One iconic feature of the Diablo franchise is not returning to Diablo 4, as Blizzard Entertainment reveals that item sets will only make their way to the hack-and-slash sequel in a post-launch update. Back in the younger days of Diablo 2, many fans can relate to the excitement they felt upon seeing that first glimmer of green text grace their screen. It didn't matter if it dropped from a boss or a random treasure chest, they knew they had something special in their hands, and a quick trip to Deckard Cain revealed that they just got their first set item in Diablo 2. Be it Sigon, Berserker, or Cleglaw, they knew they had to find the rest.
Naturally, each class in Diablo 2 had their own ultimate set to complete, and often the quickest way to creating a competent endgame build relied on having these sets. This concept was taken even further in Diablo 3, as now players had several endgame sets per class to enhance their build far beyond its normal capabilities. While many players would argue that including set items in Diablo 4 is a no-brainer, the situation is a bit more complex than the first glance would imply.
In a roundtable interview with Diablo 4's Game Director Joe Shely, it was revealed that set items would not be making the game's June release date. Shely explained that the reason why Diablo 4 would omit set items at launch was simply a matter of getting them right. Much like Diablo 3 evolved the way set items fit into the endgame, Joe Shely hopes that Diablo 4's set items will do the same.
While this bit of news comes as a disappointment to many Diablo players, it is important to consider the unique opportunity it presents for the game. The concept for Diablo 4's Codex of Power takes the strength of legendary items from Diablo 3 and presents them with a newfound flexibility that allows players to create truly unique builds. This system should be allowed to exist without the overwhelming convenience of set items if it to find its footing in Diablo 4's endgame.
Ultimately, fans will be able to test out the game systems when Diablo 4's open beta starts in the coming months. While players were expecting to get their hands on the game sooner than the current projections, it is rumored that Blizzard Entertainment will reveal concrete information about the next beta testing stage at the IGN Fan Fest 2023 event on February 17.
Diablo 4 releases June 6 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Source: GamesRadar