So, you’re tearing through an Infernal Horde, dodging hellfire, and suddenly you see that familiar little icon on your minimap. But wait—this isn't your standard Treasure Goblin. It’s glowing. It’s meaner. And it’s literally carrying the currency you need to make your run worth it. Honestly, if you've been playing Season 10 or 11, you've probably run into these "Aether Goblins" and realized they're basically the holy grail of the Infernal Hordes mode.
But what are Aether Goblins D4 exactly? Why do they keep showing up when things get chaotic? And why do they seem so much more stressful to kill than the ones you find wandering around Scosglen?
What Are Aether Goblins in Diablo 4?
Basically, Aether Goblins are a specialized variant of the Treasure Goblin family that exists specifically within the Infernal Hordes endgame activity. Unlike their cousins in the overworld who drop random gear and gold, these guys are loaded with Burning Aether.
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You've probably noticed that in the Hordes, everything revolves around that Aether. It’s what you use at the end of the run to open those big juicy chests of Greater Equipment or Masterworking materials. Normally, you get Aether from killing Aether Fiends or smashing Soulspires. But every now and then, the game throws a "Chaos Wave" or a specific "Chaos Perk" at you that spawns these goblins.
When they show up, they aren't just there for flavor. They are essentially a walking bonus. Killing one usually dumps a massive pile of Burning Aether on the ground—often way more than you’d get from a standard elite pack. In the high-intensity environment of a Tier 7 or Tier 8 Horde, where every second counts, these guys are high-priority targets.
How to Actually Get Them to Spawn
You can't just find these guys by wandering around Nahantu. They are tied to the Boon and Bane system within the Infernal Hordes.
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Between waves, you get to choose three different "offers." Some make the enemies harder but give you more rewards. To see Aether Goblins, you need to keep an eye out for specific Chaos Perks.
- Chaos Waves: Sometimes a choice will mention "Chaos Waves." These are special, unpredictable events that can happen during a round. One of the possible outcomes of a Chaos Wave is a sudden surge of Goblins.
- Aether Goblin Buffs: Occasionally, you'll see a perk that specifically mentions Aether Goblins popping up during normal waves.
I’ve had runs where I got lucky with back-to-back Chaos perks and ended up with five or six goblins in a single wave. It’s absolute mayhem. You’re trying to dodge the Fell Council’s projectiles while chasing a giggling demon across a floor that is currently on fire. It's great.
Why They’re Different from Regular Treasure Goblins
Standard Treasure Goblins are great for a quick hit of dopamine, especially since Blizzard added those new variants like Fancy Old Fedric (who drops Mythic Uniques—if you’re lucky enough to find him) or the Gelatinous Syrus that splits into smaller ones.
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But Aether Goblins are built for the "economy" of the Infernal Hordes.
- Guaranteed Aether: They are the fastest way to boost your Aether count. If you're aiming for that 400 Aether "Spoils of Greater Equipment" chest, one or two Aether Goblins can be the difference between making it and falling short.
- Scaling Difficulty: In the Hordes, everything scales. An Aether Goblin in a Tier 8 run has significantly more health than a random goblin you find while doing Renown in World Tier 2. You actually have to commit to killing them, or they will escape through their portal while you're distracted by a Hellborne.
- Spawn Rate: During special events like "March of the Goblins" or "Goblin Greedings," the chance of seeing these Chaos Waves in Hordes usually shoots up.
The Loot: Is It Just Aether?
While their primary "gimmick" is the Burning Aether, they do drop standard loot as well. You'll get your usual assortment of gold, some gems, and potentially Legendaries.
However, don't expect them to drop Mythic Uniques like Fancy Old Fedric does. The real value of an Aether Goblin is the Aether. Think of them as a multiplier for your final rewards. More Aether means more "Spoils of Materials" at the end, which means more Obducite for your Masterworking.
Pro Tips for Hunting Aether Goblins
If you want to maximize your goblin gains, there are a few things you should be doing. Honestly, most people ignore these and just mindlessly smash buttons, but if you want to be efficient, try this:
- Bring Subo (if he’s available as a Mercenary): Even though some players argue about whether he’s "meta," Subo’s ability to highlight enemies on the map is huge. It helps you spot that goblin icon the second it spawns so you can pivot your damage before it runs into a pack of Elites.
- Prioritize CC: Goblins are fast. Use stuns, freezes, or slows. If you’re playing a Spiritborn or a Barbarian, make sure you have a way to lock them down. Once they start casting that escape portal, you only have a few seconds to interrupt them.
- Don't over-chase: In the Infernal Hordes, you can easily get lured into a corner and trapped by a waller or a bunch of "The Burning Rain" projectiles. It’s better to lose one goblin than to die and lose your entire run.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're looking to farm these guys right now, here is what you should do:
- Farm Infernal Compasses: Go kill Azmodan or run some high-level Nightmare Dungeons to stock up on Tier 3+ Compasses.
- Fish for Chaos Perks: When you start a run, always prioritize the "Chaos" options in the Boon selection. Even if the other choice gives a flat +1 Aether per kill, the Chaos Wave has a much higher ceiling because of the Goblin spawns.
- Focus on Materials: Use the massive Aether boost from these goblins to dump all your points into the "Spoils of Materials" chest. It’s the most consistent way to progress your gear in the current endgame meta.
Aether Goblins aren't just a gimmick; they are the "jackpot" mechanic of the Hordes. Catch them, kill them, and enjoy the loot explosion.