Efficient endgame farming in Diablo 4 starts with a loop you can repeat, not a frantic tour of every boss. Belial is worth planning around because his reward chest lets you choose another Lair Boss's loot pool. That gives each run a clear purpose. Before you head out, decide which ancestral or mythic unique would actually improve your build, then check which boss pool might contain it. A quick look at D4 items can help you compare gear options while keeping that goal in focus.

Build a Supply of Superior Keys

The first bottleneck isn't the palace; it's getting Superior Lair Keys. Gather standard Lair Keys from Helltides and Tortured Gifts, then use them to challenge bosses such as the Beast in the Ice, Grigoire, or Lord Zir. Their hoards can trigger an ambush by a weaker version of Belial. Beat it, and you may earn a Superior Key for the main encounter. Check seasonal progress rewards as well. A Lair Key Ring can help extend a farming session, so it's worth checking your inventory before you head back out.

Prepare for the Palace Fight

Once you've collected Superior Keys, travel to the Palace of the Deceiver in the Amber Sands region of Kehjistan, west of the Tarsarak Waypoint. The encounter is available on Torment I or higher, and starting the fight doesn't consume a key. Use early attempts to learn Belial's attack patterns. His claw swipes cover a wide area, while poison pools and tracking waves can make standing still a bad bet. Mobility and poison resistance matter here. A build that deals steady damage can also shorten the fight and leave you more time for the next run.

Keep the Farming Loop Simple

It helps to keep each part of the rotation straight: Helltides and Tortured Gifts supply standard keys; lesser-boss hoards offer a chance at Superior Keys; Belial's hoard uses one Superior Key to open a chosen reward pool. If the ambush doesn't appear, carry on with your planned boss rotation rather than spending the session waiting for one. Keep track of which pool you select, too. That makes it easier to spot whether your runs are addressing the gear gap you set out to fix.

Choose Rewards Around Your Build

After Belial falls, use his hoard to select the Lair Boss pool that best matches your needs. The choice won't guarantee a particular item, but it does give the run a more focused purpose than leaving every drop to chance. The seasonal reward setup also makes a successful run a strong opportunity to add an ancestral unique to your gear. If you're still filling gaps between boss rotations, comparing cheap D4 items may help you decide what to pursue next. Keep the target specific, spend keys with a plan, and adjust your route when your build changes.