Dark Citadel in Diablo 4: How to unlock it, details and rewards

One of the most captivating aspects of the endgame in Diablo 4 is the Dark Citadel. This distinctive cooperative dungeon gives players the opportunity to earn significant rewards. In this article, we will guide you on unlocking the Dark Citadel, explain its gameplay mechanics, and detail the rewards you can anticipate.

Unlocking the Dark Citadel

The Dark Citadel is directly tied to the activities of the expansion. To access it, you first need to purchase the relevant expansion. Follow these steps to unlock the Dark Citadel:

• Finish the main campaign of the expansion.
• After reaching the endgame, raise the world difficulty to at least Torment I.
• Activating this difficulty will initiate a new priority quest in your journal named “Craters of Lost Souls.”
• This quest starts in Kurast by talking to the priestess Cualli.

The quest itself is straightforward. You’ll need to find a camp of warriors and clear the stronghold of the Ancestral Nexus. Completing this mission grants you access to the Dark Citadel, enabling you to participate in this exciting activity.

Once you unlock the Dark Citadel for the first time, it remains available for all your characters, adding great value to your gameplay experience.

Gameplay Features of the Dark Citadel

The Dark Citadel is set up as a cooperative dungeon where players team up to face challenging content. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect:

Enemies in the Dark Citadel include khazra, monstrous goat-like beings that present a unique challenge. This activity requires at least two players but can support up to four, which is highly recommended for a smoother experience.

Structure of the Dark Citadel

The dungeon is divided into three distinct wings or trials, each with its own puzzles and mechanics. The order of unlocking these wings is as follows:

• Enclave of Discord (left wing)
• Maze of Souls (right wing)
• Domain of Zagraal (central wing)

To successfully navigate these wings, it’s advisable to play with friends, especially if you can communicate through voice chat. Alternatively, you can utilize the group finder feature to connect with other players for assistance.

Communication and Coordination

Effective communication is crucial in the Dark Citadel. A new ping system is available to help players signal positions or quickly indicate actions, which enhances coordination during your runs.

Keep in mind that the content in the Dark Citadel is designed for high-level players, featuring extremely powerful enemies and unique bosses. Ensure your character is well-prepared before embarking on this challenging adventure.

Rewards from the Dark Citadel

Participating in the Dark Citadel provides chances for valuable rewards. Each week, you can earn a Dark Citadel Contender Cache as your final reward.

• This cache is available after completing all three wings at any Torment level within the Citadel.
• It guarantees the acquisition of ancestral gear along with various materials.
• Rewards reset weekly, so plan your runs accordingly.
• Completing the Citadel at Torment IV may also yield exclusive gear sets, mounts, and other cosmetic rewards.

Moreover, during your raid in the Citadel, you can defeat khazra treasure guardians to collect Citadel coins. This unique currency can be exchanged at the Nexus merchant for scrolls, elixirs, incense, gear caches, crafting materials, gems, and weapon cosmetics.