How to start a Seasonal character in Diablo 4

If you're looking into starting a Seasonal character in Diablo 4 to take part in the Season of the Malignant, the method is ever so slightly different than how characters on an Eternal Realm work - so here's a breakdown of what you need to know.

Season 1 of Diablo 4 is now in full swing, allowing players to take part in plenty of challenges to level up their Battle Pass progress in the game. To take part in everything that's available, though, you'll need a Seasonal character.

The process of making one isn't too complicated, but there are some things you need to know before embarking on the Season Journey in Diablo 4 with a Seasonal character. 

• Unsure of which class to run in Season 1? Check out our Diablo 4 PvE class tier list.

How to start a Seasonal character in Diablo 4

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To start a Seasonal character in Diablo 4, launch the game and create a new character. Select one of the five classes as you normally would, and customise the character to your heart's content. Then navigate to the Finalise tab. 

Before Finalising your character, we recommend checking off the Skip Campaign box - if that option is available for you. This will allow you to skip the story and get directly into the Seasonal content.

When you're ready to continue, click Start Game. Now, you must choose the Realm for your character. To make a seasonal character, designate your character for the Seasonal Realm.

• Here are the best builds for endgame content in Diablo 4 for each class.

How to play Seasonal content in Diablo 4

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Just because you created a Seasonal character, however, this does not mean you can hop right into Seasonal content, as before you can access it, you must first have completed the Campaign on either the Eternal or Seasonal Realms with at least one character.

If you don't opt to skip the Campaign when you create your Seasonal character, you will have to beat the entire Campaign before unlocking the Seasonal content.

• Here's how to get the Black River weapon in Diablo 4.

Differences between Seasonal characters and Eternal characters in Diablo 4

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If your experience on the Eternal Realm is getting stale, Seasonal characters are the perfect way to spice up Diablo 4, as Seasonal characters get exclusive access to Seasonal content, which there is an array of.

In Diablo 4's inaugural Season, Season of the Malignant, Seasonal characters can embark on the Burning from Within Questline, get and use Malignant Hearts, venture into Malignant Tunnels, and more! Furthermore, playing a Seasonal character makes you eligible to earn all sorts of rewards from the Season Journey and Battle Pass. None of this content is available for Eternal characters.

To make the transition to a new Seasonal character less tedious, Seasonal characters can skip the Campaign and get access to their Mount immediately. In addition, all previously discovered Altars of Lilith, and previously discovered areas of the map, are automatically revealed - plus you start with the corresponding Renown! Log into your main Eternal character before creating a Seasonal character to ensure all your progress carries over.

When a Season ends, your Seasonal character and its progress will shift to the Eternal Realm. Everything you acquired, except for Season-specific features like Season Blessings, will transfer over too.

That's all you need to know to start a Seasonal character in Diablo 4. Seasonal characters make Diablo 4 feel fresh again! For all the latest news and guides on everything Sanctuary, be sure to check out our Diablo homepage.