Each type of Leaderboard is divided by goal, by class and by solo/group mode rather than a 'by account' one. The goal and key feature of Seasons is the ability to climb Leaderboards by completing achievements, earning Conquests, or running Greater Rifts. It also awards special banner and transmogrification options. Season participation benefits include exclusive rewards and unique Legendary Items, which are only available to Seasonal characters. Seasonal characters take up one of the regular 12 or 15 character slots and will remain in this slot after the end of a Season, simply having their Season status removed. These are also separate for Softcore and Hardcore Seasonal characters, making a total of four types per account.

Seasonal characters have a separate stash, gold and other currencies, artisans, Paragon experience etc., starting fresh and completely clear when the season begins.

Seasons are only available to freshly created characters who must be leveled all the way from level 1 after the season begins.

Season 13 conquests diablo 3