Diablo 4 Helltides Farm Guide: Top Strategies, Loot and Locations for Season 5
In Diablo IV, Helltides are special endgame events in Sanctuary that offer awesome items like Forgotten Soul to power up your gear. They’re perfect for farming Legendaries and Uniques to make you a total boss!
During a Helltide, you’ll face tougher enemies, providing a challenging but rewarding way to get better gear and more XP. They’re designed for higher-level players and are great for leveling up.
Or, if you want to level up quickly without the long grind, try our Diablo 4 Power Leveling Boost service.
This guide shares the best strategies for gathering rewards during Helltides, with tips to maximize your loot and make the most of these exciting events.
Helltides are accessible to almost all character builds. No matter your playstyle, you can enjoy the rewards.
Table of content
Understanding Helltides in Diablo 4 Season 5
Helltides are intense demonic invasions that hit different zones of Sanctuary every hour. They change the landscape and bring in hordes of tough enemies.
These events are full of special activities, boss fights, and exclusive loot, available in all World Tiers. In Season 5, called Infernal Hordes, Helltides are one of the best ways to gain experience and valuable items.
The best part is that in Season 5, you can quickly level up your character to 100 using Helltides. Our Leveling Guide for Season 5 will help you get there even faster.
What Are Aberrant Cinders?
Aberrant Cinders are the main currency in Helltides. You get them by defeating enemies and finding chests in the invaded zones. These cinders let you unlock Tortured Gifts, which are special caches with targeted loot and materials.
But Aberrant Cinders only last for the current Helltide. If you die during a Helltide, you lose half of your collected cinders, and they can't be recovered.
To make the most of your Helltide runs, move strategically between different Helltide events. Fight large groups of enemies to collect a lot of cinders. This way, you can open several Tortured Gifts before the Helltide ends.
Opening Tortured Gifts
After gathering enough Aberrant Cinders, go carefully to the Tortured Gift you want to open. Avoid unnecessary risks to keep your cinders safe. In World Tiers 3 and 4, Tortured Gifts are categorized by gear slots, so you can target specific items.
For example, if you want the Tuskhelm of Joritz the Mighty, look for areas near a Tortured Gift of Boots. In World Tiers 1 and 2, all Tortured Gifts are Tortured Gifts of Mystery, which can have loot for any gear slot.
Pro Tip: Use Wowhead's Diablo 4 Helltide Tracker to stay ahead.
How to Unlock Helltide in Season 5
In Season 5: Infernal Hordes, Helltides are now available in all World Tiers, including Tiers 1 and 2. You just need to reach Kyovashad to dive into these thrilling events.
To start your Helltide, you need to complete the Priority Quest The Helltide Rises. To access it, open your map and check your Priority Quests in the Journal. Begin by talking to Doomsayer Pira, located on the left side of the World Tier Statue in Kyovashad.
Completing this quest gives you experience, gold, and access to the Helltides. Here are more details:
| World Tier | Details |
|---|---|
| World Tiers 1 & 2 |
|
| World Tier 3 |
|
| World Tier 4 |
|
Locations and Timer in Helltide Season 5
Helltides are thrilling hourly events that engulf specific zones in Sanctuary with intense demonic invasions. They last for 55 minutes before subsiding, only to reemerge 5 minutes later.
It is important to know that the locations where Helltides happen in Diablo 4 are totally random. When a Helltide is going on, you can see it on the map because it stands out with its special wine-red color that covers different parts of a zone.
To join a Helltide, teleport to the nearest Waypoint and head to the event's location. Keep an eye on the Helltide Timer, Aberrant Cinders, Baneful Heart, and Helltide Threat Meter displayed near your minimap.
Navigating Helltides:
- Helltide Timer: Shows how much time is left in the active Helltide. Collect Aberrant Cinders before it ends.
- Helltide Threat Meter: Fills as you engage in combat, escalating enemy difficulty.
- Aberrant Cinders: Gather these from enemies and chests to unlock Tortured Gifts.
- Baneful Heart: Use them to summon the Blood Maiden for rewards.
All Locations Helltide Zones:
Hawezar (Dissmil Foothills, Fethis Wetlands, Ruins of Rakhat Keep, Eriman's Pyre):
Kehjistan (Amber Sands, Ragged Coastline, Southern Expanse, Dilapidated Aqueducts):
Dry Steppes (Khargai Crags, Temple of Rot, Untamed Scarps, The Onyx Watchtower):
Scosglen (Northshore, Deep Forest, Tur Dulra, Hope's Light):
Fractured Peaks (Sarkova Pass, Frigid Expanse, Kor Dragan, Malnok):
Strategy for Farming Helltides in Diablo 4 Season of Infernal Hordes
Helltides are now the ultimate loot spots. Your main goal is to collect Aberrant Cinders to open Tortured Gifts.
These chests have Elixirs, crafting materials, and gear from normal to Sacred and Ancestral Legendary and Unique items, depending on the World Tier.
Helltides are also great for farming Gold and Forgotten Soul, a key material for enchanting gear at The Occultist. And if you want to skip the grind, you can earn gold even faster with our Diablo 4 Gold Farming!
Doomsayers
Season 4 introduced Doomsayers, mysterious NPCs that add extra rewards. Talking to a Doomsayer can spawn an Elite enemy, a Treasure Goblin, or a loot eruption. These encounters can give you many Legendary and Unique items, crafting materials, Obols, and Gold.
Doomsayers also help with Whispers of the Dead objectives, giving Grim Favors for more rewards.
Accursed Rituals and the Blood Maiden
Accursed Rituals are special events in Helltides where you can fight the Blood Maiden, a tough demon with great loot.
