Diablo IV Compass to Carnage Returns: Faster Aether Farming in Infernal Hordes (Until Feb 4)
Learn what the event changes, why Chaos Waves matter, and how to farm 10-Wave compasses efficiently.
Overview
Compass to Carnage Is Back: What the Event Does
The Compass to Carnage event has returned, giving Infernal Hordes players a limited-time reason to grind endgame waves hard. The headline change is simple: it significantly increases the number of Chaos Waves that can appear during an Infernal Hordes run. If you enjoy rapid-fire combat, goblin hunting, and stacking rewards at the end-of-run chest, this is one of the best windows to farm.
The event runs until February 4, so the main goal is to convert the increased Chaos Wave frequency into more Aether, which then converts into more loot, materials, and gold.
Why Chaos Waves Matter: Aether Is the Real Prize
Chaos Waves are widely considered the most valuable waves in Infernal Hordes because they can generate a huge amount of Aether in a very short time. Aether is the key resource that determines how much you can cash out at the end of the activity—more Aether generally means better overall returns in rewards and progression materials.
During normal runs, Chaos Waves are relatively rare. In a typical 10-wave Infernal Hordes session, you might see only one Chaos Wave, and sometimes two if you’re lucky. Compass to Carnage changes that baseline dramatically.
How Much Better Is It? Typical Chaos Wave Counts During the Event
With Compass to Carnage active, it becomes realistic to see up to four Chaos Waves inside a single 10-wave run. That’s a massive shift in expected Aether per run because you’re not just increasing the number of high-value waves—you’re also increasing the odds of rolling the best Chaos Wave types.
In practical terms, the event improves both:
- Consistency: more Chaos Waves per run on average.
- Ceiling: higher potential Aether spikes when the best Chaos Waves appear.
The Best Chaos Waves to Look For
Chaos Waves are still random, but some are far more rewarding than others. When players talk about “high-roll” runs that explode into massive Aether totals, it’s usually because one or more premium Chaos Waves appeared.
Goblin Chaos Wave
The Goblin Chaos Wave is a standout because it can flood the wave with high-value targets and fast Aether generation. If you can clear quickly and prevent escapes, this wave can swing the entire run’s payout.
Aether Lords Chaos Wave
The Aether Lords Chaos Wave is another top-tier outcome. When it appears, it can produce enormous Aether gains in a short window—often the kind of spike that pushes a run into “thousands of Aether” territory if the rest of the waves go smoothly.
The event’s biggest advantage is that it simply gives you more chances to see these premium waves within the same time investment.
10-Wave Infernal Compasses: Drop Boost and Why They Matter
Alongside the Chaos Wave boost, the event also increases the likelihood of getting 10-wave Infernal compasses (often simply called 10-wave compasses). Even if you already have a stockpile, this matters because the best way to capitalize on Compass to Carnage is to chain 10-wave runs back-to-back while the event is live.
If you don’t have many compasses saved, you’ll want to build up a supply quickly so you can keep your Infernal Hordes pace high.
Where to Farm More 10-Wave Compasses (Season 11 Tip)
If you’re short on 10-wave compasses, one of the simplest farming routes mentioned for Season 11 is targeting Lesser Evil chests at Azmodan in Hawezar. This is a straightforward approach: focus on opening those chests efficiently to increase your compass drops and keep your Infernal Hordes loop running.
Even if you already have plenty, it can still be worth doing a quick restock pass—especially if you plan to play heavily through the event window.
Best Use of Your Time During Compass to Carnage
Infernal Hordes already ranks among the strongest endgame activities for many players due to its repeatability and reward scaling. With Compass to Carnage active, the value proposition improves further because the activity’s most lucrative wave type appears far more often.
If you’re deciding what to grind, a strong event-focused plan looks like this:
- Prioritize 10-wave Infernal Hordes to maximize total Chaos Wave opportunities per session.
- Play for speed and control—quick clears help you fully capitalize on Goblin and Aether Lords waves.
- Restock compasses via Azmodan Lesser Evil chests in Hawezar if your supply runs low.
- Track your Aether totals to identify which wave combinations produce your best payouts.
Common Mistakes That Reduce Aether Gains
Even with more Chaos Waves, it’s still possible to underperform if your run execution is sloppy. A few pitfalls to avoid:
- Letting high-value targets get away during Goblin-focused waves.
- Overbuilding for survivability at the cost of clear speed, which can lower total Aether earned per minute.
- Inconsistent compass usage (mixing shorter runs) instead of leaning into 10-wave sessions while the event is live.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Compass to Carnage available?
The event is available until February 4, so plan your Infernal Hordes sessions accordingly.
How many Chaos Waves can you realistically get in a 10-wave run during the event?
While results vary due to randomness, it’s possible to see up to four Chaos Waves in a single 10-wave Infernal Hordes run during Compass to Carnage.
Which Chaos Waves are the most rewarding for Aether?
The Goblin Chaos Wave and the Aether Lords Chaos Wave are commonly viewed as top-tier because they can generate massive Aether quickly.
What’s the easiest way to farm more 10-wave compasses in Season 11?
A practical route is farming Lesser Evil chests at Azmodan in Hawezar, which is cited as an easy way to find more 10-wave Infernal compasses.
Is Infernal Hordes worth focusing on compared to other endgame activities during the event?
Yes—because the event directly boosts the activity’s best Aether-producing wave type, Infernal Hordes becomes an especially efficient place to farm rewards during this window.