2023 is already looking pretty stacked when it comes to big video game releases, and Diablo 4 is one of the most anticipated games on the calendar. Announced all the way back in 2019, it's finally almost time for fans to get their hands on the next installment of Blizzard's isometric dungeon crawler series. A mainline sequel, Diablo 4 is set to introduce a slew of new mechanics and features to the iconic franchise, though one of its more divisive elements is its approach to in-game purchases and a new Battle Pass system.
When Diablo Immortal released last year it was generally very well received by both fans and critics when it came to the gameplay loop. However, Diablo Immortal's approach to monetization was unanimously criticized and defined as predatory given the abysmal odds and the prices. Though Blizzard has taken that feedback on board, fans are still skeptical about the company's apparent love for in-game purchases, and their inclusion in Diablo 4 is getting fans a little worried. Though it's all still shrouded in mystery, Blizzard has confirmed that Diablo 4 will have a Battle Pass, and thanks to a recent interview, fans now know a little more about how it'll work.
How Diablo 4's Battle Pass Works
The Diablo franchise has always had its own form of in-game purchases, whether it's through Blizzard, or through the in-game community marketplace. Diablo 4 is about to add even more monetization options into the mix, offering players a Battle Pass for the first time. Battle Passes have become a staple of the online multiplayer market, but they're often more successful when the game itself is free-to-play, as players are allowed and encouraged to sink hours into the game before they even think about dropping any cash on cosmetics. Diablo 4's Battle Pass price is paid on top of it being a full-price AAA game, costing players at least $70 at launch, so the idea of shelling out even more still doesn't sit well with some fans.
However, based on the pre-release marketing, it seems as though Diablo 4's Battle Pass will only contain cosmetic rewards, similar to multiplayer video game skins or the likes of Fortnite and Apex Legends. This means that players won't be missing out on any significant in-game content if they decide against getting the Battle Pass. These cosmetic rewards will apparently cover a variety of different clothing options, looks, weapons, backpacks, mounts, and emotes, ranging from different hairstyles to different weapon and armor skins.
Diablo 4's Battle Pass will apparently cost $10 worth of in-game currency, which is about the same as other contemporary multiplayer games. Those that buy the Digital Deluxe Edition of Diablo 4 will get the first Season's Battle Pass included, as does the Ultimate Edition, which will also give players 20 Tier Skips. Each Season of Diablo 4 will apparently last for about three months, which is again fairly common across the industry. To level up the Battle Pass, players will simply need to continue playing the game, with each kill and completed mission rewarding the player with Battle Pass XP. To earn large amounts of XP, players can complete specific Battle Pass challenges, which will apparently consist of killing specific monsters, completing specific missions, and other in-game events.
As far as Battle Passes go, Diablo 4's looks about right for the type of experience it's offering. With similar pricing and rewards to games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone, Diablo 4 offers a good amount of bang for the players' buck, and its focus on only cosmetic rewards should help to make fans feel like they're not missing out too much by not buying the Pass. According to the developers, a free Battle Pass will also be available alongside the Premium one, which means that non-paying players will at least be able to redeem a handful of cosmetic rewards during a Season.
Diablo 4 launches on June 6, 2023 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.