Diablo 4 Season 1: Season of the Malignant start date, Battle Pass, powers, more

Diablo 4 Season 1 is finally here, introducing Season of the Malignant to all players, but what can be found in the Battle Pass, when did it start, and what do we know about when it may end? 

Diablo 4 continues the seasonal content system from the previous game, which has become increasingly popular in modern multiplayer gaming. It offers a chance for everyone to earn a number of cosmetics in the game, while taking part in new events and taking on new bosses. 

So, read on to learn everything you need to know about Season of the Malignant, Diablo 4's first season, alongside what we know about when it could end, the Battle Pass and more.

• Check out our best endgame builds for each class in Diablo 4 Season 1.

When did Diablo 4 Season 1 start?

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Diablo 4 Season 1 began on July 20, 2023, marking the beginning of the game's seasonal content loop that will likely continue for as long as the game is supported.

If you still haven't jumped into the seasonal content, you'll need to finish the game's campaign before you can begin to take part in Season 1 content.

There was a period of time between the game's launch and the beginning of Season 1, allowing players time to finish the game, but if you're jumping into Diablo 4 late, you won't have the luxury of this extra time.

• Want to take part in some events? Check how to complete the Diablo 4 Obelisk world event. 

Is there a Diablo 4 Season 1 end date?

While an exact date is not yet known, the Diablo 4 Season 1 end date will likely be around October 17, 2023. This is a speculative date based on Blizzard saying that "seasons are quarterly releases" in an official blog post, putting them at roughly three months each.

This leaves you plenty of time to enjoy Season of the Malignant and complete the Battle Pass.

• Check out our list of the Diablo 4 best XP farm locations.

What's included in Diablo 4 Season 1?

Check out the Diablo 4 Season of the Malignant announcement trailer below:

New story content focuses on a Malignant Plague (hence the seasonal title). The infestation has spread across the world, and you can start the new story now by visiting Kyovashad.

The Malignant plague will transform some enemies, offering tougher fights, with a new boss called Varshan the Consumed. Defeating these Malignant enemies can cause Caged Hearts to drop, which can be socketed into your items, with a whopping 32 Caged Hearts to find.

Blizzard promised some "stupidly broken builds", and you'll be able to farm them from Malignant Tunnel dungeons.

• Why not also check out how to get all the Diablo 4 Mount Armour in the game.

Diablo 4 Season of the Malignant Battle Pass for Season 1

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Surprise surprise, there's also a new 100-tier Diablo 4 battle pass, filled with new content to earn. What's particularly exciting, though, is that it's free to complete seasonal challenges - not unlike the type you'd find in games like Destiny 2.

Naturally, while there are free tiers (27 free tiers, to be precise), the others are paid. These only offer cosmetics, though. 

The Premium Diablo 4 Battle Pass costs 1000 Platinum (£8.39/$9.88), which comes with a further 63 rewards to earn.

Additionally, there is an Accelerated version for 2800 Platinum, which provides 20 tier skips and a special cosmetic item.

It's also worth noting that the Battle Pass is 'class agnostic', meaning the cosmetics you earn can be applied to all classes.

That's all for our explanation of what we know about the Diablo 4 Season 1 update so far.

For more on the game, check out our Diablo 4 homepage, or our Diablo 4 class tier list which covers the best classes for both solo and team play.