There is a clear enemy in Diablo 4, and as the game's marketing blatantly points out, that is Lilith and her demonic army getting ready to lay waste to Sanctuary. While her ultimate aims are best left to players to discover throughout the main story, combat against demons and monsters sometimes does not cut it.
That is where player versus player (PvP) combat comes to the fore, and this is something that can be enjoyed as part of the Diablo 4 experience. For those seeking this particular high, this guide to PvP and the Fields of Hatred will be extremely useful.
Fields of Hatred and PvP in Diablo 4
The Fields of Hatred are designated locations within Diablo 4 that allow players to attack not just the monsters within but also other players if they choose to. There are two separate regions in which Fields of Hatred can be found, and they are Kehjistan and the Dry Steppes. Be wary when entering these areas, denoted by the red hue in the minimap, especially if adventuring solo.
Becoming Bloodmarked
To turn hostile towards other players, open up the options wheel (pressing up on the D-pad on consoles) and choose Mark for Blood. Once a player has been Bloodmarked, they are free to do damage to other players within sight.
At any point in time, if a Bloodmarked player manages to kill another hero, they become Hatred's Chosen. This will reveal their position to all players in the area, preventing the killer from using any Altar of Extraction. Should they survive the hunt, they will receive powerful rewards that are likely better gear.
To remove the Bloodmarked or Hatred's Chosen status, a player can make a beeline for the town within the Fields of Hatred or leave the region entirely.
Seeds of Hatred and Red Dust
Beyond such wanton bloodlust, there is still something for other players to do within the Fields of Hatred. Monsters, events, and chests within the area can all grant Seeds of Hatred, and dropped seeds will be visible to any player, making it a valuable resource that can lead to potential PvP fights. Dying or leaving the PvP area will purge all Seeds of Hatred from anyone's possession.
However, on their own, Seeds of Hatred are technically worthless. They must be turned into Red Dust, which is a permanent resource. This can only be done by performing Purification Rituals at designated sites within the Fields of Hatred, and this will likely draw attention from other players as well. Survive, and the Red Dust can then be used at various vendors within the nearby town.
Diablo 4 is available for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.