
With the Lord of Hatred expansion in Diablo 4, the new Warlock class brings a fresh questline that every player must complete to unlock its core mechanic — the Soul Shard system. Unlike other classes that gain power more passively, Warlocks must earn theirs through a series of ritual-based quests involving demon binding. Here’s a simplified, no-nonsense guide to help you complete every step quickly and efficiently.
The Warlock questline becomes available at level 15. Once triggered, you’ll begin a chain of missions that ultimately unlock your ability to bind demons and enhance your build.
Important note:
While you unlock the system early, some of its advanced features won’t become usable until level 30.
Step 1: Disciple of the Forbidden
Your journey starts in the Dry Steppes, after leaving Skovos and heading toward Ked Bardu. You’ll meet an NPC named Hattar, who introduces you to forbidden power. From there:
Travel to the Heretic’s Sanctum
Clear enemies and explore the dungeon
Defeat the Bound Hate Priest
Meet Hattar at the end to receive the Binding Stone
This item is essential — it allows you to begin binding demons in the next quests.
Step 2–4: Binding the Three Demons
After the first quest, you’ll unlock three missions that can be completed in any order. Each one involves summoning and binding a different demon.
1) Belly of the Beast
Located in the Brackish Pans area of the Dry Steppes.
Follow the ritual instructions and draw the summoning pattern
Enter a corrupted zone and clear enemies
Perform a sacrifice to summon Ae’grom
This demon focuses on melee attacks and area damage. Avoid its ground effects and defeat it to complete the binding ritual.
2) The Insatiable Hunger
Takes place in the Blistered Barrens.
Eliminate enemies guarding a sealed entrance
Hunt down five Sorcerer Husks (they teleport frequently)
Unlock the chamber and face Laalish
The fight is straightforward. Just avoid its area attacks and complete the ritual once it’s weakened.
3) Fang and Flame
Found in Chambatar Ridge.
Defeat the Fiend of Malice to obtain a key item
Enter a portal and push through waves of enemies
Perform another ritual to summon the Abodian Hellhound
This boss uses fire-based attacks and leaps around frequently. Stay mobile, avoid explosions, and finish the binding.
Step 5: Culmination of Ambition
Return to the Heretic’s Sanctum for the final chapter. Here’s what happens:
Hattar reveals his true intentions
Defeat the Hate Priest Scion
Confront and defeat Hattar himself
Bind the final demon, Valloch
Despite the dramatic setup, these fights are relatively easy if you’ve kept your gear up to date.
Completing the full questline grants access to the Soul Shard system, a key Warlock mechanic that allows you to:
Bind demons to your character
Enhance abilities with unique effects
Customize your build further for endgame content
The Warlock class questline in Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred is more about learning mechanics than testing difficulty. Most encounters are manageable, and the objectives are straightforward once you know where to go.
If you’re planning to main Warlock, finishing these quests early is essential. The Soul Shard system plays a major role in your power scaling — and the sooner you unlock it, the stronger your build becomes.