Season of Blood has brought a wave of new challenges and opportunities in Diablo 4, most notably the introduction of Exquisite Blood, a vital resource for summoning the formidable vampire overlord, Lord Zir. While players initially encounter Lord Zir during the seasonal storyline, those looking to farm high-level gear and unique items will want to summon his echo repeatedly as an endgame activity. This guide will provide everything you need to know about obtaining Exquisite Blood and utilizing it effectively.

What is Exquisite Blood?

Exquisite Blood is a rare and valuable resource in Diablo 4, primarily used to summon Lord Zir for repeat encounters. Farming this boss is not just a nostalgic callback to the seasonal storyline but a lucrative activity, as Lord Zir has the potential to drop powerful high-level items, including Uniques and Mythic Uniques.

Updated Farming Strategies

As of the updates in Seasons 4 and 5, farming Exquisite Blood has become more streamlined and efficient. Helltides, in particular, have seen significant changes that make acquiring this resource much easier than before.

Best Ways to Farm Exquisite Blood

Exquisite Blood can be obtained through various activities in Diablo 4. However, not all methods are equally efficient. Here's a breakdown of the best sources:

Helltides:

Tortured Gift Chests: These chests, scattered throughout Helltide zones, are a reliable source of Exquisite Blood. Prioritize opening Tortured Gifts of Living Steel and Tortured Gifts of Mysteries to maximize your chances.

Hellborne and Helltide Assassins: These minibosses appear in Helltide areas and drop Exquisite Blood when defeated.

Blood Maidens: The introduction of Blood Maidens in Helltides has revolutionized Exquisite Blood farming. These enemies drop Exquisite Blood at a higher rate than other sources, making them the most efficient farming target.

World Bosses:

Exquisite Blood can drop from World Bosses or the chests they leave behind. While less efficient than Helltides, this method can still yield results.

Legion Events:

These events were previously the go-to for Exquisite Blood farming due to their regular spawn times. While still viable, Helltides have overtaken Legion Events in efficiency.

Whisper Caches:

Occasionally, Whisper Caches will contain Exquisite Blood, though this method is less reliable than others.

Treasure Goblins and Nightmare Dungeons:

Both Treasure Goblins and bosses in Nightmare Dungeons have a chance to drop Exquisite Blood, though these methods are more opportunistic and less efficient for farming.

Trading:

If you're flush with gold, you can purchase Exquisite Blood from other players via the Trade Chat Channel. Activate this channel by going to the Social tab in the Options Menu and ticking the box for Trade Chat.

Optimizing Helltide Farming for Exquisite Blood

Given the significant changes in Seasons 4 and 5, Helltides have become the best way to farm Exquisite Blood. Here's how to maximize your efficiency:

Farm Aberrant Cinders Quickly:

As you roam the Helltide zones, gather as many Aberrant Cinders as possible to increase your Threat Level. This will attract more dangerous enemies, including Hellborne and Helltide Assassins, who drop Exquisite Blood.

Focus on Blood Maiden Rituals:

Approximately 10-15 minutes before the Helltide ends, head to the Blood Maiden Ritual location, marked by a horned demon icon on your map. Use the Baneful Hearts you've collected to summon the Blood Maiden. Defeating her and her minions will yield multiple drops of Exquisite Blood.

Collaborate with Other Players:

Blood Maiden fights can be challenging, but if you time your arrival right, other players may already be at the ritual site. This increases the likelihood of multiple Blood Maiden summons, leading to more loot for everyone involved.

How to Summon Lord Zir

Once you've collected enough Exquisite Blood, it's time to summon Lord Zir. The summoning process varies slightly depending on the version of the boss you wish to fight.

Standard Lord Zir:

Requirements: 9 Exquisite Blood

Location: The Darkened Way in the southeastern part of the Fractured Peaks. Navigate to the end of this mini-dungeon and interact with the altar to perform the Ritual of Blood. This will summon the Echo of Lord Zir.

Tormented Lord Zir:

Requirements: 21 Exquisite Blood and additional Stygian Stones.

Location: The same altar as the standard version. The Tormented Lord Zir is a more challenging variant with enhanced loot potential.

Tips for Fighting Lord Zir

Lord Zir, particularly the Tormented version, is no pushover. The fight spans four phases, each introducing new challenges such as intense fire damage, blood puddles, and swarms of Bloodseekers. Here's how to prepare:

Resistance: Equip gear with high Fire and Shadow resistance to mitigate the damage from Zir's attacks.

Elixirs: If your resistances are lacking, use Elixirs to boost your defenses temporarily.

Mob Control: Be ready to deal with the Bloodseekers Zir summons during the fight. Their presence can quickly overwhelm unprepared players.

Conclusion

Farming Exquisite Blood and summoning Lord Zir is an integral part of Diablo 4's endgame, especially for those seeking to acquire top-tier gear. By focusing on Helltides and collaborating with other players, you can efficiently gather the resources needed to summon and defeat this formidable vampire lord. With the right strategy, Lord Zir's treasures can be yours. Happy hunting!

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