How to Unlock Fishing in Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred Guide (2026)

Players looking to unlock fishing in Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred can begin this activity by traveling to the Philios region and meeting the expert NPC, Shi Yugong. This guide from In Game News outlines the necessary steps to acquire the fishing emote and effectively manage your new collection of aquatic catches across the world of Sanctuary.

1. Complete the initial quest in the city of Temis.
2. Locate the Priority Quest marker for fishing in the Philios region.
3. Speak with Shi Yugong to unlock the Fishing emote.
4. Assign the emote to your Action Wheel via the Customize menu.
5. Approach a body of water and activate the emote to begin fishing.

How to Unlock Fishing in Diablo 4

While Diablo IV, developed by Blizzard Entertainment, is primarily known for its fast-paced combat, the Vessel of Hatred expansion introduces a more tranquil pastime. Despite being categorized as an endgame activity, you do not need to complete the entire campaign to access it. After you arrive in Skovos and finish the introductory questline in the city of Temis, a Priority Quest marker will appear on your map.

Travel east to the Philios region to find the location marked for this quest. Upon arrival, you will encounter Shi Yugong. Engaging in conversation with this character is the requirement to unlock the fishing ability. Once the dialogue concludes, the Fishing emote is added to your account. If the emote does not appear on your Action Wheel automatically, open the Customize menu to manually add it from the Miscellaneous tab. For ease of use, we recommend assigning it to a specific key bind through the Controls tab in the Options menu.

Where to Find Shi Yugong in Diablo 4 Philios

Finding Shi Yugong in Diablo 4 Philios is straightforward once you have cleared the initial requirements in Temis. The region of Philios serves as the primary hub for this activity. Players should navigate to the eastern portion of the map where the Priority Quest icon is displayed. This NPC acts as the gatekeeper for the fishing system, and interacting with them is the only way to gain the ability to cast a line. For more information on navigating the new world map, refer to our guides hub.

How Do You Start Fishing in Diablo 4 2026

Once you have the emote, you can start fishing in Diablo 4 at any time by approaching a body of water. If you stand too far away, the game will trigger a warning; simply move closer to the water's edge until the prompt allows you to act. Activate the Cast Fishing Line emote from your Action Wheel to begin the process. You must remain stationary while the line is in the water.

Watch for a splash in the water and a fish icon appearing above your character's head. When this occurs, press any action button to reel in your catch. While you will typically land one or two fish, the system also allows for the retrieval of junk items, monsters, and other unexpected rewards. Because these items are stored in your Consumables menu and carry no weight, you can store an unlimited amount during your travels.

Managing Your Fishing Collection

The fishing activity includes a collection system that encourages players to seek out different species. Each fish comes in various rarities, and the first time you catch a unique species, you have the option to consume it to add it to your permanent collection. This action can only be performed once per species. If you catch a duplicate, that fish can be sold to a merchant for profit or traded with other players, providing a useful way to earn gold.

You can track your progress by opening the map screen and navigating to the Collections tab, then selecting Challenges. Expand the Fishing category to view the Tenacious Angler checklist. This screen also allows you to view which specific species are exclusive to different regions, helping you plan your fishing trips across Sanctuary. For additional tips on character progression, check out our Diablo 4 coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you start fishing in Diablo 4 2026?

To start fishing, you must travel to the Philios region after completing the initial quest in Temis to meet Shi Yugong, who provides the fishing emote.

Where to find Shi Yugong in Diablo 4 Philios?

Shi Yugong is located in the Philios region, which is east of the city of Temis, and becomes accessible after completing the initial city quest.

What is the new fishing activity in Diablo 4?

The new fishing activity is a recreational hobby introduced in the Vessel of Hatred expansion that allows players to catch various fish species and junk items.