Welcome to the ultimate guide to optimizing your runs in The Infernal Hordes, a wave-based dungeon mechanic introduced in Diablo 4 Season 7. With the right approach to stacking Ether and selecting Boons, you can maximize your rewards, including gem fragments, Obols, and more. Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned player, this guide will provide you with actionable insights to improve your results and make the most of your time in the dungeons.
What Are The Infernal Hordes?
The Infernal Hordes is a dungeon mode where you face a series of waves ranging from six to ten. Each wave lasts for one minute, and your objective is to clear all the monsters that spawn, which are marked in red on your minimap. As you slay these foes, events are triggered, allowing you to collect Ether, a critical resource for enhancing your performance in subsequent waves.
At the end of every wave, you’ll be presented with three choices for Boons and Banes. Banes impose penalties, such as increased enemy damage, while Boons provide benefits like additional Ether gains. Selecting the right combination is key to stacking Ether efficiently and achieving better results in higher Torment tiers.
Why Push Higher Torment Tiers?
The rewards in The Infernal Hordes scale with the Torment tier. While the quality of Diablo 4 items remains consistent across all tiers, the quantity significantly increases as you progress from Torment 1 to Torment 4. This makes it advantageous to push higher tiers if your character is capable of managing the increased difficulty.
For example, a Torment 4 run can yield a much larger amount of Obols and gem fragments compared to a Torment 1 run. However, surviving higher torment tiers requires strategic decision-making, particularly in selecting Boons and managing Ether efficiently.
Key Boon Choices for Ether Stacking
The foundation of a successful run lies in making intelligent choices from the Boons and Banes offered at the end of each wave. Here’s a breakdown of the best options for stacking Ether:
Elites are particularly valuable because they grant Ether upon defeat. Look for options like “Surging Elites,” which provide a chance to spawn double Elites, or “Unstoppable Elites,” which add bonus Ether for each Elite defeated.
Hellborn always spawn in pairs, and their Ether rewards can stack if you select multiple Boons that enhance their spawn rates or Ether output. For example, selecting “Surging Hellborn” increases the number of Hellborn that appear, while “Exalted Hellborn” boosts the Ether they provide.
Example Boon Progression
To illustrate how to apply these principles, here’s an example of a nine-wave run with effective Boon selections:
| Wave | Boon Selected | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Draining Spires | +2 Ether per Spire completed |
| 2 | Surging Elites | Chance to spawn double Elites |
| 3 | Hellborn Are Hunting You | +1 Ether per Hellborn spawn |
| 4 | Transfer Elites Doubled | +2 Ether per Elite kill |
| 5 | Exalted Hellborn | +1 Ether per Hellborn spawn |
| 6 | Unstoppable Elites | +2 Ether per Elite kill |
| 7 | Surging Hellborn | Increased Hellborn spawn rates |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not all Boons are created equal, and some choices can hinder your Ether stacking. Avoid selecting options that do not provide Ether benefits, such as character buffs that increase damage or defense. While these might seem useful, they do not contribute to your Ether total and can limit your progress in higher waves.
For example, “Burning Rain” and “Teeming Masses” can be helpful in niche scenarios but should generally be avoided unless no other Ether-generating options are available. Instead, focus on Boons that directly increase Ether gains or spawn rates for Elites and Hellborn.
Tips for Smarter Runs
Plan Ahead: Consider your character’s strengths and weaknesses when selecting Boons. If you excel at crowd control, prioritize Hellborn spawns. If you’re better at handling tough enemies, focus on Elites.
Adapt to RNG: The random nature of Boons and Banes means you won’t always get your preferred choices. Be flexible and make the best selection based on the options available in each wave.
By following these strategies and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll be well-equipped to maximize your Ether gains and achieve better results in The Infernal Hordes. Share this guide with your friends, and let us know how these tips worked for you!
