With Diablo 4 items’s new Reliquary system fully rolled out in Season 8, players are now faced with a familiar question: Should I stick with the free track or invest in the premium Reliquaries? While the system offers generous rewards in both tiers, there are key differences in what you get — and how you get it.

In this blog, we’ll compare Free vs Premium Reliquaries to help you decide which path suits your playstyle and whether the paid content is worth your time (and Platinum).

The Basics: What Are Free and Premium Reliquaries?

There are currently four major Reliquaries in Season 8:

• Belial’s Return (Free) – Automatically available to all players.

• Weapons (Premium) – Requires Platinum to unlock.

• Beasts (Premium) – Offers pets and mounts; also paid.

• Armor (Premium) – Focused on armor cosmetics; requires Platinum.

You can either buy individual premium Reliquaries, or purchase a Deluxe Bundle that unlocks all of them — often with extra cosmetics and a bonus pet.

Free Reliquary: What You Get

The Free Reliquary, titled Belial’s Return, is available the moment you log in during Season 8. Here’s what it offers:

• A full track of themed armor skins

• Free Platinum (small amounts)

• Limited-time emotes and visual effects

• Seasonal cosmetics tied to the Season of Hatred

Pros:

• Zero cost — no monetary investment needed.

• Thematic rewards fit with the seasonal lore.

• No time restrictions on unlocking (as long as the season is active).

Cons:

• The reward pool is smaller (usually 10–12 items).

• Less variety — no mounts or weapons included.

• Fewer customization options (e.g., no alternate color variants).

The free Reliquary is a great way to test the system, earn decent cosmetics, and get rewarded just for playing. However, if you’re looking for more variety or exclusivity, you’ll find the premium options more appealing.

Premium Reliquaries: What’s Different?

Each Premium Reliquary comes with its own aesthetic and set of items. You must unlock these with Platinum, Diablo 4’s paid currency.

Example Breakdown:

• Weapons Reliquary: Glowing weapon skins, alternate weapon effects.

• Beasts Reliquary: Mounts, pets, and creature-themed armor sets.

• Armor Reliquary: High-end class-specific armor skins and helmets.

Each Premium Reliquary typically contains 12–15 items, including a Bonus Reward unlocked after completing the full track.

Pros:

• Higher visual quality and design diversity.

• Includes items not available in the free track (e.g., mounts, Platinum).

• Bonus cosmetics that often include exclusive visual effects.

• Ability to mix and match across all unlocked Reliquaries.

Cons:

• Costs real money or Platinum.

• May not be worth it if you’re not cosmetic-focused.

• Rewards are still non-gameplay-affecting — purely visual.

Cost Analysis: Is Premium Worth It?

Unlocking a single Premium Reliquary costs around 800–1000 Platinum, depending on the season. The Deluxe Bundle (which unlocks all three) typically costs ~2500–2700 Platinum, and sometimes includes an extra bonus like a pet or mount.

So is it worth it?

It depends on your priorities:

• If you’re a cosmetic collector, premium Reliquaries offer massive value.

• If you main one class, you might only want to buy the Armor Reliquary.

• If you’re a casual player with no interest in visual customization, the free Reliquary is more than enough.

If you often spend money on cosmetics in other games (e.g., Fortnite, Destiny 2, League of Legends), premium Reliquaries deliver a comparable experience — with the added bonus that you earn the unlocks through gameplay, not purchases.

Deluxe Battle Pass Bundle: The Middle Ground

Blizzard also offers a Deluxe Bundle, which gives you:

• All three Premium Reliquaries

• Bonus pet or exclusive mount

• A head start with a few items unlocked

For dedicated players, this bundle offers better value than buying each Reliquary individually. It’s the best option for players who know they’ll be active all season long.

Final Verdict

Bottom Line:

• Casual players or those on a budget can comfortably enjoy the Free Reliquary.

• Players who want full customization, collect rare mounts, or enjoy cosmetics will find real value in the Premium Reliquaries.

• The Deluxe Bundle is the best D4 items option for anyone planning to dive deep into the season.