How to Get Elemental Cores in Diablo 4

The core of the seasonal grind

Elemental Core Diablo 4
Screenshot by Prima Games.

Taking down Heralds of Malphas is the key to earning more Governing Stones in Diablo 4 Season 3, but you need Elemental Cores before you can start grinding. In my guide, I’ll explain how you can find the cores and how to use them.

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How to Farm Elemental Cores in Diablo 4

Obelisk location in Diablo 4
Screenshot by Prima Games

You can get Elemental Cores by deactivating any Obelisk in an Arcane Tremor or by killing Elite Constructs in the same area. The first Arcane Tremor I participated in was located in the Scouring Sands of Kehjistan, and I found multiple elemental Obelisks scattered in the area. Each one has a recurring trap-like mechanic that you need to bypass to claim your reward.

When you get past the traps and interact with the Obelisk, you will earn at least one Elemental Core. All the loot will fall on the ground, and you need to claim it as fast as possible before the traps continue. Enemies and elemental attacks will never stop around the Voltaic Obelisks and the Gelid Obelisks, so don’t worry about clearing the area.

How to Deactivate Arcane Tremor Obelisks in Diablo 4:

  • Voltaic Obelisk – Wait for the second larger circle to blast around the pillar and then run in to grab the core.
  • Gelid Obelisk – Two alternate spaces will freeze in three different spots around the pillar. Wait for the second spot to unfreeze on any side and then step inside to turn the trap off.
  • Volcanic Obelisk – These obelisks will consistently spit fire in a spiral. Wipe out any constructs then slowly rotate around the pillar with the bolts of fire. Deactivate the obelisk when it ends.

Arcane Tremors work much like the Blood Harvest from Season 2 but are permanently located in five sub-zones around the Sanctuary map. When you enter a tremor zone, you will find tons of Obelisks to search for more cores, and there are also Elites that spawn around the zone, which have a chance to drop the cores you need as well.

How to Use Elemental Cores in Diablo 4

Elemental Cores are used on Braziers to summon a Herlad of Malphas within the Arcane Tremors. That’s all you can use them for, so there’s no need to save them up unless you want to join a rotation group.

Braziers of any kind will require three Elemental Cores and 50 Shattered Stone to summon a Herald of Malphas. This main gameplay loop can lead to more Governing Stones and, in turn, more power for your Seneschal companion in Season 3 of Diablo 4. Before long, you’ll also be searching the Vaults for the best loot the season offers.

Don’t forget to continue Augmenting your Seneschal as you kill more Heralds in the Arcane Tremors.

About the Author

Daniel Wenerowicz

Dan has been writing gaming guides, news, and features for three years after graduating with a BA in writing . You can find him covering Call of Duty for eternity, action-adventure games, and nearly any other major release.