Blizzard is introducing a long asked-for feature in Diablo 4 in the game's next update, which is already on the Public Test Realm for testing. The feature is called Rebirth and it finally allows you to use characters from the Eternal realm for Seasonal content.
If you're unfamiliar, Eternal and Seasonal are two instances within Diablo 4. Eternal is the default, permanent state of the game, and while it does receive gameplay changes in patches, it doesn't see any of the live service, Seasonal content.
This is something of a problem unique to Diablo 4, as most games don't have that separation. Unfortunately, that divide has meant players are asked to create new characters each new season, if they want to experience the new content.
Many players have called on Blizzard to let them keep using their Eternal characters with each season, but the developer has so far never budged. The upcoming season offers something of a solution, though I have my doubts about it.
Using Rebirth, you can convert any of your Eternal characters into Seasonal characters. Crucially, though, you won't keep your power progress: the transfer resets characters to level one.
"Instead of having to create a new character at the start of each season, you'll be able to select an Eternal character to continue their adventures in the Seasonal realm," Blizzard explained in a blog post.
Indeed, most of what you've accumulated during your adventures won't transfer with you. What will make the jump is the playtime associated with each character, alongside cosmetic and appearance-related elements. Here's the rather short list of what's retained:
- Class, name, appearance, and state (Normal or Hardcore).
- Cosmetic preferences, including transmogs and pigments, mounts and accessories, pets, portals, and headstones.
Importantly, you should move your gear and items to your Eternal 'stash' if you don't want to lose them. In fact, the game won't let you use Rebirth "until your character has no items left equipped or in personal inventory," so there's a bit of a failsafe there.
"You'll receive a warning before you click Rebirth that any retained items will be lost on Rebirth, giving you the option to remove all items or destroy them instead," Blizzard explained.
The current version of the 3.2.0 patch on the Public Test Realm is noticeably less feature-packed than a usual seasonal update, and the developer said that's intentional. PTR tests act as a preview of mechanics and features intended to arrive with the coming season, so they naturally include spoilers, to varying degrees. 3.2.0 is a preview of Season 15, but Blizzard is keeping much of the season's other content under wraps, teasing a bigger reveal at BlizzCon in early September instead.
Season 15 is set to begin 15th September, conveniently after BlizzCon 2026 concludes.