The Kurast Undercity returns in Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred as a fast-paced dungeon reminiscent of Diablo 3’s Greater Rifts, but with its unique twist. Originally part of Diablo 2's third act, the Kurast Undercity has been reworked into a timed dungeon activity, where players fight through waves of monsters before facing a challenging final boss. With rewards tied to Tributes and Blessings, the dungeon offers opportunities to farm powerful gear, making it an excellent choice for endgame players aiming to enhance their loadout.

Unlocking the Kurast Undercity

The Kurast Undercity is unlocked through the “Deeds of a Champion” quest, which becomes available after completing the campaign. This post-campaign quest chain introduces players to Diablo 4’s endgame content. One of the required objectives is to defeat the Terror of Five Hills, a boss within the dungeon’s layout. Once this task is completed, the dungeon is unlocked for your character. From there, you can enter the Undercity at any time, but remember that rewards are tied to consumable items known as Tributes, and you can further modify your loot with Blessings.

How the Kurast Undercity Works

In terms of gameplay, the Kurast Undercity follows a structure similar to Diablo 3's Greater Rifts. The dungeon is split into three distinct levels, with two timed floors. As you explore, be sure to consult your map. It will display several icons that point out optional events or monster groups. Completing these events or defeating specific monsters grants bonus time to your timer, helping you progress through the dungeon more efficiently.

The main source of time is from braziers scattered throughout the dungeon. These interactable objects will spawn waves of enemies, and upon defeating them, they provide additional time as well as a significant cooldown reduction boost. This allows you to use your ultimate skills more freely. Once you’ve cleared two floors, you’ll reach the boss arena.

Boss Fights

The boss fights in Kurast Undercity are not timed, which allows you to focus entirely on defeating the powerful foes that await. These encounters are reminiscent of Nightmare Dungeon boss fights, so be on the lookout for the boss’s telegraphed AoE attacks and prepare to use healing potions when necessary. Additionally, try to stagger the boss, as this will give you windows of opportunity to deal concentrated damage. Once you defeat the boss, you’ll unlock a reward chest filled with valuable items. This chest can be influenced by Tributes and Blessings to improve your loot.

Kurast Undercity Rewards

The rewards from Kurast Undercity primarily come from two sources: the boss chest and the bonuses provided by Tributes and Blessings. While the boss chest itself offers a few Legendary Diablo IV Items, including a high chance for a Rune, the real value lies in the modifications you can make to the chest’s contents with Tributes and Blessings.

Tributes

Tributes are consumable items that players can offer to the spirit brazier located before starting a Kurast Undercity run. When used, Tributes modify the reward chest, giving you a chance to obtain specific items, such as Runes, Ancestral gear, or even increased drop rates for Mythic Uniques. Tributes come in different rarities and can be found through various endgame activities like Nightmare Dungeons, Pit runs, or Helltide chests. Some can also be earned through the Season Journey or the "Deeds of a Champion" quest chain.

Blessings

Blessings are another powerful modifier for Kurast Undercity rewards. After offering a Tribute at the spirit brazier, players can activate a Blessing, which alters the types of Legendary and Unique items that drop from the reward chest. Blessings require crafting materials and apply to all items in the chest. For example, a Blessing that increases +Skill Ranks will ensure that all Legendary gear from the chest has this modifier. Only one Blessing can be active at a time, so players must carefully choose which one best suits their farming goals.

Strategy Tips

While the dungeon itself is straightforward, maximizing your rewards requires a bit of strategy. Here are some tips for a successful Kurast Undercity run:

Focus on Events: Completing optional events and slaying special monsters will provide you with extra time, which is essential for finishing the timed floors.

Utilize Braziers: Don’t overlook the braziers. Activating them not only gives bonus time but also boosts your cooldown reduction, allowing you to spam your ultimate abilities more frequently.

Prepare for Boss Fights: Keep potions ready, and always be mindful of the boss’s AoE attacks. Make sure to stagger the boss for brief damage windows.

Tributes and Blessings: Choose your Tributes and Blessings wisely. Tributes can significantly impact your rewards, while Blessings modify all loot from the boss chest, so select ones that fit your build and farming goals.

Conclusion

The Kurast Undercity in Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred offers a thrilling endgame activity that combines fast-paced combat with the opportunity for rewarding loot farming. With its timed floors, boss encounters, and the ability to target specific affixes through Tributes and Blessings,  it's an excellent option for players looking to enhance their gear in addition to Buy Diablo IV Items. By understanding how Tributes and Blessings work and making strategic choices, you can maximize your rewards and progress through the endgame with powerful new items.