Everything You Need To Know About ‘Diablo IV’ Gameplay

Video Games

Apr 23

Congratulations to every player that participated in the Diablo IV - Open Beta and earned their exclusive wolf pup backpack. Although the game was not in its final state, there was still a lot of content for players to check out ahead of the June 6 release date.

Character Classes

Diablo IV classes — Image Source: GameRant

Following in the footsteps of Diablo II and Diablo III: Reaper of Souls, Diablo IV begins with a few select classes to choose from: Rogue, Barbarian, Druid, Sorceress, or Necromancer. More hardcore Diablo fans will notice that classic Diablo classes like Demon Hunter and Monk are absent. That is due to the fact that each of the five selectable classes has three subclasses for players to further personalize their builds. For example, in Diablo IV, the Rogue has the ability to use the Demon Hunter’s ranged abilities but also the dip into the finesse of the Assassin’s melee combat.

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The barbarian class will feel like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim where the player can level up skills of individual weapons like mace, great sword, axe, etc. The Sorceress can dabble in frost, shock, or fire magic. Notably, the Necromancer will allow players to summon their own personal army, conquer the power of blood and become a blood mage, or turn into an indestructible bone mage. By far the coolest is the Druid and the ability to transform into a werewolf, a werebear, or an elementalist. Many fans will continue to yearn to pray to Zakarum (and Blizzard) for the addition of the Crusader class.

Character Customization

Character Creation screen in Diablo IV — Image Source: Polygon

The previous games Diablo II and Diablo III: Reaper of Souls did not allow players to customize their Nephalem. Players were forced to use characters with preset designs. Even though Diablo players will not be staring at their character’s face for hours on end, Diablo IV is moving in the right direction for player replayability. Now, when the player starts a new season every three months with a new character, they can take the time to customize their looks whether making them spectacular or giving them a face only a mother could love.

Fields Of Hatred

The Fields of Hatred is an area in Diablo IV that allows for player-versus-player (PVP) combat. The completely optional PVP zone will allow competitive minds of the Diablo to collect and purify Shards of Hatred, the currency of Diablo IV.

As a player kills other players, their shards collection can transform them into a Vessel of Hatred. The location of the Vessel of Hatred will be revealed to nearby players, allowing them to kill the target for a bonus. However, the Vessel will get a large bonus if they survive until the end of the event.

There are rumors of unlockable cosmetics peppered throughout the Fields of Hatred, further enticing players to check out the new PVP area.

Unfortunately, the Armory mechanic from Diablo III: Reaper of Souls will not be accessible in Diablo IV. Even more regrettable is the lack of WASD keyboard support at launch. However, many features have been announced to be added over time after the game’s launch. Rest assured Diablo IV will age like fine wine.

Seasons And The Battle Pass

Like its predecessor, there will be new Diablo IV content released over several seasons. As it stands, Diablo III currently features twenty-eight seasons. Each season will take an estimated eighty hours to complete within a ninety-day time frame. If a player were to play for two hours every day, they can complete a season in a month’s time. More dedicated players may be able to finish the content in even less time.

Many players are concerned about the extent of the pay-to-win features in Diablo IV especially in the introduction of the Battle Pass. As of now, the official statement is that the Battle Pass will only affect cosmetic rewards like hairstyles, armor appearances, body types, sword styles, etc. Players should not have to pay for weapons, armor, or build-based items.

The Endgame

Diablo IV artwork — Image Source: EarlyGame

The endgame for Diablo IV features a plethora of activities, dungeons, public events, and larger-than-life world bosses that will take the combined efforts of the server to defeat (or the maximum effort of one incredibly busted Nephalem).

Experience in each of the hundred and twenty different dungeons can be further changed. Players can use a Nightmare Sigil to open Hellgates that essentially allow monsters from other realms into dungeons that they do not usually belong in. This will increase the difficulty and intensity of the dungeon, further increasing the replayability of the game.

Another endgame activity is visiting the Tree of Whispers where players will serve the needs of a self-loathing tree by completing various bounties and activities in exchange for gear, gold, and experience.

Lastly, the Codex of Power allows players to change the aspect of their weapons and armor. Completing a particular dungeon gives players a chance to acquire a certain Aspect. The reward will be worth all the grind as an Aspect can further enhance your character by granting a stat increase or transforming an item to Legendary status.

Diablo IV will be available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC beginning on June 6, 2023. However, players who pre-ordered the Early Access version can expect to play the game as early as June 1 at 4:00 PM PDT.

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