Diablo 4: How to Summon and Defeat Belial

In the vast, dark world of Diablo 4, players are tasked with confronting some of the most notorious and powerful demons in the Diablo universe. One such demon, Belial, the Lord of Lies, has a significant role in the game's storyline and serves as one of the many bosses that players must defeat in order to progress. Known for his manipulative nature and mastery over deception, Belial stands as a formidable challenge, requiring players to be at the peak of their power and strategy to overcome.

This article explores the mechanics surrounding the summoning and defeating of Belial in Diablo 4. From understanding the lore behind this demon to analyzing the best strategies for vanquishing him, this guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to confront one of the game's most treacherous foes.

Who is Belial?

Belial, often referred to as the Lord of Lies, is one of the Prime Evils in the Diablo universe. He represents deceit, manipulation, and trickery, using illusions and lies to sow chaos and confusion. Unlike other demons who rely on brute force or arcane power, Belial's strength lies in his ability to manipulate others, creating discord and turning allies into enemies. His ultimate goal is to sow doubt and despair, driving the forces of Heaven and Hell into conflict while achieving his own mysterious objectives.

In Diablo 4, Belial's role is tied to the overarching narrative of the game's Season 8 content, where players are once again thrust into the battle between Heaven, Hell, and the mortal realm. As players advance through the game, they will encounter various references to Belial's influence, setting the stage for his eventual confrontation.

Summoning Belial:

Unlike many other major bosses in the Diablo series, Belial is not automatically encountered through the main questline. Instead, summoning him requires specific steps, either through a special event or in specific locations tied to his lore. Here's how you can summon Belial:

1. Completing the Necessary Pre-requisites:

Belial's appearance in Diablo 4 is often linked to certain narrative milestones or quests. While details may vary depending on updates to the game, players are generally required to:

Progress through the Main Campaign: Before you can summon Belial, you must complete specific chapters in the main campaign that introduce his influence. These may include quests where Belial's power is subtly revealed or where his agents manipulate key characters.

Unlock Specific Areas or Events: Some players may need to participate in world events or unlock certain regions of the game. These events could involve tracking down sources of Belial's influence, such as cultists, demonic emissaries, or corrupted leaders. As you work through these challenges, you will gain clues that lead to the eventual summoning of Belial.

Gather Ritual Diablo 4 Items or Artifacts: In certain cases, summoning Belial requires players to gather specific items—often relics or artifacts—related to his domain of deception. These items can be scattered throughout the world of Diablo 4 or hidden in dungeons and vaults. Collecting them will trigger an event that allows Belial's summoning.

2. The Summoning Ritual:

Once the necessary pre-requisites have been met, players can access the location where Belial can be summoned. Typically, this is a dark and foreboding area, often filled with corrupted creatures or demonic minions loyal to Belial. The summoning ritual will require players to interact with an ancient altar or powerful sigil that serves as the gateway to bring forth the demon.

The ritual itself will not be an easy process. It involves:

Surviving Waves of Enemies: Before Belial can appear, players will often be required to face off against a series of lesser demons, cultists, or corrupted creatures that act as his minions. These enemies will test your ability to manage combat mechanics, positioning, and resource management.

Fending Off the Manipulation of Lies: Belial's presence will often cause reality to warp around the player. Expect illusions and deceptions that may alter the environment or mislead your movements. Some players may experience "false deaths" or be led into traps, and these illusions must be broken before Belial can fully manifest.

Completing the Ritual in Time: There is often a time limit for completing the ritual. If players fail to protect the ritual site or complete the necessary steps quickly enough, they may face severe consequences, such as a partial summoning or an even more difficult encounter with Belial.

Once the summoning process is complete, Belial will reveal himself, and the true battle begins.

Defeating Belial: Strategies and Mechanics

Belial is no ordinary demon, and his fight in Diablo 4 requires more than just brute force. Understanding his attack patterns, dealing with his illusions, and preparing your character are crucial for overcoming him. Below is a breakdown of the encounter and the best strategies for defeating Belial.

1. Understanding Belial's Attacks:

Belial's primary method of assault is his manipulation of illusions. He is not only capable of deceiving players visually but can also alter the battlefield, making the encounter unpredictable. Here's what to expect:

Lies of Deception: Belial will often create visual illusions, making it hard to discern real enemies from false ones. Players may find themselves surrounded by seemingly harmless illusions, but these are traps designed to cause chaos. Be vigilant and use area-of-effect (AOE) abilities or auras that reveal hidden enemies.

Manipulative Powers: Belial may also use powers that cause confusion or mind control. You'll see your screen distort, and your character may be forced to fight against allies or face periods of disorientation. Use crowd-control resistance or debuff-removal skills to mitigate the impact of these effects.

Summoning Minions: Throughout the fight, Belial will summon various demonic minions to assist him. These minions can be powerful, but they are also easily dispatched if the player focuses their efforts. However, they are likely to distract you during key moments, so don't underestimate them.

Deceptive Terrain: The ground beneath you may shift, or illusory walls might appear, changing the layout of the battlefield. You may find yourself suddenly trapped or separated from the rest of your team, making it essential to have an escape plan.

False Deaths: One of Belial's signature abilities is his power to "fake" player deaths. Players might appear to die when in fact they are still alive and need to break free from an illusion before succumbing to a fatal blow. Pay close attention to visual cues, like a glowing aura or changing shadows, to determine if the death is real or a trick.

2. Preparation and Gear:

Before facing Belial, make sure your character is well-prepared. Here are some essential tips for gearing up:

Resistance to Illusions: Equip items or charms that increase your resistance to mind control, confusion, and illusions. Belial's fight relies heavily on misdirection, so these resistances will greatly reduce the time you spend under his control.

AOE Abilities: Since Belial will flood the battlefield with minions and illusions, make sure you have access to area-of-effect abilities that can clear crowds quickly. AOE damage helps in dealing with the summoned minions while allowing you to focus on Belial.

Crowd Control Immunity: Given that Belial frequently uses crowd-control techniques to disorient and confuse, having gear or skills that grant immunity to stuns, freezes, or other forms of CC is essential for the encounter.

Survivability: Belial is a high-damage boss, so you'll need to ensure that your character has sufficient defensive stats, including health regeneration, damage reduction, and resistance to physical and elemental damage.

3. Group Tactics:

If you are part of a group, communication and coordination are key to defeating Belial. Here are some group-based tactics:

Designate Roles: One player should focus on dealing with the illusions while others handle the real threats, such as Belial's summoned minions. Tanks should take priority in handling the summoned creatures, while DPS (damage dealers) should focus on damaging Belial himself.

Crowd Control: Use crowd control abilities to lock down the summoned minions, making it easier for the team to focus on the boss. Stuns, freezes, and roots can delay their attacks and provide breathing room during the fight.

Positioning: Make sure your team stays spread out to avoid taking unnecessary AOE damage. Belial's illusions may cause some players to move in the wrong direction, so it's important to keep an eye on your positioning.

Conclusion:

Defeating Belial in Diablo 4 is no easy task. His ability to deceive and manipulate the battlefield makes him a challenging adversary, requiring players to think quickly and adapt to his ever-changing tactics. However, with the right preparation, strategy, and teamwork, you can conquer the Lord of Lies and put an end to his malevolent influence over Sanctuary.

Whether you're going it alone or teaming up with others, remember that Belial's defeat is not only a victory over a powerful demon but also a triumph over the lies and deceptions that he represents. Prepare yourself well, remain vigilant, and take down the Lord of Lies—your cheap D4 Gold reward awaits!