A cornerstone of Diablo 4’s endgame is farming, fighting, and effectively climbing the boss ladder. Here’s everything you need to know about farming ladder bosses in Season 9!
How to Start Climbing the Boss Ladder
To farm the higher-tier bosses, which generally have better loot tables for all classes, you must ascend the boss ladder. The journey begins by farming Lair Boss Keys.
Where to Get Lair Boss Keys
The chart above illustrates how Lair Boss Keys are broken up into multiple sections. For example, keys related to the Initiate ladder bosses, such as Varshan or the Beast in the Ice, can be obtained through various open-world activities, including Helltides.
Boss Progression and Loot Tables
Defeating Initiate Lair Bosses will grant new keys for accessing Greater Lair Boss chests. Once you run out of keys, the cycle continues. However, it’s important to verify which boss you want to farm, as each Lair Boss has a unique loot table. Be sure to review your character build before heading out on the hunt.
Quick Tips for Farming Ladder Bosses
- Initiate Lair Bosses are the easiest to face.
- As you go up the ladder, bosses gradually become more difficult.
- You do not need Lair Boss Keys to summon the boss, only to unlock the chest after it is slain.
- All Initiate Lair Bosses drop not only the associated key for the next boss they are linked to, but they also drop Stygian Stones, which can be turned into a Lair Key for any Greater Lair Boss.
- Slaying any Lair Boss has a chance for Belial to ambush you, which is the main way of obtaining a
Betrayer’s Husk, allowing you to challenge him at full power. - Keep in mind Astaroth is not a part of the bosses on the ladder, and only comes from Escalating Nightmares.
Full Guides and Further Reading
For the full details on how to tackle all the ladder bosses in Season 9, check out our in-depth Lair Boss System guide.
