Diablo 4: Who is Zoltun Kulle?

Sam Smith
zoltun kulle

Zoltun Kulle’s name originally appeared in a leak containing a bunch of filenames regarding Diablo 4’s first expansion, Vessel of Hatred. Since then his machinations have also featured somewhat in Season 3 of Diablo 4. However, just who is this undead sorcerer?

Zoltun Kulle is long dead in the Diablo series, but his ghost and undead body were an important part of Diablo 3, and he’s likely found a way to endure into Diablo 4. His ultimate goal is immortality, after all. Here’s everything you need to know about this fan-favorite frenemy who became popular with the community for his snarky comments towards the player.

diablo immortal the curator
Zoltun Kulle was also used in Diablo Immortal.

Who is Zoltun Kulle in Diablo?

Zoltun Kulle is a former sorcerer of the Horadrim who initially dedicated his life to battling the Prime Evils and preventing their return to Sanctuary. He was part of the same order as Deckard Cain, however, unlike Cain, Kulle was much more corruptible.

After discovering the secret to eternal life, Zoltun Kulle became a tyrant and eventually turned on his order. Eventually, the fallen sorcerer was defeated, but the Horadrim were unable to kill him, so they chopped him into pieces and hid his various body parts in different locations to prevent him from ever returning.

However, in Diablo 3, the characters discover they need his help and summon his spirit to ask him for certain information. Deckard Cain and the Nephalem make a deal with Kulle that they’ll restore his body, as long as he aids them and promises not to return to his wicked ways. The sorcerer agrees and helps the player until he’s restored.

Zoltun Kulle
Zoltun Kulle is a bad guy, but he’s a useful ally in the fight against Diablo.

After getting his full body back, Kulle seeks revenge on the Hordrim and tries to recruit the player to his cause. The Nephalem refuses and is forced to destroy Zoltun Kulle’s body again, however, by this time, Kulle has already provided the information that the heroes needed from him – making the sorcerer expendable.

In the endgame of Diablo 3, Zoltun Kulle’s spirit returns to Tristram and is initially hostile to the player, although he’s also harmless in that form. Making the best of his situation, existing again but without a body, Kulle becomes an artisan, aiding the player in certain tasks while remaining verbally abrasive – which leads to some amusing dialogue. However, he warms to the Nephalem over time.

The character’s return would be a fun way to link Diablo 3 to Diablo 4 and would please lots of longtime players. Due to Diablo 4 Season 3 bringing back his vaults, we imagine the undead sorcerer will factor into the Seasonal Journey story in some way. It’s simply too good of an opportunity not to include him directly.

All Diablo 4 beta rewards & how to unlock them | Is Diablo 4 coming to Xbox Game Pass? | Will Diablo 4 be on Steam Deck? | How to get Diablo 4 beta wolf pet cosmetic | Diablo 4 system requirements | Will Diablo 4 have microtransactions & is it pay to win? | Is Diablo 4 coming to Nintendo Switch? | Diablo 4: Who is Tyrael? | Will Diablo 4 have controller support on PC? | Will Diablo 4 beta progress carry over to the full game?

About The Author

Sam is a Senior Games Writer for Dexerto specializing in Survival Horror, Diablo, Final Fantasy, and Soulslikes. An NCTJ accredited journalist, Sam also holds a degree in journalism from the University of Central Lancashire and has many years of experience as a professional writer. Being able to marry his love of writing with his addiction to video games was always one of his life goals. He also loves all things PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo in equal measure. Contact at sam.smith@dexerto.com