MMoexp:Optimizing Infernal Hordes for Maximum Loot in Diablo IV
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For most of Diablo IV’s lifecycle, Infernal Hordes have lived in the shadow of Nightmare Dungeons. They were useful, sure—but rarely optimal. Season 11 flips that script completely. Thanks to the newly introduced Compass to Carnage event, Infernal Hordes have gone from “side activity” to arguably the single best farming method in the entire game, especially for players pushing endgame progression.
If you’re working through sanctification, Diablo 4 Gold, or min-maxing your gear, chances are you’ve already asked the big question: Where do I farm Scrolls of Restoration efficiently? The answer, hands down, is Infernal Hordes—and not just a little better than the alternatives. They’re on an entirely different level.
Let’s break down why Infernal Hordes are dominating Season 11, how Compass to Carnage supercharges them, and exactly how you can maximize every single run.
The Rise of Compass to Carnage
Season 11 introduced a brand-new event tied directly to Infernal Hordes: Compass to Carnage. At first glance, it looks like just another seasonal modifier. In practice, it fundamentally changes the reward structure of Horde runs.
Compass to Carnage provides:
Increased Infernal Horde compass drops
Increased Chaos Wave frequency
Significantly boosted Ether gains
This is the key. Ether is the lifeblood of Infernal Hordes, and Compass to Carnage turns Ether generation from “good” into borderline absurd.
Chaos Waves, in particular, are the real MVP. Each Chaos Wave now drops an enormous amount of Ether—far more than standard enemy packs—and it’s not limited to special goblin waves. Every Chaos Wave hits hard in terms of rewards.
In a single eight-wave run, it’s now possible to earn over 2,800 Ether, and that’s not even counting everything picked up at the end of the encounter.
Eight Waves vs. Six Waves: What’s the Play?
You might be wondering whether eight-wave runs are mandatory. The honest answer? Not necessarily.
Eight-wave runs shine because they allow for:
Multiple Chaos Waves (often three in a single run)
Enough Ether from just one Chaos Wave to afford both Bartuk and the Equipment Chest
Massive overflow Ether for additional caches
However, six-wave runs are still incredibly efficient—especially if you’re short on time or compasses. With Compass to Carnage active, six waves can still deliver thousands of Ether and an excellent scroll-per-minute rate.
The real deciding factor is availability. If you’ve got compasses ready, eight-wave runs maximize value. If not, six-wave runs remain one of the fastest farms Diablo IV has ever seen.
Scrolls of Restoration: Guaranteed and Unmatched
Scrolls of Restoration are the backbone of high-end crafting and progression, and Infernal Hordes currently offer the most reliable source in the game.
Despite the tooltip stating that scrolls are “frequently dropped,” the reality feels closer to guaranteed. Many players report never completing an Infernal Horde run without seeing Scrolls of Restoration.
Here’s where it gets wild:
Eight Scrolls of Restoration from a single six-wave run
Roughly seven minutes per run
More than one scroll per minute
There is simply no other activity in Diablo IV that competes with this efficiency. Nightmare Dungeons, Helltides, and other seasonal events can’t touch this scroll density—not even close.
Bartuk and the Equipment Chest: Non-Negotiable Targets
If you’re running Infernal Hordes seriously, there are two priorities you should never skip:
Bartuk
Bartuk is one of your primary sources of Scrolls of Restoration. Fighting him is mandatory if scroll farming is your goal. The Ether investment pays for itself almost every run.
Equipment Chest
The Equipment Chest is arguably even more important. Why?
Guaranteed Greater Affixes
High-quality gear suitable for endgame optimization
Additional chances at Scrolls of Restoration
Between Bartuk and the Equipment Chest, a single Chaos Wave can often fund both, making them a no-brainer.
Ether Economy: Spend Smart, Farm Forever
One of the underrated strengths of Infernal Hordes right now is how flexible Ether spending has become.
Once your priority targets are secured, excess Ether can be funneled into:
Gold caches
Gem fragment caches
Materials needed for Royal Rubies and Royal Emeralds
This makes Infernal Hordes a one-stop farm. Whether you’re upgrading gems, stacking gold, or chasing perfect rolls, there’s no wasted currency here.
And with Compass to Carnage boosting compass drops, sustaining Infernal Horde runs is easier than ever. You’re not just farming rewards—you’re farming the ability to keep farming.
Optimizing Your Runs: Tier Lists and Smart Choices
Success in Infernal Hordes isn’t just about raw power; it’s about decision-making.
A detailed tier list and spreadsheet system has emerged that breaks down:
The best event choices at every decision point
Which modifiers produce the most Ether
Which paths consistently outperform others
Even without Chaos Waves, players using optimized decision-making can still walk away with thousands of Ether per run.
The takeaway? Infernal Hordes reward knowledge. The better your choices, the more ridiculous your returns.
Solo vs. Group Play: Why Groups Win
While solo builds can absolutely dominate Infernal Hordes—especially well-optimized Barbarian setups—group play takes things to another level.
In a four-player group:
Each player controls a corner of the arena
Entire spawn zones are instantly cleared
Monsters barely exist long enough to animate
Imagine four high-clear builds positioned strategically across the map. There is effectively no safe spawn point for enemies. Everything dies immediately, Chaos Waves melt, and Ether rains down nonstop.
Solo is viable. Groups are unstoppable.
Finding Groups: Where to Look
The easiest and most reliable way to find Infernal Horde groups is through community hubs—especially Discord servers dedicated to Diablo IV.
Active servers offer:
Constant LFG activity
Voice channels full of active players
Trade channels that never sleep
Season 11 has brought players back in force, and Infernal Hordes are one of the main reasons why. If you want consistent, high-speed farming, grouping up is the fastest path there.
Build Considerations: Clear Speed Is King
Infernal Hordes favor builds that:
Clear large areas instantly
Kill enemies off-screen
Maintain high uptime with minimal repositioning
Barbarian builds currently excel here, especially those capable of smashing entire zones without needing to stand directly on targets. The faster enemies die, the faster Chaos Waves cycle, and the more Ether you generate.
The result is a gameplay loop that feels both efficient and incredibly satisfying—pure Diablo chaos at its best.
Final Thoughts: There’s No Better Time Than Now
Season 11 has quietly created one of the most rewarding farming environments Diablo IV has ever seen. Infernal Hordes, powered by Compass to Carnage, are no longer optional content—they’re essential.
You get:
The best Scrolls of Restoration farm in the game
Massive Ether generation
Guaranteed Greater Affix gear
Gold, gems, and materials on demand
Self-sustaining compass loops
If you’ve been ignoring Infernal Hordes, now is the time to stop sleeping on them. Whether you’re pushing towers, refining sanctification buy Diablo IV Gold, or chasing perfect gear, this is the most efficient—and most fun—way to do it.
Infernal Hordes aren’t just back.
They’re the meta.