV from your Games list.
• In the selector above the Play button, there is a game version drop down menu.
• Select the option ‘Public Test Realm’
• Click Install to Install the PTR client. This becomes a Play button when ready.
• Click Play to log in to the PTR, and select any of the available Test Servers.
• Create a new test character
– Note: Create a Seasonal Mechanic for any testing related to the Seasonal themes
• Enter the game and test Season 5!