Players looking forward to jumping into the world of Sanctuary and slaying hordes of Lilith's demonic minions won't have to wait much longer as the release of Diablo 4 is right around the corner. The next entry in Blizzard's classic ARPG series has been a long time coming, and it's packed with features that are set to take the franchise to the next level. While players got to test out some of these features in the beta for Diablo 4, there will be more available once the full game launches.
The class system iconic to the series returns with a total of 5 playable classes, starting with Diablo 4's Sorcerer and followed by the Barbarian, the Rogue, the Druid, and the Necromancer. Each of these classes has its own skill tree with different branching paths that allow even players of the same class to have wildly different builds. Coupled with the in-depth character creation tools the game offers, Diablo 4 is shaping up to be the most complex entry in the series yet when it comes to individual customization.
All Launch Features Confirmed for Diablo 4
- 5 playable classes - Barbarian, Sorcerer, Rogue, Druid, Necromancer
- Robust character creation and customization tools, including Paragon Boards and The Codex of Power
- An open world featuring 5 regions - Scosglen, Dry Steppes, Kehjistan, Fractured Peaks, and Hawezar
- Nonlinear story progression
- Optional Strongholds alongside main quest dungeons
- Overworld events like the Gathering Legions
- World Bosses like Ashava the Pestilent
- The Artisan system for crafting armor, jewelry, potions, and enchantments
- World Tiers representing increasing difficulty levels
- Endgame content including Nightmare Dungeons, Helltides, the Tree of Whispers, and Capstone Dungeons
- PvP combat in the Fields of Hatred
- Paragon Boards for players who reach level 50
- Online co-op for up to 4 players
- Couch co-op for up to 2 players on consoles
- Cross-play between all platforms
- Seasonal Battle Pass
- In-game cosmetics shop
Diablo 4's Open World
The biggest feature new to the Diablo series is an open-world map full of quest dungeons alongside the optional Strongholds. The map is broken up into five regions: Scosglen, Dry Steppes, Kehjistan, Fractured Peaks, and Hawezar and players will be able to enjoy a less linear experience through the game's main story, exploring these regions at their leisure. While exploring the world, Diablo 4 players have the chance to participate in special events like the Gathering Legions, which pits players against waves of enemies for the chance to earn various rewards.
In addition to local events, Diablo 4 will also feature World Bosses for players to group up and defeat. Similar to raid bosses of MMOs, these World Bosses are powerful beasts that spawn in specific locations in each of the game's regions and function like other events by occurring only at certain times. Players will likely need to work together to defeat them as they are some of the most powerful enemies in the game, however, they also come with a host of coveted rewards making defeating a World Boss all the more enticing.
Crafting in Diablo 4
While Diablo 4 won't have a traditional gear crafting system like other RPGs, it will feature some form of crafting utilizing NPC artisans found throughout each region's capital city. Weapons and armor can be crafted and upgraded at the Blacksmith like in Diablo 3, the Jeweler is available for crafting Amulets and Rings once players reach level 20, and the Occultist can enhance equipment further using Enchantments. Additionally, Diablo 4 introduces the Alchemist who can upgrade players' Health Potion total and craft useful Elixirs as well.
Online Co-Op
Along with Diablo 4's open world is the way the game handles online multiplayer, adopting other MMO-like elements new to the series. Players will be able to see other players in the overworld regardless of if they are in a party with them or not, and the inclusion of overworld events and field bosses allows players to play co-operatively even if they just happen upon each other while adventuring. Players will also have the chance to group up with friends in co-op parties of up to 4, including players across every platform.
Endgame Content
This entry is upping the ante in terms of endgame content as well with the addition of the World Tier system which allows players to increase the difficulty of the game to gain access to better rewards by completing Diablo 4's Capstone Dungeons. Other endgame activities include Nightmare Dungeons, which remix previously explored dungeons by adding special modifiers to increase the challenge, Helltides of more challenging enemies that have the chance to drop shards used to open Helltide Caches, and a randomized bounty system in the form of the Tree of Whispers. Diablo 4 will also feature a true PvP system in the Fields of Hatred for players to test their skills against one another.
Diablo 4's Paragon system returns from Diablo 3 as well to add another layer of progression to Diablo 4's endgame. This system allows players who hit level 50 to unlock a board of tiles where each one represents a specific power-up or modifier, giving players the opportunity to fine-tune their builds exactly how they want. Paragon boards open the door for tons of customization options as players can continue to unlock more boards as they fill up a board with up to 200 points.
Battle Pass and Cosmetics Shop
While somewhat controversial, Diablo 4 will also have a Battle Pass available on launch day that will be split between a free track and a premium paid track. Like most seasonal content passes, rewards will be unlocked by completing in-game activities and earning Battle Pass XP over the duration of the season's 3-month run. Luckily, all content locked behind the Battle Pass will be cosmetic and won't affect gameplay for those worried about missing out by not paying. On top of the Battle Pass, Diablo 4 will also include an in-game shop where cosmetic items can be purchased directly, but no gameplay-altering items will be available for purchase.
Diablo 4 launches June 6 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.