Diablo 4’s highly anticipated fifth season will feature a revamped version of one of the game’s most iconic and terrifying enemies, The Butcher. Known for his chilling catchphrase “fresh meat” and relentless pursuit of players, this new incarnation, dubbed the Burning Butcher, promises to be even more formidable and visually intimidating. This fresh take on the classic adversary has generated significant excitement and curiosity among fans.
Though the fifth season isn’t set to launch until early August, players had a chance to preview it in the Public Test Realm (PTR) from June 25 to July 2. During this testing phase, some players encountered the Burning Butcher, who sports a new fiery look and enhanced abilities. Unlike the original Butcher, the Burning Butcher is more challenging and exudes a lava-like glow from cracks in his skin, adding to his menacing presence.
A video by Diablo content creator Rizarjay showcases the Burning Butcher’s fearsome charge attack and his terrifying new appearance. Despite being somewhat obscured by the action, it’s clear that the Burning Butcher is more fearsome with additional horns and a fiery demeanor. Rizarjay quickly defeats the Burning Butcher with a well-equipped Barbarian character, but speculates that the enemy will be tougher in the full release of Season 5.
The introduction of the Burning Butcher is a significant highlight, but it’s not the first time players have encountered a daunting version of this enemy. Last year, a supersized Butcher appeared in the game, possibly due to a dungeon modifier glitch, which provided a particularly harrowing experience for those who faced him. This unexpected encounter added an extra layer of fear and challenge, underscoring the game’s dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature.
As the release of Diablo 4’s fifth season approaches, the community remains eager to see how the Burning Butcher and other new content will be fine-tuned based on PTR feedback. The exact difficulty and impact of the Burning Butcher remain to be seen, but players are preparing for what promises to be an intense and exciting addition to the game. For now, anticipation builds as fans await the chance to face the barbecued menace in the full release.