To start an Accursed Ritual, you need three Baneful Hearts, which you and other players can collect. These events show up on the minimap as demonic skull icons.
When an Accursed Ritual starts, nearby players get a notification, and the map icon changes. You’ll fight waves of demons and then the Blood Maiden. She’s tough but drops powerful items. Her location is marked with a unique icon on the minimap.
Blood Maiden Mechanics
- Flame Ring: The Blood Maiden casts a ring of fire that expands outward. Only the ring's edge does damage. Use a movement skill to get inside the ring. If hit, you'll take fire damage and become vulnerable.
- Flame Circle: The Blood Maiden targets you with a circle of fire. Move away from teammates. New circles appear every half second, up to four times, then explode. Keep moving to spread out the circles and minimize damage.
- Summon Disciples: At 75%, 50%, and 25% health, the Blood Maiden summons four Hellborne Disciples with fire circles. These tougher enemies need to be eliminated quickly.
Portal Invasion Event
In Diablo 4's Helltide, the Portal Invasion Event offers a thrilling challenge. This event replaces Local Events in certain zones and starts with Occultists performing a dark ritual. Your job? Stop them!
As you fight the Occultists, Invasion Portals open, releasing waves of demons. Each wave is tougher but offers better rewards. The event ends with a Helltide Commander Boss—a tough enemy that tests your skills.
Defeating the boss gives you valuable Aberrant Cinders, items, and Obols. These rewards help you progress in Helltide and strengthen your character.
Rewards in Helltide
Get ready for Diablo 4's Helltides in Season 5, where rewards await in Tortured Gifts. These chests hold legendary and unique items, but you won't know what's inside until you open them. Earn Aberrant Cinders by defeating monsters to unlock these gifts before the event ends!
Collect Aberrant Cinders to unlock Tortured Gifts, special chests filled with amazing loot like super rare Sacred Legendary Items and Ancient Legendary Items.
All Tortured Gifts:
| World Tiers | Gift Type | Cost (Aberrant Cinders) | Contents |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 & 2 | Tortured Gift of Mysteries | 100 |
|
| 3 & 4 | Tortured Gift of Protection | 75 |
|
| 3 & 4 | Tortured Gift of Jewelry (Rings) | 75 |
|
| 3 & 4 | Tortured Gift of Jewelry (Amulets) | 125 |
|
| 3 & 4 | Tortured Gift of Weaponry (Light) | 125 |
|
| 3 & 4 | Tortured Gift of Weaponry (Heavy) | 150 |
|
| 3 & 4 | Tortured Gift of Mysteries | 250 |
|
| 3 & 4 | Tortured Gift of Living Steel | 275 |
|
To maximize your Cinders, spend wisely. Chests cost 75 to 275 Cinders and offer top-tier loot. Choose carefully to boost your chances of getting legendary rewards.
Elixirs
Besides awesome loot, Tortured Gifts hide powerful elixirs that give you temporary boosts in battle. These elixirs can make your defenses stronger or your reflexes quicker, giving you a short but sweet edge against demons.
- Elixir of Advantage II
- Elixir of Destruction II
- Elixir of Fortitude II
- Elixir of Iron Barbs II
- Elixir of Precision II
- Elixir of Resourcefulness II
- Elixir of Holy Bolts
- Elixir of Momentum
More rewards and loot
Let's explore these additional paths to wealth and power:
- Events: Occurring frequently during Helltides, these trials provide both challenge and opportunity, yielding loot and a chance to collect over 20 Aberrant Cinders.
- Screaming Hell Veins: Emerging as the earth trembles, these veins offer the elusive Forgotten Soul and Aberrant Cinders, revealing the depths of torment within Helltides.
- Damned Souls: Found in desolate wastes, these souls offer gold, health potions, and Aberrant Cinders amidst eternal torment.
- Wretched Souls: Haunting the landscape, these souls may offer a single Cinder, providing hope amidst despair.
- Gem Fragments: Gleaming amidst darkness, these fragments offer power augmentation, enhancing strength in the chaos.
Tips & Tricks for Diablo 4 Helltide
Here are some useful tips and tricks to help you succeed:
- Be Prepared: Helltides last an hour, so prep well before diving in.
- Play Smart: Dying halves your collected Aberrant Cinders, so prioritize survival.
- Target Gear: Know which Tortured Gifts you need for specific gear slots.
- Open Gifts Promptly: All Aberrant Cinders vanish once the event ends.
- Consider Boost Services: Use our Diablo 4 Helltide Farm service to speed up your progress and earn rewards efficiently.
- Prioritize Targets: Focus on high-priority enemies for better survival chances.
- Use Consumables: Health potions and buffs can boost your chances in battles.
- Teleport to Town: Empty your inventory and return to the Helltide zone through the portal to stay in the action.
- Local Events: Look for Local Events for the most Aberrant Cinders. They offer high yields and valuable rewards, making them worth your time in each zone.
By following these tips and implementing the strategies outlined in the guide, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the treacherous depths of Helltides and emerge victorious with valuable rewards in hand.
Final Thoughts
In Diablo IV, mastering the Helltides is essential for obtaining valuable rewards and powering up your character. These intense demonic invasions offer a thrilling challenge and lucrative loot opportunities.
By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you can maximize your Aberrant Cinders collection and unlock Tortured Gifts filled with legendary and unique items.
Stay alert for Helltide dangers like meteor showers and tough bosses. Plan carefully and spend wisely to conquer Helltides and become a legendary hero of Sanctuary.
Change log
- Published on 1 July 2023
- Updated on May 26, 2024, for Season 4, Season of Loot Reborn
- Updated on August 30, 2024, for Season 5, Season of Infernal Hordes