Excogitate Podcast Group

Diablo 4 Season 9: Unleashing the Madness of Escalating Nightmares

Season 9 of Diablo 4, titled Sins of the Horadrim, brings a fresh layer of chaos and complexity to Sanctuary with the introduction of Escalating Nightmare Dungeons. Designed as a new endgame mode, these dungeon chains are tailored for those who crave increasingly brutal challenges and powerful rewards.

So, what exactly are Escalating Nightmares? Imagine stepping into a Nightmare Dungeon, fighting through its deadly affixes, and then instead of breathing a sigh of relief at the end, being thrown through a portal into an even more dangerous encounter. That’s the concept. Escalating Nightmares chain three Nightmare Dungeons together back-to-back, with each dungeon carrying over the modifiers (affixes) from the previous one.

This means that by the time you enter the third dungeon, you’re dealing with a cocktail of pain — three sets of affixes, relentless enemies, and if you’re in Torment Tier difficulty, boosted monster strength. Every step down the rabbit hole tests your build, coordination, and composure.

Starting an Escalating Nightmare requires an Escalation Sigil, which you can earn through seasonal reputation with the Horadric Knowledge system, or loot from Horadric caches in Strongrooms starting in Torment I. Once activated, you’ll open the first portal, and then the descent begins.

If you’re strong enough to survive through the third dungeon on Torment difficulty, you’ll be teleported to the lair of Exalted Astaroth, a boss fight that redefines "epic." Astaroth has returned, but this time he’s even more dangerous. After a certain point, he splits from his demonic mount, creating two simultaneous threats: Astaroth and the Amalgam. Kill the wrong one too fast, and you’ll face a revival — a mechanic that punishes recklessness and rewards tactical execution Diablo 4 gold.

Add dungeon affixes into the mix — which also apply during this boss encounter — and you’ve got one of the most intense fights in Diablo 4 to date.

The rewards? They're worth every scream. Defeating Escalating Nightmares and Astaroth offers a chance to obtain a Horadric Jewel, a new item that ties into the evolving systems of Season 9. In addition, players can expect Uniques, Obducite, gold, and a shot at legendary loot.

While not necessarily the absolute hardest content in the game, Escalating Nightmares provide a fresh twist on a familiar format. They layer on pressure and danger, making each run unique and exhilarating. For players seeking new endgame challenges that blend risk and reward, this is one seasonal activity you won’t want to skip Diablo 4 Items.