Introduction

The Vessel of Hatred expansion in Diablo 4 introduces its first group-based raiding activity: The Dark Citadel. This high-level endgame content allows players to work together for greater rewards while defending Nahantu from a Khazra invasion. However, gaining access and mastering this activity requires preparation, teamwork, and puzzle-solving skills. This guide covers everything from unlocking The Dark Citadel to solving its intricate puzzles and maximizing rewards.

How To Unlock The Dark Citadel

Before players can enter The Dark Citadel, they must first meet the following requirements:

Complete the main campaign (defeat Lilith).

Reach level 60.

Unlock Torment 1 difficulty.

Be in a Torment 1+ World.

Once these conditions are met, track the purple Priority Quest titled "Crater of Lost Souls." Completing this questline grants access to The Dark Citadel.

Finding Key Locations

Warrior's Camp Location

During the questline, players will need to locate the Warrior's Camp, which is not marked directly on the map but rather highlighted within a large area. The camp is located in the northeastern section of this marked zone.

The Dark Citadel Entrance

After finishing the questline, players will unlock the "Rise of the Khazra" Waypoint, found in the same instance where the quest is completed. The Dark Citadel entrance is located through one of the three doorways in this area.

How To Complete The Dark Citadel

The Dark Citadel consists of puzzle-based challenges leading up to a boss fight. These puzzles are similar to mechanics introduced in the Season of Constructs and are divided into the following types:

Soul Siphons

Spirit Realm Teleporting

Group Doors

Barrier Guardians

Additionally, players must complete all three wings of The Dark Citadel as part of the "Dark Citadel Community Challenge" Priority Quest. Due to the nature of these puzzles, a party of at least two players is required.

Soul Siphon Puzzle

Similar to the Blood Altar event, players must activate and charge Soul Siphons before progressing.

Activate a Soul Siphon by interacting with it.

Stand within the marked area until the light fully charges the crystal.

Once charged, the crystal will drop to the ground and darken.

Repeat for a second Soul Siphon, then collect and place the glowing objects into altars near the door to proceed.

Spirit Realm Teleportation Puzzle

This mechanic is typically seen in boss fights, requiring players to teleport between realms.

Kill Elite "Gateway Guardians" to generate Soul Shards.

Collect Soul Shards and deposit them at the central Gateway.

Once fully charged, the Gateway activates and teleports players standing in the glowing circle.

Retrieve the marked item in the Spirit Realm.

Return through the teleporter and place the item into a spherical statue.

Group Door Puzzles

These challenges require at least two players to unlock barriers.

One player stands on a colored button, allowing the other to pass through a door.

In some cases, the second player must reach a hallway and activate a statue to unlock the original path.

Barrier Guardian Puzzle

This puzzle involves killing specific enemies to disable barriers blocking progress.

Defeat Barrier Guardians, which are large enemies with glowing energy rings.

Collect dropped Diablo 4 items from alcoves that open upon the Guardian's death.

Use the alcove teleporter to return to the main room.

Match items to their corresponding symbols on pillars.

Once all items are placed, activate the circular statue to dispel the barrier.

Finding A Party For The Dark Citadel

Players can create or join a party using Diablo 4's Party Finder, located in the top-left corner of the Social Tab.

Minimum Party Size

Two players are required to solve all puzzles.

Four players are recommended to handle the final boss due to its increased health scaling.

Best Builds For The Dark Citadel

The Dark Citadel is enemy-dense and features time-sensitive mechanics, making AoE and speed-focused builds highly effective.

Recommended Builds:

Spiritborn Builds

Quill Volley Spiritborn

Evade Eagle Spiritborn

Barbarian Builds

Leapquake Barbarian

Rend Barbarian

Rogue Builds

Shadow Step Rogue

Barrage Rogue

Sorcerer Builds

Lightning Spear Sorcerer

Fireball Sorcerer

Necromancer Builds

Minion Necromancer

Soulrift Necromancer

Tip: Since this is a group activity, Incense buffs are significantly more useful here than in solo Overworld activities.

Rewards For Completing The Dark Citadel

Standard Rewards

Completing each wing of The Dark Citadel grants:

Diablo 4 Gold

Experience Points

Khazra Horns

Citadel Coins

Forgotten Souls

Scattered Prisms

Runewords

Gear Rewards

Legendary and Unique Gear drops from chests and enemies inside.

Caches are awarded at checkpoints, containing valuable loot.

Treasure Rating increases the quality and size of caches.

"Treasure" Elites provide bonus rewards when defeated.

Citadel Coins & Vendor Purchases

Citadel Coins are the main currency for The Dark Citadel, similar to PvP rewards. They can be traded for:

Exclusive Cosmetics

Special Scrolls, Incense, and Elixirs

High-value Caches

Conclusion

The Dark Citadel is a challenging and rewarding group activity that requires teamwork, puzzle-solving, and efficient combat strategies. By utilizing optimized builds, effective coordination, and maximizing rewards, players can conquer this endgame dungeon and claim powerful loot.

Start your journey into The Dark Citadel today and rise to the challenge against the Khazra hordes!