How to Maximize Time and Loot in Kurast Undercity in Diablo 4

The Kurast Undercity is an exciting time-attack dungeon introduced in Diablo 4's first expansion, Vessel of Hatred. Set beneath the capital city of Nahantu, this dungeon tests players' speed and strategy as they fight through multiple floors, trying to beat the clock while battling monsters and bosses. The goal is to extend the limited time, rack up valuable rewards, and gather powerful Diablo 4 Items to enhance your character. In this guide, we'll cover how to unlock the Kurast Undercity, manage time effectively, and upgrade your loot.

How to Unlock the Kurast Undercity Dungeon

To access the Kurast Undercity, you must first progress through the Vessel of Hatred campaign until you reach the city of Kurast. The storyline will eventually introduce you to the dungeon when you complete some tasks for the council there, typically around the time of the first major boss encounter. One of the council members will guide you on how to run the basic version of the Kurast Undercity.

As you advance through the campaign, additional districts and challenges within the dungeon will become available, offering new opportunities for greater rewards. In the endgame, modifiers can be applied to further increase the difficulty and loot potential of the dungeon runs, but these are unlocked later and will not be discussed here.

Strategies for Gaining More Time in Kurast Undercity

Kurast Undercity is a time-attack-style dungeon where you start with only 100 seconds on the clock. Completing the dungeon involves fighting through multiple floors and locating the boss before time runs out. This means that unless you're significantly overpowered for the dungeon's difficulty, you'll need to actively seek ways to extend your time to avoid being kicked out before reaching the final floor.

Here are some tips to help you keep the timer running:

    Target Afflicted Monsters and Structures:

    Throughout the dungeon, you will encounter Afflicted Monsters and Afflicted Structures. These are marked on your map with an orange hourglass symbol, indicating that defeating them will grant you extra time. While these enemies are more challenging than regular mobs, taking them down can push your time above the initial 100-second limit. It's crucial to balance the effort required to defeat them with the time you'll earn back.

    Efficient Area Damage Strategies:

    To maximize your time gains, try to group multiple Afflicted Monsters together and use area-of-effect (AoE) skills to eliminate them quickly. This approach allows you to earn back a substantial amount of time in one go. Planning your route through the dungeon with this in mind can make a significant difference in how far you progress.

    Avoid Overcommitting to Tough Enemies:

    While Afflicted Monsters and Structures grant time bonuses, some may be too tanky or dangerous to defeat quickly. It's often better to skip these tougher enemies in favor of easier targets that can be killed in less time. Avoiding battles that consume too much time is key to keeping your run alive.

How to Upgrade Your Loot in Kurast Undercity

The primary objective in the Kurast Undercity is to gather powerful Diablo 4 Items and Diablo 4 Gold, which can be achieved by defeating the final boss within the time limit. However, the quality and quantity of the loot you receive can be enhanced by increasing your Attunement, a mechanic that allows you to upgrade your loot chest before the dungeon ends.

Here's how to optimize your loot rewards in the Kurast Undercity:

    Increasing Attunement for Better Loot:

    Your Attunement meter determines the quality of the rewards you receive at the end of the dungeon run. You need at least one level of Attunement to see any significant improvements, but you can stack it up to four levels for maximum loot potential. The higher your Attunement level, the better your chances of receiving rare Diablo 4 Items and more Diablo 4 Gold.

    Activating Beacons and Grand Beacons:

    To increase your Attunement, you must activate Beacons and Grand Beacons scattered throughout the dungeon floors. These Beacons summon waves of enemies that you must defeat. Successfully eliminating all foes linked to a Beacon rewards you with Attunement points, which fill up your meter. In most runs, there will be more Beacons available than you need to fully charge your Attunement meter, allowing you to prioritize the ones that are easier to reach.

    Balancing Attunement and Time Management:

    While increasing your Attunement is essential for better loot, pursuing Beacons when you're low on time can be risky. The challenge in Kurast Undercity is balancing your desire for more Attunement with the need to preserve enough time to finish the dungeon. Sometimes, skipping a Beacon and heading straight for the boss can be the wiser choice if you're short on time.

    Avoiding the Greed Trap:

    The design of Kurast Undercity is meant to test your greed, making it tempting to stop for every Beacon and Attunement opportunity. However, if your time is running out, it's crucial to resist the urge to pursue extra rewards and instead prioritize reaching the end. Getting slightly fewer rewards is better than failing the run and leaving empty-handed.

Conclusion

The Kurast Undercity in Diablo 4 offers an exhilarating time-attack dungeon experience that rewards players for their speed and efficiency. By mastering time management, optimizing Attunement strategies, and balancing risk and reward, players can maximize their gains of Diablo 4 Gold and rare Diablo 4 Items. Understanding the nuances of this activity will not only help you conquer the dungeon but also make your journey through Sanctuary far more rewarding.