The Diablo 4 DLC "Vessel of Hatred" introduces exciting new content, including three challenging Strongholds located in the region of Nahantu. These Strongholds, a feature first introduced in the base game, provide players with a unique opportunity to shape the game world by permanently changing the map and unlocking additional content such as waypoints, side quests, and dungeons. Completing these Strongholds not only provides valuable rewards, such as 100 Renown and Diablo 4 Gold, but also enhances the player’s experience in the DLC.

In this guide, we’ll take a detailed look at the three Strongholds in Nahantu—Chakhir, Kichuk, and Festering Dark—and walk you through how to complete each of them while unlocking powerful rewards.

 What Are Strongholds in Diablo 4?

Strongholds in Diablo 4 are minidungeons scattered across the game’s map, each with a set of specific challenges and objectives that must be completed. Once cleared, these areas are permanently changed, transforming them into valuable points of interest such as waypoints or quest hubs. Strongholds were introduced in the base game of Diablo 4, but the Vessel of Hatred DLC adds new Strongholds with unique challenges, particularly in the dangerous and mysterious region of Nahantu.

By completing Strongholds, players can gain 100 Reputation, which is crucial for unlocking rewards in the DLC, and also access new dungeons, side quests, and waypoints.

 Nahantu’s Three Strongholds

The three Strongholds in Nahantu are spread across different zones, each with its own unique mechanics and bosses. The Strongholds in this region are:

1. Chakhir – Located to the west of Seven Stones.

2. Kichuk – Found on the northeastern edge of Teganze Plateau.

3. Festering Dark – Situated in the southern part of Restless Canopy.

Each Stronghold comes with distinct objectives and boss fights that require different strategies to overcome. Let’s break down how to complete each one.

 1. Chakhir Stronghold

Location: West of Seven Stones

Chakhir is the first Stronghold you will likely encounter in Nahantu. The main objective here is to clear the slag that has been corrupted by poisonous magic and discover its source. To complete Chakhir, players must destroy brewing cauldrons scattered throughout the Stronghold. However, some cauldrons are protected by Cauldron Keepers, powerful enemies that must be defeated to remove the protective barrier around the cauldrons.

 Key Objectives:

 Find and Destroy Cauldrons: Scour the Stronghold for cauldrons, some of which are hidden behind Befouled Briars that must be removed before you can destroy the cauldrons.

 Defeat Cauldron Keepers: Some cauldrons will be shielded by Cauldron Keepers. Defeating these enemies will remove the shields, allowing you to destroy the cauldrons.

After you have destroyed all the cauldrons, you will head to the middle of the Stronghold to face the boss Darm.

 Boss Fight: Darm

When battling Darm, players must watch out for the exploding flowers scattered on the ground, as stepping on them can cause significant damage. After defeating Darm, the next task is to destroy the four Falo Blooms located in the middle room of the Stronghold. This action will summon two additional bosses—Sinerat and Skerg.

 Boss Fight: Sinerat and Skerg

During the fight with Sinerat and Skerg, be mindful of the flames and exploding flowers on the battlefield. These environmental hazards can quickly overwhelm unprepared players. Once both bosses are defeated, players will need to interact with the Wanderer’s Shrine to complete the Stronghold and receive their rewards.

Rewards:

 100 Renown

 Diablo 4 Gold

 Waypoints, side quests, or dungeons unlocked

 2. Kichuk Stronghold

Location: Northeastern edge of Teganze Plateau

Kichuk is the second Stronghold in Nahantu, and it presents a different challenge from Chakhir. The goal in Kichuk is to fend off an attack by the Lacuni, a group of savage enemies, while also rescuing villagers trapped in cages.

 Key Objectives:

 Rescue Villagers: Locate and free the villagers scattered across the Stronghold by destroying their cages.

 Defend the Survivors: Once the villagers are freed, players must help them fend off waves of Lacuni attackers.

Once the Lacuni have been repelled, players will need to enter the caves near the village to destroy pillars that are empowering the Lacuni forces.

 Destroying the Pillars

While destroying the pillars inside the caves, more powerful Lacuni will spawn to try and stop you. After destroying all the pillars, you will need to quickly return to the entrance of the cave before a timer runs out. Failure to escape in time will result in heavy damage from falling rocks.

 Boss Fight: Kirma

Once you have returned to the village, it’s time to take on Kirma, the leader of the Stronghold. During the fight with Kirma, there are two important mechanics to keep in mind:

1. Transformation: When Kirma takes enough damage, it will transform and restore all of its health. This makes it essential to time your attacks effectively.

2. Teleportation: Kirma will periodically disappear and reappear at different points in the arena, making it tricky to keep track of the boss.

After Kirma is defeated, players can go to the shrine to complete the Stronghold and unlock their rewards.

Rewards:

 100 Renown

 Waypoint unlocked

 Diablo 4 Gold

 Access to side quests or dungeons

 3. Festering Dark Stronghold

Location: Southern Restless Canopy

Festering Dark is the most complex of the three Strongholds in Nahantu, primarily due to its unique lantern mechanics. The main objective here is to light braziers scattered throughout the Stronghold using lanterns that can be found on the ground. Players must carry the lanterns to each brazier while navigating the dangers of the area.

 Key Objectives:

 Carry and Light Lanterns: While carrying a lantern, you won’t be able to attack. Any damage you take will cause you to drop the lantern, forcing you to pick it up again after the fight. Each time you light a brazier, the lantern will automatically move to the next area.

 Destroy Obstacles: As you follow the lantern, destroy any obstacles that block its path.

As more braziers are lit, more of the Stronghold opens up, eventually leading to the appearance of the miniboss Vesicator.

 MiniBoss: Vesicator

Vesicator is not particularly dangerous, but it is a prelude to the final boss of the Stronghold. Once Vesicator is defeated, you will proceed to the Gates of the Necropolis, a new area that must be unlocked by lighting more braziers.

 Final Boss Fight: Maleficium

The fight with Maleficium is a challenging one. The battlefield will be littered with giant red circles and lines that deal heavy damage if players stand in them. Maleficium can only be damaged while it is standing in the light, meaning players must position themselves carefully to take advantage of the lit areas.

When Maleficium’s health drops below 50%, it will extinguish all the braziers, becoming completely invincible. Players must then quickly find a brazier that hasn’t been covered by dark energy, light it, and continue the fight. Once Maleficium is defeated, interact with the shrine to complete the Stronghold.

Rewards:

 100 Renown

 Betrayed Tomb Dungeon unlocked

 Gates of the Necropolis Waypoint unlocked

 Diablo 4 Gold

 Conclusion

Completing the three Strongholds in Nahantu—Chakhir, Kichuk, and Festering Dark—not only provides significant rewards in terms of reputation and gold but also unlocks crucial waypoints, side quests, and dungeons that enhance the Diablo 4 experience. Each Stronghold offers a unique set of challenges, from environmental hazards and enemy waves to intricate puzzles and boss mechanics. With careful strategy and attention to detail, you can conquer these Strongholds and reap the rewards that will help you dominate the Vessel of Hatred DLC. Happy hunting!