Old Tristram hides one of Diablo 4 Season 15's most rewarding endgame loops, but reaching it takes more than clearing a single boss. You'll need Cain's journals, three Prime Evil Splinters, and Wirt's Lucky Coin before the secret encounter becomes available. A solid set of
Diablo 4 Items helps you keep each run quick instead of turning the setup into a slow fight for survival.
How to Unlock Old Tristram in Diablo 4
Start by finishing the journal section of the seasonal questline. Return to the Imperial Library, then track down all 10 of Deckard Cain's journals across Sanctuary. Watch your minimap while searching because a small green marker appears once you're near an entry.
Cain's journal records what you've already found, so check it before revisiting old locations. After collecting every entry, head back to the Imperial Library and speak with Deckard Cain at the new quest marker. This opens Cain's Memory and gives you access to Old Tristram, complete with familiar locations, characters, and sounds tied to the original Diablo.
How to Get Prime Evil Splinters
The portal requires a Splinter of Terror, Splinter of Destruction, and Splinter of Hatred. Their drop rates are low, making this the longest part of the route. Seasonal versions of Diablo, Baal, and Mephisto on Torment 10 are the main targets, and any of those bosses can award any of the three materials.
Don't assume you must match each Splinter to its related Prime Evil. That mistake can lead to unnecessary runs. Pick the boss route your character clears fastest and repeat it. While Torment 10 grants access, a setup that comfortably handles Torment 12 content will usually make the repeated clears feel far less demanding.
Why Baal Is Good for Repeated Runs
Baal is often the practical choice because his route becomes quick once you recognize the dungeon patterns. Entry position can hint at the direction of the next section and the summit. After several clears, you'll spend less time checking dead ends and more time reaching the encounters that matter.
Prioritize movement speed unless extra damage produces a real improvement in boss time. The three Ancients near the summit also make the run productive by offering seasonal reputation, Legendary Seals, Greater Affix gear, and gems. Baal can drop Mythic items as well, so an unsuccessful Splinter attempt can still improve your character.
Reset the dungeon immediately after the kill and begin again. Inventory sorting, gear changes, and other maintenance are better handled between farming sessions. The goal is to keep your rhythm steady while avoiding downtime that adds nothing to the next attempt.
How to Craft Wirt's Lucky Coin
Once all three Splinters are in your inventory, place them in the Horadric Cube. The Splinter of Terror, Splinter of Destruction, and Splinter of Hatred create Wirt's Lucky Coin, the key item for the hidden encounter.
Return to the fountain in Old Tristram and interact with it while carrying the coin. A large red portal should open, leading to the special boss area. Make sure your build, consumables, and inventory are ready before entering, since reaching this point already represents a sizeable time investment.
What Can Drop from the Secret Bosses
The secret encounter can award Mythic gear, Seals, Charms, crafting resources, gems, and the Hellfire Torch. That reward pool keeps the portal worthwhile even when the Torch doesn't appear or arrives with results that don't suit your current setup.
The Hellfire Torch is the main prize because it grants four ranks to all skills, resistance to every element, and All Stats. Its extra Unique Charm slot creates more room for powerful Charm pairings. It also counts as a set piece, opening options for Nameless set setups, while a Mythic Seal may reduce the number of pieces needed for certain arrangements.
Final Thoughts
After the first unlock, the loop is simple: collect the three Splinters, craft another coin, activate the fountain, and clear the portal again. Party members can share the encounter, so coordinated groups may get more value from each opening. Recent player reports have mentioned occasions where the fountain didn't respond properly, so check the current game status before a long session. Ultimately, keep your build fast, learn Baal's route, and have enough
d4 mats available for upgrades between attempts, then return to Old Tristram and repeat the route until the Torch drops.